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Pittroff M, Loui C, Oswald SE, Bochow M, Kamp J, Dierkes G, Lensing HJ, Munz M. Riverbed depth-specific microplastics distribution and potential use as process marker. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:45326-45340. [PMID: 38963618 PMCID: PMC11255049 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34094-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Riverbed sediments have been identified as temporary and long-term accumulation sites for microplastic particles (MPs), but the relocation and retention mechanisms in riverbeds still need to be better understood. In this study, we investigated the depth-specific occurrence and distribution (abundance, type, and size) of MPs in river sediments down to a depth of 100 cm, which had not been previously investigated in riverbeds. In four sediment freeze cores taken for the Main River (Germany), MPs (≥ 100 µm) were detected using two complementary analytical approaches (spectroscopy and thermoanalytical) over the entire depth with an average of 21.7 ± 21.4 MP/kg or 31.5 ± 28.0 mg/kg. Three vertical trends for MP abundance could be derived, fairly constant in top layers (0-30 cm), a decrease in middle layers (30-60 cm), and a strong increase in deep layers (60-100 cm). The dominant polymer types were polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and PP were also found in deep layers, albeit with the youngest age of earliest possible occurrence (EPO age of 1973 and 1954). The fraction of smaller-sized MPs (100-500 µm) increased with depth in shallow layers, but the largest MPs (> 1 mm) were detected in deep layers. Based on these findings, we elucidate the relationship between the depth-specific MP distribution and the prevailing processes of MP retention and sediment dynamics in the riverbed. We propose some implications and offer an initial conceptual approach, suggesting the use of microplastics as a potential environmental process tracer for driving riverbed sediment dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pittroff
- Department Geotechnical Engineering, Federal Waterways Engineering and Research Institute (BAW), Kußmaulstraße 17, 76187, Karlsruhe, Germany.
- Institute of Environmental Science and Geography, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Constantin Loui
- Institute of Environmental Science and Geography, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Sascha E Oswald
- Institute of Environmental Science and Geography, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Mathias Bochow
- Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section 1.4 Remote Sensing, Telegrafenberg, 14473, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Jan Kamp
- German Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Georg Dierkes
- German Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Hermann-Josef Lensing
- Department Geotechnical Engineering, Federal Waterways Engineering and Research Institute (BAW), Kußmaulstraße 17, 76187, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Matthias Munz
- Institute of Environmental Science and Geography, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
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Alhusban Z. Microplastic infiltration into mobile sediments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170847. [PMID: 38354816 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the dynamics of microplastic infiltration into non-stationary sandy sediments, a pressing environmental concern due to the rising prevalence of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems. An annular flume was used to simulate riverine bedform motion, examining the suspension and infiltration of denser-than-water microplastic particles, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), and polylactide (PLA). The experiments focused on various particle sizes (ranging from 0.2 to 5 mm in diameter) and bedform migration speeds, known as celerities. The findings indicate that particle size is a significant factor influencing the depth of infiltration and distribution within sediment layers, whereas the impact of bedform celerities and particle densities appears less significant. This research provides novel insights into the behavior of microplastics in dynamic sedimentary environments, highlighting the intricate interaction between microplastic characteristics and sedimentary processes. The results contribute to an enhanced understanding of microplastic distribution and accumulation in riverine systems, offering crucial data for developing predictive models and formulating potential remediation strategies for microplastic pollution.
