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Hajji S, Ben-Haddad M, Abelouah MR, Rangel-Buitrago N, Ait Alla A. Microplastic characterization and assessment of removal efficiency in an urban and industrial wastewater treatment plant with submarine emission discharge. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:174115. [PMID: 38908571 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are significant contributors to microplastic (MP) pollution in marine ecosystems when they are inefficient. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of microplastic removal from the effluent of the Anza WWTP (Morocco), which processes industrial and urban wastewater using a lamellar decantation system combined with a submarine emissary for treated water discharge. Additionally, this study investigated the presence of microplastics in the Atlantic seawater where treatment plant effluent is released. Microplastics were collected and extracted from wastewater and seawater samples to assess their abundance, shape, size, polymer type, and removal rates in the treatment plant. The findings revealed an average MP concentration of 1114 ± 90 MPs/L in the influent and 607 ± 101 MPs/L in the effluent, indicating a removal efficiency of 46 %. Seasonal analysis revealed the highest MP concentrations during the summer, with 2181.33 MPs/L in the influent and 1209 MPs/L in the effluent. Seawater samples from the discharge zone of the submarine emissary had an average MP concentration of 1600 MPs/m3. Characterization of the MPs revealed that fibers were the most common form of MPs in all the samples. The 500-100 μm size fraction was predominant in the WWTP samples, while MPs smaller than 1 mm were more abundant in the seawater samples. Seven polymer types were identified using attenuated total reflection fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), with PET, PE, PVC, PA, PS, PP, and EVA being the most prevalent. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) revealed various degrees of weathering and chemical elements adhering to the MP surfaces. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of conventional treatment systems in removing microplastics and offer a reference for developing management strategies to mitigate MP pollution in Morocco's marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hajji
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems, Marine and Continental Environments (AQUAMAR), Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Ben-Haddad
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems, Marine and Continental Environments (AQUAMAR), Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco.
| | - Mohamed Rida Abelouah
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems, Marine and Continental Environments (AQUAMAR), Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco
| | - Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programa de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Basicas, Universidad del Atlantico, Barranquilla, Atlantico, Colombia
| | - Aicha Ait Alla
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems, Marine and Continental Environments (AQUAMAR), Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco
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2
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Dhineka K, Mishra P, Ikenoue T, Nakajima R, Itoh M, Sambandam M, Kaviarasan T, Marigoudar SR. Arctic threads: Microplastic fibres in Chukchi and Beaufort sea sediments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 208:116954. [PMID: 39260143 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
The influx of microplastics (MPs) into the Arctic Ocean poses a collective risk, particularly with pronounced sea ice depletion due to global warming. A total of 73 replicate sediment samples were collected at different depths (38 to 79 m) from Chukchi and the Beaufort Seas at 8 stations in the Arctic region during the R/V Mirai cruise (MR22-06C) from August to September 2022. The average concentration of MPs is 79.25 ± 31.08 items/kg d.w. Fibrous MPs of 0-1 mm size range are predominant, with blue being the most prevalent colour. Polymer characterization identified polyethylene (PE) as the predominant polymer. Arctic Ocean regions face heightened health risks from the coexistence of MPs and harmful additives, amplifying concerns over plastic pollution. The alarming surge in MPs within Arctic sediment underscores the urgent need for a proactive, collaborative approach to mitigate this environmental threat and its far-reaching impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Dhineka
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai 600 100, India
| | - Pravakar Mishra
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai 600 100, India.
