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Xiong W, Hu M, He S, Ye Y, Xiang Y, Peng H, Chen Z, Xu Z, Zhang H, Li W, Peng S. Microplastics enhance the adsorption capacity of zinc oxide nanoparticles: Interactive mechanisms and influence factors. J Environ Sci (China) 2025; 147:665-676. [PMID: 39003081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.12.017] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are of particular concern due to their ubiquitous occurrence and propensity to interact and concentrate various waterborne contaminants from aqueous surroundings. Studies on the interaction and joint toxicity of MPs on engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) are exhaustive, but limited research on the effect of MPs on the properties of ENPs in multi-solute systems. Here, the effect of MPs on adsorption ability of ENPs to antibiotics was investigated for the first time. The results demonstrated that MPs enhanced the adsorption affinity of ENPs to antibiotics and MPs before and after aging showed different effects on ENPs. Aged polyamide prevented aggregation of ZnONPs by introducing negative charges, whereas virgin polyamide affected ZnONPs with the help of electrostatic attraction. FT-IR and XPS analyses were used to probe the physicochemical interactions between ENPs and MPs. The results showed no chemical interaction and electrostatic interaction was the dominant force between them. Furthermore, the adsorption rate of antibiotics positively correlated with pH and humic acid but exhibited a negative correlation with ionic strength. Our study highlights that ENPs are highly capable of accumulating and transporting antibiotics in the presence of MPs, which could result in a widespread distribution of antibiotics and an expansion of their environmental risks and toxic effects on biota. It also improves our understanding of the mutual interaction of various co-existing contaminants in aqueous environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Xiong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China; Hunan Boke Environmental Engineering Co. Ltd., Hengyang 421099, China.
| | - Min Hu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Siying He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yuhang Ye
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yinping Xiang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Haihao Peng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zhaomeng Chen
- Hunan Boke Environmental Engineering Co. Ltd., Hengyang 421099, China; College of Environmental Protection and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Zhengyong Xu
- Hunan Modern Environmental Technology Co. Ltd., Changsha 410004, China
| | - Honglin Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Weixiang Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Shudian Peng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
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Li W, Kannan K. Screening for contamination levels of select organic environmental chemicals in medical supplies used for human specimen collection. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 353:141528. [PMID: 38408569 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141528] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Trace-level analysis of environmental chemicals in human specimens can be compromised by contamination introduced during sample collection and storage. Sampling devices and tools can be a source of contamination by plasticizers, additives and antimicrobials, which warrants the need for pre-screening of these products prior to use. In this study, we determined leaching of 121 environmental chemicals in 10% and 100% methanol from 24 types of human specimen collection and storage devices. Cryovials, serum tubes, cups, syringes, transfer pipettes, and gloves -commonly used for the collection of blood, urine, breast milk and stools - were screened for the presence of plasticizers, environmental phenols, and pesticides. Measurable levels of mono-ethyl phthalate (mEP) and triethyl phosphate (TEP) were leached from vials, plastic storage bags, gloves, and diapers, and parabens were leached from collection bottles, at amounts exceeding 100 ng/device. The amount leached from the devices varied depending on the lot numbers of the same product type. Storage time and temperature were found to influence the leaching rate of chemicals, with increased levels observed following prolonged storage and at high temperatures. The study underscores the importance of pre-screening for contamination in devices used for collection and storage of human specimens for biomonitoring studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Li
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, 12237, United States
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, 12237, United States; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, 12237, United States.
