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Liu D, Yang Z, Gong Y, Song D, Chen Y. Occurrence and emission characteristics of microplastics in agricultural surface runoff under different natural rainfall and short-term fertilizer application. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135254. [PMID: 39038379 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Land-based microplastics (MPs) are considered the primary source of MPs in aquatic environments, with runoff being a major pathway for their transfer from soil to surface water. However, the transportation characteristics of MPs via agricultural surface runoff remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and emission characteristics of MPs in agricultural surface runoff under various short-term fertilizer applications and natural rainfall events using laser direct infrared imaging analysis (LDIR). MPs from fertilizers and soils co-migrated with the agricultural runoff. The abundance and concentration of MPs in runoff were 145.90 ± 22.48-2043.38 ± 89.51 items·L-1 and 39.17 ± 21.94-523.04 ± 47.85 µg·L-1, respectively. Small and low-density MPs, such as polyethylene (PE), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), and polyurethane (PU) in film/fragment form with 20-50 µm exhibited a higher mobility. No statistical differences were observed in the distribution of runoff MPs with the application of different fertilizers. There was a significant positive relationship between runoff MP abundance and rainfall intensity. The annual emission load in this study area was 116.73 g·hm-2, indicating that the transportation of MPs via agricultural surface runoff cannot be ignored. This study is conducive to understanding the migration behavior of MPs in soil-water environments in a better manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengping Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Rural Cleaning, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zhimin Yang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Rural Cleaning, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yang Gong
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Rural Cleaning, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Dan Song
- Chongqing Academe of Eco-Environmental Science, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Yucheng Chen
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Rural Cleaning, Chongqing 400715, China.
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2
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Morgan SE, DeLouise LA. Effects of microplastic interaction with persistent organic pollutants on the activity of the aryl hydrocarbon and estrogen receptors. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 365:143338. [PMID: 39278320 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Environmental microplastics (MPs) are complex mixtures of plastic polymers and sorbed chemical pollutants with high degrees of heterogeneity, particularly in terms of particle size, morphology and degree of weathering. Currently, limitations exist in sampling sufficient amounts of environmental particles for laboratory studies to assess toxicity endpoints with statistical rigor and to examine chemical pollutant interactions. This study seeks to bridge this gap by investigating environmental plastic particle mimetics and pollutant-polymer interactions by mixing polymer particles with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) at set concentrations over time. Solutions containing combinations of polymers including polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyamide (PA) and POPs including 2,3,7,8 -Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), bisphenol A (BPA), and atrazine, were stirred for up to 19 weeks and monitored using assays to test for aryl hydrocarbon (AhR) and estrogen receptor (ER) activity which are cell signaling pathways impacted by environmental pollutants. TCDD induced AhR activity decreased over time in the presence of PS in a surface area dependent manner. BPA and atrazine also exhibited AhR antagonist activity in the presence of TCDD. The addition of BPA slowed the loss of activity but atrazine did not, suggesting that polymer chemistry impacts interactions with POPs. We also observed potential differences in TCDD sorption with different plastic polymers and that higher concentrations of PS particles may inhibit BPA-induced estrogen receptor activation. These results emphasize the need for additional understanding of how POPs and polymer chemistry impact their interaction and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Morgan
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Lisa A DeLouise
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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3
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Morgan SE, DeLouise LA. Assessing bioactivity of environmental water samples filtered using nanomembrane technology and mammalian cell lines. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH 2024; 3:347-354. [PMID: 39281073 PMCID: PMC11400607 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2024.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
This project reports on the use of a novel nanomembrane filtering technology to isolate and analyze the bioactivity of microplastic (MP)-containing debris from Lake Ontario water samples. Environmental MPs are a complex mixture of polymers and sorbed chemicals that are persistent and can exhibit a wide range of toxic effects. Since human exposure to MPs is unavoidable, it is necessary to characterize their bioactivity to assess potential health risks. This work seeks to quantify MP presence in the nearshore waters of Lake Ontario and begin to characterize the bioactivity of the filtrate containing MPs. We utilized silicon nitride (SiN) nanomembrane technology to isolate debris sized between 8 and 20 μm from lake water samples collected at various times and locations. MPs were identified with Nile red staining. Cell-based assays were conducted directly on the filtered debris to test for cell viability, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activity, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels as a measure of proinflammatory response. All samples contained MPs. None of the isolated debris impacted cell viability. However, AhR activity and IL-6 levels varied over time. Additionally, no associations were observed between the amount of plastic and bioactivity. Observed differences in activity are likely due to variations in the physiochemical properties of debris between samples. Our results highlight the need for increased sampling to fully characterize the bioactivity of MPs in human cells and to elucidate the role that sample physiochemical and spatiotemporal properties play in this activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Morgan