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Dong D, Guo Z, Yang X, Dai Y. Comprehensive understanding of the aging and biodegradation of polystyrene-based plastics. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 342:123034. [PMID: 38016589 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The extensive utilization and inadequate handling of plastics have resulted in severe environmental ramifications. In particular, plastics composed solely of a carbon-carbon (C-C) backbone exhibit limited degradation due to the absence of hydrolyzable functional groups. Plastics with enduring longevity in the natural environment are susceptible to environmental factors and their intrinsic properties, subsequently undergoing a series of aging processes that culminate in biodegradation. This article focuses on polystyrene (PS), which constitutes 20% of total plastic waste, as a case study. Initially, the application of PS in life and the impacts it poses are introduced. Following that, the key factors influencing the aging of PS are discussed, primarily encompassing its properties (e.g., surface characteristics, additives) and environmental factors (e.g., water matrices, biofilms). Lastly, an overview of microbial degradation of PS is provided, including potential microorganisms involved in PS degradation (bacteria, fungi, algae, and insects), four processes of microbial degradation (colonization, bio-fragmentation, assimilation, and mineralization), and potential mechanisms of microbial degradation. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted influences affecting the aging and biodegradation mechanisms of PS, thereby contributing valuable insights for the future management of plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dazhuang Dong
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Zhi Guo
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Xue Yang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Yaodan Dai
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
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Rullander G, Lorenz C, Herbert RB, Strömvall AM, Vollertsen J, Dalahmeh SS. How effective is the retention of microplastics in horizontal flow sand filters treating stormwater? JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118690. [PMID: 37586166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118690] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics accumulate in stormwater and can ultimately enter freshwater recipients, and pose a serious risk to aquatic life. This study investigated the effectiveness of lab-scale horizontal flow sand filters of differing lengths (25, 50 and 100 cm) in retaining four types of thermoplastic microplastics commonly occurring in stormwater runoff (polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate). Despite the differences in particle shape, size and density, the study revealed that more than 98% of the spiked microplastics were retained in all filters, with a slightly increased removal with increased filter length. At a flow rate of 1 mL/min and after one week of operation, 62-84% of the added microplastics agglomerated in the first 2 cm of the filters. The agglomerated microplastics included 96% of high-density fibers. Larger-sized particles were retained in the sand media, while microplastics smaller than 50 μm were more often detected in the effluent. Microplastics were quantified and identified using imaging based micro Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The efficient retention of microplastics in low-flow horizontal sand filters, demonstrated by the results, highlights their potential importance for stormwater management. This retention is facilitated by various factors, including microplastic agglomeration, particle sedimentation of heavy fibers and favorable particle-to-media size ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Rullander
- Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Villavägen 16, SE-752 36, Sweden.
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Aalborg University, Department of The Built Environment, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220, Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Roger B Herbert
- Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Villavägen 16, SE-752 36, Sweden
| | - Ann-Margret Strömvall
- Water Environment Technology, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Aalborg University, Department of The Built Environment, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220, Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Sahar S Dalahmeh
- Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Villavägen 16, SE-752 36, Sweden
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Chen X, Wan Y, Jia J, Qiang X, Wu C. Transport of micron-sized polyethylene particles in confined aquifer: Effects of size, aging, and confining pressure. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18464. [PMID: 37534011 PMCID: PMC10391942 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Contamination of groundwater by microplastics (MPs) is increasingly reported and attracts a growing attention due to their potential risks. To understand how MPs migrate into groundwater, many previous works have investigated their transport using man-made microspheres of few microns or smaller as models. However, MPs observed in the environment are more diverse in size, shape, and type, which may have different migration behaviors. In this work, the transports of irregularly shaped polyethylene (PE) particles in the sand packed column were studied. Small MPs (22-37 μm) generally have high mobility than large MPs (44-74 μm) but can also be affected by aging. Aging decreased the hydrophobicity of the MPs and increased their surface negative charge, which can facilitate the transport of MPs. However, the physical barrier of space in the porous media might have a greater influence on their transport. The retention of the MPs was enhanced with the increase of pressure due to compression that decreased pore size. Results from this study showed that MPs of environmental features can also be transported in the groundwater but the processes could be governed by different factors, such as physical interception and steric hindrance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Yong Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jia Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Xue Qiang
- State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
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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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Ge J, Wang M, Liu P, Zhang Z, Peng J, Guo X. A systematic review on the aging of microplastics and the effects of typical factors in various environmental media. Trends Analyt Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.117025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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