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Tserendorj D, Illés Á, Károly Á, Stadler-Szalai R, Sandil S, Mireisz T, Dobosy P, Pomázi F, Baranya S, Adányi M, Záray G. Microfiber emission from a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Hungary. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12041. [PMID: 38802478 PMCID: PMC11130252 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62817-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the ingestion of both natural and anthropogenic microfibers produces a deleterious effect on aquatic organisms, it is crucial to explore the emission of these pollutants by WWTPs into the receiving water bodies, such as rivers. Cellulose- and petroleum-based microfibers, as well as microplastic particles, were collected from the effluent of a municipal WWTP operating with activated sludge technology in Budapest, Hungary. During two sampling campaigns organized in February and April of 2023 on different working days and at different times of the day, 123-145 L of effluent was sieved and filtered. The organic matter was removed by hydrogen-peroxide treatment. All fibers and particles larger than 10 µm were counted, and using a fluorescence microscope, the fibers were geometrically characterized in terms of length and diameter. Each fiber was individually identified by transflection-FT-IR method. The fiber concentration varied in the range of 1.88-2.84 and 4.25-6.79 items/L during the 7th and the 16th week of 2023, respectively. In February and April, the proportion of microfibers in the solid particles was 78.3 and 94.7%, respectively. In the effluent the cellulose-based microfibers were dominant (53-91%), while among the petroleum-based microfibers, polyester occurred most often. The median length of cellulose-based fibers was considerably higher in April than in February (650 vs. 1250 µm), and simultaneously the median diameter also increased from 21 to 29 µm. This behaviour was also seen, albeit to a lesser extent, in connection to microfibers derived from petroleum. The treated wastewater's daily microfiber transport to the Danube River varied between 0.44 - 0.69 and 0.94-1.53 billion in February and April 2023, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davaakhuu Tserendorj
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Security, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
| | - Ádám Illés
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Security, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Károly
- Hungarian Institute for Forensic Sciences, Mosonyi Str. 9, Budapest, 1087, Hungary
| | - Rita Stadler-Szalai
- Hungarian Institute for Forensic Sciences, Mosonyi Str. 9, Budapest, 1087, Hungary
| | - Sirat Sandil
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Security, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
| | - Tamás Mireisz
- Doctoral School of Environmental Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
| | - Péter Dobosy
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Security, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
| | - Flóra Pomázi
- Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem Rkp. 3, Budapest, 1111, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Security, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem Rkp. 3, Budapest, 1111, Hungary
| | - Sándor Baranya
- Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem Rkp. 3, Budapest, 1111, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Security, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem Rkp. 3, Budapest, 1111, Hungary
| | - Mónika Adányi
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Environmental Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
| | - Gyula Záray
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary.
- National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Security, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary.
- Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/A, Budapest, 1113, Hungary.
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Cao NDT, Vo DHT, Pham MDT, Nguyen VT, Nguyen TB, Le LT, Mukhtar H, Nguyen HV, Visvanathan C, Bui XT. Microplastics contamination in water supply system and treatment processes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171793. [PMID: 38513854 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Due to global demand, millions of tons of plastics have been widely consumed, resulting in the widespread entry of vast amounts of microplastic particles into the environment. The presence of microplastics (MPs) in water supplies, including bottled water, has undergone systematic review, assessing the potential impacts of MPs on humans through exposure assessment. The main challenges associated with current technologies lie in their ability to effectively treat and completely remove MPs from drinking and supply water. While the risks posed by MPs upon entering the human body have not yet been fully revealed, there is a predicted certainty of negative impacts. This review encompasses a range of current technologies, spanning from basic to advanced treatments and varying in scale. However, given the frequent detection of MPs in drinking and bottled water, it becomes imperative to implement comprehensive management strategies to address this issue effectively. Consequently, integrating current technologies with management options such as life-cycle assessment, circular economy principles, and machine learning is crucial to eliminating this pervasive problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc-Dan-Thanh Cao
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh (VNU-HCM), Linh Trung ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Dieu-Hien Thi Vo
- Institute of Applied Technology and Sustainable Development, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Mai-Duy-Thong Pham
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh (VNU-HCM), Linh Trung ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Van-Truc Nguyen
- Faculty of Environment, Saigon University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Thanh-Binh Nguyen
- College of Hydrosphere Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, No. 142, Haijhuan Road, Nanzih District, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Linh-Thy Le
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (UMP HCMC), 217 Hong Bang street, District 5th, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Hussnain Mukhtar
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Huu-Viet Nguyen
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh (VNU-HCM), Linh Trung ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Chettiyappan Visvanathan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Xuan-Thanh Bui
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh (VNU-HCM), Linh Trung ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam.