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3
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Shi W, Wu N, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Chen J, Li J. A global review on the abundance and threats of microplastics in soils to terrestrial ecosystem and human health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169469. [PMID: 38154650 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169469] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Soil is the source and sink of microplastics (MPs), which is more polluted than water and air. In this paper, the pollution levels of MPs in the agriculture, roadside, urban and landfill soils were reviewed, and the influence of MPs on soil ecosystem, including soil properties, microorganisms, animals and plants, was discussed. According to the results of in vivo and in vitro experiments, the possible risks of MPs to soil ecosystem and human health were predicted. Finally, in light of the current status of MPs research, several prospects are provided for future research directions to better evaluate the ecological risk and human health risk of MPs. MPs concentrations in global agricultural soils, roadside soils, urban soils and landfill soils had a great variance in different studies and locations. The participation of MPs has an impact on all aspects of terrestrial ecosystems. For soil properties, pH value, bulk density, pore space and evapotranspiration can be changed by MPs. For microorganisms, MPs can alter the diversity and abundance of microbiome, and different MPs have different effects on bacteria and fungi differently. For plants, MPs may interfere with their biochemical and physiological conditions and produce a wide range of toxic effects, such as inhibiting plant growth, delaying or reducing seed germination, reducing biological and fruit yield, and interfering with photosynthesis. For soil animals, MPs can affect their mobility, growth rate and reproductive capacity. At present epidemiological evidences regarding MPs exposure and negative human health effects are unavailable, but in vitro and in vivo data suggest that they pose various threats to human health, including respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, endocrine system, nervous system, and circulation system. In conclusion, the existence and danger of MPs cannot be ignored and requires a global effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshan Shi
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Nan Wu
- School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Zengli Zhang
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Yuting Liu
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jingsi Chen
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jiafu Li
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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4
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Wang Q, Chen M, Min Y, Shi P. Aging of polystyrene microplastics by UV/Sodium percarbonate oxidation: Organic release, mechanism, and disinfection by-product formation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 464:132934. [PMID: 37976854 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence and transformation of microplastics (MPs) in environment has attracted considerable attention. However, the release characteristics of MP-derived dissolved organic matter (MP-DOM) under oxidation conditions and the effect of DOM on subsequent chlorination disinfection by-product (DBP) still lacks relevant information. This study focused on the conversion of polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) in the advanced oxidation of ultraviolet-activated sodium percarbonate (UV/SPC-AOP) and the release characteristics of MP-DOM. The DBP formation potential of MP-DOM was also investigated. As a result, UV/SPC significantly enhanced the aging and fragmentation of PSMPs. Under UV irradiation, the fluorescence peak intensity and position of humus-like and protein-like components of MP-DOM were correlated with SPC concentration. The aging MP suspension was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and various alkyl-cleavage and oxidation products were identified. Quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) detection confirmed that carbonate and hydroxyl radicals jointly dominated the conversion of PSMPs. The formation of DBP was related to the components of MP-DOM. Overall, these results help to understand the aging behavior of MPs in AOP. Moreover, MP-DOM released by MPs after AOP oxidation may be a precursor of DBPs, which deserved more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyan Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Materials Protection and Advanced Materials in Electric Power, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, PR China
| | - Muxin Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Materials Protection and Advanced Materials in Electric Power, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, PR China
| | - Yulin Min
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Materials Protection and Advanced Materials in Electric Power, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200090, PR China
| | - Penghui Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Materials Protection and Advanced Materials in Electric Power, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200090, PR China.
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Jiménez-Skrzypek G, Lusiardi R, González-Sálamo J, Vega-Moreno D, Hernández-Borges J. Insights into emerging organic pollutants extraction from polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene microplastics. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1287:342071. [PMID: 38182337 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.342071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microplastics have the capability of retaining contaminants on their surface, increasing their persistence, preconcentrating them, and acting as transport vectors. Nevertheless, the determination of these compounds in plastic matrices poses several analytical issues and challenges, including the capability of many of these methods of only determining the extractable pollutants fractions, repeatability issues, etc. In this sense, it is primordial to evaluate the effect of the critical parameters that allow to obtain a quantitative extraction of the target analytes from microplastics, including the matrix effect of each of the studied polymers, the influence of particle size, and the effect of weathering. RESULTS A simple and effective methodology for the extraction of 17 emerging organic pollutants from both pristine (polypropylene, polystyrene, and low- and high-density polyethylene) and weathered (polypropylene and polyethylene) microplastics has been developed, optimized, and validated, achieving recovery values of 70-120 % and low method quantification limits (9.2-35.5 ng/g). Results show the importance of cryomilling microplastics (as smaller particle sizes improve recovery and homogenization), something ignored in most publications. The differences in matrix effect for the studied pristine polymers highlights the importance of treating polymers individually, without extrapolating results. In weathered microplastics, matrix effect is overall higher than in their pristine counterparts, evidencing the necessity of always carrying out matrix effect and recovery studies in environmental microplastics. The analysis of 10 samples collected in Playa Grande (Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain) revealed quantitative amounts of bisphenol A (10.8 ± 3.4 ng/g) in one of them. SIGNIFICANCE For the first time, the effect of particle size, weathering and matrix effect have been simultaneously evaluated on microplastics, revealing the importance of their assessment to properly validate the methodology. Additionally, the method shows good performance in all the different polymers and has been successfully applied to the analysis of environmental samples of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Jiménez-Skrzypek
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Rachele Lusiardi
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Javier González-Sálamo
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.
