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Kumar S, Behera D, Ajay K, Karthick B, Dharia C, Anoop A. Microplastics and heavy metal contamination along a land-use gradient in a Himalayan foothill river: Prevalence and controlling factors. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 266:104411. [PMID: 39153396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
The co-occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals in aquatic systems has raised significant concerns, yet their relationship in freshwater ecosystems remains poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of MPs and factors controlling their distribution in both water and sediment in the Markanda River, Northwest India. MPs were extracted from sediment and water samples using density separation and classified through fluorescence microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Metal concentrations in river water samples were analyzed using ICP-MS, and their correlation with MP abundance was explored. The results indicated the widespread occurrence of MP pollution across the Markanda River basin, with particle concentrations ranging from 10 to 530 particles L-1 in surface water and 1330-4330 particles kg-1 dry weight (dw) in sediment samples. The variability in MP abundance at sampling sites along the Markanda River courses results from factors such as the proximity of industrial establishments and human habitation, while the influence of grain size on MP distribution appears to be limited. Pellets (88.5 %) and fragments (8.5 %) were the most abundant types of MPs, with polyethylene (45.45 %) and polystyrene (30.9 %) being the dominant forms in water samples. The ICP-MS analysis of heavy metals in water samples indicated elevated levels of As (1.67 to 32.31 ppb) in downstream areas of the river system, influenced by human activities. While metals exhibited correlation with each other, there was a weak association, except for As, with the levels of MPs in the Markanda River. The SEM-EDX analyses to characterize chemical elements absorbed onto the surface of MP showed distinct variations in upstream and downstream sites, with the presence of elements such as Mn, Ni, Cr, Zn, As, Se, and Cu found in downstream areas. We conclude that MPs contaminated with heavy metals potentially threaten the ecological security of freshwater aquatic systems and highlight the importance of management action to reduce plastic pollution worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Diptimayee Behera
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Kumar Ajay
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Balasubramanian Karthick
- Biodiversity and Paleobiology Group, Agharkar Research Institute, G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune 411004, Maharashtra, India
| | - Chetan Dharia
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Ambili Anoop
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, 140306, Punjab, India.
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2
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Li W, Brunetti G, Bolshakova A, Stumpp C. Effect of particle density on microplastics transport in artificial and natural porous media. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 935:173429. [PMID: 38782271 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The occurrence and persistence of microplastics (MPs) in natural environments are of increasing concern. Along with this, the transport of MPs in sediments has been investigated mainly focusing on the effect of plastic size and shape, media size effect, and solution chemistry. Yet, the influence of particle density is only partially understood. Therefore, column experiments on the transport of variably buoyant MPs in saturated natural sediments and glass beads were conducted, and transport parameters were quantified using a two-site kinetic transport model with a depth-dependent blocking function (the amount of retained MPs does not decrease at a constant rate with increasing depth, the majority of MPs were retained near the column inlet). Neutral, sinking, and buoyant MPs within the same size range were selected, with stable water isotope applied as conservative tracer to explore water and MP movement in the tested sediments. The results showed that 95.5 ± 1.4% of sinking MPs remained in columns packed with gravel, followed by buoyant and neutral MPs, thus indicating that particle density does affect MP mobility. Similar recovered amounts of MPs were found in columns packed with glass beads, indicating that tested sediment types do not affect the deposition behavior of MPs. The breakthrough curves of MPs were accurately described by the selected model. However, the simulated retention profiles overestimated the observed MP amount in layers closest to the column inlet. The coupled experimental and modeled results suggest an enhanced retention of sinking MPs, while neutrally and buoyant MPs exhibit a higher mobility in comparison. Thus, neutral or buoyant MPs can potentially pose a higher contamination risk to subsurface porous media environments compared to sinking MPs. Discrepancies between observed and simulated retention profiles indicate that future model development is needed for advancing the MP deposition as affected by particle density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Li
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, Institute of Soil Physics and Rural Water Management, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Giuseppe Brunetti
- University of Calabria, Department of Civil Engineering, Rende, Italy
| | - Anastasiia Bolshakova
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, Institute of Soil Physics and Rural Water Management, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Stumpp
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, Institute of Soil Physics and Rural Water Management, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria
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3
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Gonzalez-Saldias F, Sabater F, Gomà J. Microplastic distribution and their abundance along rivers are determined by land uses and sediment granulometry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 933:173165. [PMID: 38740195 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics in freshwater ecosystems have gained attention for their potential impact on biodiversity. Rivers are complex and dynamic ecosystems that transport particles and organic matter from the headwaters through watersheds to the ocean. Changes in land use and the presence of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) increase the risk of plastic contamination. Simultaneously, hydromorphological features of the watershed can influence the dispersion and retention of microplastics. This study assesses the impact of urban land uses and river hydromorphology on microplastic abundance and spatial distribution in two watersheds with contrasting land uses. Unexpectedly, our findings show that microplastics were widespread throughout watersheds both in water (3.5 ± 3.3 particles/L) and sediments (56.9 ± 39.9 particles/g). The concentration of microplastics in sediments significantly increased in granulometry ranging from 0.5 to 1 mm. Microplastics in running waters are significantly correlated with increasing urban land use coverage. However, the presence and distance of WWTPs did not affect microplastic distribution. In conclusion, contrasting patterns were observed for suspended and sedimented microplastic particles: suspended microplastics were associated with an anthropogenic effect, whereas the concentration of microplastics in sediments was determined by riverbed granulometry. Our results suggest that the interaction of anthropogenic and environmental factors shapes microplastic distribution along the rivers and their subsequent transport toward the coastal ocean. Finally, a review of the current literature reveals the absence of standardization in field and laboratory assessment techniques and measurement units, representing a challenge for intercomparisons of river microplastic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Gonzalez-Saldias
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, and Environmental, Biology Faculty, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Freshwater Ecology, Hydrology, and Management Laboratory (FEHM-lab), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Francesc Sabater
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, and Environmental, Biology Faculty, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joan Gomà
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, and Environmental, Biology Faculty, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Freshwater Ecology, Hydrology, and Management Laboratory (FEHM-lab), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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4
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Ge X, Xu F, Li B, Liu L, Lu X, Wang L, Zhang Y, Li J, Li J, Tang Y. Unveiling microplastic distribution and interactions in the benthic layer of the Yangtze River Estuary and East China Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 20:100340. [PMID: 38162402 PMCID: PMC10755717 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2023.100340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), recognized as an emerging global environmental concern, have been extensively detected worldwide, with specific attention directed towards the Yangtze River Estuary (YRE) and East China Sea (ECS) regions. Despite their critical research significance, there remains a knowledge gap concerning the distribution of MPs in the benthic layer within this area, particularly regarding interactions governing their occurrence. Here we illuminate the distribution of MPs within the benthic layer and unravel the intricate interplay between bottom water and sediment in the YRE and ECS. We find that MPs are notably more abundant in bottom water, ranging from 8 to 175 times higher than in surface water. These MPs predominantly consist of polyester fibers, exhibit a size range between 0.5 and 5.0 mm, and display distinct coloration. Co-occurrence network analysis and Principal Coordinate Analysis confirm a robust correlation between MPs in bottom water and sediment, signifying the pivotal role of bottom water in mediating the distribution and transportation of MPs within the benthic layer. Furthermore, a positive correlation between MPs in sediment and bottom water turbidity underscores the impact of surface sediment resuspension and upwelling on MPs distribution. This study clarifies the intricate interactions within the benthic layer and highlights the crucial role of bottom water as a mediator in the vertical distribution of MPs, advancing our understanding of the "source-to-sink" transport processes governing MPs within water-sediment systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Ge
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Feng Xu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Bo Li
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316004, China
| | - Lili Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xiao Lu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yunxiao Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jiangpeng Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
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Gray A, Mayer K, Gore B, Gaesser M, Ferguson N. Microplastic burden in native (Cambarus appalachiensis) and non-native (Faxonius cristavarius) crayfish along semi-rural and urban streams in southwest Virginia, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 258:119494. [PMID: 38936498 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Our comparative assessment is the first study to investigate microplastic body burden in native (Cambarus appalachiensis) and non-native (Faxonius cristavarius) crayfish along a semi-rural and urban stream across different seasons. Crayfish, sediment, and surface water were collected, processed, and characterized using μRaman spectroscopy to compare microplastic polymer types and shapes across compartments. Average surface water concentrations were significantly higher in our urban stream compared to our semi-rural stream (17.3 ± 2.4 particles/L and 9.9 ± 1.3 particles/L, respectively; P = 0.015). Average sediment concentrations were similar between urban and semi-rural streams (140 ± 14.5 particles/kg and 139 ± 22.5 particles/kg, respectively; P = 0.957). Our findings showed a significant interactive effect of season, site, and nativity (i.e., species) regarding microplastic body burden in crayfish (P = 0.004). The smaller, non-native crayfish amassed more microplastic particles than the native crayfish (0.4-2.0 particles/g versus 0.4-0.8 particles/g, respectively). Fibers and fragments were the most common polymer shapes across compartments, with white and black being the dominant particle colors. Our study identified 13 plastic polymer types in crayfish and three in surface water and sediment; polypropylene was the most common polymer across compartments. This study provides evidence that crayfish body burden of microplastics can differ across species, seasons, and locations, highlighting the need for future studies to consider that sublethal impacts associated with microplastic body burden may vary by region and species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Gray
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 926 W Campus Dr., Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA.