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Lake Ontario Center for Microplastics and Human Health in a Changing Environment, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Lisa A DeLouise
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Lake Ontario Center for Microplastics and Human Health in a Changing Environment, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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4
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Socas-Hernández C, Miralles P, González-Sálamo J, Hernández-Borges J, Coscollà C. Assessment of anthropogenic particles content in commercial beverages. Food Chem 2024; 447:139002. [PMID: 38513486 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139002] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MPs) pollution is a current global concern that is affecting all environmental compartments and food sources. In this work, anthropogenic particles occurrence (MPs and natural and synthetic cellulosic particles), have been determined in 73 beverages packed in different containers. Overall, 1521 anthropogenic particles were found, being the lowest occurrence in water samples (7.2 ± 10.1 items·L-1) while beer had the highest (95.5 ± 91.8 items·L-1). Colourless/white particles were the most detected followed by blue and red colours. The highest mean size was 783 ± 715 μm in soft drinks. Cellulosic, both natural and semisynthetic particles, were the composition mostly found but regarding plastic polymers, it was polyester. Phenoxy resin particles from the can coatings were also identified in all metal containers which indicates that leaching from the packaging may be happening. The total estimated daily intake were 0.077 and 0.159 items·kg-1 body weight (b.w.)·day-1 for children and adult population, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Socas-Hernández
- 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; Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Av. Catalunya, 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Pablo Miralles
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Av. Catalunya, 21, 46020 Valencia, 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, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 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, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.
| | - Clara Coscollà
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Av. Catalunya, 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain
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5
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Zhu L, Wu Z, Dong J, Zhao S, Zhu J, Wang W, Ma F, An L. Unveiling Small-Sized Plastic Particles Hidden behind Large-Sized Ones in Human Excretion and Their Potential Sources. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:11901-11911. [PMID: 38920334 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c11054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Health risks of microplastic exposure have drawn growing global concerns due to the widespread distribution of microplastics in the environment. However, more evidence is needed to understand the exposure characteristics of microplastics owing to the limitation of current spectrum technologies, especially the missing information on small-sized particles. In the present study, laser direct infrared spectroscopy and thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combined pyrolysis using a tubular furnace (TD-GC/MS) were employed to comprehensively detect the presence of plastic particles down to 0.22 μm in human excreted samples. The results showed that polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride, PE terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene dominated large-sized (>20 μm) and small-sized plastic plastics (0.22-20 μm) in feces and urine. Moreover, fragments accounted for 60.71 and 60.37% in feces and urine, respectively, representing the most pervasive shape in excretion. Surprisingly, the concentration of small-sized particles was significantly higher than that of large-sized microplastics, accounting for 56.54 and 50.07% in feces (345.58 μg/g) and urine (6.49 μg/mL). Significant positive correlations were observed between the level of plastic particles in feces and the use of plastic containers and the consumption of aquatic products (Spearman correlation analysis, p < 0.01), suggesting the potential sources for plastic particles in humans. Furthermore, it is estimated that feces was the primary excretory pathway, consisting of 94.0% of total excreted microplastics daily. This study provides novel evidence regarding small-sized plastic particles, which are predominant fractions in human excretion, increasing the knowledge of the potential hazards of omnipresent microplastics to human exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Zhixin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jiao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Shaoyan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jingying Zhu
- Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi 214023, China
| | - Weiping Wang
- Weifang Eco-environmental Monitoring Center of Shandong Province, Weifang 261061, China
| | - Fujun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Lihui An
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
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6