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3
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Jansen MAK, Andrady AL, Bornman JF, Aucamp PJ, Bais AF, Banaszak AT, Barnes PW, Bernhard GH, Bruckman LS, Busquets R, Häder DP, Hanson ML, Heikkilä AM, Hylander S, Lucas RM, Mackenzie R, Madronich S, Neale PJ, Neale RE, Olsen CM, Ossola R, Pandey KK, Petropavlovskikh I, Revell LE, Robinson SA, Robson TM, Rose KC, Solomon KR, Andersen MPS, Sulzberger B, Wallington TJ, Wang QW, Wängberg SÅ, White CC, Young AR, Zepp RG, Zhu L. Plastics in the environment in the context of UV radiation, climate change and the Montreal Protocol: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, Update 2023. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2024; 23:629-650. [PMID: 38512633 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-024-00552-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
This Assessment Update by the Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) considers the interactive effects of solar UV radiation, global warming, and other weathering factors on plastics. The Assessment illustrates the significance of solar UV radiation in decreasing the durability of plastic materials, degradation of plastic debris, formation of micro- and nanoplastic particles and accompanying leaching of potential toxic compounds. Micro- and nanoplastics have been found in all ecosystems, the atmosphere, and in humans. While the potential biological risks are not yet well-established, the widespread and increasing occurrence of plastic pollution is reason for continuing research and monitoring. Plastic debris persists after its intended life in soils, water bodies and the atmosphere as well as in living organisms. To counteract accumulation of plastics in the environment, the lifetime of novel plastics or plastic alternatives should better match the functional life of products, with eventual breakdown releasing harmless substances to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel A K Jansen
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Anthony L Andrady
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Janet F Bornman
- Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
| | | | - Alkiviadis F Bais
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastazia T Banaszak
- Unidad Académica Sistemas Arrecifales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
| | - Paul W Barnes
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environment Program, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Laura S Bruckman
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rosa Busquets
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kingston University London, Kingston Upon Thames, UK
| | | | - Mark L Hanson
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Samuel Hylander
- Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Robyn M Lucas
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Roy Mackenzie
- Centro Universitario Cabo de Hornos, Universidad de Magallanes, Puerto Williams, Chile
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems BASE, Santiago, Chile
- Cape Horn International Center CHIC, Puerto Williams, Chile
| | - Sasha Madronich
- UV-B Monitoring and Research Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Patrick J Neale
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD, USA
| | - Rachel E Neale
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Catherine M Olsen
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rachele Ossola
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Irina Petropavlovskikh
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
- Ozone and Water Vapor Division, NOAA ESRL Global Monitoring Laboratory, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Laura E Revell
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Sharon A Robinson
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - T Matthew Robson
- UK National School of Forestry, University of Cumbria, Ambleside Campus, Ambleside, UK
- Organismal & Evolutionary Ecology, Viikki Plant Science Centre, Faculty of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kevin C Rose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Keith R Solomon
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Mads P Sulbæk Andersen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Barbara Sulzberger
- Retired From Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dubendorf, Switzerland
| | - Timothy J Wallington
- Center for Sustainable Systems, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Qing-Wei Wang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Sten-Åke Wängberg
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | | - Richard G Zepp
- ORD/CEMM, US Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Liping Zhu
- State Key Lab for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
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Allen E, Henninger CE, Garforth A, Asuquo E. Microfiber Pollution: A Systematic Literature Review to Overcome the Complexities in Knit Design to Create Solutions for Knit Fabrics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4031-4045. [PMID: 38381002 PMCID: PMC10919082 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05955] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The absence of standardized procedures to assess microfiber pollution released during laundering, alongside textile complexities, has caused incomparability and inconsistency between published methodologies, data formats, and presentation of findings. Yet, this information needs to be clear and succinct to engage producers and consumers in reducing microfiber pollution through solutions, such as eco-design. This review analyses source directed interventions through design and manufacturing parameters that can prevent or reduce microfiber shedding from knit fabrics during washing. Contradicting results are critically evaluated and future research agendas, alongside potential areas for voluntary and involuntary sustainable incentives are summarized. To do this, a systematic review was carried out, using