| | - Kathleen Mayer
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 926 W Campus Dr., Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Beija Gore
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 926 W Campus Dr., Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Megan Gaesser
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 926 W Campus Dr., Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Nathan Ferguson
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 926 W Campus Dr., Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA; Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Cheatham Hall, RM 101 (MC0321) 310 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
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6
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Feizi F, Akhbarizadeh R, Hamidian AH. Microplastics in urban water systems, Tehran Metropolitan, Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:643. [PMID: 38904869 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12815-8] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Urban water systems are potential sources of secondary microplastics (MPs) as well as a distributor of MPs in the environment. In the present study, the presence of MPs in the urban water systems of the Tehran Metropolitan (Capital of Iran) was investigated. In addition, the probable relationship of MPs with different land uses (i.e., residential-commercial, forest, military, and highway) was assessed. The results showed that all parts of Tehran's urban water system in the study area were contaminated with MPs (107.1 ± 39, 37.8 ± 10.5, 48.3 ± 3.1, 46.9 ± 5.6, 59.4 ± 26.5, 1.7, 2.0 ± 0.6, 7.9 ± 1, 1.8 ± 0.2 particles/liter at the residential, integrated, military, forest, highway runoffs, drinking water, groundwater, seasonal river, and the effluent of the wastewater treatment plants; respectively). However, significant differences were found between different land uses. As expected, the residential runoff had the highest rate of MPs pollution, with 107.1 ± 39 particles/liter. According to the obtained results and our estimation, more than five million MPs/day can enter into the water bodies and soil of the study area through the wastewater treatment plants. While there are significant differences in MPs in the different land uses, our findings suggest that residential areas and highways need further attention in controlling the spread of MPs in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Feizi
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4314, Karaj, 31587-77878, Iran
| | | | - Amir Hossein Hamidian
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4314, Karaj, 31587-77878, Iran.
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7
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Li N, Wang X, Li X, Yi S, Guo Y, Wu N, Lin H, Zhong B, Wu WM, He Y. Anthropogenic and biological activities elevate microplastics pollution in headwater ecosystem of Yangtze tributaries in Hindu Kush-Himalayan region. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134395. [PMID: 38663293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134395] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is widely spread in oceans, freshwater, and terrestrial environments but MPs in mountainous headwater ecosystem are rarely reported. This study focuses on the headwater of Yangtze tributaries of the Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region. Five streams at elevations of 900 to 3300 m were selected to investigate the distribution of MPs in water and sediments across altitudes. MPs were found in all water and sediment samples from top stream zone nearly in absence of anthropogenic activity, low anthropogenic zone, and high anthropogenic zone, increased from 12-54, 81-185 to 334-847 items/L, and 2-35, 26-84 to 124-428 items/kg, respectively. This elevation-dependent MP distribution indicated that as elevation decreased, anthropogenic activities intensified and increased MPs input and their abundance, size, and diversity. Notably, hydraulic projects, such as damming, were identified as potential barriers to the migration of MPs downstream. Microbiome analyses revealed the presence of bacterial genes associated with plastic biodegradation in all sediment samples. The study indicates that Shangri-la mountainous streams have been polluted with MPs for years with potential risk of generation of nano-sized particles via natural fragmentation and biodegradation, and thus raises concern on MPs pollution in headwaters streams in mountainous regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naying Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bio-resources Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; School of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 400047, China
| | - Xianxiang Li
- School of Geography and Tourism, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 400047, China
| | - Shaoliang Yi
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, GPO Box, Kathmandu 3226, Nepal
| | - Yun Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bio-resources Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ning Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bio-resources Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, GPO Box, Kathmandu 3226, Nepal
| | - Honghui Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Bo Zhong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bio-resources Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Wei-Min Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, William & Cloy Codiga Resource Recovery Research Center, Center for Sustainable Development & Global Competitiveness, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-4020, United States.
| | - Yixin He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bio-resources Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Islam ARMT, Hasan M, Sadia MR, Mubin AN, Ali MM, Senapathi V, Idris AM, Malafaia G. Unveiling microplastics pollution in a subtropical rural recreational lake: A novel insight. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118543. [PMID: 38417661 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118543] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
While global attention has been primarily focused on the occurrence and persistence of microplastics (MP) in urban lakes, relatively little attention has been paid to the problem of MP pollution in rural recreational lakes. This pioneering study aims to shed light on MP size, composition, abundance, spatial distribution, and contributing factors in a rural recreational lake, 'Nikli Lake' in Kishoreganj, Bangladesh. Using density separation, MPs were extracted from 30 water and 30 sediment samples taken from ten different locations in the lake. Subsequent characterization was carried out using a combination of techniques, including a stereomicroscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The results showed a significant prevalence of MPs in all samples, with an average amount of 109.667 ± 10.892 pieces/kg3 (dw) in the sediment and 98.167 ± 12.849 pieces/m3 in the water. Small MPs (<0.5 mm), fragments and transparent colored particles formed the majority, accounting for 80.2%, 64.5% and 55.3% in water and 78.9%, 66.4% and 64.3% in sediment, respectively. In line with global trends, polypropylene (PP) (53%) and polyethylene (PE) (43%) emerged as the predominant polymers within the MPs. MP contents in water and sediment showed positive correlations with outflow, while they correlated negatively with inflow and lake depth (p > 0.05). Local activities such as the discharge of domestic sewage, fishing waste and agricultural runoff significantly influence the distribution of polypropylene. Assessment of pollution factor, pollution risk index and pollution load index values at the sampling sites confirmed the presence of MPs, with values above 1. This study is a baseline database that provides a comprehensive understanding of MP pollution in the freshwater ecosystem of Bangladesh, particularly in a rural recreational lake. A crucial next step is to explore ecotoxicological mechanisms, legislative measures and future research challenges triggered by MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh; Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh.
| | - Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh.
| | - Moriom Rahman Sadia
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh.
| | - Al-Nure Mubin
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh.
| | - Mir Mohammad Ali
- Department of Aquaculture, Sher - e - Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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9
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Li NY, Zhong B, Guo Y, Li XX, Yang Z, He YX. Non-negligible impact of microplastics on wetland ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171252. [PMID: 38423326 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171252] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
There has been much concern about microplastic (MP) pollution in marine and soil environments, but attention is gradually shifting towards wetland ecosystems, which are a transitional zone between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This paper comprehensively reviews the sources of MPs in wetland ecosystems, as well as their occurrence characteristics, factors influencing their migration, and their effects on animals, plants, microorganisms, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It was found that MPs in wetland ecosystems originate mainly from anthropogenic sources (sewage discharge, and agricultural and industrial production) and natural sources (rainfall-runoff, atmospheric deposition, and tidal effects). The most common types and forms of MPs identified in the literature were polyethylene and polypropylene, fibers, and fragments. The migration of MPs in wetlands is influenced by both non-biological factors (the physicochemical properties of MPs, sediment characteristics, and hydrodynamic conditions) and biological factors (the adsorption and growth interception by plant roots, ingestion, and animal excretion). Furthermore, once MPs enter wetland ecosystems, they can impact the resident microorganisms, animals, and plants. They also have a role in global warming because MPs act as unique exogenous carbon sources, and can also influence GHG emissions in wetland ecosystems by affecting the microbial community structure in wetland sediments and abundance of genes associated with GHG emissions. However, further investigation is needed into the influence of MP type, size, and concentration on the GHG emissions in wetlands and the underlying mechanisms. Overall, the accumulation of MPs in wetland ecosystems can have far-reaching consequences for the local ecosystem, human health, and global climate regulation. Understanding the effects of MPs on wetland ecosystems is essential for developing effective management and mitigation strategies to safeguard these valuable and vulnerable environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Ying Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; School of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Bo Zhong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yun Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Xian-Xiang Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; School of Geography and Tourism, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 400047, China
| | - Zao Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yi-Xin He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
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10
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Iannuzzi Z, Mourier B, Winiarski T, Lipeme-Kouyi G, Polomé P, Bayard R. Contribution of different land use catchments on the microplastic pollution in detention basin sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123882. [PMID: 38548157 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123882] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The assessment of microplastic (MP) pollution in urban areas is essential considering its abundance in freshwater, particularly due to urban wet weather discharge. The precise sources of MPs must be identified to better understand its characteristics. This study examines the relationship between MP pollution in detention basin sediments and land use in the investigated catchments. The study of stormwater management infrastructure, mainly in detention basins, has enabled the quantification of MP abundance in sediments conveyed by stormwater in urban areas. Sediment sampling was conducted in ten detention basins and one combined sewer overflow (CSO) structure in the Lyon metropolitan area, France. These basins correspond to stormwater outlets of representative urban catchment areas. MP extraction involves densimetric separation and organic matter degradation. MPs were then characterized using micro-Fourier infrared spectroscopy and siMPle software. This protocol identified MPs between 50 and 500 μm in the study sites. This study highlights the high abundance in the collected sediment samples, ranging from 2,525 to 1,218,82 MP kg-1 by dry weight sediment. The MPs found have a median size around 115 μm, making them very small MPs that are mainly composed of polypropylene followed by polyethylene and polystyrene or polyethylene terephthalate. The abundance of MPs in sediments is associated with the land use type. Catchments in predominantly industrial and commercial zones were more significantly polluted with MPs compared with those in predominantly agricultural or heterogeneous zones. Finally, statistical analyses revealed links between sedimentary and urban parameters and MPs concentrations. Several recommendations are given for future research, notably concerning the analyzing of stormwater sediments to understand the sources of MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoé Iannuzzi
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69518, Vaulx-en-Velin, France; INSA Lyon, DEEP, EA 7429, 69621, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Brice Mourier
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69518, Vaulx-en-Velin, France.
| | - Thierry Winiarski
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69518, Vaulx-en-Velin, France
| | | | - Philippe Polomé
- Univ Lyon, Université Lumière Lyon 2, GATE UMR 5824, F-69130, Ecully, France
| | - Rémy Bayard
- INSA Lyon, DEEP, EA 7429, 69621, Villeurbanne, France
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11
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He Y, Lu J, Li C, Wang X, Jiang C, Zhu L, Bu X, Jabeen K, Vo TT, Li D. From pollution to solutions: Insights into the sources, transport and management of plastic debris in pristine and urban rivers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 245:118024. [PMID: 38151151 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.118024] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
River systems are important recipients of environmental plastic pollution and have become key pathways for the transfer of mismanaged waste from the land to the ocean. Understanding the sources and fate of plastic debris, including plastic litter (>5 mm) and microplastics (MPs) (<5 mm), entering different riverine systems is essential to mitigate the ongoing environmental plastic pollution crisis. We comprehensively investigated the plastic pollution in the catchments of two rivers in the Yangtze River basin: an urban river, the Suzhou section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal (SZ); and a pristine rural river, the Jingmen section of the Hanjiang River (JM). The abundance of plastic pollutants in SZ was significantly higher than in JM: 0.430 ± 0.450 items/m3 and 0.003 ± 0.003 items/m3 of plastic litter in the water; 23.47 ± 25.53 n/m3 and 2.78 ± 1.55 n/m3 MPs in the water; and 218.82 ± 77.40 items/kg and 5.30 ± 1.99 items/kg of MPs in the sediment, respectively. Plastic litter and MPs were closely correlated in abundance and polymer composition. Overall, the polymer type, shape and color of MPs were dominant by polypropylene (42.5%), fragment (60.4%) and transparent (40.0%), respectively. Source tracing analysis revealed that packaging, shipping, and wastewater were the primary sources of plastic pollutants. The mantel analysis indicated that socio-economic and geospatial factors play crucial roles in driving the hotspot formation of plastic pollution in river networks. The composition of the MP communities differed significantly between the sediments and the overlying water. The urban riverbed sediments had a more pronounced pollutant 'sink' effect compared with the pristine rivers. These findings suggested that the modification of natural streams during urbanization may influence the transport and fate of plastic pollutants in them. Our results offer pivotal insights into effective preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinan He
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Region Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 200241, China
| | - Jungang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Region Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 200241, China
| | - Changjun Li
- Ocean School, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Region Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 200241, China
| | - Chunhua Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Region Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 200241, China
| | - Lixin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Region Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 200241, China
| | - Xinyu Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Region Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 200241, China
| | - Khalida Jabeen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Region Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 200241, China
| | - TuanLinh Tran Vo
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Region Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 200241, China; Institute of Oceanography, Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 1 Cau Da Street, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa 650000, Viet Nam
| | - Daoji Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Region Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 200241, China.