| | - Takahito Ikenoue
- Research Institute for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan
| | - Ryota Nakajima
- Research Institute for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan
| | - Motoyo Itoh
- Research Institute for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan
| | - M Sambandam
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai 600 100, India
| | - T Kaviarasan
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai 600 100, India
| | - S R Marigoudar
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai 600 100, India
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3
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Liang T, Ho YW, Wang Q, Wang P, Sun S, Fang JKH, Liu X. Distribution and risk assessment of microplastics in water, sediment and brine shrimps in a remote salt lake on the Tibetan Plateau, China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:134959. [PMID: 38925053 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants that have infiltrated even the most remote ecosystems. Despite their widespread distribution, the transfer patterns and impacts of MPs in remote lakes remain poorly understood. This study aimed to address the knowledge gap regarding the pathways and consequences of MP pollution in these isolated environments. Focusing on Kyêbxang Co, a remote salt lake in Tibet, this study investigated the transfer patterns, sources and ecological impacts of MPs, providing insights into their mobility and fate in pristine ecosystems. Water, sediment and biota (brine shrimp) samples from Kyêbxang Co, collected during the summer of 2020, were analyzed using µ-Raman spectroscopy to determine MP abundances, polymer types and potential sources. Findings indicated significant MP contamination in all examined media, with concentrations highlighting the role of runoff in transporting MPs to remote locations. The majority of detected MPs were small fragments (<0.5 mm), constituting over 93 %, with polypropylene being the predominant polymer type. The presence of a halocline may slow the descent of MPs, potentially increasing the exposure and ingestion risk to brine shrimp. Despite the currently low ecological risk estimated for MPs, this study underscores the need for long-term monitoring and development of a comprehensive ecological risk assessment model for MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liang
- College of Marine Life Sciences and Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yuen-Wa Ho
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Marine Life Sciences and Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shichun Sun
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - James Kar-Hei Fang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Research Institute for Future Food, Research Institute for Land and Space, and Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| | - Xiaoshou Liu
- College of Marine Life Sciences and Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
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4
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Rodrigues C, Rodríguez Y, Frias J, Carriço R, Sobral P, Antunes J, Duncan EM, Pham CK. Microplastics in beach sediments of the Azores archipelago, NE Atlantic. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116243. [PMID: 38513603 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Oceanic islands are exposed to plastic debris that has accumulated in the open ocean, particularly in the subtropical gyres. This study investigates the abundance and typology of microplastics (from 0.1 to 5 mm) on 19 sandy beaches spread across 8 oceanic islands of the Azores archipelago. Between January and April 2016, a total of 341 particles retrieved from all beaches, were identified as microplastics. The highest concentration (50.19 ± 21.93 particles kg-1 dw) was found in Terceira Island. Beach morphology and grain size were important factors explaining microplastic concentration. Fibres were the most dominant morphology recovered (80.9 %), followed by fragments (12.3 %). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that 41 % of the fibres consisted of polyester and 60 % of the fragments were polyethylene. This research underlines the widespread contamination of microplastics in oceanic islands of the Atlantic Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Rodrigues
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
| | - Yasmina Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
| | - João Frias
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Old Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland
| | - Rita Carriço
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
| | - Paula Sobral
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Joana Antunes
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Emily M Duncan
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
| | - Christopher K Pham
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal.
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5
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Tao S, Li T, Li M, Yang S, Shen M, Liu H. Research advances on the toxicity of biodegradable plastics derived micro/nanoplastics in the environment: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170299. [PMID: 38272086 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The detrimental effects of plastic and microplastic accumulation on ecosystems are widely recognized and indisputable. The emergence of biodegradable plastics (BPs) offers a practical solution to plastic pollution. Problematically, however, not all BPs can be fully degraded in the environment. On the contrary, the scientific community has demonstrated that BPs are more likely than conventional plastics (CPs) to degrade into micro/nanoplastics and release additives, which can have similar or even worse effects than microplastics. However, there is very limited information available on the environmental toxicity assessment of BMPs. The absence of a toxicity evaluation system and the uncertainty regarding combined toxicity