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Yang J, Peng Z, Sun J, Chen Z, Niu X, Xu H, Ho KF, Cao J, Shen Z. A review on advancements in atmospheric microplastics research: The pivotal role of machine learning. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:173966. [PMID: 38897457 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), recognized as emerging pollutants, pose significant potential impacts on the environment and human health. The investigation into atmospheric MPs is nascent due to the absence of effective characterization methods, leaving their concentration, distribution, sources, and impacts on human health largely undefined with evidence still emerging. This review compiles the latest literature on the sources, distribution, environmental behaviors, and toxicological effects of atmospheric MPs. It delves into the methodologies for source identification, distribution patterns, and the contemporary approaches to assess the toxicological effects of atmospheric MPs. Significantly, this review emphasizes the role of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies as novel and promising tools in enhancing the precision and depth of research into atmospheric MPs, including but not limited to the spatiotemporal dynamics, source apportionment, and potential health impacts of atmospheric MPs. The integration of these advanced technologies facilitates a more nuanced understanding of MPs' behavior and effects, marking a pivotal advancement in the field. This review aims to deliver an in-depth view of atmospheric MPs, enhancing knowledge and awareness of their environmental and human health impacts. It calls upon scholars to focus on the research of atmospheric MPs based on new technologies of ML and AI, improving the database as well as offering fresh perspectives on this critical issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaer Yang
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Zezhi Peng
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Zhiwen Chen
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Xinyi Niu
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Hongmei Xu
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Kin-Fai Ho
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Junji Cao
- Key Lab of Aerosol Chemistry & Physics, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Zhenxing Shen
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
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2
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Peries SD, Sewwandi M, Sandanayake S, Kwon HH, Vithanage M. Airborne transboundary microplastics-A Swirl around the globe. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 353:124080. [PMID: 38692389 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124080] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are persistent pollutants discovered and extensively researched in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems but have yet to receive attention in an atmospheric context. Although recent reports stated the presence of microplastics in the air, their global existence and distribution are not critically discussed to date. This review aimed to investigate the current status of research on atmospheric microplastics through bibliometric analysis and by comparing and summarising published research on global distribution. The review also provides a summary of methods that have been used to collect samples, identify microplastics, quantify their occurrence, and determine their transport mechanisms. The bibliometric analysis revealed that atmospheric microplastic studies predominantly originated in China. Clothing, vehicle, and tire materials were the major primary sources while house furniture, construction materials, landfills, urban dust, plastic recycling processes, and agricultural sludge were precursor secondary sources. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate microfibres have most frequently found in indoor and outdoor atmospheres. Level of urbanization and temporal or spatial distributions governs the fate of airborne microplastics, however, the knowledge gap in the retention and circulation of microplastics through the atmosphere is still large. Many challenges and limitations were identified in the methods used, presentation of data, aerodynamic processes facilitating atmospheric transport, and scarcity of research in spatially and temporally diverse contexts. The review concluded that there was a greater need for globalization of research, methods and data standardization, and emphasizes the potential for future research with atmospheric transportation modelling and thermochemical analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayuri Dimanthi Peries
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia
| | - Madushika Sewwandi
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Sandun Sandanayake
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Hyun-Han Kwon
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia; Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka.
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3
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Zhang F, Deng Z, Ma L, Gui X, Yang Y, Wang L, Zhao C, Li H. Pollution characteristics and prospective risk of microplastics in the Zhengzhou section of Yellow River, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172717. [PMID: 38670371 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitous occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the freshwater has attracted widespread attention. The Zhengzhou section of the Yellow River was the most prosperous region in ancient China, and the rapid urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural practices contributed to MPs pollution in aquatic systems recently, whereas the contamination status of MPs in the area is still not available. In this study, a total of fourteen sampling cross-sections were selected in the region to collect water samples systematically for the analysis of MPs pollution characteristics and potential risks. Results showed that abundance of MPs in the water were ranged from 2.33 to 15.50 n/L, with an average value of 6.40 ± 3.40 n/L, which was higher than it in other inland rivers from China. Moreover, the MPs of 0.5-2 mm were the dominant sizes in Yellow River of Zhengzhou region, and most of them were black fibres. The top three polymers were Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyamide (PA) and Polypropylene (PP). High diversity indices of MPs observed at S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, and S8 for size, colour, polymer and shape indicated diverse and complex sources of MPs in those cross-sections. The MPs in water from Zhengzhou area of Yellow River probably degraded from textiles, fishing net, plastic bags, mulching film, packaging bags, and tire wear. The chemical risk assessment revealed a level III risk for study area, while S8 and S11 in which PVA or PAN with higher hazard score detected were categorised as class V risk. Coincidentally, probabilistic risk assessment showed a considerable ecological risk of MPs from Yellow River in Zhengzhou City, with possibility of 99.48 and 98.01 % adverse effect for food dilution and translocation-mediated mechanism, respectively. The results are expected to assistance for development of policies and ultimately combating MPs pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawen Zhang
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Zhengyun Deng
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Li Ma
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Xin Gui
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- College of Environment & Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 4100128, China.
| | - Lin Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Changmin Zhao
- Zhengzhou Ecological Environment Monitoring Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450007, China
| | - Hetong Li
- Zhengzhou Ecological Environment Monitoring Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450007, China
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4
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Nguyen MK, Rakib MRJ, Lin C, Hwangbo M, Kim J. Is micro(nano)plastic contamination in wet atmospheric deposition a prominent issue requiring heightened attention? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135027. [PMID: 38925051 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Minh-Ky Nguyen
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University of Ho Chi Minh City, Hamlet 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Environmental Science and Management, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh; School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences, University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Myung Hwangbo
- School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences, University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States
| | - Jongsun Kim
- School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences, University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States.