| | - Daura Vega-Moreno
- Departamento de Química, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Spain
| | - Javier Hernández-Borges
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.
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Liu Y, Li J, Parakhonskiy BV, Hoogenboom R, Skirtach A, De Neve S. Labelling of micro- and nanoplastics for environmental studies: state-of-the-art and future challenges. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 462:132785. [PMID: 37856963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Studying microplastics and nanoplastics (MNP) in environmental matrices is extremely challenging, and recent developments in labelling techniques may hold much promise to further our knowledge in this field. Here, we reviewed MNP labelling techniques and applications to provide the first systematic and in-depth insight into MNP labelling. We classified all labelling techniques for MNP into four main types (fluorescent, metal, stable isotope and radioisotope) and discussed per type the synthesis methods, detection methods, influencing factors, and the current and future applications and challenges. Direct labelling of environmental MNP with fluorescent dyes and metals enables simple visualisation and selective detection of MNP to improve detection efficiency. However, it is still an open question how to avoid co-labelling of non-plastic (i.e. non-target, matrix) materials. Labelling of MNP that are intentionally added in the environment may allow semi-automatic detection of MNP particles with high accuracy and sensitivity during studies on e.g. transport and degradation. The detection limit of labelled MNP largely depends on particle size and the type of matrix. Fluorescent labelling allows efficient detection of microplastics, whereas metal labelling is preferred for nanoplastics research due to a potentially higher sensitivity. A major challenge for fluorescent and metal labelling is to develop techniques that do not alter the inherent MNP properties or only do so minimally, in particular the surface properties. Stable and radioactive isotope labelling (13C and 14C, but also 15N, 2H) of the polymer itself allows to preserve inherent MNP properties, but have been largely ignored. Overall, labelling of MNP holds great promise for advancing our fundamental understanding of the behaviour of plastics, notably the smallest fractions, in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Liu
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Bogdan V Parakhonskiy
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Richard Hoogenboom
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Andre Skirtach
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Stefaan De Neve
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Ali N, Liu W, Zeb A, Shi R, Lian Y, Wang Q, Wang J, Li J, Zheng Z, Liu J, Yu M, Liu J. Environmental fate, aging, toxicity and potential remediation strategies of microplastics in soil environment: Current progress and future perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167785. [PMID: 37852500 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167785] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are small plastic debris (<5 mm) that result from the fragmentation of plastic due to physical and physiochemical processes. MPs are emerging pollutants that pose a significant threat to the environment and human health, primarily due to their pervasive presence and potential bioaccumulation within the food web. Despite their importance, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on the fate, toxicity, and aging behavior of MPs. Therefore, this review aims to address this gap by providing a cohesive understanding of several key aspects. Firstly, it summarizes the sources and fate of MPs, highlighting their ubiquitous presence and the potential pathways through which they enter ecosystems. Secondly, it evaluates the aging process of MPs and the factors influencing it, including the morphological and physiological changes observed in crops and the release of pollutants from aged MPs, which can have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Furthermore, the impacts of aging MPs on various processes are discussed, such as the mobilization of other pollutants in the environment. The influence of aged MPs on the soil environment, particularly their effect on heavy metal adsorption, is examined. Finally, the review explores strategies for the prevention technologies and remediation of MPs, highlighting the importance of developing effective approaches to tackle this issue. Overall, this review aims to contribute to our understanding of MPs, their aging process, and their impacts on the environment and human health. It underscores the urgency of addressing the issue of MPs and promoting research and remediation efforts to mitigate their adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nouman Ali
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Weitao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Aurang Zeb
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ruiying Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yuhang Lian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jianling Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiantao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zeqi Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jinzheng Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Miao Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jianv Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China.