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12
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Akca MO, Gündoğdu S, Akca H, Delialioğlu RA, Aksit C, Turgay OC, Harada N. An evaluation on microplastic accumulations in Turkish soils under different land uses. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 911:168609. [PMID: 37984660 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is now widely reported in soil ecosystems. However, the level of this pollution in soil ecosystems has not been sufficiently elucidated. Moreover, there is little understanding of how land use conditions affect the occurrence and distribution of MPs in soils. Therefore, this study examined 55 soil samples (44 agricultural and 11 urban) from the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Marmara regions of Türkiye, representing both agricultural and urban land uses. The samples were analyzed for MP distribution characteristics, such as abundance, shape, size, color, and type. Different types of MPs were detected in the soil samples, and their averages in agricultural and urban soils were 192.7 ± 14.2 and 127.3 ± 21.6 particles kg-1, respectively. MP abundance in the soil exhibited variations between different land uses, with agricultural areas showing higher levels compared to urban areas. In agricultural soils, MPs were predominantly blue-colored (44.6 %), in the form of fibers (74.9 %), smaller than 1000 μm (66.1 %), and primarily constituted polyethylene (90.8 %). In urban areas, MPs were also blue-colored (54.7 %), had a fiber shape (64.2 %), smaller than 1000 μm (70.6 %), and mostly belonged to the polyethylene category (78.5 %). A significant difference in MP concentrations was observed between agricultural and urban areas, reflecting the influence of distinct land uses on MP levels. Moreover, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that soil properties, including pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, aggregate stability, average weight diameter, sand, clay, and silt, emerged as the primary determinants influencing the abundance and size of MPs within the soil. These findings contribute valuable insights into the origins of soil MPs and the intricate connections between MPs and varying soil characteristics across diverse land use categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhittin Onur Akca
- Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 06110 Ankara, Türkiye; Institute of Science and Technology, Niigata University, 950-2181 Niigata, Japan.
| | - Sedat Gündoğdu
- Çukurova University, Faculty of Fisheries, Department of Basic Sciences, 01330 Adana, Türkiye
| | - Hanife Akca
- Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 06110 Ankara, Türkiye; Institute of Science and Technology, Niigata University, 950-2181 Niigata, Japan
| | | | - Cenk Aksit
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry General Directorate of Agricultural Research And Policies, 06800 Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Oguz Can Turgay
- Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 06110 Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Naoki Harada
- Institute of Science and Technology, Niigata University, 950-2181 Niigata, Japan
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13
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Liu S, Li Y, Wang F, Gu X, Li Y, Liu Q, Li L, Bai F. Temporal and spatial variation of microplastics in the urban rivers of Harbin. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 910:168373. [PMID: 37951265 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
This study was to investigate temporal and spatial variation of microplastics in surface water and sediment in the urban rivers of Harbin during dry and wet season. Water samples (n = 25) in Xinyi River (n = 13) and Ashe River (n = 12) were collected from the selected sampling points. Microplastics in urban rivers in Harbin included polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The results show that urban rivers in Harbin had relatively mild microplastic abundance with most fragments in shape and colorless in color. PP and PE were the major polymers in surface water samples, while PVC and PET were the major polymers in sediment, which were dominated by large-size and granulate shape microplastics. Source apportionment demonstrate that the main sources of microplastics in Xinyi River and Ashe River during dry season were domestic wastewater and effluent from rainfall, while the main sources of microplastics in Xinyi River and Ashe River during wet season were wastewater, atmospheric sedimentation, and agricultural source. The morphology of microplastics in surface water and sediment in urban rivers of Harbin was negatively correlated with water velocity and positively correlated with the concentration of suspended matter, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity. Riparian vegetation on the sides of Xinyi and Ashe River decreased migration process of microplastics by vegetal purification and then resulted in low abundance of microplastics. In conclusion, this study highlighted the occurrence characteristics, source apportionment and environmental influencing factors of microplastics in urban rivers of Harbin, which may develop new insights into the reduction of abundance of microplastics in the urban rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Liu
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Yundong Li
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Feiyu Wang
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Xueqian Gu
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Yuxiang Li
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Qi Liu
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Lipin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150096, China.
| | - Fuliang Bai
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
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14
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Gupta P, Saha M, Suneel V, Rathore C, Chndrasekhararao AV, Gupta GVM, Junaid CK. Microplastics in the sediments along the eastern Arabian Sea shelf: Distribution, governing factors and risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 910:168629. [PMID: 37977402 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite the omnipresence of microplastics (MPs), the studies around the western continental shelf of Indian Ocean (Eastern Arabian Sea-EAS) are uncovered and understudied. Thus, the present study was focused to understand the spatial distribution, characterization and risk assessment of MPs in sediment across seven coastal transects (10 to 50 m) all along the EAS shelf. The highest MPs concentration (MPs/kg d.w.) was detected in the northern EAS (NEAS; 2260 ± 1050) followed by central (CEAS; 1550 ± 1012) and southern (SEAS; 1300 ± 513) shelves. Among all distinct locations, the highest concentration of MPs (2500 ± 1042) was detected in the north coastal sediments off Mumbai, followed by off Mangalore (1480 ± 1169) in the center and off Kochi (1350 ± 212) in the south. MPs were found in the form of fibres, fragments and films with a predominance of fibres (~70-80 %). Approximately 74.6 % of the total MPs were in the size range of 300 μm to 5 mm. The surface of detected MPs was rough, irregular, and mechanical weathering features such as pits, grooves also observed and spotted with bacterial community structures. Polypropylene (PP; 34 %), polyisoprene (PIP; 19 %), butyl rubber (18 %), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE; 13 %) were dominant polymers. The pollution load index highlighted minor risk while the polymer hazard index exhibited a hazard level of V. Litter discharge, fishing activities, and active marine navigation are among the many high-risk sources of plastic contamination in this region. Due to the prevailing winds, currents, low sea surface height, and high precipitation, the conditions in the EAS are favorable for the accumulation of both sea-based and land-based particles. Hence, this study provides novel insights into the potential risks posed by MP to the IO rim and associated marine ecosystem which will enhance our knowledge of the ecological implications and consequences of MP pollution, ultimately aiding in developing effective management and mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyansha Gupta
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Mahua Saha
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - V Suneel
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Chayanika Rathore
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | | | - G V M Gupta
- Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology, Puthuvype, Kochi 682508, India
| | - C K Junaid
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India
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15
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Tan Y, Dai J, Xiao S, Tang Z, Zhang J, Wu S, Wu X, Deng Y. Occurrence of microplastic pollution in rivers globally: Driving factors of distribution and ecological risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:165979. [PMID: 37543313 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165979] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics, as global emerging pollutants, have received significant attention worldwide due to their ubiquitous presence in the rivers. However, there is still a lack of clarity on the occurrence, driving factors, and ecological risks of microplastics in rivers worldwide. In this study, a global microplastic dataset based on 862 water samples and 445 sediment samples obtained from 63 articles was constructed, which revealed the temporal and spatial distribution of abundance and morphological characteristics of microplastics in rivers across the globe. In global rivers, the abundance of MPs in both water and sediment spans across 10 and 4 orders of magnitude, respectively. The MP comprehensive diversity index based on the physical morphological characteristics of MPs indicated a significant positive correlation between the pollution sources of MPs in different environmental media. Based on the data was aligned to the full-scale MPs, a novel framework was provided to evaluate the ecological risk of MPs and the interaction effects between the influencing factors driving the distribution characteristics of MPs in rivers around the world. The results obtained demonstrated a wide variation in the key driving factors affecting the distribution of microplastics in different environmental media (water and sediment) in rivers globally. The diversity indices of the morphological characteristics of MPs in densely populated areas of lower-middle income countries in Asia were significantly higher, implying that the sources of microplastics in these regions are more complex and extensive. More than half of the rivers are exposed to potential ecological risks of MPs; however, microplastics may pose only immediate risks to aquatic species in Burigang River, Bangladesh. This can provide valuable insights for formulating more effective scientific strategies for the management of MP pollution in rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Tan
- College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625000, China; State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China; State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jiangyu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Shuwen Xiao
- College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625000, China
| | - Zhiqiang Tang
- College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625000, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Shiqiang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xiufeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yu Deng
- College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625000, China.