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5
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Gratzl J, Seifried TM, Stolzenburg D, Grothe H. A fluorescence approach for an online measurement technique of atmospheric microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: ATMOSPHERES 2024; 4:601-610. [PMID: 38883229 PMCID: PMC11170559 DOI: 10.1039/d4ea00010b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic particles in the atmosphere are regularly detected in urban areas as well as in very remote locations. Yet the sources, chemical transformation, transport, and abundance of airborne microplastics still remain largely unexplained. Therefore, their impact on health, weather and climate related processes lacks comprehensive understanding. Single particle detection presents a substantial challenge due to its time-consuming process and is conducted solely offline. To get more information about the distribution, fluxes and sources of microplastics in the atmosphere, a reliable and fast online measurement technique is of utmost importance. Here we demonstrate the use of the autofluorescence of microplastic particles for their online detection with a high sensitivity towards different widely used polymers. We deploy online, single particle fluorescence spectroscopy with a Wideband Integrated Bioaerosol Sensor WIBS 5/NEO (Droplet Measurement Technologies, USA), which enables single particle fluorescence measurements at two excitation wavelengths (280 nm and 370 nm) and in two emission windows (310-400 nm and 420-650 nm). We investigated shredded (<100 μm) everyday plastic products (drinking bottles and yogurt cups) and pure powders of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene and polypropylene. For the broad range of typical plastic products analyzed, we detected fluorescence on a single particle level using the WIBS. The online detection can identify particles smaller than 2 μm. In the case of microplastic particles from a PET bottle, 1.2 μm sized particles can be detected with 95% efficiency. Comparison with biological aerosols reveals that microplastics can be distinguished from two abundant pollen species and investigation of the complete fluorescence excitation emission maps of all samples shows that online identification of microplastics might be possible with fluorescence techniques if multiple channels are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Gratzl
- Institute of Materials Chemistry TU Wien Vienna Austria
| | - Teresa M Seifried
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
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Abad-López AP, Orozco-Pérez KK, Arana VA, Grande-Tovar CD. Microplastics suspended in dust from different indoor environments in Barranquilla, Colombia: Predominant microparticles? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 350:124023. [PMID: 38663508 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124023] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Considering that microplastics (MPs) are classified as ubiquitous pollutants, that air quality affects human health, and that people remain indoors most of the time, the need has arisen to evaluate the exposure to MPs within the suspended dust in indoor environments. With this objective, the present study carried out passive sampling to analyze the precipitation of microparticles in some indoor residential environments (2 apartments) and workplaces (an office, a pastry shop, a gift shop, and a paint shop) in Barranquilla, Colombia. The quantification and physical characterization of microparticles were carried out under a stereomicroscope, and the chemical characterization was carried out by infrared microspectroscopy (μFTIR). The highest average concentration of MPs in the apartments was found in the air-conditioned rooms (1.1 × 104 MP/m2/day), and concerning the workplaces, the gift shop and the paint shop were the spaces with a higher proportion of MPs (6.0-6.1 × 103 MP/m2/day), with polyesters being the main synthetic polymers, but being semi-synthetic particles the predominant among the samples. Regarding its morphology, fibers were the most abundant shape (>90%), grouping mainly in the 1000-5000 μm range, while the few fragments found were mostly grouped below 50 μm. Exposure by inhalation of MPs in adults was estimated between 1.7 × 102-1.6 × 103 MP/kg/day, while by ingestion it ranged between 2.7 × 102-2.4 × 103 MPs/kg/day. On the other hand, within our research, a significant presence of non-plastic microparticles was found, which reached up to 69% in analyzed samples, corresponding mainly to cotton and cellulose, so we suggest that these should also be included in future studies that aim to estimate potential health implications from exposure to suspended micropollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Patricia Abad-López
- Grupo de Investigación de Fotoquímica y Fotobiología, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Número 8-49, Puerto Colombia, 081001, Colombia
| | - Karollayn Karina Orozco-Pérez
- Grupo de Investigación de Fotoquímica y Fotobiología, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Número 8-49, Puerto Colombia, 081001, Colombia; Grupo de Investigación Ciencias, Educación y Tecnología-CETIC, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Número 8-49, Puerto Colombia, 081001, Colombia
| | - Victoria A Arana
- Grupo de Investigación Ciencias, Educación y Tecnología-CETIC, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Número 8-49, Puerto Colombia, 081001, Colombia
| | - Carlos David Grande-Tovar
- Grupo de Investigación de Fotoquímica y Fotobiología, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Número 8-49, Puerto Colombia, 081001, Colombia.
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7
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Falakdin P, Lopez-Rosales A, Andrade J, Terzaghi E, Di Guardo A, Muniategui-Lorenzo S. Comparison of microplastic type, size, and composition in atmospheric and foliage samples in an urban scenario. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 349:123911. [PMID: 38604308 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123911] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The rising trend of plastic production in last years and the inadequate disposal of related waste has raised concerns regarding microplastic-related environmental issues. Microplastic particles disperse by means of transport and deposition processes to different ecosystems and enter food chains. In this paper, atmospheric deposition and foliage samples of two species (i.e., Hedera helix and Photinia glabra) were collected and analysed for the quantity and identity of microplastics (MPs). A preliminary methodology to treat foliage samples and subsequently identify MPs using a quantum cascade laser IR spectrophotometer is presented. The treatment of airborne samples involved filtration, mild digestion, concentration, and transfer onto reflective slides whereas that for foliage involved washing, concentration, and transference of putative MPs onto reflective slides. Fibers and fragments were differentiated according to their physical features (size, width, height, etc.) and calculating derived characteristics (namely, circularity and solidity). The preliminary results obtained suggest a good agreement between atmospheric-deposited and foliage-retained MPs, showing the capability of leaves to act as passive samplers for environmental monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Falakdin
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100, Como, Italy
| | - Adrian Lopez-Rosales
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry. Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Jose Andrade
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry. Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Elisa Terzaghi
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100, Como, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Guardo
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100, Como, Italy
| | - Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry. Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071, A Coruña, Spain.
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8
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Rosso B, Scoto F, Hallanger IG, Larose C, Gallet JC, Spolaor A, Bravo B, Barbante C, Gambaro A, Corami F. Characteristics and quantification of small microplastics (<100 µm) in seasonal svalbard snow on glaciers and lands. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133723. [PMID: 38359761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Small microplastics (SMPs < 100 µm) can easily be transported over long distances far from their sources through the atmospheric pathways and reach even remote regions, including the Arctic. However, these sizes of MPs are mostly overlooked due to different analytical challenges; besides, their pathways through atmospheric depositions, such as snow depositions, are mostly unknown. The spatial variability in bulk snow samples was investigated for the first time in distinct sites (e.g., glaciers) near Ny Ålesund, the world-known northernmost permanent research settlement in the Svalbard Islands, to better comprehend the presence of SMP pollution in snow. Seasonal snow deposited over the tundra and the summits of different glaciers were also sampled. A sampling procedure was designed to obtain representative samples while minimizing plastic contamination, thanks to rigorous quality assurance and quality control protocol. SMPs' weight (µg SMP L-1) and deposition load (mg SMPs m-2) result from being lower in the remote glaciers, where they may be subject to long-range transport. The SMPs' minimum length was 20 µm, with the majority less than 100 µm. Regarding their size distribution, there was an increase in the size length deriving from the local input of the human presence near the scientific settlement. The presence of some polymers might be site-specific in relation to the pathways that affect their distribution at the sites studied. Also, from the snow surface layer collected at the same sites to evaluate the variability of SMPs during specific atmospheric deposition events, the results confirmed their higher weight and load in surface snow near the scientific settlement compared to the glaciers. The results will enhance the limited knowledge of the SMPs in polar atmospheric compartments and deposition processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Rosso
- Institute of Polar Sciencies, CNR-ISP, Campus Scientifico Ca' Foscari University, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venezia Mestre, Italy; Department of Environmental Sciences, informatics, and Statistics, Campus Scientifico - Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Federico Scoto
- Department of Environmental Sciences, informatics, and Statistics, Campus Scientifico - Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy; Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, National Research Council, CNR-ISAC, Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Catherine Larose
- Environmental Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire Ampère, École Centrale de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Écully, France
| | | | - Andrea Spolaor
- Institute of Polar Sciencies, CNR-ISP, Campus Scientifico Ca' Foscari University, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venezia Mestre, Italy; Department of Environmental Sciences, informatics, and Statistics, Campus Scientifico - Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Barbara Bravo
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Str. Rivoltana, Km 4, 20090 Rodano, MI, Italy
| | - Carlo Barbante
- Institute of Polar Sciencies, CNR-ISP, Campus Scientifico Ca' Foscari University, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venezia Mestre, Italy; Department of Environmental Sciences, informatics, and Statistics, Campus Scientifico - Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Andrea Gambaro
- Department of Environmental Sciences, informatics, and Statistics, Campus Scientifico - Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Fabiana Corami
- Institute of Polar Sciencies, CNR-ISP, Campus Scientifico Ca' Foscari University, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venezia Mestre, Italy; Department of Environmental Sciences, informatics, and Statistics, Campus Scientifico - Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy.