the PRISMA approach to verify which fabrics had been investigated in terms of microfiber shedding. Using selected keywords, a total number of 32 articles were included in this review after applying carefully developed inclusion and exclusion criteria. The influence of fabric parameters such as fiber polymer, length of fibers and yarn twist alongside fabric construction parameters such as gauge of knit and knit structure are critically evaluated within the systematically selected studies. This review highlights the agreed upon fabric parameters and constructions that can be implemented to reduce microfiber pollution released from knit textiles. The complexities and inconsistencies within the findings are streamlined to highlight the necessary future research agendas. This information is critical to facilitate the adoption of cross-industry collaboration to achieve pollution reduction strategies and policies. We call for more systematic studies to assess the relationship between individual textile parameters and their influence on microfiber shedding. Additionally, studies should work toward standardization to increase comparability between studies and created more comprehensive guidelines for policy development and voluntary actions for the textile and apparel industry to participate in addressing more sustainable practises through eco-design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Allen
- Department of Materials &
Engineering, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia E Henninger
- Department of Materials &
Engineering, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Arthur Garforth
- Department of Materials &
Engineering, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Edidiong Asuquo
- Department of Materials &
Engineering, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL Manchester, United Kingdom
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Protyusha GB, B K, Robin RS, A N, Ineyathendral TR, Shivani SS, I A, Sivasamy S, Samuel VD, R P. Microplastics in oral healthcare products (OHPs) and their environmental health risks and mitigation measures. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123118. [PMID: 38092338 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123118] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
The environmental input of microplastics from personal care products has received significant attention; however, less focus has been paid to oral healthcare products. The present study assessed the occurrence of microplastics in commercially available oral healthcare products such as toothbrushes, toothpastes, toothpowder, mouthwash, dental floss, and mouth freshener spray that have a pan-India distribution. The extracted microplastics were quantified and characterised using a microscope and ATR-FTIR. All products showed microplastic contamination, where toothbrushes showed the maximum particles (30-120 particles/brush) and mouth freshener sprays (0.2-3.5 particles/ml) had the least abundance. Fragments, fibres, beads, and films were the various shapes of microplastics observed, where fragments (60%) were dominant. Various colours such as pink, green, blue, yellow, black, and colourless were observed, where colourless (40%) particles were dominant. Microplastics were categorized into three sizes: <0.1 mm (63%), 0.1-0.3 mm (35%), and >0.3 mm (2%). Four major types of polymers, such as polyethylene (52%), polyamide (30%), polyethylene terephthalate (15%), and polybutylene terephthalate (3%), were identified. Risk assessment studies such as Daily Microplastics Emission (DME), Annual Microplastics Exposure (AME), and Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) were carried out. The DME projection for India was the highest for mouthwash (74 billion particles/day) and the least for mouth freshener sprays (0.36 billion particles/day). The AME projection for an individual was the highest in toothbrushes (48,910 particles ind.-1 yr.-1) and the least in mouth freshener sprays (111 particles ind.-1 yr.-1). PHI shows that the identified polymers fall under the low-to high-risk categories. This study forecasts the community health risks linked to microplastics in oral healthcare products and suggests mitigation strategies. It has the potential to shape environmental policy development in response.
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Affiliation(s)
- G B Protyusha
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, 600095, India.
| | - Kavitha B
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, 600095, India
| | - R S Robin
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai, 600 025, India
| | - Nithin A
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai, 600 025, India
| | | | - S Shruthi Shivani
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, 600095, India
| | - Anandavelu I
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai, 600 025, India
| | - Shyam Sivasamy
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, 600095, India
| | - V Deepak Samuel
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai, 600 025, India
| | - Purvaja R
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai, 600 025, India
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6