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Mercer GV, Harvey NE, Steeves KL, Schneider CM, Sled JG, Macgowan CK, Baschat AA, Kingdom JC, Simpson AJ, Simpson MJ, Jobst KJ, Cahill LS. Maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics alters fetal brain metabolism in mice. Metabolomics 2023; 19:96. [PMID: 37989919 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-023-02061-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Plastics used in everyday materials accumulate as waste in the environment and degrade over time. The impacts of the resulting particulate micro- and nanoplastics on human health remain largely unknown. In pregnant mice, we recently demonstrated that exposure to nanoplastics throughout gestation and during lactation resulted in changes in brain structure detected on MRI. One possible explanation for this abnormal postnatal brain development is altered fetal brain metabolism. OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of maternal exposure to nanoplastics on fetal brain metabolism. METHODS Healthy pregnant CD-1 mice were exposed to 50 nm polystyrene nanoplastics at a concentration of 106 ng/L through drinking water during gestation. Fetal brain samples were collected at embryonic day 17.5 (n = 18-21 per group per sex) and snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen. Magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance was used to determine metabolite profiles and their relative concentrations in the fetal brain. RESULTS The relative concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), creatine and glucose were found to decrease by 40%, 21% and 30% respectively following maternal nanoplastic exposure when compared to the controls (p < 0.05). The change in relative concentration of asparagine with nanoplastic exposure was dependent on fetal sex (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION Maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics caused abnormal fetal brain metabolism in mice. The present study demonstrates the potential impacts of nanoplastic exposure during fetal development and motivates further studies to evaluate the risk to human pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace V Mercer
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Arctic Avenue St. John's, St. John's, Newfoundland, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Nikita E Harvey
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Arctic Avenue St. John's, St. John's, Newfoundland, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Katherine L Steeves
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Arctic Avenue St. John's, St. John's, Newfoundland, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Céline M Schneider
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Arctic Avenue St. John's, St. John's, Newfoundland, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - John G Sled
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher K Macgowan
- Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ahmet A Baschat
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John C Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - André J Simpson
- Environmental NMR Centre, Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Myrna J Simpson
- Environmental NMR Centre, Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karl J Jobst
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Arctic Avenue St. John's, St. John's, Newfoundland, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Lindsay S Cahill
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Arctic Avenue St. John's, St. John's, Newfoundland, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada.
- Discipline of Radiology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
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9
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Zhang Y, Li J, Shi W, Lu L, Zhou Q, Zhang H, Liu R, Pu Y, Yin L. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induces reproductive toxicity and transgenerational reproductive aging in Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122259. [PMID: 37541378 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122259] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
With the large-scale production and use of plastic products, the global plastic pollution problem is becoming more and more serious. The plasticizer di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which is widely used in the production of plastics, has caused great concern for the health of the population. Exposure of organisms to DEHP can cause a variety of health damage, of which reproductive system damage is an important part. At present, there are still few studies on DEHP in reproductive aging, and it is of great significance to explore the role of DEHP in promoting reproductive aging and its underlying mechanism. In this study, the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was used to preliminarily explore the mechanism of DEHP-induced female reproductive senescence. The results showed that DEHP reduced the number of offspring and gonad area of C. elegans, resulting in shortened reproductive and life span, abnormal phenotypes in somatic gonad structure including the Emo phenotype, the BOW phenotype, a twisted gonad arm, and atrophied oocytes. Biochemical studies showed that DEHP promoted oxidative stress and autophagy in C. elegans. Further, we found the decreased number of offspring, malformed somatic gonad structure, oxidative damage and autophagy induced by DEHP in parental worms can be inheritance to the not directly exposed offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jingjing Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wei Shi
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qian Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Ran Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lihong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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10
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Gulizia AM, Philippa B, Zacharuk J, Motti CA, Vamvounis G. Plasticiser leaching from polyvinyl chloride microplastics and the implications for environmental risk assessment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115392. [PMID: 37690404 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics in aquatic environments is a growing concern, particularly due to the leaching of chemical additives such as plasticisers. To develop comprehensive environmental risk assessments (ERAs) of high-concern polymers and plasticisers, an understanding of their leachability is required. This work investigated diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and bisphenol A (BPA) leaching from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics (average diameter = 191 μm) under simulated marine conditions. Leaching behaviours were quantified using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and the polymer's physiochemical properties analysed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and optical microscopy. Experimental data were fitted to a diffusion and boundary layer model, which found that BPA leaching was temperature-dependent (diffusion-limited), whereas DEHP leaching was controlled by surface rinsing. Model predictions also highlighted the importance of microplastic size on leaching dynamics. These data contribute towards greater accuracy in ERAs of microplastics, with implications for water quality and waste management, including decommissioning of plastic infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Gulizia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, QLD 4811, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Bronson Philippa
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, QLD 4811, Australia.