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Wang C, Guo M, Yan B, Wei J, Liu F, Li Q, Bo Y. Characteristics of microplastics in the atmosphere of Anyang City. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:350. [PMID: 38460005 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12493-6] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
In order to clarify the characteristics of microplastics in the atmosphere of Anyang city, TSP, PM10, and PM2.5 samples are collected when the ambient air quality is good, slightly polluted, and severely polluted. After pretreatment, the physical and chemical characteristics are observed and identified by using stereomicroscope and micro-infrared spectrometer. The results show that the average abundance of microplastics is 0.19 items/m3, 0.26 items/m3, and 0.42 items/m3, respectively, when the ambient air quality is good, light pollution, and heavy pollution in Anyang City. It can be seen that with the decline of ambient air quality, the average abundance of microplastics in TSP, PM2.5, and PM10 gradually increases. The black fiber strip microplastics account for about 80% of the total TSP, PM2.5, and PM10 in the ambient air of Anyang City, followed by yellow flake and black granular microplastics and a small amount of green, red, and blue fiber strip microplastics. AQI has a good correlation with the abundance of microplastics in TSP, PM10, and PM2.5, and the maximum microplastic trapping effect could be obtained according to the sampling method of PM2.5 in the ambient air. The main components of microplastics are cellophane, followed by PET and EVA. The explorations of human respiratory exposure risk assessment show that with the increase of AQI, the daily intake of microplastics in adults also increased. At high levels of pollution, the human body breathes an average of 222 ± 5 microplastics per day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Wang
- Hebi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Henan Polytechnic University, Hebi, Henan, 458000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengxia Guo
- Hebi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Henan Polytechnic University, Hebi, Henan, 458000, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Yan
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiayu Wei
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengxu Liu
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaoli Li
- Henan Yuhe Testing Technology Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yumei Bo
- Suzhou Youkang Testing Technology Service Co., Ltd., Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, People's Republic of China
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10
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Shafi M, Lodh A, Khajuria M, Ranjan VP, Gani KM, Chowdhury S, Goel S. Are we underestimating stormwater? Stormwater as a significant source of microplastics in surface waters. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133445. [PMID: 38198866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Stormwater represent a critical pathway for transporting microplastics (MPs) to surface waters. Due to complex dynamics of MPs in stormwater, its dispersion, weathering, risk, and transport are poorly understood. This review bridges those gaps by summarizing the latest findings on sources, abundance, characteristics, and dynamics involved in stormwater MP pollution. Weathering starts before or after MPs enter stormwater and is more pronounced on land due to continuous heat and mechanical stress. Land use patterns, rainfall intensity, MPs size and density, and drainage characteristics influence the transport of MPs in stormwater. Tire and road wear particles (TRWPs), littering, and road dust are major sources of MPs in stormwater. The concentrations of MPs varies from 0.38-197,000 particles/L globally. Further MP concentrations showed regional variations, highlighting the importance of local monitoring efforts needed to understand local pollution sources. We observed unique signatures associated with the shape and color of MPs. Fibers and fragments were widely reported, with transparent and black being the predominant colors. We conclude that the contribution of stormwater to MP pollution in surface waters is significantly greater than wastewater treatment plant effluents and demands immediate attention. Field and lab scale studies are needed to understand its behavior in stormwater and the risk posed to the downstream water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozim Shafi
- Environmental Engineering and Management Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Ayan Lodh
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Medha Khajuria
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190006, India
| | - Ved Prakash Ranjan
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, India
| | - Khalid Muzamil Gani
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190006, India
| | - Shamik Chowdhury
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Sudha Goel
- Environmental Engineering and Management Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India.
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11
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Luo D, Chu X, Wu Y, Wang Z, Liao Z, Ji X, Ju J, Yang B, Chen Z, Dahlgren R, Zhang M, Shang X. Micro- and nano-plastics in the atmosphere: A review of occurrence, properties and human health risks. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133412. [PMID: 38218034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133412] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitous occurrence of micro/nano plastics (MNPs) poses potential threats to ecosystem and human health that have attracted broad concerns in recent decades. Detection of MNPs in several remote regions has implicated atmospheric transport as an important pathway for global dissemination of MNPs and hence as a global health risk. In this review, the latest research progress on (1) sampling and detection; (2) origin and characteristics; and (3) transport and fate of atmospheric MNPs was summarized. Further, the current status of exposure risks and toxicological effects from inhaled atmospheric MNPs on human health is examined. Due to limitations in sampling and identification methodologies, the study of atmospheric nanoplastics is very limited today. The large spatial variation of atmospheric MNP concentrations reported worldwide makes it difficult to compare the overall indoor and outdoor exposure risks. Several in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological studies demonstrate adverse effects of immune response, apoptosis and oxidative stress caused by MNP inhalation that may induce cardiovascular diseases and reproductive and developmental abnormalities. Given the emerging importance of atmospheric MNPs, the establishment of standardized sampling-pretreatment-detection protocols and comprehensive toxicological studies are critical to advance environmental and health risk assessments of atmospheric MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Luo
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xinyun Chu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhenfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhonglu Liao
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xiaoliang Ji
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jingjuan Ju
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Pingyang County Health Inspection Center, Wenzhou 325405, China.
| | - Zheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Randy Dahlgren
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Minghua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Xu Shang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
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12
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López-Rosales A, Ferreiro B, Andrade J, Fernández-Amado M, González-Pleiter M, López-Mahía P, Rosal R, Muniategui-Lorenzo S. A reliable method to determine airborne microplastics using quantum cascade laser infrared spectrometry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169678. [PMID: 38159775 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The number of studies dealing with airborne microplastics (MPs) is increasing but sampling and sample treatment are not standardized, yet. Here, a fast and reliable method to characterize MPs is presented. It involves the study of two passive sampling devices to collect atmospheric bulk deposition (wet and dry deposition) and three digestion methods (two alkaline-oxidative and an oxidative) to treat the samples. The alkaline-oxidative method based on KOH and NaClO was selected for a mild organic matrix digestion. In addition, some operational parameters of a high-throughput quantum cascade laser-based infrared device (LDIR) were optimized: an effective automatic tiered approach to differentiate fibres from particles (>90 % success in validation) and a criterion to establish positive matches when comparing an unknown spectrum against the spectral database (proposed match index > 0.85). The procedural analytical recoveries were very good for particles (82-90 %) and slightly lower for fibres (62-73 %). Finally, the amount and type of MPs deposited at a sub-urban area NW Spain were evaluated. Most common polymers were Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The deposition rates ranged 98-1220 MP/m2/day, ca. 1.7 % of the total collected particles. More than 50 % of the total MPs deposited were in the 20-50 μm size range, whereas fibres were mostly in the 50-500 μm size range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián López-Rosales
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry, University Institute of Environment, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Borja Ferreiro
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry, University Institute of Environment, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - José Andrade
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry, University Institute of Environment, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - María Fernández-Amado
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry, University Institute of Environment, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Miguel González-Pleiter
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Purificación López-Mahía
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry, University Institute of Environment, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, E-28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry, University Institute of Environment, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain.