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Mou L, Zhang Q, Li R, Zhu Y, Zhang Y. A powerful method for In Situ and rapid detection of trace nanoplastics in water-Mie scattering. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134186. [PMID: 38574664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134186] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive presence of nanoplastics (NPs) in environmental media has raised significant concerns regarding their implications for environmental safety and human health. However, owing to their tiny size and low level in the environment, there is still a lack of effective methods for measuring the amount of NPs. Leveraging the principles of Mie scattering, a novel approach for rapid in situ quantitative detection of small NPs in low concentrations in water has been developed. A limit of detection of 4.2 μg/L for in situ quantitative detection of polystyrene microspheres as small as 25 nm was achieved, and satisfactory recoveries and relative standard deviations were obtained. The results of three self-ground NPs showed that the method can quantitatively detect the concentration of NPs in a mixture of different particle sizes. The satisfactory recoveries (82.4% to 110.3%) of the self-ground NPs verified the good anti-interference ability of the method. The total concentrations of the NPs in the five brands of commercial bottled water were 0.07 to 0.39 μg/L, which were directly detected by the method. The proposed method presents a potential approach for conducting in situ and real-time environmental risk assessments of NPs on human and ecosystem health in actual water environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Mou
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Qinzhou Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science of China, Xiamen University, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Ruilong Li
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Yaxian Zhu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science of China, Xiamen University, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
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7
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Gálvez-Blanca V, Edo C, González-Pleiter M, Fernández-Piñas F, Leganés F, Rosal R. Microplastics and non-natural cellulosic particles in Spanish bottled drinking water. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11089. [PMID: 38750101 PMCID: PMC11096351 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62075-2] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
This investigation explored the presence of microplastics (MPs) and artificial cellulosic particles (ACPs) in commercial water marketed in single use 1.5 L poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottles. In this work we determined a mass concentration of 1.61 (1.10-2.88) µg/L and 1.04 (0.43-1.82) µg/L for MPs and ACPs respectively in five top-selling brands from the Spanish bottled water market. Most MPs consisted of white and transparent polyester and polyethylene particles, while most ACPs were cellulosic fibers likely originating from textiles. The median size of MPs and ACPs was 93 µm (interquartile range 76-130 µm) and 77 µm (interquartile range 60-96 µm), respectively. Particle mass size distributions were fitted to a logistic function, enabling comparisons with other studies. The estimated daily intake of MPs due to the consumption of bottled water falls within the 4-18 ng kg-1 day-1 range, meaning that exposure to plastics through bottled water probably represents a negligible risk to human health. However, it's worth noting that the concentration of plastic found was much higher than that recorded for tap water, which supports the argument in favour of municipal drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Gálvez-Blanca
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Edo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel González-Pleiter
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Fernández-Piñas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C. Darwin 2, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Leganés
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C. Darwin 2, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
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8
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Wang F, Lei A, Huang S, Su L, Li M, Craig NJ, Lai Z. Impact of typhoon events on microplastic distribution in offshore sediments in Leizhou Peninsula of the South China Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123817. [PMID: 38508366 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123817] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic is an emerging pollutant and a technical fossil in Anthropocene sediments. Typhoon frequency and intensity have increased due to climate change, which has a major effect on the distribution patterns of microplastics. It is still unknown, though, how the topography of the peninsula affects the reconstruction of the distribution of microplastic in typhoons. Due to frequent typhoons, the Leizhou Peninsula (LZP) in the north part of the South China Sea is an ideal place to study the impact of topographic variations on microplastic distribution during typhoon events. This study investigated microplastics ranging in size from 50 μm to 5 mm in sediment. Microscopic inspection and μ-FTIR tests were used to identify microplastic characteristics from offshore surface sediments before and after typhoons. The average microplastic abundance in offshore sediments decreased from 18 ± 17 items/kg to 15 ± 15 items/kg after typhoons. Results show that typhoons only increase the microplastic abundance in topographically protected areas along the northeast coast of LZP, with no significant difference observed in other regions. The influence of typhoon on the morphological characteristics of microplastics in sediments is more pronounced and widespread, as evidenced by a shift in the predominant shape of microplastics from fibers to fragments and a decrease in size accompanied by an increased abundance within the 100 μm-1 mm fraction. The color of microplastics remained similar before and after typhoons, and the polymer composition of microplastics became more uniform. The alteration of microplastic morphology may be attributed to the enhancement of wave intensity induced by typhoons. This study enhances the comprehension of typhoon-induced impacts on pollutant redistribution, specifically microplastics, thereby providing essential empirical evidence and theoretical foundations for pollution regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Anhua Lei
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Shengping Huang
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Lei Su
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Change and Disaster in Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou, 535011, China
| | - Mingkun Li
- School of Geography, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Nicholas J Craig
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zhongping Lai
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China.