| | - Jessica Zacharuk
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, QLD 4811, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Cherie A Motti
- AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - George Vamvounis
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, QLD 4811, Australia.
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11
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Liu H, Jiao Q, Pan T, Liu W, Li S, Zhu X, Zhang T. Aging behavior of biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics accelerated by UV/H 2O 2 processes. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 337:139360. [PMID: 37392793 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The usage of biodegradable plastics is expanding annually due to worldwide plastic limits, resulting in a substantial number of microplastics (MPs) particles formed from biodegradable plastic products entering the aquatic environment. Until now, the environmental behaviors of these plastic product-derived MPs (PPDMPs) have remained unclear. In this work, commercially available polylactic acid (PLA) straws and PLA food bags were used to evaluate the dynamic aging process and environmental behavior of PLA PPDMPs under UV/H2O2 conditions. By combining scanning electron microscopy, two-dimensional (2D) Fourier transform infrared correlation spectroscopy (COS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, it was determined that the aging process of the PLA PPDMPs was slower than that of pure MPs. The 2D-COS analysis revealed that the response orders for the functional groups on the PLA MPs differed during the aging process. The results demonstrated that the oxygen-containing functional groups of the PLA PPDMPs were the first to react. Subsequently, the -C-H and -C-C- structural responses began, and the polymer backbone was ruptured by the aging process. However, the aging of the pure-PLA MPs started with a brief oxidation process and then breakage of the polymer backbones, followed by continuous oxidation. Moreover, compared to the PLA PPDMPs, the pure-PLA MPs exhibited a greater adsorption capacity, which was increased by 88% after aging, whereas those of the two PPDMPs only increased by 64% and 56%, respectively. This work provides new insights into the behaviors of biodegradable PLA MPs in aquatic environments, which is critical for assessing the environmental risks and management policies for degradable MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Liu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Research Centre for Resource and Environment, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingxin Jiao
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Research Centre for Resource and Environment, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Pan
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Research Centre for Resource and Environment, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiyi Liu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Research Centre for Resource and Environment, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Shangyi Li
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Research Centre for Resource and Environment, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobiao Zhu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Research Centre for Resource and Environment, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Research Centre for Resource and Environment, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Henkel C, Lamprecht J, Hüffer T, Hofmann T. Environmental factors strongly influence the leaching of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate from polyvinyl chloride microplastics. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 242:120235. [PMID: 37348424 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Phthalic acid esters (phthalates) are an important group of additives (plasticizers) to ensure the flexibility and stability especially of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and to enable its processing. However, phthalates like di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) are harmful for aquatic organisms due to their endocrine disrupting effects and toxicity. For the assessment of exposure concentrations, thorough understanding of leaching kinetics of phthalates from PVC (micro-) plastics into aqueous environments is necessary. This study investigates how environmental factors influence the leaching of phthalates from PVC microplastics into aquatic systems. The leaching of phthalates from PVC microplastics into aqueous media is limited by aqueous boundary layer diffusion (ABLD) and thus, process-specific parameters can be affected by environmental factors such as salinity and the flow conditions. We conducted batch leaching experiments to assess the influence of salinity and flow conditions (turbulence) on the leaching of DEHP from PVC microplastics into aqueous media. DEHP is salted out with increasing salinity of the solution and a salting-out coefficient for DEHP of 0.46 was determined. The partitioning coefficient of DEHP between PVC and water KPVC/W increased with increasing salinity from 108.52 L kg-1 in a 1 mM KCl solution to 108.75 L kg-1 in artificial seawater thereby slowing down leaching. Increasing flow velocities led to higher leaching rates because the ABL thickness decreased from 1315 µm at 0 rpm shaking speed (no-flow conditions) to 38.4 µm at 125 rpm (turbulent conditions). Compared to salinity, turbulence had a more pronounced effect on leaching. Increasing the flow velocity led to a 35-fold decrease in the leaching rate, while increasing salinity led to a 2-fold increase. By calculating specific leaching times, that is, leaching half-lives (t1/2), time frames for leaching in different aquatic systems such as rivers and the ocean were determined. Given ABLD-limited leaching, DEHP is leached faster from PVC microplastics in rivers (t1/2 > 49 years) than in the ocean (t1/2 > 398 years). In both systems, PVC microplastics are a long-term source of phthalates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Henkel