with other pollutants also impede the environmental toxicity assessment of BMPs. Currently, research is focused on thoroughly exploring the toxic effects of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs). This paper reviews the pollution status of BMPs in the environment, the degradation behavior of BPs and the influencing factors. This paper comprehensively summarizes the ecotoxicological effects of BPs on ecosystems, considering animals, plants, and microorganisms in various environments such as water bodies, soil, and sediment. The focus is on distinguishing between BMPs and conventional microplastics (CMPs). In addition, the combined toxic effects of BMPs and other pollutants are also being investigated. The findings suggest that BMPs may have different or more severe impacts on ecosystems. The rougher and more intricate surface of BMPs increases the likelihood of causing mechanical damage to organisms and breaking down into smaller plastic particles, releasing additives that lead to a series of cascading negative effects on related organisms and ecosystems. In the case of knowledge gaps, future research is also proposed and anticipated to investigate the toxic effects of BMPs and their evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Tao
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Tianhao Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Mingyu Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Shengxin Yang
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Maocai Shen
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
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6
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Chandrakanthan K, Fraser MP, Herckes P. Microplastics are ubiquitous and increasing in soil of a sprawling urban area, Phoenix (Arizona). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167617. [PMID: 37804992 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are environmental contaminants that have been extensively studied in marine and aquatic environments; terrestrial ecosystems, where most microplastics originate and have the potential to accumulate, typically receive less attention. This study aims to investigate the spatial and temporal soil concentrations of microplastics in a large desert metropolitan area, the Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research (CAP-LTER) area. Soil samples from the Ecological Survey of Central Arizona (ESCA) surveys (2005 and 2015) were leveraged to study spatial distributions and the temporal change of microplastic abundances. The temporal soil microplastics data were supplemented by microplastics deposition fluxes in a central location within the area (Tempe, AZ) for a period of one year (Oct 5th, 2020 to Sept 22nd, 2021). Samples were processed and microplastics were counted under an optical microscope to obtain quantitative information of their distribution in soil. Results for the spatial variation of the microplastic abundances in soil samples in Phoenix and the surrounding areas of the Sonoran Desert from 2015 depict microplastics as ubiquitous and abundant in soils (122 to 1299 microplastics/kg) with no clear trends between different locations. Microplastics deposition fluxes show substantial deposition in the local area (71 to 389 microplastics/m2/day with an average deposition flux of 178 microplastics/m2/day) but the role of resuspension and redistribution by dust storms to deposition may contribute to the unclear spatial trends. Comparison between the 2005 and 2015 surveys show a systematic increase in the abundance of microplastics and a decrease in microplastics size. Micro-Raman spectroscopy identified a variety of plastics including PE, PS, PVC, PA, PES and PP. However, a majority of microplastics remained chemically unidentifiable. Polyethylene was present in 75 % of the sampling sites and was the most abundant polymer on average in all soil samples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew P Fraser
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States
| | - Pierre Herckes
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States.
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7
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Rashid A, Fang C, Qin D, Zhang Y, Nkinahamira F, Bo J, Sun Q. Spatiotemporal profile and ecological impacts of major and trace elements in surface sediments of marginal seas of the Arctic and Northern Pacific Oceans. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115702. [PMID: 37918145 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The status and ecological impacts of sedimentary elements of the marginal seas of Arctic and Northern Pacific Oceans was investigated during 2016 to 2018 by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Industrial (0.006 mg kg-1-64.6 g kg-1), precious (0.003-43.8 mg kg-1), rare earth (0.006-112.9 mg kg-1), and heavy metal (0.009-398.9 mg kg-1) elements showed spatial variation, and temporal uniformity. The results indicated ΣREEs and light REEs enrichment compared to chondrite and heavy REEs, respectively, while nonsignificant positive and negative δCe and δEu anomalies existed, respectively. High contamination and extreme enrichment of priority control, industrial (As, Mo, Re, Sb), precious (Au, Ir, Pd, Pt, and Ru) and RE elements indicated potential moderate to high ecological and biological risks. The study highlighted the ecological importance and fragile nature of these ecosystems and calls for an urgent action to ensure sustainability of these ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azhar Rashid
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Department of Environmental Sciences, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22620, Pakistan
| | - Chao Fang
- MNR Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Dan Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Yusheng Zhang
- MNR Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - François Nkinahamira
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Jun Bo
- MNR Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China.