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Emenike EC, Okorie CJ, Ojeyemi T, Egbemhenghe A, Iwuozor KO, Saliu OD, Okoro HK, Adeniyi AG. From oceans to dinner plates: The impact of microplastics on human health. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20440. [PMID: 37790970 PMCID: PMC10543225 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics, measuring less than 5 mm in diameter, are now found in various environmental media, including soil, water, and air, and have infiltrated the food chain, ultimately becoming a part of the human diet. This study offers a comprehensive examination of the intricate nexus between microplastics and human health, thereby contributing to the existing knowledge on the subject. Sources of microplastics, including microfibers from textiles, personal care products, and wastewater treatment plants, among others, were assessed. The study meticulously examined the diverse routes of microplastic exposure-ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact-offering insights into the associated health risks. Notably, ingestion of microplastics has been linked to gastrointestinal disturbances, endocrine disruption, and the potential transmission of pathogenic bacteria. Inhalation of airborne microplastics emerges as a critical concern, with possible implications for respiratory and cardiovascular health. Dermal contact, although less explored, raises the prospect of skin irritation and allergic reactions. The impacts of COVID-19 on microplastic pollution were also highlighted. Throughout the manuscript, the need for a deeper mechanistic understanding of microplastic interactions with human systems is emphasized, underscoring the urgency for further research and public awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebuka Chizitere Emenike
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Chika J. Okorie
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Toluwalase Ojeyemi
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, USA
- Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Abel Egbemhenghe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Art and Science, Texas Tech University, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Kingsley O. Iwuozor
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Oluwaseyi D. Saliu
- Department of Indutrial Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Hussein K. Okoro
- Department of Indutrial Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Adewale George Adeniyi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Landmark University, Omu-aran, Nigeria
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7
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La Porta E, Exacoustos O, Lugani F, Angeletti A, Chiarenza DS, Bigatti C, Spinelli S, Kajana X, Garbarino A, Bruschi M, Candiano G, Caridi G, Mancianti N, Calatroni M, Verzola D, Esposito P, Viazzi F, Verrina E, Ghiggeri GM. Microplastics and Kidneys: An Update on the Evidence for Deposition of Plastic Microparticles in Human Organs, Tissues and Fluids and Renal Toxicity Concern. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14391. [PMID: 37762695 PMCID: PMC10531672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution became a main challenge for human beings as demonstrated by the increasing dispersion of plastic waste into the environment. Microplastics (MPs) have become ubiquitous and humans are exposed daily to inhalation or ingestion of plastic microparticles. Recent studies performed using mainly spectroscopy or spectrometry-based techniques have shown astounding evidence for the presence of MPs in human tissues, organs and fluids. The placenta, meconium, breast milk, lung, intestine, liver, heart and cardiovascular system, blood, urine and cerebrovascular liquid are afflicted by MPs' presence and deposition. On the whole, obtained data underline a great heterogeneity among different tissue and organs of the polymers characterized and the microparticles' dimension, even if most of them seem to be below 50-100 µm. Evidence for the possible contribution of MPs in human diseases is still limited and this field of study in medicine is in an initial state. However, increasing studies on their toxicity in vitro and in vivo suggest worrying effects on human cells mainly mediated by oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. Nephrological studies are insufficient and evidence for the presence of MPs in human kidneys is still lacking, but the little evidence present in the literature has demonstrated histological and functional alteration of kidneys in animal models and cytotoxicity through apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress and inflammation in kidney cells. Overall, the manuscript we report in this review recommends urgent further study to analyze potential correlations between kidney disease and MPs' exposure in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo La Porta
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
- UOSD Dialysis IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Ottavia Exacoustos
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
| | - Francesca Lugani
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
| | - Andrea Angeletti
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.S.); (X.K.); (A.G.); (M.B.)
| | - Decimo Silvio Chiarenza
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
| | - Carolina Bigatti
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
| | - Sonia Spinelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.S.); (X.K.); (A.G.); (M.B.)
| | - Xhuliana Kajana
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.S.); (X.K.); (A.G.); (M.B.)
| | - Andrea Garbarino
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.S.); (X.K.); (A.G.); (M.B.)
| | - Maurizio Bruschi
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.S.); (X.K.); (A.G.); (M.B.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Candiano
- UOSD Dialysis IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Gianluca Caridi
- UOSD Dialysis IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Nicoletta Mancianti
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Emergency-Urgency and Transplantation, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Marta Calatroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy;
- Nephrology and Dialysis Division, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Verzola
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (D.V.); (P.E.); (F.V.)
| | - Pasquale Esposito
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (D.V.); (P.E.); (F.V.)
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Viazzi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (D.V.); (P.E.); (F.V.)
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Enrico Verrina
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
- UOSD Dialysis IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Gian Marco Ghiggeri
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.S.); (X.K.); (A.G.); (M.B.)