- University of Vienna, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department for Environmental Geosciences, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria; University of Vienna, Doctoral School in Microbiology and Environmental Science, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria; University of Vienna, Research Platform Plastics in the Environment and Society (Plenty), Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonas Lamprecht
- University of Vienna, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department for Environmental Geosciences, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thorsten Hüffer
- University of Vienna, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department for Environmental Geosciences, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria; University of Vienna, Research Platform Plastics in the Environment and Society (Plenty), Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Thilo Hofmann
- University of Vienna, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department for Environmental Geosciences, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria; University of Vienna, Research Platform Plastics in the Environment and Society (Plenty), Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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13
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Liu X, Wang S, Mu L, Xie Y, Hu X. Microplastics Reshape the Fate of Aqueous Carbon by Inducing Dynamic Changes in Biodiversity and Chemodiversity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37392182 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The interactions among dissolved organic matter (DOM), microplastics (MPs) and microbes influence the fate of aqueous carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the related processes and mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we found that MPs determined the fate of aqueous carbon by influencing biodiversity and chemodiversity. MPs release chemical additives such as diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and bisphenol A (BPA) into the aqueous phase. The microbial community, especially autotrophic bacteria such as Cyanobacteria, showed a negative correlation with the additives released from MPs. The inhibition of autotrophs promoted CO2 emissions. Meanwhile, MPs stimulated microbial metabolic pathways such as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to accelerate the DOM biodegradation process, and then the transformed DOM presented low bioavailability, high stability, and aromaticity. Our findings highlight an urgent need for chemodiversity and biodiversity surveys to assess ecological risks from MP pollution and the impact of MPs on the carbon cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueju Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Shuting Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Li Mu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Product Safety, Key Laboratory for Environmental Factors Controlling Agro-Product Quality Safety (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Institute of Agro-Environmental Protection, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Yingying Xie
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiangang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
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14
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Guo S, Mu L, Sun S, Hou X, Yao M, Hu X. Concurrence of microplastics and heat waves reduces rice yields and disturbs the agroecosystem nitrogen cycle. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 452:131340. [PMID: 37027913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution and heat waves, as damaging aspects of human activities, have been found to affect crop production and nitrogen (N) cycling in agroecosystems. However, the impacts of the combination of heat waves and microplastics on crop production and quality have not been analyzed. We found that heat waves or microplastics alone had slight effects on rice physiological parameters and soil microbial communities. However, under heat wave conditions, the typical low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics decreased the rice yields by 32.1% and 32.9%, decreased the grain protein level by 4.5% and 2.8%, and decreased the lysine level by 91.1% and 63.6%, respectively. In the presence of heat waves, microplastics increased the allocation and assimilation of N in roots and stems but decreased those in leaves, which resulted in a reduction in photosynthesis. In soil, the concurrence of microplastics and heat waves induced the leaching of microplastics, which resulted in decreased microbial N functionality and disturbed N metabolism. In summary, heat waves amplified the disturbance induced by microplastics on the agroecosystem N cycle and therefore exacerbated the decreases in rice yield and nutrients induced by microplastics, which indicates that the environmental and food risks of microplastics deserve to be reconsidered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqing Guo
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Key Laboratory for Environmental Factors Control of Agro-Product Quality Safety (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Safe-Product, Institute of Agro-Environmental Protection, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 300191 Tianjin, China
| | - Li Mu
- Key Laboratory for Environmental Factors Control of Agro-Product Quality Safety (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Safe-Product, Institute of Agro-Environmental Protection, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 300191 Tianjin, China.