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13
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Lu L, Zhang R, Wang K, Tian J, Wu Q, Xu L. Occurrence, influencing factors and sources of atmospheric microplastics in peri-urban farmland ecosystems of Beijing, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168834. [PMID: 38036125 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168834] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Atmosphere is an important component of the microplastics (MPs) cycle. However, studies on atmospheric MPs in peri-urban farmland ecosystems are limited. Herein, the occurrence, influencing factors and geographic sources of atmospheric MPs in peri-urban farmland ecosystems have been analyzed. The average deposition flux of atmospheric MPs was found to be 167.09 ± 92.03 item·m-2·d-1. Around 68 % MPs had particle size <1000 μm, while the main colors of MPs were black (40.71 %) and blue (20.64 %). Approximately 91 % MPs were fibers, while polyethylene terephthalate (49 %) and rayon (36.93 %) were observed as the major microplastic types. The main factors influencing the atmospheric deposition of MPs were gross domestic product (GDP), population density, air pressure, and wind direction. Deposition fluxes exhibited positive correlations with GDP, population density and air pressure, and negative correlations with wind direction. Combined with the backward trajectory model, MPs were mainly found to be originated from the southeast in September and from the northwest in October-February. The study of atmospheric MPs in farmland ecosystems in peri-urban areas is important for the protection of ecological environment, prevention of human diseases and control of MPs pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luli Lu
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 500025, China; Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Ruixuan Zhang
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Kang Wang
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Jiayu Tian
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Qixin Wu
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 500025, China.
| | - Li Xu
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Agriculture Environment Monitoring, Beijing 100097, China.
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14
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Kaushik A, Gupta P, Kumar A, Saha M, Varghese E, Shukla G, Suresh K, Gunthe SS. Identification and physico-chemical characterization of microplastics in marine aerosols over the northeast Arabian Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168705. [PMID: 38000750 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the atmosphere can undergo long-range transport from emission regions to pristine terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems. Due to their inherent toxic and hazardous characteristics, MPs pose serious risks to both human well-being and the equilibrium of ecosystem. The present study outlines the comprehensive characterization, spanning physical and chemical attributes of MPs associated with atmospheric aerosols. Total suspended particulates (TSPs) were collected on a quartz fibre filter by operating a high-volume sampler for 24 h during distinct years (March, 2016 and November, 2020) at a coastal location in the northeast Arabian Sea. Subsequent to the sampling, a series of techniques were applied including density separation. The assessment and scrutiny of the MPs was carried out using stereo-zoom microscopy with supplementary validation using advanced fluorescence microscopy for enhanced precision in identification. Our comparative assessment suggests peroxide treatment followed by density separation could be a robust procedure for the definitive identification and characterization of MPs in the atmosphere. Average total abundance of MPs was found to be 1.30 ± 0.14 n/m3 in 2016 and 1.46 ± 0.12 n/m3 in 2020 with fibres, fragments and films having similar relative contributions (41 %, 31 %, 28 % in 2016 and 40 %, 35 %, 25 % in 2020). Fibres were found to be dominant morphotype followed by fragments and films over the coastal region of the Arabian Sea. In order to unravel the detailed chemical nature of these MPs, spectral analysis using μ-FTIR was carried out. The outcome of the analysis showed prevailing polymers as polyvinyl chloride and polymethyl methacrylate (50545 %) as dominant polymers followed by polyester (15 %), styrene butyl methacrylate (11 %), and polyacetal (9 %). MPs present in the vicinity of the Arabian Sea have potential to supply nutrients and toxicants, consequently can contribute to the modulation of the surface water biogeochemical processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankush Kaushik
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India
| | - Priyansha Gupta
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Ashwini Kumar
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Mahua Saha
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Emil Varghese
- Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India; Centre for Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Garima Shukla
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - K Suresh
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Physical Research Laboratory, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380 009, India
| | - Sachin S Gunthe
- Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India; Centre for Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
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15
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Rao W, Fan Y, Li H, Qian X, Liu T. New insights into the long-term dynamics and deposition-suspension distribution of atmospheric microplastics in an urban area. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132860. [PMID: 37918068 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric microplastics (AMPs) transmitted through the atmosphere are critical to global microplastic pollution. However, little is known about the long-term dynamics and distribution patterns of deposited (DAMPs) and suspended (SAMPs) AMPs. In this study, simultaneous sampling was conducted over one year to examine the deposition-suspension distribution of AMPs. Monthly and seasonal variations in abundance were evident, with an annual average of 302.31 ± 107.40 items/m2/day for DAMPs and 1.31 ± 0.62 items/m3 for SAMPs. The dynamics of DAMP and SAMP abundance demonstrated the dynamic distribution of AMPs between deposition and suspension. Both meteorological factors and particle features were found to influence the AMP distribution, manifesting as morphological differences and abundance variations. AMPs were most likely derived from traffic, industry, construction, and synthetic textiles, with diverse source areas up to 1750 km away. The estimated deposition flux of 7.28 × 1014 items per year and inhalation exposure of up to 12,777 items per year highlight the potential ecological and health risks of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yifan Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Huiming Li
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Xin Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology (CICAEET), Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China.