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9
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Zheng Y, Xu S, Liu J, Liu Z. The effects of micro- and nanoplastics on the central nervous system: A new threat to humanity? Toxicology 2024; 504:153799. [PMID: 38608860 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153799] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Given the widespread production and use of plastics, poor biodegradability, and inadequate recycling, micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) have caused widespread environmental pollution. As a result, humans inevitably ingest MNPs through various pathways. However, there is still no consensus on whether exposure to MNPs has adverse effects on humans. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge of MNPs and the potential mechanisms of their impact on the central nervous system. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that exposure to MNPs may pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and lead to neurotoxicity through impairments in oxidative and inflammatory balance, neurotransmitter alternation, nerve conduction-related key enzymes, and impact through the gut-brain axis. It is worth noting that MNPs may act as carriers and have more severe effects on the body when co-exposed with other substances. MNPs of smaller sizes cause more severe harm. Despite the scarcity of reports directly relevant to humans, this review brings together a growing body of evidence showing that exposure to MNPs disturbs neurons and has even been found to alter the memory and behavior of organisms. This effect may lead to further potential negative influence on the central nervous system and contribute to the development of other diseases such as central nervous system inflammation and Parkinson 's-like neurodegenerative disorders. There is a need further to investigate the threat of MNPs to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxu Zheng
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Shengchao Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, 87th Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Jingyu Liu
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Zhixiong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, 87th Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China.
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10
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Yang L, Kang S, Luo X, Wang Z. Microplastics in drinking water: A review on methods, occurrence, sources, and potential risks assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123857. [PMID: 38537794 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics in drinking water captured widespread attention following reports of widespread detection around the world. Concerns have been raised about the potential adverse effects of microplastics in drinking water on human health. Given the widespread interest in this research topic, there is an urgent need to compile existing data and assess current knowledge. This paper provides a systematic review of studies on microplastics in drinking water, their evidence, key findings, knowledge gaps, and research needs. The data collected show that microplastics are widespread in drinking water, with large variations in reported concentrations. Standardized methodologies of sampling and analysis are urgently needed. There were more fibrous and fragmented microplastics, with the majority being <10 μm in size and composed of polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. Little attention has been paid to the color of microplastics. More research is needed to understand the occurrence and transfer of microplastics throughout the water supply chain and the treatment efficiency of drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). Methods capable of analyzing microplastics <10 μm and nanoplastics are urgently needed. Potential ecological assessment models for microplastics currently in use need to be improved to take into account the complexity and specificity of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Shichang Kang
- Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Xi Luo
- Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhaoqing Wang
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
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11
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Ramaremisa G, Tutu H, Saad D. Detection and characterisation of microplastics in tap water from Gauteng, South Africa. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 356:141903. [PMID: 38582157 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
This study reports the presence, concentration, and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in tap water in three suburbs in Gauteng Province in South Africa. Physical characterisation was conducted using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy following staining of MPs with the Rose Bengal dye. The concentrations of MPs in all samples ranged from 4.7 to 31 particles/L, with a mean of 14 ± 5.6 particles/L. Small-sized (<1 mm) and fibrous-shaped MPs were most abundant in all samples. Fibers accounted for 83.1% of MPs in samples from all the three areas, followed by fragments (12.4%), pellets/beads (3.1%), and films (1.5%), with a minor variation in the distribution of shapes and sizes in samples from each area. Raman microspectroscopy was used for chemical analysis, and five polymers were identified, namely: high-density polyethylene, polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate, poly(hexamethylene terephtalamide), and poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid). C.I