| | - Shan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xuan Hou
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Mingqi Yao
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiangang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
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15
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André C, Turgeon S, Peyrot C, Wilkinson KJ, Auclair J, Ménard N, Gagné F. Comparative toxicity of micro and nanopolystyrene particles in Mya arenaria clams. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115052. [PMID: 37257412 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The contamination of coastal marine environments by plastics of sizes ranging from mm down to the nanoscale (nm) could pose a threat to aquatic organisms. The purpose of this study was to examine the toxicity of polystyrene nanoparticles (PsNP) of various sizes (50, 100 and 1000 nm) to the marine clams Mya arenaria. Clams were exposed to concentrations of PsPP for 7 days at 15 °C and analyzed for uptake/transformation, changes in energy metabolism, oxidative stress, genotoxicity and circadian neural activity. The results revealed that PsNP accumulated in the digestive gland was 50 nm > 100 nm > 1000 nm. All sized increased oxidative stress as follows: 50 nm (peroxidase, antioxidant potential and LPO), 100 nm (LPO and antioxidant potential) and 1000 nm (LPO). Tissue damage was also size dependent by increasing genotoxicity. The 100 nm PsPP altered the levels of the circadian metabolite melatonin. We conclude that the toxicity of plastics is size dependent in clams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantale André
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, 105 McGill, Montréal, QC H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - Samuel Turgeon
- Parks Canada, Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, 182, Rue de l'Église, Tadoussac, QC G0T 2A0, Canada
| | - Caroline Peyrot
- Chemistry Department, Montreal University, Montréal, Québec H2V 2B8, Canada
| | | | - Joëlle Auclair
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, 105 McGill, Montréal, QC H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - Nadia Ménard
- Parks Canada, Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, 182, Rue de l'Église, Tadoussac, QC G0T 2A0, Canada
| | - François Gagné
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, 105 McGill, Montréal, QC H2Y 2E7, Canada.
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16
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Jiménez-Skrzypek G, Hernández-Expósito OM, Hernández-Borges J, González-Sálamo J. Sorption of levonorgestrel on polyethylene, polystyrene and polypropylene microplastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2023:139042. [PMID: 37244556 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Sorption studies involving microplastics (MPs) are essential to understand the mechanisms implicated in contaminant retention. In this research, a complete study of the sorption behaviour of a hormonal contraceptive -levonorgestrel- in MPs of different composition in two distinct matrices was performed, using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a UV detector for the determination of levonorgestrel. Characterization of the studied MPs was achieved by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. Kinetic and isotherm studies were performed using a batch design under controlled conditions: 500 mg of MPs pellets of 3-5 mm diameter, agitation at 125 rpm, and 30 °C. The comparison of results in ultrapure water and artificial seawater, revealed changes in sorption capacity, and the predominant sorption mechanisms involved. Overall, all studied MPs showed sorption affinity towards levonorgestrel, being low-density polyethylene the one with the highest sorption capacity in ultrapure water and polystyrene in seawater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Jiménez-Skrzypek
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/n., 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/n., 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Orlando Manuel Hernández-Expósito
- Centro Asociado de Tenerife de La Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED). C. San Agustín, 30. 38009, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Javier Hernández-Borges
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/n., 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/n., 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Javier González-Sálamo
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/n., 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/n., 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro, 5. 00185, Rome, Italy.