| | - Tong Liu
- Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
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16
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Fox S, Stefánsson H, Peternell M, Zlotskiy E, Ásbjörnsson EJ, Sturkell E, Wanner P, Konrad-Schmolke M. Physical characteristics of microplastic particles and potential for global atmospheric transport: A meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 342:122938. [PMID: 37981185 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122938] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent interest in microplastic pollution of natural environments has brought forth samples which confirm the pollutant's omnipresence in a variety of ecosystems. This includes locations furthest removed from human activity. Atmospheric transport and deposition are suspected as the primary transport pathway to these remote locations. The factors most influential on participation in atmospheric transport are yet to be determined. This meta-analysis aims to identify patterns that exist between physical characteristics of microplastic particles and their potential for atmospheric transport. Our review addresses the following questions: Which characteristics of microplastic particles promote atmospheric transport and deposition into remote regions, and how significant are these factors in determining distance transported from their sources? This article analyzes commonly reported physical attributes-- shape, polymer composition and color-- from studies in urban and remote areas. The analysis of 68 studies, composed of data from 2078 samples, shows higher occurrence of microplastic particles in remote samples with fiber shapes, polyester compositions, and red, blue, and transparent colors. This meta-analysis is the first to identify patterns between physical properties of microplastic particles and extent of their participation in atmospheric transport to global remote locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Fox
- Department of Engineering, Reykjavik University, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Mark Peternell
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Edward Zlotskiy
- Albert Nenken School of Engineering, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | | | - Erik Sturkell
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Philipp Wanner
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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17
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Vattanasit U, Kongpran J, Ikeda A. Airborne microplastics: A narrative review of potential effects on the human respiratory system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166745. [PMID: 37673257 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
There has been growing evidence showing the widespread of airborne microplastics (AMPs) in many regions of the world, raising concerns about their impact on human health. This review aimed to consolidate recent literature on AMPs regarding their physical and chemical characteristics, deposition in the human respiratory tract, translocation, occurrence from human studies, and toxic effects determined in vitro and in vivo. The physical characteristics influence interactions with cell membranes, cellular internalization, accumulation, and cytotoxicity resulting from cell membrane damage and oxidative stress. In addition, prolonged exposure to AMP-associated toxic chemicals might lead to significant health effects. Most toxicological assessments of AMPs in vitro and in vivo have demonstrated that oxidative stress and inflammation are major mechanisms of action for their toxic effects. Elevated reactive oxygen species production could lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory responses, and subsequent apoptosis in experimental models. To date, there has been some evidence suggesting exposure in humans. However, the data are still insufficient, and adverse human health effects need to be investigated. Future research on the existence, exposure, and health effects of AMPs is required for developing preventive and mitigation measures to protect human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udomratana Vattanasit
- Department of Environmental Health and Technology, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand.
| | - Jira Kongpran
- Department of Environmental Health and Technology, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Atsuko Ikeda
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 0600812, Japan; Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 0600812, Japan
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18
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Hove HTB, Næsheim T, Kögel T. Quick and efficient microplastic isolation from fatty fish tissues by surfactant-enhanced alkaline digestion. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115726. [PMID: 37925993 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
For monitoring microplastic contamination in fish tissues, tissue digestion into filterable components prior to microplastic identification and quantification should be quick and efficient, providing satisfying microplastic recoveries of relevant particle sizes. Filtration with a small pore size, necessary to target small particles, is a challenge. Some proposed protocols take several days. To improve this, a combination of surfactants (Tween®-20 and Triton™ X-100) with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and pH neutralization was used. Fish bones were removed in tissue preparation prior to digestion. Recovery down to ca. 60-80 μm worked well for PA-66, PE, PET, PP, PS and PVC. In conclusion, we developed a comparatively swift digestion protocol, enabling filtration of 100 g samples with a pore size of 10 μm, for fish fillets with high (mackerel), intermediate (salmon, plaice) and low (cod) fat contents, fish liver, head kidney and oil samples, within 16-24 h.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Næsheim
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway; EUROFINS, Sandviksveien 110, 5035 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Tanja Kögel
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway.
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19
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Gupta S, Kumar R, Rajput A, Gorka R, Gupta A, Bhasin N, Yadav S, Verma A, Ram K, Bhagat M. Atmospheric Microplastics: Perspectives on Origin, Abundances, Ecological and Health Risks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:107435-107464. [PMID: 37452254 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28422-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has aroused a tremendous amount of public and scientific interest worldwide. MPs are found widely ranging from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems primarily due to the over-exploitation of plastic products and unscientific disposal of plastic waste. There is a large availability of scientific literature on MP pollution in the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, especially the marine environments; however, only recently has greater scientific attention been focused on the presence of MPs in the air and its retrospective health implications. Besides, atmospheric transport has been reported to be an important pathway of transport of MPs to the pristine regions of the world. From a health perspective, existing studies suggest that airborne MPs are priority pollutant vectors, that may penetrate deep into the body through inhalation leading to adverse health impacts such as neurotoxicity, cancer, respiratory problems, cytotoxicity, and many more. However, their effects on indoor and outdoor air quality, and on human health are not yet clearly understood due to the lack of enough research studies on that and the non-availability of established scientific protocols for their characterization. This scientific review entails important information concerning the abundance of atmospheric MPs worldwide within the existing literature. A thorough comparison of existing sampling and analytical protocols has been presented. Besides, this review has unveiled the areas of scientific concern especially air quality monitoring which requires immediate attention, with the information gaps to be filled have been addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivali Gupta
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu (J&K), Jammu, India, 180006
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu (J&K), Jammu, India, 180006.
| | - Akanksha Rajput
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu (J&K), Jammu, India, 180006
| | - Ruby Gorka
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu (J&K), Jammu, India, 180006
| | - Antima Gupta
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu (J&K), Jammu, India, 180006
| | - Nazuk Bhasin
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu (J&K), Jammu, India, 180006
- IESD, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, 221005
| | - Sudesh Yadav
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India, 110067
| | - Anju Verma
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India, 110067
| | - Kirpa Ram
- IESD, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, 221005
| | - Madulika Bhagat
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Jammu (J&K), Jammu, India, 180006
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20
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Morioka T, Tanaka S, Yamada Y, Yukioka S, Aiba F. Quantification of microplastic by particle size down to 1.1 μm in surface road dust in an urban city, Japan. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 334:122198. [PMID: 37453688 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The impact of microplastics (MPs, plastic particles ≤5 mm) on ecosystems is of great concern. Road surfaces represent a significant source of MPs where plastic fragments are physically and chemically reduced to MPs. However, the literature lacks information on fragmentation tendencies below 11 μm. This study aimed to characterize the occurrence of MPs in road dust in different size fractions down to 1.1 μm. Road dust was collected at five sites near a major road in Kusatsu city, Japan, and partitioned by size into 13 fractions (1.1-850 μm). The coarser fractions accounted for a greater proportion of the dust. The percentage of organic matter, determined by loss on ignition, increased as the fractions became finer. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to quantify 12 types of polymers in each fraction. The dust was found to contain nine types of MP, namely, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), styrene/butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene resin (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and polyamide 66 (PA66). The total MP concentration in road dust particles by particle size fraction (concentrationf) began to increase from the 125-250 μm fraction and remained elevated in finer fractions down to 1.1 μm, indicating that MPs in the road dust micronized to at least 1.1 μm. However, for individual polymer types, the tendency for concentrationf to increase or decrease with particle size fraction varied: the concentrationf of some polymers, such as PE and PVC, remained elevated in fractions down to 1.1 μm; the concentrationf of SBR, a rubber-MP, showed a stable or decreasing trend in fractions of 7.0-11 μm and finer. Particles of PE, PVC, and some other plastics might become increasingly finer, even down to 1.1 μm. Further research is needed to understand the comminution limits of these polymers under pertinent environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamaki Morioka
- Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Shuhei Tanaka
- Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yuta Yamada
- Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Satoru Yukioka
- Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Aiba
- Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
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21
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Zuri G, Karanasiou A, Lacorte S. Microplastics: Human exposure assessment through air, water, and food. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 179:108150. [PMID: 37607425 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microplastics (MP) are plastic particles with dimension up to 5 mm. Due to their persistence, global spread across different ecosystems and potential human health effects, they have gained increasing attention during the last decade. However, the extent of human exposure to MP through different pathways and their intake have not been elucidated. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review is to provide an overview on the pathways of exposure to MP through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact considering data from the open bibliography on MP in air, dust, food, water and drinks. METHODS A bibliographic search on Scopus and PubMed was conducted using keywords on MP in outdoor and indoor air, indoor dust, food including beverages and water and human intake (n = 521). Articles were sorted by their title and abstract (n = 213), and only studies reporting MP identification and quantification techniques were further considered (n = 168). A total of 115 articles that include quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures are finally discussed in the present review. Based on MP concentration data available in literature, we estimated the potential inhaled dose (ID), dust intake (DI), the estimated daily intake (EDI) via food and beverages. Finally, the total daily intake (TDI) considering both inhalation and ingestion routes are provided for adults, infants and newborns. RESULTS The concentrations of MP in outdoor and indoor air, dust, and in food and water are provided according to the bibliography. Human exposure to MP through dust ingestion, inhalation of air and food/drinks consumption revealed that indoor air and drinking waters were the main sources of MP. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that humans are constantly exposed to MP, and that the indoor environment and the food and water we ingest decisively contribute to MP intake. Additionally, we highlight that infants and newborns are exposed to high MP concentrations and further studies are needed to evaluate the presence and risk of MP in this vulnerable age-population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Zuri
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research of the Spanish Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angeliki Karanasiou
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research of the Spanish Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sílvia Lacorte
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research of the Spanish Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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22
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Rani M, Ducoli S, Depero LE, Prica M, Tubić A, Ademovic Z, Morrison L, Federici S. A Complete Guide to Extraction Methods of Microplastics from Complex Environmental Matrices. Molecules 2023; 28:5710. [PMID: 37570680 PMCID: PMC10420958 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustainable development is a big global challenge for the 21st century. In recent years, a class of emerging contaminants known as microplastics (MPs) has been identified as a significant pollutant with the potential to harm ecosystems. These small plastic particles have been found in every compartment of the planet, with aquatic habitats serving as the ultimate sink. The challenge to extract MPs from different environmental matrices is a tangible and imperative issue. One of the primary specialties of research in environmental chemistry is the development of simple, rapid, low-cost, sensitive, and selective analytical methods for the extraction and identification of MPs in the environment. The present review describes the developments in MP extraction methods from complex environmental matrices. All existing methodologies (new, old, and proof-of-concept) are discussed and evaluated for their potential usefulness to extract MPs from various biotic and abiotic matrices for the sake of progress and innovation. This study concludes by addressing the current challenges and outlining future research objectives aimed at combating MP pollution. Additionally, a set of recommendations is provided to assist researchers in selecting appropriate analytical techniques for obtaining accurate results. To facilitate this process, a proposed roadmap for MP extraction is presented, considering the specific environmental compartments under investigation. By following this roadmap, researchers can enhance their understanding of MP pollution and contribute to effective mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Rani
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
| | - Serena Ducoli
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
| | - Laura Eleonora Depero
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
| | - Miljana Prica
- Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Aleksandra Tubić
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Zahida Ademovic
- Faculty of Forestry, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Liam Morrison
- Earth and Ocean Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, University of Galway, H91TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Stefania Federici
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
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23
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Celik-Saglam I, Yurtsever M, Civan M, Yurdakul S, Cetin B. Evaluation of levels and sources of microplastics and phthalic acid esters and their relationships in the atmosphere of highly industrialized and urbanized Gebze, Türkiye. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 881:163508. [PMID: 37059133 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) in the atmosphere and their relationship with other pollutants have been gaining attention due to both their ubiquity and threatening human health. As well phthalic acid esters (PAEs) regarding as plasticizers for being added in plastic materials are key role for plastic pollution. In this study, the concentrations and sources of airborne MPs together with major PAEs and their relationships were investigated for four seasons. MP particles <20 μm, constituting the majority of the samples, were successfully revealed by NR fluorescent analysis. As a result of the μATR-FTIR analyzes, it was seen that besides different polymer derivatives, dye-pigment types, some minerals and compounds, and abundant semi-synthetic fibers and natural fibers were also present. MPs concentration were found in the range of 7207-21,042 MP/m3 in summer, 7245-32,950 MP/m3 in autumn, 4035-58,270 MP/m3 in winter and 7275-37,094 MP/m3 in spring. For the same period, the concentrations of PAEs ranged from 9.24 to 115.21 ng/m3 with an average value of 38.08 ± 7.92 ng/m3. PMF was also applied and four factors were extracted. Factor 1, accounts 52.26 % and 23.27 % of the total PAEs and MPs variances, was attributed to PVC sources. Factor 2, explaining 64.98 % of the total MPs variance had the highest loading of MPs and moderate loadings of relatively low molecular weight of PAEs, was attributed to plastics and personal care products. Factor 3, explaining the 28.31 % of the total PAEs variance was laden with BBP, DnBP, DiBP and DEP and was attributed to various plastic input during the sampling campaign coming from the industrial activities. The last factor accounts for 11.65 % of the total PAEs variance and was dominated by DMEP and it was linked to a source of the activities performed in the laboratories of the university.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isıl Celik-Saglam
- Gebze Technical University, Department of Environmental Engineering, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkiye
| | - Meral Yurtsever
- Sakarya University, Department of Environmental Engineering, Sakarya, Turkiye
| | - Mihriban Civan
- Kocaeli University, Department of Environmental Engineering, Kocaeli, Turkiye
| | - Sema Yurdakul
- Suleymen Demirel University, Department of Environmental Engineering, Isparta, Turkiye
| | - Banu Cetin
- Gebze Technical University, Department of Environmental Engineering, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkiye.
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24
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Choudhury A, Simnani FZ, Singh D, Patel P, Sinha A, Nandi A, Ghosh A, Saha U, Kumari K, Jaganathan SK, Kaushik NK, Panda PK, Suar M, Verma SK. Atmospheric microplastic and nanoplastic: The toxicological paradigm on the cellular system. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 259:115018. [PMID: 37216859 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The increasing demand for plastic in our daily lives has led to global plastic pollution. The improper disposal of plastic has resulted in a massive amount of atmospheric microplastics (MPs), which has further resulted in the production of atmospheric nanoplastics (NPs). Because of its intimate relationship with the environment and human health, microplastic and nanoplastic contamination is becoming a problem. Because microplastics and nanoplastics are microscopic and light, they may penetrate deep into the human lungs. Despite several studies demonstrating the abundance of microplastics and nanoplastics in the air, the potential risks of atmospheric microplastics and nanoplastics remain unknown. Because of its small size, atmospheric nanoplastic characterization has presented significant challenges. This paper describes sampling and characterization procedures for atmospheric microplastics and nanoplastics. This study also examines the numerous harmful effects of plastic particles on human health and other species. There is a significant void in research on the toxicity of airborne microplastics and nanoplastics upon inhalation, which has significant toxicological potential in the future. Further study is needed to determine the influence of microplastic and nanoplastic on pulmonary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anmol Choudhury
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | | | - Dibyangshee Singh
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Paritosh Patel
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India; Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, 01897 Seoul, South Korea
| | - Adrija Sinha
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Aditya Nandi
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Aishee Ghosh
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Utsa Saha
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Khushbu Kumari
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Saravana Kumar Jaganathan
- School of Engineering, College of Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Nagendra Kumar Kaushik
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, 01897 Seoul, South Korea
| | - Pritam Kumar Panda
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Box 516, SE-75120 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Mrutyunjay Suar
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India.
| | - Suresh K Verma
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India.