Pigment Red 1, C.I. Solvent Yellow 4, Potassium indigotetrasulphonate, and C.I Pigment Black 7 were the colourants detected. These colourants are carcinogenic and mutagenic and are potentially toxic to humans. The prevalence of MPs in tap water implies their inadequate removal during water treatment. For instance, the presence of poly(AM-co-AA) suggests that drinking water treatment plants may be a potential source of MPs in tap water. Other polymers, e.g., high-density polyethylene may be released from pipes during the transportation of drinking water. The estimated daily consumption of MPs from tap water was 1.2, 0.71, and 0.50 particles/kg.day for children, men, and women, respectively. The findings of this study provide evidence of the presence of MPs in drinking water in South Africa, thus giving some insights into the performance of treatment plants in removing these contaminants and a benchmark for the formulation of standard limits for the amount of MPs in drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gibbon Ramaremisa
- School of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Hlanganani Tutu
- School of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Dalia Saad
- School of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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12
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Sekar V, Shaji S, Sundaram B. Microplastic prevalence and human exposure in the bottled drinking water in the west Godavari region of Andhra Pradesh, India. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 264:104346. [PMID: 38670001 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widespread, minute plastic particles present in various aquatic environments, raising concerns about their effect on human health and ecosystems. The detrimental effects of MPs on the environment, include the contamination of ecosystems, harm to aquatic life through ingestion, potential disruption of food chains, and long-term ecological consequences. Despite numerous studies confirming the MP's presence in aquatic environments, research specifically focused on MPs in bottled drinking water (BDW) is limited. Research on MPs in drinking water is vital to assess potential health risks and develop strategies for ensuring water safety and quality. This study fills a research gap by investigating microplastics (MPs) in nine brands of BDW in the West Godavari region of Andhra Pradesh, India. The average MP concentration in BDW was found to be 2.89 ± 0.48 items/L, with fibers being the predominant shape and sizes ranging from 500 to 1000 μm. Transparent and blue were the most common colors. From ATR-FTIR analysis, the dominant polymer found was polypropylene (PP) followed by polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The human risk assessment was also calculated using the formula of Estimated daily intake (EDI) and Lifetime intake (LTI). The calculation found that the EDI of MPs for children and adults ranged from 0.041 to 0.291 MPs per kilogram per day and 0.019 to 0.133 MPs per kilogram per day, respectively. The mean LTI of MP consumption of an individual, ranged from 17,958 to 2,54,861 MPs, considering an average age of 75 years. The current findings offer valuable information for ongoing evaluations of the potential human risks linked to MP exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaykumar Sekar
- Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Sheha Shaji
- Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Baranidharan Sundaram
- Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Andhra Pradesh, India.
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13
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Xie J, Gowen A, Xu W, Xu J. Analysing micro- and nanoplastics with cutting-edge infrared spectroscopy techniques: a critical review. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024; 16:2177-2197. [PMID: 38533677 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01808c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The escalating prominence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) as emerging anthropogenic pollutants has sparked widespread scientific and public interest. These minuscule particles pervade the global environment, permeating drinking water and food sources, prompting concerns regarding their environmental impacts and potential risks to human health. In recent years, the field of MNP research has witnessed the development and application of cutting-edge infrared (IR) spectroscopic instruments. This review focuses on the recent application of advanced IR spectroscopic techniques and relevant instrumentation to analyse MNPs. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, encompassing articles published within the past three years. The findings revealed that Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy stands as the most used technique, with focal plane array FTIR (FPA-FTIR) representing the cutting edge in FTIR spectroscopy. The second most popular technique is quantum cascade laser infrared (QCL-IR) spectroscopy, which has facilitated rapid analysis of plastic particles. Following closely is optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy, which can furnish submicron spatial resolution. Subsequently, there is atomic force microscopy-based infrared (AFM-IR) spectroscopy, which has made it feasible to analyse MNPs at the nanoscale level. The most advanced IR instruments identified in articles covered in this review were compared. Comparison metrics encompass substrates/filters, data quality, spatial resolution, data acquisition speed, data processing and cost. The limitations of these IR instruments were identified, and recommendations to address these limitations were proposed. The findings of this review offer valuable guidance to MNP researchers in selecting suitable instrumentation for their research experiments, thereby facilitating advancements in research aimed at enhancing our understanding of the environmental and human health risks associated with MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhao Xie