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16
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Duong TT, Nguyen-Thuy D, Phuong NN, Ngo HM, Doan TO, Le TPQ, Bui HM, Nguyen-Van H, Nguyen-Dinh T, Nguyen TAN, Cao TTN, Pham TMH, Hoang THT, Gasperi J, Strady E. Microplastics in sediments from urban and suburban rivers: Influence of sediment properties. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166330. [PMID: 37591389 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Although sediments are considered to be a major sink for microplastics (MP), there is still a relative lack of knowledge on the factors that influence the occurrence and abundance of MP in riverine sediments. The present study investigated the occurrence and distribution of MP in riverine sediments collected at twelve sites representative of different populated and urbanized rivers (To Lich, Nhue and Day Rivers) located in the Red River Delta (RRD, Vietnam, during dry and rainy seasons. MP concentrations ranged from 1600 items kg-1 dw to 94,300 items kg-1dw. Fiber shape dominated and MP were made of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) predominantly. An absence of seasonal effect was observed for both fragments and fibers for each rivers. Decreasing MP concentrations trend was evidenced from the To Lich River, to the Nhue River and to the Day River, coupled with a decreasing fiber length and an increasing fragment area in the surface sediment from upstream to downstream. Content of organic matter was correlated to MP concentrations suggesting that, high levels of organic matter could be MP hotspots in urban rivers. Also, high population density as well as in highly residential areas are related to higher MP concentrations in sediments. Finally, a MP high ecological risk (RI: 866 to 4711) was calculated in the RDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Thuy Duong
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
| | - Duong Nguyen-Thuy
- University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Ngoc Nam Phuong
- PhuTho College of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2201 Hung Vuong Boulevard, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho Province, Viet Nam; GERS-LEE Université Gustave Eiffel, IFSTTAR, F44344 Bouguenais, France
| | - Ha My Ngo
- University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Thi Oanh Doan
- Faculty of Environment, Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, No 41A, Phu Dien Street, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Thi Phuong Quynh Le
- Institute of Natural Product Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Ha Manh Bui
- Faculty of Environment, Saigon University, 273 An Duong Vuong St., District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Huong Nguyen-Van
- University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Thai Nguyen-Dinh
- University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Thi Anh Nguyet Nguyen
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Thi Thanh Nga Cao
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Institute of Human Geography - Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, 1 Lieu Giai Street Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Thi Minh Hanh Pham
- Institute of Mechanics, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 264 Doi Can, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Thu-Huong Thi Hoang
- Hanoi University of Science and Technology, No 1 Dai Co Viet Street, Hanoi, Viet Nam; School of Chemistry and Life Science, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, No 1 Dai Co Viet Street, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Johnny Gasperi
- GERS-LEE Université Gustave Eiffel, IFSTTAR, F44344 Bouguenais, France
| | - Emilie Strady
- Aix-Marseille Univ., Toulon University, CNRS, IRD, MIO, UM 110, Marseille, France
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17
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Xia F, Tan Q, Qin H, Wang D, Cai Y, Zhang J. Sequestration and export of microplastics in urban river sediments. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 181:108265. [PMID: 37866239 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
In rivers, riverbeds are considered to have dual properties as a short-term sink and a source of further mobilization for microplastics. To better understand the sources, storage, and fate of microplastics in river systems, this study quantified the formation of microplastic hotspots in riverbeds and seasonal variations in microplastic inventories in riverbeds, especially for small-sized microplastics (<330 µm), with a fluorescence-based protocol. This study provides first-hand measured evidence for the sequestration of microplastics in the riverbed under low-flow conditions and its export from the riverbed under high-flow conditions. The results show that riverbeds in urban areas are still hotspots for microplastic pollution and that high inputs of urban microplastics control microplastic load in its downstream areas. Seasonal rainfall exported 34.86 % (equivalent to 4.34 × 1011 items/8.57 t) of microplastic pollution from the riverbed, and its removal capacity may be related to the rainfall intensity. Wider riverbeds are conducive to the formation of microplastic hotspots due to the flow slow down. Most importantly, rainfall-driven scouring of the riverbed can enhance the pollution of small-sized microplastics in the riverbed, especially the smallest-size microplastics (<100 µm). Therefore, this study not only contributes reliable information about the sequestration and export of microplastics in the riverbed, but also provides a possible mechanism to explain the lack of small-sized microplastics (<330 µm) in the ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyang Xia
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watershed, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Qian Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watershed, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Haiguang Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watershed, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Dunqiu Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Yanpeng Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watershed, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China.
| | - Jun Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China.
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18
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Islam MS, Karim MR, Islam MT, Oishi HT, Tasnim Z, Das H, Kabir AHME, Sekine M. Abundance, characteristics, and ecological risks of microplastics in the riverbed sediments around Dhaka city. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 877:162866. [PMID: 36924967 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has become an escalating problem in Bangladesh due to its rapid urbanization, economic growth, and excessive use of plastics; however, data on MP pollution from fresh water resources in this country are limited. This study investigated microplastics pollution in riverbed sediments in the peripheral rivers of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected from the selected stations of the Buriganga, Turag, and Balu Rivers. Density separation and wet-peroxidation methods were employed to extract MP particles. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify the polymers. The results indicated a medium-level abundance of MPs in riverbed sediment in comparison with the findings of other studies in freshwater sediments worldwide. Film shape, white and transparent color, and large-size (1-5 mm) MPs were dominant in the riverbed sediment. The most abundant polymers were polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Pollution load index (PLI) values greater than 1 were observed, indicating that all sampling sites were polluted with MPs. An assessment of ecological risks, using the abundance, polymer types, and toxicity of MPs in the sediment samples, suggested a medium to very high ecological risk of MP pollution of the rivers. The increased abundance of MPs and the presence of highly hazardous polymers, namely; polyurethane, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyvinyl chloride, epoxy resin, and polyphenylene sulfide, were associated with higher ecological risks. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated that the MPs were subjected to weathering actions, reducing the size of MPs, which caused additional potential ecological hazards in these river ecosystems. This investigation provides baseline information on MP pollution in riverine freshwater ecosystems for further in-depth studies of risk assessment and developing strategies for controlling MP pollution in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Gazipur 1704, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Rezaul Karim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Gazipur 1704, Bangladesh
| | - Md Tanvirul Islam
- Wadsworth Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, West Virginia University, USA
| | - Humaira Tasnim Oishi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Gazipur 1704, Bangladesh
| | - Zarin Tasnim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Gazipur 1704, Bangladesh
| | - Harinarayan Das
- Materials Science Division, Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - A H M Enamul Kabir
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Yamaguchi University, Tokiwadai, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Masahiko Sekine
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Yamaguchi University, Tokiwadai, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
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19
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Park S, Kim I, Jeon WH, Moon HS. Exploring the vertical transport of microplastics in subsurface environments: Lab-scale experiments and field evidence. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2023; 257:104215. [PMID: 37348415 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2023.104215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) defined as smaller 5 mm plastic particles have received increasing attention due to their global occurrence and potential toxicity. This study investigated the effects of environmental factors (rainfall intensity, 13 and 29 mm/h) and MP characteristics (morphology (fiber, flake, and film), polymer type (polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS)) and size (100-300, 300-500, and 500-1000 μm)) on the vertical transport of MP in unsaturated soil conditions using lab-scale column experiments. Additionally, the occurrence and characteristics of MP detected in soil/sediment (total 13 samples) and groundwater samples (total 6 samples) were explored in the field study. Laboratory-scale column experiments revealed that heavy rainfall intensity (29 mm/h) increased the degree of MP vertical transport in unsaturated soil conditions and MP fibers showed the greatest vertical mobility among the various morphologies of MPs assessed. For the polymer type and size, the lighter PP polymer or the larger size of MP (500-1000 μm) showed higher mobility. In the field study, a statistical difference in MP abundance was observed depending on the population density and degree of urban development in both soil and groundwater samples. Comparing to the two different types of environmental media samples obtained from the same site, there was a significant difference in the composition of polymer types present while statistically no difference in MP abundance was observed between the two media samples (i.e., soil or sediment and groundwater). In addition, MP fibers and polyethylene (PE) were predominantly detected in our two study areas. These results suggest that various types of MP can pass through the unsaturated zone by water infiltration, even if it takes a long time to reach groundwater. Overall, we found that the degree of vertical transport of the MPs was highly sensitive to environmental conditions and MP characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saerom Park
- Department of Environmental Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT), Gyeonggi-do 10223, Republic of Korea
| | - Ilho Kim