| | - Qian Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
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Kaliszewicz A, Panteleeva N, Karaban K, Runka T, Winczek M, Beck E, Poniatowska A, Olejniczak I, Boniecki P, Golovanova EV, Romanowski J. First Evidence of Microplastic Occurrence in the Marine and Freshwater Environments in a Remote Polar Region of the Kola Peninsula and a Correlation with Human Presence. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020259. [PMID: 36829537 PMCID: PMC9953387 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have even been detected in remote environments, including high-latitude regions, where human activities are restricted or strongly limited. We investigated the surface water of the bays of the Barents Sea and the freshwater lakes that are located close to and several kilometers from a year-round resident field station in the remote tundra region of the Kola Peninsula. The microplastics' presence in aquatic environments in this region has not been indicated yet. Microplastics were detected in all samples collected from the Barents Sea (<4800 items·m-3) and the lakes (<3900 items·m-3). Fibers made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-the most common thermoplastic polymer of the polyester family-and semi-synthetic cellulosic rayon were the most dominant. This indicated that the source of fiber contamination may come from protective clothes, ropes, ship equipment, and fishing nets. Small microplastics can spread through current and atmospheric transport. The Norwegian Current is likely responsible for the lack of correlations found between MP contamination and the distance from the field station between the studied bays of the Barents Sea. On the contrary, a significant correlation with human presence was observed in the concentration of microfibers in the water of the tundra lakes. The number of MP fibers decreased with an increase in the distance from the field station. This is the first study, to the best of our knowledge, that reports such a correlation in a remote region. We also discuss implications for animals. Our results show that even the most isolated ecosystems are not free from microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Kaliszewicz
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-223-809-651
| | - Ninel Panteleeva
- Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Karaban
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Runka
- Faculty of Materials Engineering and Technical Physics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Michał Winczek
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Beck
- Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Poniatowska
- Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Izabella Olejniczak
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Boniecki
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elena V. Golovanova
- Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Romanowski
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
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Ikenoue T, Nakajima R, Fujiwara A, Onodera J, Itoh M, Toyoshima J, Watanabe E, Murata A, Nishino S, Kikuchi T. Horizontal distribution of surface microplastic concentrations and water-column microplastic inventories in the Chukchi Sea, western Arctic Ocean. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:159564. [PMID: 36332720 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The recent influx of microplastics into the Arctic Ocean may increase environmental stress on the western Arctic marine ecosystem, which is experiencing significant sea-ice loss due to global warming. Quantitative data on microplastics in the western Arctic Ocean are very limited, and the microplastic budget of the water column is completely unknown. To fill in gaps in our knowledge of Arctic microplastics, we observed surface concentrations (number of particles per unit volume of seawater) of meso- and microplastics using a neuston net, and we observed wind speeds and significant wave heights in the Chukchi Sea, Bering Strait, and Bering Sea. From these observations, we estimated the total number (particle inventory) and mass (mass inventory) of microplastics in the entire water column by taking into account the effect of vertical mixing. The particle inventory of microplastics in the Chukchi Sea ranged from 0 to 18,815 pieces km-2 with a mean and standard deviation of 5236 ± 6127 pieces km-2. The mass inventory ranged from 0 to 445 g km-2 with a mean and standard deviation of 124 ± 145 g km-2. Mean particle inventories for the Chukchi Sea were one-thirtieth of those for the Arctic Ocean on the Atlantic side and less than one-tenth of the average for the global ocean, suggesting that the Chukchi Sea is less polluted. However, the annual flux of microplastics from the Pacific Ocean into the Chukchi Sea, estimated from microplastic concentrations in the Bering Strait, was about 5.5 times greater than the total amount of microplastic in the entire Chukchi Sea water. This suggests that microplastic inflows from the Pacific Ocean are accumulating in large amounts in reservoirs other than the Chukchi Sea water (e.g., sea ice and seafloor sediments) or in the downstream regions of the Pacific-origin water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahito Ikenoue
- Research Institute for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan.