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Aoife Gowen
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Coastal Studies, College of Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, USA
| | - Junli Xu
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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14
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Han Z, Jiang J, Xia J, Yan C, Cui C. Occurrence and fate of microplastics from a water source to two different drinking water treatment plants in a megacity in eastern China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123546. [PMID: 38369092 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) contamination in drinking water has raised concerns regarding water safety and public health. In this study, a micro-Raman spectrometer was used to trace the occurrence of MP transport from a water source to a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP)1 with an advanced treatment process and DWTP2 with a conventional treatment process and the contributions of different processes to the risk reduction of MPs were explored. Six types of MPs were detected: polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide, and polyvinyl chloride. 2-5 μm (35.8-41.2%) and polyethylene terephthalate (27.1-29.9%) were the most frequently detected MP sizes and types of water source samples, respectively. The abundance of MPs in treated water decreased by 72.7-83.0% compared to raw water. Ozonation and granular activated carbon (52.7%), and sand filtration (47.5%) were the most effective processes for removing MPs from DWTP1 and DWTP2, respectively. Both DWTPs showed significant removal effects on polyethylene terephthalate, with 80.0-88.1% removal rates. The concentrations of polystyrene increase by 30.0-53.4% after chlorination. The dominant components in the treated water of DWTP1 and DWTP2 were polypropylene (24.7%) and polyethylene 27.7%, respectively, and MPs of 2-5 μm had the highest proportion (55.3-64.3%). Pollution load index and potential ecological risk index of raw water treated by DWTPs were reduced by 48.0-58.7% and 94.5-94.7%, respectively. The estimated daily intake of MPs in treated water for infants was 45.5-75.0 items/kg/d, respectively, approximately twice that of adults. This study contributes to the knowledge gap regarding MP pollution in drinking water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Han
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jiali Jiang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jing Xia
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Chicheng Yan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Changzheng Cui
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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15
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Zhu L, Kang Y, Ma M, Wu Z, Zhang L, Hu R, Xu Q, Zhu J, Gu X, An L. Tissue accumulation of microplastics and potential health risks in human. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 915:170004. [PMID: 38220018 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170004] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics have become ubiquitous throughout the environment. Humans constantly ingest and inhale microplastics, increasing concerns about the health risks of microplastic exposure. However, limited data impedes a full understanding of the internal exposure to microplastics. Herein, to evaluate microplastic exposure via the respiratory and digestive systems, we used laser direct infrared spectroscopy to identify microplastics >20 μm in size in different human tissues. Consequently, 20-100 μm microplastics were concentrated in all tissues, with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) being the dominant polymer. The highest abundance of microplastics was detected in lung tissue with an average of 14.19 ± 14.57 particles/g, followed by that in the small intestine, large intestine, and tonsil (9.45 ± 13.13, 7.91 ± 7.00, and 6.03 ± 7.37 particles/g, respectively). The abundance of microplastics was also significantly greater in females than in males (p < 0.05). Despite significant diversity, our estimation showed that the lungs accumulated the highest amounts of microplastic. Moreover, PVC particles may cause potential health risks because of their high polymer hazard index and maximal risk level. This study provides evidence regarding the occurrence of microplastics in humans and empirical data to support assessments of the health risks posed by microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yulin Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Mindong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Zhixin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Le Zhang
- Department of Pneumology, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214023, China
| | - Rongxuan Hu
- Department of Pneumology, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214023, China
| | - Qiujin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jingying Zhu
- Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi 214023, China
| | - Xiaohong Gu
- Department of Pneumology, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214023, China.