- Department of Environmental Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT), Gyeonggi-do 10223, Republic of Korea; Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Hyun Jeon
- Groundwater Environment Research Center, Climate Change Response Division, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM), Daejeon 34132, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Sun Moon
- Groundwater Environment Research Center, Climate Change Response Division, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM), Daejeon 34132, Republic of Korea; Geological Science, University of Science Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
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20
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Ta AT, Babel S. Occurrence and spatial distribution of microplastic contaminated with heavy metals in a tropical river: Effect of land use and population density. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 191:114919. [PMID: 37060892 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are of concern due to their potential environmental risks. This research aims to find the effect of land use (agriculture, urban, and aquaculture) and population density on the abundance of microplastics contaminated with heavy metals in surface water and sediment of the Chao Phraya River in Thailand. Results indicated that population density is directly correlated with increased microplastic abundance. Most microplastics were found in the urban zone (water: 80 ± 38 items/m3 and sediment: 62 ± 11 items/kg) and were small fragments (0.05 to 0.3 mm). Polymer types of polypropylene and polyethylene were commonly found. Heavy metals of Cr, Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Ti were detected in microplastics in water and sediment, with Cu, Pb, and Zn being the most dominant. Heavy metals in microplastics were highest in the agriculture zone. In general, the presence of metals on microplastics may potentially impact the ecosystem and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh Tuan Ta
- School of Biochemical Engineering and Technology, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, P.O. Box 22, Pathum Thani 12121, Thailand
| | - Sandhya Babel
- School of Biochemical Engineering and Technology, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, P.O. Box 22, Pathum Thani 12121, Thailand.
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21
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Hoshyari E, Hassanzadeh N, Keshavarzi B, Jaafarzadeh N, Rezaei M. Characterization of microplastic, metals associated and ecological risk assessment in the topsoil of shiraz metropolis, south west of Iran. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 335:139060. [PMID: 37257658 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This research studied the occurrence, risk assessment and metals associated with microplastic (MPs) in soil of different land-use types in the south west of Iran. One hundred samples were collected from topsoil and MPs were extracted using the floatation method. In total, 9258 MPs particles with mean of 92.85 ± 119.24 particles kg-1 were counted. The mean MPs abundance in urban soils was 2.8 and 3.2 times higher than in industrial and agricultural soils, respectively. Fragment (43%) and small MPs (100-250 μm; 41%), were the dominant shape and size, respectively. Four main polymer types including Poly Ethylene (High Density Poly Ethylene and Low Density Poly Ethylene), Nylon (PA), Poly Propylene (PP), and Poly Styrene (PS) were identified. Nylon (29%) and PE (29%) were dominant polymer types. MPs particles in soil contained different levels of metals such as Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, Zn, and Y, except La and Yb. The mean concentrations of metals were higher in MPs than in soil. The indices of MPs-induced risk (Hstudyarea=16.8) showed a hazard level (III) in the study area. Pollution load index (PLILandusetype) showed hazard level (II) for urban soils and hazard level (I) for industrial and agriculture soils, respectively. Overall, risk index indicated high to extreme danger for MPs pollution in the study area. This is the comprehensive study on the occurrence of soil MPs and associated metals, which provides basic information for a further study concerning ecosystem health in Shiraz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Hoshyari
- Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Faculty of Natural Resource and Environmental, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran.
| | - Nasrin Hassanzadeh
- Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Faculty of Natural Resource and Environmental, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran.
| | - Behnam Keshavarzi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Nematollah Jaafarzadeh
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Mahrooz Rezaei
- Meteorology and Air Quality Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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22
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Amini-Birami F, Keshavarzi B, Esmaeili HR, Moore F, Busquets R, Saemi-Komsari M, Zarei M, Zarandian A. Microplastics in aquatic species of Anzali wetland: An important freshwater biodiversity hotspot in Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 330:121762. [PMID: 37142206 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Coastal wetlands are sensitive ecosystems that give habitat to large number of species. The extent of the impact of microplastic pollution in the aquatic system and humans is not known. In this study, the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) was assessed in 7 aquatic species from the Anzali Wetland (40 fish and 15 shrimp specimens), a listed wetland on the Montreux record. Specifically, the tissues analyzed were gastrointestinal (GI) tract, gills, skin, and muscles. The total frequency of MPs (all detected MPs in the GI tract, gill and skin samples) varied from 5.2 ± 4.2 MPs/specimen for Cobitis saniae to 20.8 ± 6.7 MPs/specimen for Abramis brama. Among all tissues studied, the GI tract of the Chelon saliens, a herbivorous demersal species, had the greatest level of MPs (13.6 ± 10 MPs/specimen). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between the abundance of MPs in different species, tissues, living domains and feeding habit types. The findings support that fish may uptake MPs through adherence in gills (respiration) in addition to ingestion. White/transparent and black/grey polyamide (PA) fibers were the most common type of MP which may be originated from municipal wastewater and intensive fishing activities. About 34% of the MPs were in the range of 250 μm-500 μm, and those >100 μm were not detected in muscles from the study fish. All species had unhealthy weight according to the Fulton's condition index (K). Positive relationships existed between biometric properties (total length and weight) of species and the total frequency of uptaken MPs, pointing to detrimental impact of MPs in the wetland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farideh Amini-Birami
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Behnam Keshavarzi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran; Department of Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Hamid Reza Esmaeili
- Ichthyology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory, Zoology Section, Biology Department, School of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farid Moore
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Rosa Busquets
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Maryam Saemi-Komsari
- Ichthyology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory, Zoology Section, Biology Department, School of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Zarei
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ardavan Zarandian
- Research Center for Environment and Sustainable Development, RCESD, Department of Environment, Tehran, Iran
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23
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Feng S, Lu H, Xue Y, Yan P, Sun T. Fate, transport, and source of microplastics in the headwaters of the Yangtze River on the Tibetan Plateau. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 455:131526. [PMID: 37167873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the Yangtze River have been drawn increasing attention recently with most merely concentrating on the plain area. This research focuses on the source area of the Yangtze River on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), revealing the occurrence, drivers, sources, and exposure risks of riverine MPs in the Jinsha River (JSR) basin. The results showed that average MP abundances determined were higher in the tributaries than in the of mainstreams. According to the correlation analysis, MP abundance was consistently negatively related to pH and altitude both in water and sediment. However, MPs in two media showed a contrary relationship with river width, which could be explained by the special terrain of plateau rivers and hydrological conditions. After the tributary river flow into the mainstream, the concentration of MPs in the mainstream near the tributary side were significantly lower than that before confluence temporarily. Based on the conditional fragmentation-based model, the cumulative λ value of fibers in surface water along the river divided the JSR into three stages (upstream, midstream, and downstream). Under certain assumptions, the proportions of MPs sourced from three stages were eventually revealed, respectively. This is conducive to better understanding the plateau environmental impacts of MP distribution in the large river.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sansan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Process, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hongwei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Process, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yuxuan Xue
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Process, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Pengdong Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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24
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Xue W, Maung GYT, Otiti J, Tabucanon AS. Land use-based characterization and source apportionment of microplastics in urban storm runoffs in a tropical region. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 329:121698. [PMID: 37088252 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Urban stormwater runoff has been suggested as one important land-based pathway of microplastics (MPs) entering the oceans, in which the abundance and characteristics of MPs may be influenced by urban land use types. However, little information has been reported regarding this, especially in the tropical monsoon region. This study first reports the MPs in urban stormwater runoffs in a tropical monsoon region that were collected from four typical urban land use types, including industrial, highways, commercial, and residential areas. The average MP particle count and mass concentration were measured as 4.7 ± 3.5 particles/L and 3.8 ± 2.9 mg/L, respectively. MP abundances showed clear urban land use gradients following the order of industrial > transportation > commercial > residential area. In terms of the seasonal variation in MP abundances, a slightly increasing particle count in the dry season was noted for the residential site. Source apportionment of MPs in stormwater runoffs was demonstrated based on the land use type, particle morphology, and chemical compositions. With the simple apportionment approach, approximately 85% of the MP sources were able to be identified in the industrial, transportation, and residential sites. However, the commercial site showed high variability in terms of the morphology and polymer type of MPs. Furthermore, significantly positive correlations between MP abundance and runoff turbidity, TSS, COD, and rainfall intensity were identified, while, no significant correlation was found between MP characteristics and selected water quality/meteorological parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Xue
- Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand.