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25
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Boersma A, Grigoriadi K, Nooijens MGA, Henke S, Kooter IM, Parker LA, Dortmans A, Urbanus JH. Microplastic Index-How to Predict Microplastics Formation? Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15092185. [PMID: 37177331 PMCID: PMC10181052 DOI: 10.3390/polym15092185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of microplastics in environmental compartments is generally recognized as a (potential) health risk. Many papers have been published on the abundance of microplastics at various locations around the globe, but only limited knowledge is available on possible mitigation routes. One of the mitigation routes is based on the choice of plastic materials used for products that may unintentionally end up in the environment. As a first approach, this paper presents a method to calculate the tendency of polymers to form microplastics, based on their mechanical and physical properties. A MicroPlastic Index (MPI) that correlates the microplastic formation to polymer properties is defined for both impact and wear of polymers via a theoretical particle size and the energy required to form these particles. A first comparison between calculated and experimental particle size is included. The MPI for impact and wear follow the same trend. Finally, these MPIs are correlated to the respective abundance of the microplastics in the environment, corrected for global production of the corresponding polymers: the higher the MPI, the more microplastics are found in the environment. Thus, the MPI can be used as a basis for choice or redesign of polymers to reduce microplastic formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sieger Henke
- TNO, Princetonlaan 6-8, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Luke A Parker
- TNO, Princetonlaan 6-8, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ardi Dortmans
- TNO, Princetonlaan 6-8, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands
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26
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Zhang R, Jia X, Wang K, Lu L, Li F, Li J, Xu L. Characteristics, sources and influencing factors of atmospheric deposition of microplastics in three different ecosystems of Beijing, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 883:163567. [PMID: 37094671 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
As the research on microplastics (MPs) has intensified, more attention has been paid to MPs deposition in the atmosphere. This study further explores and compares the characteristics, the possible sources and influencing factors of deposition of MPs in three different ecosystems: forest, agricultural and residential area in Beijing. It was found that the deposited plastics were mostly white or black fibres, with PET and RY as the main MPs types. The range of deposition fluxes was 67.06-461.02 item·m-2·d-1, with highest deposition in residential area and lowest in forest, significant differences in MPs characteristics between environments. Based on MPs composition and shape, combined with backward trajectory analysis, the main sources of MPs were found to be textiles. Deposition of MPs was found to be influenced by environmental and meteorological factors. Factors such as gross domestic product and population density had a significant impact on the deposition flux, while wind played a diluting role for atmospheric MPs. The study investigated the characteristics of MPs in different ecosystems which may help to understand the transport patterns of MPs and is of great importance for the management of MPs pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixuan Zhang
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Xiaoxu Jia
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and `, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Kang Wang
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Luli Lu
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Fang Li
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and `, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Li Xu
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Risk Assessment Lab for Agro-products (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture, China.
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27
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Ge J, Wang M, Liu P, Zhang Z, Peng J, Guo X. A systematic review on the aging of microplastics and the effects of typical factors in various environmental media. Trends Analyt Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.117025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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28
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Dusza HM, van Boxel J, van Duursen MBM, Forsberg MM, Legler J, Vähäkangas KH. Experimental human placental models for studying uptake, transport and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 860:160403. [PMID: 36417947 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous in the environment and have recently been found in human lungs, blood and placenta. However, data on the possible effects of MNPs on human health is extremely scarce. The potential toxicity of MNPs during pregnancy, a period of increased susceptibility to environmental insults, is of particular concern. The placenta provides a unique interface between maternal and fetal circulation which is essential for in utero survival and healthy pregnancy. Placental toxicokinetics and toxicity of MNPs are still largely unexplored and the limited studies performed up to now focus mainly on polystyrene particles. Practical and ethical considerations limit research options in humans, and extrapolation from animal studies is challenging due to marked differences between species. Nevertheless, diverse in vitro and ex vivo human placental models exist e.g., plasma membrane vesicles, mono-culture and co-culture of placental cells, placenta-on-a-chip, villous tissue explants, and placental perfusion that can be used to advance this research area. The objective of this concise review is to recapitulate different human placental models, summarize the current understanding of placental uptake, transport and toxicity of MNPs and define knowledge gaps. Moreover, we provide perspectives for future research urgently needed to assess the potential hazards and risks of MNP exposure to maternal and fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M Dusza
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Jeske van Boxel
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Majorie B M van Duursen
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Markus M Forsberg
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juliette Legler
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kirsi H Vähäkangas
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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29
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Khan MT, Shah IA, Hossain MF, Akther N, Zhou Y, Khan MS, Al-Shaeli M, Bacha MS, Ihsanullah I. Personal protective equipment (PPE) disposal during COVID-19: An emerging source of microplastic and microfiber pollution in the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 860:160322. [PMID: 36414071 PMCID: PMC9675081 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Waste generated by healthcare facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a new source of pollution, particularly with the widespread use of single-use personal protective equipment (PPE). Releasing microplastics (MPs) and microfibers (MFs) from discarded PPE becomes an emerging threat to environmental sustainability. MPs/MFs have recently been reported in a variety of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including water, deep-sea sediments, air, and soil. As COVID-19 spreads, the use of plastic-made PPE in healthcare facilities has increased significantly worldwide, resulting in massive amounts of plastic waste entering the terrestrial and marine environments. High loads of MPs/MFs emitted into the environment due to excessive PPE consumption are easily consumed by aquatic organisms, disrupting the food chain, and potentially causing chronic health problems in humans. Thus, proper management of PPE waste is critical for ensuring a post-COVID sustainable environment, which has recently attracted the attention of the scientific community. The current study aims to review the global consumption and sustainable management of discarded PPE in the context of COVID-19. The severe impacts of PPE-emitted MPs/MFs on human health and other environmental segments are briefly addressed. Despite extensive research progress in the area, many questions about MP/MF contamination in the context of COVID-19 remain unanswered. Therefore, in response to the post-COVID environmental remediation concerns, future research directions and recommendations are highlighted considering the current MP/MF research progress from COVID-related PPE waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tariq Khan
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai po New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Izaz Ali Shah
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Md Faysal Hossain
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai po New Territories, Hong Kong; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, No. 130, Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Nasrin Akther
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, No. 130, Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China; Department of Soil Science, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Yanbo Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, No. 130, Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | | | - Muayad Al-Shaeli
- Institute for Micro Process Engineering (IMVT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | | | - Ihsanullah Ihsanullah
- Center for Environment and Water, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
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30
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The measurement of food safety and security risks associated with micro- and nanoplastic pollution. Trends Analyt Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.116993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
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31
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Abdelfattah A, Ali SS, Ramadan H, El-Aswar EI, Eltawab R, Ho SH, Elsamahy T, Li S, El-Sheekh MM, Schagerl M, Kornaros M, Sun J. Microalgae-based wastewater treatment: Mechanisms, challenges, recent advances, and future prospects. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 13:100205. [PMID: 36247722 PMCID: PMC9557874 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2022.100205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The rapid expansion of both the global economy and the human population has led to a shortage of water resources suitable for direct human consumption. As a result, water remediation will inexorably become the primary focus on a global scale. Microalgae can be grown in various types of wastewaters (WW). They have a high potential to remove contaminants from the effluents of industries and urban areas. This review focuses on recent advances on WW remediation through microalgae cultivation. Attention has already been paid to microalgae-based wastewater treatment (WWT) due to its low energy requirements, the strong ability of microalgae to thrive under diverse environmental conditions, and the potential to transform WW nutrients into high-value compounds. It turned out that microalgae-based WWT is an economical and sustainable solution. Moreover, different types of toxins are removed by microalgae through biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biodegradation processes. Examples are toxins from agricultural runoffs and textile and pharmaceutical industrial effluents. Microalgae have the potential to mitigate carbon dioxide and make use of the micronutrients that are present in the effluents. This review paper highlights the application of microalgae in WW remediation and the remediation of diverse types of pollutants commonly present in WW through different mechanisms, simultaneous resource recovery, and efficient microalgae-based co-culturing systems along with bottlenecks and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Abdelfattah
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
- Department of Public Works Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University, Tanta, 31511, Egypt
| | - Sameh Samir Ali
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
- Corresponding author. Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China.