| | - Lihui An
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
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16
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Zhou Z, Lin Z, Shuai X, Achi C, Chen H. Antibiotic resistance genes alterations in murine guts microbiome are associated with different types of drinking water. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133422. [PMID: 38183944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are emerging contaminants threatening public health and commonly found in drinking water. However, the effect of different types of drinking water on ARG alterations in the gut microbiome is unclear. This study examines this issue in murine models in three phases (phase I: acclimation using ddH2O; phase II: treatment using different types of water, i.e. river water (RW), tap water (TW) and commercial bottled water (CBW); and phase III: recovery using ddH2O) using high-throughput qPCR and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Results reveal that exposure to different types of drinking water could lead to significant changes in the gut microbiome, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and ARGs. In phase II, treatment of RW and TW significantly increased the abundance of aminoglycoside and tetracycline resistance genes in mice guts (P < 0.01). In the recovery phase, consuming distilled water was found to restore ARG profiles to a certain extent in mice guts. Procrustes, network, redundancy and variation partitioning analysis indicated that ARG alterations in mice guts might relate to MGEs and bacterial communities. Our work suggests that the type of drinking water consumed may play a crucial role in shaping ARGs in gut microbiomes, emphasizing the urgent need for access to clean drinking water to mitigate the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenchao Zhou
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zejun Lin
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xinyi Shuai
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chioma Achi
- Ineos Oxford Institute of Antimicrobial Research, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hong Chen
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; International Cooperation Base of Environmental Pollution and Ecological Health, Science and Technology Agency of Zhejiang, Zhejiang University, China.
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17
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Okoffo ED, Thomas KV. Quantitative analysis of nanoplastics in environmental and potable waters by pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 464:133013. [PMID: 37988869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics are emerging environmental contaminants, but their presence in environmental and potable water remains largely understudied due to the absence of quantitative analytical methods. In this study, we developed and validated a pretreatment method that combines hydrogen peroxide digestion and Amicon® Stirred Cell ultrafiltration (at 100 kDa, approximately 10 nm) with subsequent detection by pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Pyr-GC/MS). This method allows for the simultaneous identification and quantification of nine selected nanoplastic types, including poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), nylon 6, and nylon 66, in environmental and potable water samples based on polymer-specific mass concentration. Limits of quantification ranged from 0.01 to 0.44 µg/L, demonstrating the method's ability to quantitatively detect nanoplastics in environmental and potable water samples. Most of the selected nanoplastics were detected at concentrations of between 0.04 and 1.17 µg/L, except for PC, which was consistently below the limit of detection (<0.44 µg/L). The prevalent polymer components in the samples were PE (0.10 - 1.17 µg/L), PET (0.06 - 0.91 µg/L), PP (0.04 - 0.79 µg/L), and PS (0.06 - 0.53 µg/L) nanoplastics. The presented analytical method offers an accurate means to identify, quantify, and monitor nanoplastics in complex environmental and potable water samples. It fills gaps in our understanding of nanoplastic pollution levels, providing a valuable methodology and crucial reference data for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis D Okoffo
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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18
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Patil S, Bafana A, Krishnamurthi K, Sivanesan S. Estimated exposure to microplastics through national and local brands of bottled water in Central India. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:240. [PMID: 38324193 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12387-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants that affect various environmental matrices, including air, water, soil, food, and beverages. In India, there is limited research on microplastics in bottled drinking water, which is a significant route of MP exposure to the human body. To date, the data on the occurrence of MPs in national and local bottled water brands have not been studied and compared. Therefore, the current study focuses on the contamination of MPs in bottled water from different national and local brands procured from the market of Nagpur, India. The MPs were observed in all the analyzed samples. It was observed that the local bottled water showed higher MP contamination compared to national bottled water, with MP concentrations of 212 ± 100 MPs/L and 72 ± 36 MPs/L, respectively. The MPs were identified and characterized using microscopic and attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis, revealing that the dominant MP particles were fragments (71%), followed by fibers (23%), and others (6%). Among the observed particles, 50% of particles were black colored, followed by transparent (16%), red (13%), orange (8%), green (3%), blue (5%), and yellow (5%). The predominant polymer types were polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Overall, the pollution load indices suggested a moderate level of contamination in bottled water samples. Furthermore, the estimated annual human exposure to MPs was calculated as 5186 ± 3751 p/kg-bw/year for children and 1482 ± 1072 p/kg-bw/year for adults, making it a significant route of human exposure to MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Patil
- Health and Toxicity Cell (HTC), CSIR - NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) Campus, Nagpur, 440020, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Amit Bafana