| | - Ryota Nakajima
- Research Institute for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan
| | - Amane Fujiwara
- Research Institute for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan
| | - Jonaotaro Onodera
- Research Institute for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan
| | - Motoyo Itoh
- Research Institute for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan
| | - Junko Toyoshima
- The Ocean Policy Research Institute, Sasakawa Peace Foundation, 1-15-16 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8524, Japan
| | - Eiji Watanabe
- Research Institute for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan
| | - Akihiko Murata
- Research Institute for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan
| | - Shigeto Nishino
- Research Institute for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan
| | - Takashi Kikuchi
- Research Institute for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan
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Abelouah MR, Ben-Haddad M, Hajji S, De-la-Torre GE, Aziz T, Oualid JA, Banni M, Ait Alla A. Floating microplastics pollution in the Central Atlantic Ocean of Morocco: Insights into the occurrence, characterization, and fate. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 182:113969. [PMID: 35905704 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
This work presents preliminary results about abundance, distribution, characteristics, sources, and fate of microplastics (MPs) in the Central Atlantic Ocean (CAO) of Morocco. The investigation was conducted into three subsections, each characterized by different types of human activities and covering rural, village, and urban areas. MPs were detected in 100 % of the sampling sites. The abundances varied from 0.048 to 3.305 items/m3, with a mean abundance of 0.987 ± 1.081 items/m3. MPs abundance was higher in surface seawater linked to urban areas compared to village and rural areas. The dominant polymer type was polyester (PET-53.8 %) followed by polypropylene (PP-24.36 %), polyamide (PA-7.56 %), polystyrene (PS-6.88 %), polyvinyl chloride (PVC-2.64 %), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA-2.60 %), polyetherurethane (PUR-1.36 %), and acrylic (AC-0.8 %). Fibers were the most dominant shapes accounting for over 50 %. MPs were mainly smaller than 2 mm in size (71 %) and characterized by colorful aspects. These findings suggested that wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents and anthropogenic activities (industry, tourism, sanitation, and fishing) are the major pollution sources of MPs in the study area. SEM/EDX micrographs showed different weathering degrees and chemical elements adhered to the MPs surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Rida Abelouah
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Ben-Haddad
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Sara Hajji
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | | | - Taoufyq Aziz
- Laboratoire Matériaux et Environnement (LME), Faculté des Sciences d'Agadir, Maroc, Morocco
| | - Jaouad Abou Oualid
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Banni
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Environmental Toxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, University of Sousse, Tunisia; University of Monastir, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Aicha Ait Alla
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco.
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Huang Y, Zhang W, Zhang S, Jin F, Fang C, Ma X, Wang J, Mu J. Systematical insights into distribution and characteristics of microplastics in near-surface waters from the East Asian Seas to the Arctic Central Basin. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 814:151923. [PMID: 34838547 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The spatial distribution and composition of microplastics in near-surface water (8 m) was investigated from the East Asian Seas to the Arctic Central Basin. Microplastics were detected in 93.9% of the sampling sites. Abundances ranged from 0.48 to 7.62 items/m3, with an average abundance of 2.91 ± 1.93 items/m3. The highest average abundance was observed in the Arctic Central Basin. Polyester (PET) was the dominant type, accounting for 71.3% of total microplastics, followed by rayon or cellophane and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Microplastics < 2 mm accounted for 81.9% of total particles. Its distribution peaked in the 1-2 mm size range. The 0.30-2 mm fibers were the most abundant. In the East Asian Seas, the abundance was significantly negatively correlated with longitude, whereas the accumulation of microplastics was not observed in the northeastern sector of Japan Sea. Abundances of microplastics at sites located in the sub-Arctic and Arctic Oceans showed a significant positive relationship with latitude, indicating that the Arctic Ocean is a potential accumulation zone of microplastics. The findings of this study will provide systematical insights into distribution of microplastics and basic information for understanding the accumulation mechanism of microplastics in near-surface waters from the East Asian Seas to the Arctic Central Basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Huang
- Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, 200 Wenxian Road, Fuzhou 350108, China; Fuzhou Institute of Oceanography, 333 Gongye Road, Fuzhou 350004, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Ecological Environment in Coastal Areas, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, 42 Linghe Street, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Shoufeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Ecological Environment in Coastal Areas, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, 42 Linghe Street, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Fei Jin
- Key Laboratory for Ecological Environment in Coastal Areas, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, 42 Linghe Street, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Chao Fang
- Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology, Third Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, 178 Daxue Road, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Xindong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Ecological Environment in Coastal Areas, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, 42 Linghe Street, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Juying Wang
- Key Laboratory for Ecological Environment in Coastal Areas, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, 42 Linghe Street, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Jingli Mu
- Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, 200 Wenxian Road, Fuzhou 350108, China; Key Laboratory for Ecological Environment in Coastal Areas, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, 42 Linghe Street, Dalian 116023, China; Fuzhou Institute of Oceanography, 333 Gongye Road, Fuzhou 350004, China.
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