| | - Hassan Ramadan
- Department of Public Works Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University, Tanta, 31511, Egypt
| | - Eslam Ibrahim El-Aswar
- Central Laboratories for Environmental Quality Monitoring (CLEQM), National Water Research Center (NWRC), El-Kanater, 13621, Qalyubiyah, Egypt
| | - Reham Eltawab
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
- Department of Public Works Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University, Tanta, 31511, Egypt
| | - Shih-Hsin Ho
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Tamer Elsamahy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Shengnan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
| | | | - Michael Schagerl
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, A-1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kornaros
- Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering & Environmental Technology (LBEET), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 1 Karatheodori Str., University Campus, 26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
- Corresponding author.
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32
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Lin Q, Zhao S, Pang L, Sun C, Chen L, Li F. Potential risk of microplastics in processed foods: Preliminary risk assessment concerning polymer types, abundance, and human exposure of microplastics. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 247:114260. [PMID: 36343455 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) has been widely reported in human foodstuffs, and their potential negative effects on human health have been brought into focus. Processed foods are more susceptible to MPs as contamination can be introduced during processing and packaging. However, the risk posed by MPs in processed foods remained unclear. This work aims to critically review the available data for MPs in 11 types of possessed foods and to conduct a preliminary risk assessment of MPs in processed foods. For a comprehensive evaluation, three indicators were selected and determined, namely chemical risk, pollution load, and estimated daily intake (EDI). Our results suggest that nori has the highest chemical risk, followed by canned fish, beverages, table salt, and other food items. In the case of pollution load, nori and milk fall into the risk category of Ⅳ and Ⅲ respectively. Table salts, bottled water, and sugar exhibited lower MPs pollution load (risk category of Ⅱ), whereas the pollution loads of other foods were calculated to be category Ⅰ. Moreover, a correlation between the pollution load of sea salts and MPs pollution level in ambient seawater was found. Regarding EDI of MPs from different processed foods, MPs intakes through bottled water (14.3 ± 3.4 n kg-1 d-1) and milk (6.6 ± 2.4 n kg-1 d-1) are significantly higher than that of the other foods (< 1 n kg-1 d-1). The probabilistic estimation of MPs daily intake indicated that children (19.7 n kg-1 d-1) are at a higher health risk than adults (female: 17.6 n kg-1 d-1, male: 12.6 n kg-1 d-1). Nevertheless, the exposure dose used in toxicological studies was about 10 times higher than the MPs intake via processed foods. Therefore, we argued that MPs in processed foods only carry limited risk. Overall, this study would provide the basis for risk management of MPs in processed food products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhui Lin
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Shasha Zhao
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Lihua Pang
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Cuizhu Sun
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Lingyun Chen
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Fengmin Li
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China; Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
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Patil PB, Maity S, Sarkar A. Potential human health risk assessment of microplastic exposure: current scenario and future perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 194:898. [PMID: 36251091 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10539-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The vast usage of synthetic plastics has led to the global problem of plastic pollution which in turn has positively impacted the concerns regarding microplastic pollution. The major factor responsible for the increased level of pollution is the smaller size of microplastics which helps in its transportation across the globe. It has been found in most remote areas like glaciers and Antarctic regions where it is difficult for other contaminants to reach. This is ensured by the physicochemical cycle of plastic. They can either be produced for different applications or generated through the fragmentation of large plastic particles. Different studies have shown the accumulation of microplastics in different organisms, especially in aquatic animals leading to their entry into the food chain. The ultimate fate of the microplastics is accumulation inside the human body posing the risk of different health conditions like cancer, diabetes, and allergic reactions. The present review summarizes a detailed discussion on the current status of microplastic pollution, their effect on different organisms, and its impact on human health with a case study on the human health risk assessment for analyzing the global rate of microplastic ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritam Bajirao Patil
- Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Sourav Maity
- Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Angana Sarkar
- Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India.
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Kumar R, Manna C, Padha S, Verma A, Sharma P, Dhar A, Ghosh A, Bhattacharya P. Micro(nano)plastics pollution and human health: How plastics can induce carcinogenesis to humans? CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 298:134267. [PMID: 35301996 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are key indicators of the plasticine era, widely spread across different ecosystems. MPs and NPs become global stressors due to their inherent physicochemical characteristics and potential impact on ecosystems and humans. MPs and NPs have been exposed to humans via various pathways, such as tap water, bottled water, seafood, beverages, milk, fish, salts, fruits, and vegetables. This paper highlights MPs and NPs pathways to the food chains and how these plastic particles can cause risks to human health. MPs have been evident in vivo and vitro and have been at health risks, such as respiratory, immune, reproductive, and digestive systems. The present work emphasizes how various MPs and NPs, and associated toxic chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), impact human health. Polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are common MPs and NPs, reported in human implants via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure, which can cause carcinogenesis, according to Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) reports. Inhalation, ingestion, and dermal exposure-response cause genotoxicity, cell division and viability, cytotoxicity, oxidative stress induction, metabolism disruption, DNA damage, inflammation, and immunological responses in humans. Lastly, this review work concluded with current knowledge on potential risks to human health and knowledge gaps with recommendations for further investigation in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Kumar
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar, 803116, India
| | - Camelia Manna
- Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700037, India
| | - Shaveta Padha
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 181143, India
| | - Anurag Verma
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar, 803116, India
| | - Prabhakar Sharma
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar, 803116, India.
| | - Anjali Dhar
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 181143, India
| | - Ashok Ghosh
- Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Centre, Phulwarisharif, Patna, 801505, Bihar, India; Bihar Pollution Control Board, Patna, 800010, Bihar, India
| | - Prosun Bhattacharya
- Department of Sustainable Development, Environmental Science and Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-10044, Stockholm, Sweden
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