- Health and Toxicity Cell (HTC), CSIR - NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) Campus, Nagpur, 440020, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Kannan Krishnamurthi
- Health and Toxicity Cell (HTC), CSIR - NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) Campus, Nagpur, 440020, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Saravanadevi Sivanesan
- Health and Toxicity Cell (HTC), CSIR - NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) Campus, Nagpur, 440020, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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19
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Vitali C, Peters RJB, Janssen HG, Undas AK, Munniks S, Ruggeri FS, Nielen MWF. Quantitative image analysis of microplastics in bottled water using artificial intelligence. Talanta 2024; 266:124965. [PMID: 37487270 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment and the use of plastics in packaging materials result in the presence of MPs in the food chain and exposure of consumers. Yet, no fully validated analytical method is available for microplastic (MP) quantification, thereby preventing the reliable estimation of the level of exposure and, ultimately, the assessment of the food safety risks associated with MP contamination. In this study, a novel approach is presented that exploits interactive artificial intelligence tools to enable automation of MP analysis. An integrated method for the analysis of MPs in bottled water based on Nile Red staining and fluorescent microscopy was developed and validated, featuring a partial interrogation of the filter and a fully automated image processing workflow based on a Random Forest classifier, thereby boosting the analysis speed. The image analysis provided particle count, size and size distribution of the MPs. From these data, a rough estimation of the mass of the individual MPs, and consequently of the MP mass concentration in the sample, could be obtained as well. Critical materials, method performance characteristics, and final applicability were studied in detail. The method showed to be highly sensitive in sizing MPs down to 10 μm, with a particle count limit of detection and quantification of 28 and 85 items/500 mL, respectively. Linearity of mass concentration determined between 10 ppb and 1.5 ppm showed a regression coefficient (R2) of 0.99. Method precision was demonstrated by a repeatability of 9-16% RSD (n = 7) and within-laboratory reproducibility of 15-27% RSD (n = 21). Accuracy based on recovery was 92 ± 15% and 98 ± 23% at a level of 0.1 and 1.0 ppm, respectively. The quantitative performance characteristics thus obtained complied with regulatory requirements. Finally, the method was successfully applied to the analysis of twenty commercial samples of bottled water, with and without gas and flavor additives, yielding results ranging from values below the limit of detection to 7237 (95% CI [6456, 8088]) items/500 mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clementina Vitali
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen University & Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Wageningen University, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Ruud J B Peters
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen University & Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hans-Gerd Janssen
- Wageningen University, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Unilever Foods Innovation Centre - Hive, Bronland 14, 6708 WH, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Anna K Undas
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen University & Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra Munniks
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen University & Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Francesco Simone Ruggeri
- Wageningen University, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Wageningen University, Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Michel W F Nielen
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen University & Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Wageningen University, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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20
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Sun J, Sui M, Wang T, Teng X, Sun J, Chen M. Detection and quantification of various microplastics in human endometrium based on laser direct infrared spectroscopy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167760. [PMID: 37832687 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The pollution of microplastics (MPs) has received widespread attention with the increasing usage of plastics in recent years. MPs could enter the human body and exist in the circulatory system. Endometrium, with rich blood vessels, acts as an essential role in human health and female fertility. However, there is no study reporting the MPs exposure in human endometrium. We collected the endometrium samples to detect the presence of MPs qualitatively and quantitatively via laser direct infrared. We found that there was a total of 13 types of MPs existing in the collected samples, among which 6 special types of MPs were with both high abundance and high detection rate. The abundance of these MPs ranged from 0 to 117 particles/100 mg, with a median abundance of 21 particles/100 mg. Most detected MPs, accounting for 88.35 %, were in small size (20-100 μm). Among small-size MPs, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer ranked first while polyethylene accounted for the largest proportion among large-size MPs (100-500 μm). Correlation analysis indicated there was no significant relationship between age and MP abundance or BMI and MP abundance. We also designed a questionnaire to investigate lifestyle and daily habits, aiming at revealing the potential relationship between MP exposure and living habits. We discovered that some drinking habits and chewing gum were significantly correlated with a higher level of MP exposure. For the first time, we identified the presence of MPs in human endometrium and clarified the potential connections between MP exposure and lifestyle. Further studies are still necessary to explore more underlying information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Sun
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Mengsong Sui
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaoming Teng
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Miaoxin Chen
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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