| | - Gone Yi Thaw Maung
- Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Jerome Otiti
- Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand
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25
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Wang TT, Tang WQ, Wu DH, Yu XR, Wang GY, Cai XW, Shao S, Wang S, Mo L, Liu YS, Ying GG, Chen ZB. Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in the Wanquan River estuary, Hainan Island. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 189:114810. [PMID: 36924692 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As the nexus where rivers and oceans meet, estuaries are vulnerable to microplastic (MP) pollution derived from rivers. However, few studies have focused on the pollution status of MPs in small estuarine areas. Here, the abundance and characteristics of MPs in surface water and sediment samples from a small estuary, the Wanquan River estuary, were studied. The average abundance of MPs was 6573 ± 2659 n/m3 in surface water and 1065 ± 696 n/kg dw in sediment samples from the Wanquan River estuary. Most of the MPs in water samples and sediments were red (92.9 % and 88.1 %) fragments (87.4 % and 95.5 %) with sizes <1.0 mm (90.8 % and 92.4 %) made up of antifouling paint particles (APPs) (83.5 % and 89.8 %), respectively. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.01) was found between the concentration of Cu2+ and the abundance of APPs in sediment samples from the Wanquan River estuary. The APPs in the sediments can act as a continuous source of toxic chemicals (e.g., Cu2+) to marine environments. The results of this study expand our knowledge about MP pollution in small estuaries, and the ecological risk of APPs in the Wanquan River estuary to aquatic organisms should not be ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan-Tuan Wang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, China
| | - Wang-Qing Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Dong-Hai Wu
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, China
| | - Xin-Rui Yu
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Guang-Yu Wang
- Shanghai Ocean University, International Research Centre for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science & Technology, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xing-Wei Cai
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou 571126, China
| | - Shuai Shao
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, China
| | - Sai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Ling Mo
- Hainan Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Haikou 571126, China
| | - You-Sheng Liu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhong-Bing Chen
- Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Praha-Suchdol, Czech Republic.
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26
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Dos Santos NDO, Busquets R, Campos LC. Insights into the removal of microplastics and microfibres by Advanced Oxidation Processes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 861:160665. [PMID: 36473655 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Water treatment plants' effluents are hotspots of microplastics (MPs) and microfibres (MFs) released into the aquatic environment because they were not designed to capture these particles. Special attention should be given to MFs, since they mainly come from laundry and are related to one of the main MP shapes detected in water and wastewater treatment plants. In this sense, Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) could be a feasible solution for tackling MP and MF pollution, however, it is still premature to extract conclusions due to the limited number of studies on the degradation of these particles (specifically MFs) using AOPs. This review addresses the impacts of AOPs on MPs/MFs, focusing on their degradation efficiency, toxicity, and sustainability of the processes, among other aspects. The review points out that polyamide MFs can achieve mass loss >90% by photocatalytic system using TiO2. Also, the low oxidation of MPs (<30 %) by conventional Fenton process affects mainly the surface of the MPs. However, other Fenton-based processes can provide better removal of some types of MPs, mainly using temperatures >100 °C, reaction time ≥ 5 h, and initial pH ≤ 3, achieving MP weight loss up to 96 %. Despite these results, better operating conditions are still required for AOPs since the ones reported so far are not feasible for full-scale application. Additionally, ozonation in treatment plants has increased the fragmentation of MPs (including MFs), leading to a new generation of MPs. More attention is needed on toxicity effects of intermediates and methods of analysis employed for the analysis of MPs/MFs in wastewater effluent should be standardized so that studies can be compared effectively. Future research should focus on the sustainability of the AOP for MP removal in water treatment (power consumption, chemicals consumed and operational costs) for a better understanding of full-scale applicability of AOP adapted to MP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiara de Oliveira Dos Santos
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Rosa Busquets
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 2EE, United Kingdom
| | - Luiza C Campos
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
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27
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Leitão IA, van Schaik L, Ferreira AJD, Alexandre N, Geissen V. The spatial distribution of microplastics in topsoils of an urban environment - Coimbra city case-study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 218:114961. [PMID: 36495955 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Due to their seemingly ubiquitous nature and links to environmental and human health problems, microplastics are quickly becoming a major concern worldwide. Artificial environments, such as those found in urban environments, represent some of the main sources of microplastic. However, very few studies have focused on the occurrence of microplastics in urban soils. The aim of the current research was to evaluate the microplastic contamination in urban soils from artificial and natural land uses throughout Coimbra city, Portugal. Sixty-seven spaces and ten land use areas were evaluated. The artificial land use areas were dumps, landfills, parking lots, industries and construction areas, and the natural land use areas were forests, urban parks, moors (wetlands), pastures and urban agricultural areas. Microplastic extraction was done by density separation. Quantification and size measurements of microplastics was carried out using a microscope. Polymer types were identified by μ-FTIR for 25% of the samples. The microplastic content ranged from 5 × 103 to 571 × 103 particles·kg-1, with a mean of 106 × 103 particle·kg-1. The green park was the land use with the highest concentration of microplastics (158 × 103 particle·kg-1) and the forest was the one with the lowest concentration (55 × 103 particle·kg-1). The landfill (150 × 103 particle·kg-1), industry (127 × 103 particle·kg-1) and dump (126 × 103 particle·kg-1) were the artificial spaces with the highest levels of microplastics. The main polymers detected were polypropylene and polyethylene, followed by polyvinyl chloride and rubber, and the main sizes measured between 50 and 250 μm. Our results indicate that natural spaces can contain higher amounts of microplastics as compared to artificial spaces in the urban environment. This suggests that microplastics are easily transported through the urban landscape and that urban green spaces can retain microplastics in their soils. Land use planning may present an opportunity to better control the levels of microplastics in urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- I A Leitão
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group (SLM), Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, Netherlands; Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society (CERNAS), Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra, Bencanta, 3045-601, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - L van Schaik
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group (SLM), Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - A J D Ferreira
- Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society (CERNAS), Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra, Bencanta, 3045-601, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - N Alexandre
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group (SLM), Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - V Geissen
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group (SLM), Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, Netherlands
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28