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17
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Tastet V, Le Vée M, Bruyère A, Fardel O. Interactions of human drug transporters with chemical additives present in plastics: Potential consequences for toxicokinetics and health. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121882. [PMID: 37236587 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Human membrane drug transporters are recognized as major actors of pharmacokinetics; they also handle endogenous compounds, including hormones and metabolites. Chemical additives present in plastics interact with human drug transporters, which may have consequences for the toxicokinetics and toxicity of these widely-distributed environmental and/or dietary pollutants, to which humans are highly exposed. The present review summarizes key findings about this topic. In vitro assays have demonstrated that various plastic additives, including bisphenols, phthalates, brominated flame retardants, poly-alkyl phenols and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, can inhibit the activities of solute carrier uptake transporters and/or ATP-binding cassette efflux pumps. Some are substrates for transporters or can regulate their expression. The relatively low human concentration of plastic additives from environmental or dietary exposure is a key parameter to consider to appreciate the in vivo relevance of plasticizer-transporter interactions and their consequences for human toxicokinetics and toxicity of plastic additives, although even low concentrations of pollutants (in the nM range) may have clinical effects. Existing data about interactions of plastic additives with drug transporters remain somewhat sparse and incomplete. A more systematic characterization of plasticizer-transporter relationships is needed. The potential effects of chemical additive mixtures towards transporter activities and the identification of transporter substrates among plasticizers, as well as their interactions with transporters of emerging relevance deserve particular attention. A better understanding of the human toxicokinetics of plastic additives may help to fully integrate the possible contribution of transporters to the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of plastics-related chemicals, as well as to their deleterious effects towards human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Tastet
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Marc Le Vée
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Arnaud Bruyère
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Olivier Fardel
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France.
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18
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Xiong F, Liu J, Xu K, Huang J, Wang D, Li F, Wang S, Zhang J, Pu Y, Sun R. Microplastics induce neurotoxicity in aquatic animals at environmentally realistic concentrations: A meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 318:120939. [PMID: 36581239 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) draw international attention owing to their widespread distribution in water ecosystems, but whether MPs cause neurotoxic effects in aquatic animals at environmentally realistic concentrations is still controversial. This meta-analysis recompiled 35 studies to determine whether MPs could change the levels of brain (in vivo) neurotransmitters in aquatic animals at environmentally realistic concentrations (≤1 mg/L, median = 0.100 mg/L). Then, a group comparison was conducted to compare the effects of different factors on the effect size and to explore the significant factors affecting the neurotoxicity of MPs. The results demonstrated that MP exposure could considerably decrease the levels of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) in the brain of aquatic animals by 16.2%. However, the effects of MPs on cholinesterase (CHE), acetylcholine (ACh), dopamine (DA) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were not statistically significant due to the small number of studies and samples. The neurotoxicity of MPs was closely linked with particle size and exposure time but independent of animal species, MP compositions, MP morphology and MP concentrations. Further literatures review indicated that MP-induced neurotoxicity and behavioral changes are related with multiple biological processes, including nerve damage, oxidative stress, intestinal flora disturbance and metabolic disorder. Furthermore, some factors influencing MP neurotoxicity in the real environment (e.g. the aging of MPs, the release of MP additives, and the co-exposure of MPs and pollutants) were discussed. Overall, this study preliminarily explored whether MPs induced changes in neurotoxicity-related indicators in aquatic animals through meta-analysis and provided scientific evidence for evaluating the health risks and neurotoxicity of MPs at the environmental level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiawei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Daqin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fuxian Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shiyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rongli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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Busch M, Brouwer H, Aalderink G, Bredeck G, Kämpfer AAM, Schins RPF, Bouwmeester H. Investigating nanoplastics toxicity using advanced stem cell-based intestinal and lung in vitro models. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1112212. [PMID: 36777263 PMCID: PMC9911716 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1112212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic particles in the nanometer range-called nanoplastics-are environmental contaminants with growing public health concern. As plastic particles are present in water, soil, air and food, human exposure via intestine and lung is unavoidable, but possible health effects are still to be elucidated. To better understand the Mode of Action of plastic particles, it is key to use experimental models that best reflect human physiology. Novel assessment methods like advanced cell models and several alternative approaches are currently used and developed in the scientific community. So far, the use of cancer cell line-based models is the standard approach regarding in vitro nanotoxicology. However, among the many advantages of the use of cancer cell lines, there are also disadvantages that might favor other approaches. In this review, we compare cell line-based models with stem cell-based in vitro models of the human intestine and lung. In the context of nanoplastics research, we highlight the advantages that come with the use of stem cells. Further, the specific challenges of testing nanoplastics in vitro are discussed. Although the use of stem cell-based models can be demanding, we conclude that, depending on the research question, stem cells in combination with advanced exposure strategies might be a more suitable approach than cancer cell lines when it comes to toxicological investigation of nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Busch
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Hugo Brouwer
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Germaine Aalderink
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Bredeck
- IUF—Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Roel P. F. Schins
- IUF—Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans Bouwmeester
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Hans Bouwmeester,
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