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8
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Ergas M, Figueroa D, Paschke K, Urbina MA, Navarro JM, Vargas-Chacoff L. Cellulosic and microplastic fibers in the Antarctic fish Harpagifer antarcticus and Sub-Antarctic Harpagifer bispinis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115380. [PMID: 37562239 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Human settlements within the Antarctic continent have caused significant coastal pollution by littering plastic. The present study assessed the potential presence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of the Antarctic fish Harpagifer antarcticus, endemic to the polar region, and in the sub-Antarctic fish Harpagifer bispinis. H. antarcticus. A total of 358 microfibers of multiple colors were found in 89 % of H. antarcticus and 73 % of H. bispinis gastrointestinal track. A Micro-FTIR analysis characterized a sub-group (n = 42) of microfibers. It revealed that most of the fibers were cellulose (69 %). Manmade fibers such as microplastics polyethylene terephtalate, acrylics, and semisynthetic/natural cellulosic fibers were present in the fish samples. All the microfibers extracted were textile fibers of blue, black, red, green, and violet color. Our results suggest that laundry greywater discharges of human settlements near coastal waters in Antarctica are a major source of these pollutants in the Antarctic fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Ergas
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Daniela Figueroa
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Kurt Paschke
- Centro Fondap de Investigación de Altas Latitudes (IDEAL), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile; Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidad Austral de Chile, Puerto Montt, Chile; Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems, BASE, University Austral of Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Mauricio A Urbina
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile; Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía (IMO), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Jorge M Navarro
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile; Centro Fondap de Investigación de Altas Latitudes (IDEAL), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Luis Vargas-Chacoff
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile; Centro Fondap de Investigación de Altas Latitudes (IDEAL), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile; Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems, BASE, University Austral of Chile, Valdivia, Chile; Integrative Biology Group, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
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9
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Vinay, Surana D, Ghosh P, Kumar M, Varjani S, Kumar V, Mannina G. Contemporary Drift in Emerging Micro(nano)plastics Removal and Upcycling Technologies from Municipal Wastewater Sludge: Strategic Innovations and Prospects. CURRENT POLLUTION REPORTS 2023; 9:174-197. [PMID: 37292232 PMCID: PMC10201030 DOI: 10.1007/s40726-023-00261-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Annually, huge amounts of microplastics (MPs) are added to farmlands through sewage sludge (SS)/biosolid applications as a fertilizer. Most research emphasizes the enormity of the problem and demonstrates the fate, impacts, and toxicity of MPs during SS treatment processes and land applications. None has addressed the management strategies. To address the gaps, the current review evaluates the performance analysis of conventional and advanced sludge treatment methods in eliminating MPs from sludge. Recent Findings The review uncovers that the occurrence and characteristics of MPs in SS are highly governed by factors such as population density, speed and level of urbanization, citizens' daily habits, and treatment units in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Furthermore, conventional sludge treatment processes are ineffective in eliminating MPs from SS and are accountable for the increased small-sized MPs or micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) along with altered surface morphology facilitating more co-contaminant adsorption. Simultaneously, MPs can influence the operation of these treatment processes depending on their size, type, shape, and concentration. The review reveals that research to develop advanced technology to remove MPs efficiently from SS is still at a nascent stage. Summary This review provides a comprehensive analysis of MPs in the SS, by corroborating state-of-the-knowledge, on different aspects, including the global occurrence of MPs in WWTP sludge, impacts of different conventional sludge treatment processes on MPs and vice versa, and efficiency of advanced sludge treatment and upcycling technologies to eliminate MPs, which will facilitate the development of mitigation measures from the systematic and holistic level. Graphical Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay
- Environmental Risk Assessment and Management (EnRAM) Lab, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi-110016, India
| | - Deepti Surana
- Environmental Risk Assessment and Management (EnRAM) Lab, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi-110016, India
| | - Pooja Ghosh
- Environmental Risk Assessment and Management (EnRAM) Lab, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi-110016, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Engineering Department, Palermo University, Viale Delle Scienze, Ed.8, Palermo, 90128 Italy
| | - Sunita Varjani
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007 India
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Environmental Risk Assessment and Management (EnRAM) Lab, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi-110016, India
| | - Giorgio Mannina
- Engineering Department, Palermo University, Viale Delle Scienze, Ed.8, Palermo, 90128 Italy
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10
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Liu J, Zhu B, An L, Ding J, Xu Y. Atmospheric microfibers dominated by natural and regenerated cellulosic fibers: Explanations from the textile engineering perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 317:120771. [PMID: 36455767 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120771] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A large number of synthetic fibers found in the environment have aroused public conern about microfiber pollution. However, more studies have found that the number of natural fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers in the environment is much higher than that of synthetic fibers. If humans are exposed to excessive amounts of these two types of fibers for a long time, they may also suffer physiological injury. However, this is often ignored by previous research on microfiber pollution. Recently, some publications attributed the dominating amounts of natural fiber and regenerated cellulosic fibers in the environment to the past yield advantage and low durability compared to synthetic fibers. This correspondence supports that view and further discusses the main reasons for the domination of natural and regenerated cellulosic fibers: their physicochemical properties, material sources, manufacturing processes (staple yarn and filament) and applications. This correspondence aims to arouse attention to the potential impact of natural fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Liu
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214021, China.
| | - Bo Zhu
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214021, China
| | - Lihui An
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Jiannan Ding
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Yuyao Xu
- School of Geographical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nottingham, Ningbo, China, Ningbo, 315100, China; Institute of Urban Environment, Ningbo Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315800, China
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