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Ashjar N, Keshavarzi B, Moore F, Zarei M, Busquets R, Zebarjad SM, Mohammadi Z. Microplastics (MPs) distribution in Surface Sediments of the Freidounkenar Paddy Wetland. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 317:120799. [PMID: 36462675 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120799] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to increase knowledge on the distribution of microplastics (MPs) in wetlands because these are sites of special ecological value and the ever-growing use of plastic can threaten such fragile ecosystems. This research assesses, for the first time, the occurrence of MPs in surface sediment of the Freidounkenar International Wetland (Northern Iran), a valuable habitat for migratory birds. A total of 1368 MP/kg were identified in the surface sediments of the wetland. The distribution of MPs in sediments per area was Ezbaran (36.5%), Western Sorkhrood (32.0%), Freidounkenar (20.1%) and Eastern Sorkhrood Ab-bandans (11.4%). The most contaminated sites were located close to agricultural fields, Damgahs (agroecosystems for birds), fishing areas and roads. Fibers and white-transparent and black-grey MPs constituted the dominant MPs in the surface sediment. The most abundant MPs were < 250 μm and these were made of nylon, polypropylene-low density polyethylene copolymer, polystyrene, low density polyethylene and polypropylene. The identification of MPs was carried out visually and supported with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)-Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) and micro-Raman techniques. There were weathering signs in large proportion of the MPs, according to SEM analysis, which evidences their formation from the degradation of other plastics. This is a comprehensive study on MPs in surface sediment of this sensitive internationally recognized ecosystem with high ecological value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Ashjar
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Behnam Keshavarzi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Farid Moore
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Zarei
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Rosa Busquets
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Seyed Mojtaba Zebarjad
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zargham Mohammadi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran
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Alirezazadeh M, Nematollahi MJ, Keshavarzi B, Rezaei M, Moore F, Busquets R. Microplastics in Abiotic Compartments of a Hypersaline Lacustrine Ecosystem. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:19-32. [PMID: 36218167 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5497] [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: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The study of microplastics in inland water bodies has been growing recently, but there is still insufficient knowledge of the status of microplastics in lacustrine ecosystems, especially saline lakes. Studies have also been conducted on sediment, water, and biological compartments of lakes. In the present study, the status of microplastics in abiotic compartments of the saline Maharloo Lake (Iran) was evaluated for the first time and included surface sediment, lake salt, sludge, lake water, and wastewater. A total of 742 microplastics, mainly clear and fibrous, ranging from 50 to 250 µm in size and composed of polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate, were identified in 33 samples. Mean microplastic concentrations in solid samples were higher than in liquid ones, with the highest levels (51.7 microplastics kg-1 ) in sludge and the lowest levels in lake salt (10.4 microplastics kg-1 ). The highest microplastic levels were found in the northwest area of the lake, where wastewater effluents from urban, industrial, and agricultural activities discharge into the lake. Inter-relationship assessments of microplastics with hierarchical cluster analysis suggested that differences in the distribution of microplastics with different physical properties in Maharloo Lake are greatly affected by weathering processes and proximity to contaminated hotspots. Our results reveal that the widespread occurrence of microplastics in Maharloo Lake mostly originates from potential plastic sources in urban areas of Shiraz Metropolis and its industrial zone in the vicinity of the study area; thus microplastics are dispersed into the lake via surface runoffs, especially wastewater inflows. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:19-32. © 2022 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Alirezazadeh
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Behnam Keshavarzi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rezaei
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farid Moore
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Rosa Busquets
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Surrey, UK
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Birami FA, Keshavarzi B, Moore F, Busquets R, Zafarani SGG, Golshani R, Cheshmvahm H. Microplastics in surface sediments of a highly urbanized wetland. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120276. [PMID: 36180006 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the incidence of MPs in surface sediment samples, collected from the Anzali Wetland, Gillan province, North of Iran. This natural habitat receives municipal wastewater effluents and hosts industries and recreational activities that could release plastic to the wetland. There is need for studies to understand MPs pollution in wetlands. A total of 40 superficial sediment samples were taken covering potential pollution hotspots in the wetland. The average level of MPs was 362 ± 327.6 MP/kg: the highest MPs levels were near the outlet of a highly urbanized river (Pirbazar River) (1380 MP/kg), which runs through Rasht city. This was followed by 1255 MP/kg where there was intense fishing, boating and tourism activities in the vicinity of Bandar-e Anzali city. Fibers were the most common type of MPs (80% of the total MPs detected). The MPs polluting the wetland were predominantly white/transparent (42%), and about 40% of them were >1000 μm. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) prevailed in MPs found. MPs were characterized with polarized light microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Microplastics levels were found to correlate significantly (p > 0.7) with electrical conductivity (EC) and sand-size fraction of the sediments. Coarse-grained sediments presented large capacity to lodge the MPs. This study can be used to establish protection policies in wetlands and newly highlights the opportunity of intercepting MPs in the Anzali Wetland, which are generally >250 μm, before they fragment further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farideh Amini Birami
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Behnam Keshavarzi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Farid Moore
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Rosa Busquets
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 2EE, UK
| | | | - Reza Golshani
- Marine Environment and Wetlands, Department of the Environment, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Cheshmvahm
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran
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Qiu Y, Zhou S, Zhang C, Zhou Y, Qin W. Soil microplastic characteristics and the effects on soil properties and biota: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 313:120183. [PMID: 36126769 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The soil environment serves as an assembling area for microplastics, and is an important secondary source of microplastics in other environmental media. Recently, soil microplastics have been extensively studied; however, high variability is observed among the research results owing to different soil properties, and the complexity of soil microplastic composition. The present study amassed the findings of 2886 experimental groups, across 38 studies from 2016 to 2022, and used meta-analysis to quantitatively analyze the differences in the effects of microplastic exposure on soil physicochemical properties and biota. The results showed that among the existing soil microplastic research, agricultural soils maintained a higher environmental exposure distribution than other environments. Microplastic fibers and fragments were the predominant shapes, indicating that the extensive use of agricultural films are the primary influencing factor of soil microplastic pollution at present. The results of the meta-analysis found that microplastic exposure had a significant negative effect on soil bulk density (lnRR = -0.04) and aggregate stability (lnRR = -0.085), indicating that microplastics may damage the integrity of soil structure or damage the soil surface. The significant changes in plant root biomass and soil phosphatase further signified the potential impact of microplastics on soil nutrient and geochemical element cycling. We further constructed species sensitivity distribution curves, revealing that invertebrates had a higher species sensitivity to microplastics, as they can pass through the gut wall of soil nematodes, causing oxidative stress and affecting gene expression. In general, soil is an interconnected complex, and microplastic exposure can directly or indirectly interact with environmental chemical processes in the soil environment, potentially harming the soil ecosystem; however, current research remains insufficient with respect to breadth and depth in terms of the comprehensive "source-sink" mechanism of soil microplastics, the hazard of exposure, and the overall toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Qiu
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Shenglu Zhou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China.
| | - Chuchu Zhang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yujie Zhou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Wendong Qin
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
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