Occurrence of microplastics in three types of household cleaning products and their estimated emissions into the aquatic environment

Profusion of microplastics in dental healthcare units; morphological, polymer, and seasonal trends with hazardous consequences for humans

Given the convenience of using plastics, addressing the growing concerns about their hazardous health effects is imperative. Consequently, a comprehensive risk assessment is necessary to gauge the potential harm microplastics pose. With its urgent call to action, this study aimed to investigate the indoor source and abundance of microplastics in private dental units during routine professional activities. The current analyzed microplastic quantity variations based on morphological characteristics, seasonal fluctuations and polymer-types. The polymer hazard index (PHI) was calculated to evaluate the significant human health risks posed to dental professionals by inhalation of microplastics. Dust samples were collected using a clean brush and steel pan from various flat and horizontal surfaces within each dental unit. The study found that clinical dental units had fewer microplastics (587 ± 184.9 MPs/g/day) than teaching hospitals (1083.80 ± 133.7MPs/g/day), with comparatively more abundance in winter (31 %). ATR-FTIR analysis determined polyethylene terephthalate to be a more abundant polymer (39 %). This study also found an average inhalation microplastic intake risk of 20.23 MP/g/day and 5259.85 MP/g/year for clinical and 29.45 MP/g/day and 765.12 MP/g/year for teaching hospital dental units. Female dental professionals have 1.1 times more microplastic inhalation risks than male dental professionals. According to PHI findings, overall minor to medium polymer risk was determined. In conclusion, this evidence-based research underscores the urgent need for a shift towards more sustainable practices in the dental healthcare sector. Dental professionals should prioritize using non-plastic material protective equipment and a proper ventilation system to reduce exposure to these particles.

Microplastic retention in green walls for nature-based and decentralized greywater treatment

In wastewater treatment, two issues have recently received increased attention: nature-based solutions for addressing urban water stress through decentralized treatment and re-use; and emerging pollutants such as microplastics (MPs). At the interface of these, this study investigated living green walls for greywater treatment and their potential for MP removal. A large, pilot-scale green wall was irrigated with greywater (a mix of water collected from laundry, dishwasher, bathroom sinks, and synthetic greywater), and effluent from planted and unplanted sections was compared. MPs >50 μm were analyzed using μRaman spectroscopy and supplementary fluorescence microscopy imaging. The green wall proved efficient for the reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) (around 80%), removal of total suspended solids (TSS) (around 90%) and MPs, especially for MPs of the non-polar, hydrophobic polymer type polystyrene and MPs sized 100-500 μm. MP removal was improved in the planted (50-60%) compared to the unplanted section (20%), especially for the size fraction 100-500 μm. Physical filtration by the green wall growing media (a mix of perlite with a grain size of 1-5 mm, and coconut fiber), which was further enhanced by plant roots decreasing the effective pore size, can be considered the most important removal mechanism. Charge-mediated adsorption cannot be expected as MPs and growing media mix were both negatively charged at the prevailing water pH (7-8). Fluorescence imaging for MP analysis, using a merged UV/blue light fluorograph, overestimated MP concentrations in greywater (hundreds of MPs per sample were identified by fluorescence imaging versus tens of MPs by μRaman spectroscopy) and would benefit from further improvement before it can be reliably applied as a cheaper and faster alternative methodology for MP analysis.

Microplastic injection? Identification and quantification of plastic particles in medical injections

Microplastics (MPs) mainly enter the human body through ingestion and breathing. Most of them are excreted through feces, and only a small amount can accumulate in human organs and tissues. In contrast, if intravenous injection contains MPs, it could directly enter bloodstream and maybe pose severe health risk. To verify this hypothesis, we collected two types of injection [0.9 % NaCl and 5 % Glucose] with three dominant brands in China, to analyze the possible MPs. The results indicated that the injection had an average abundance of 895 MP particles/kg, ranging from 140 to 1840 particles/kg. Furthermore, more MPs were found in NaCl than Glucose injection. The MPs encompassed 21 types of polymers with notable brand variations in distribution. Notably, polyisoprene chlorinated (61.77 % in NaCl, 61.23 % in Glucose) are most prevalent. Most polymers had small diameter, with 30.5 % and 44.2 % of particles measuring between 0 and 30 μm in NaCl and Glucose injection, respectively. These minute particle sizes contribute to the dispersal of MPs within human tissues. In terms of shape, most polymers are fibers/fragments, with some in bead form. Our study uncovered a previously unnoticed but important pathway for MPs enter the human body, emphasizing the need to evaluate health risks of infusion-related MP.

Factors influencing the distribution, risk, and transport of microplastics and heavy metals for wildlife and habitats in "island" landscapes: From source to sink

Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals (HMs) are important pollutants in terrestrial ecosystems. In particular, the "island" landscape's weak resistance makes it vulnerable to pollution. However, there is a lack of research on MPs and HMs in island landscapes. Therefore, we used Helan Mountain as the research area. Assess the concentrations, spatial distribution, ecological risks, sources, and transport of MPs and HMs in the soil and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) feces. Variations in geographical distribution showed a connection between human activity and pollutants. Risk assessment indicated soil and wildlife were influenced by long-term pollutant polarization and multi-element inclusion (Igeo, Class I; PHI, Class V; RI (MPs), 33 % Class II, and 17 % Class IV; HI = 452.08). Source apportionment showed that tourism and coal combustion were the primary sources of pollutants. Meanwhile, a new coupling model of PMF/Risk was applied to quantify the source contribution of various risk types indicated transportation roads and tourism sources were the main sources of ecological and health risks, respectively. Improve the traceability of pollution source risks. Furthermore, also developed a novel tracing model for pollutant transportation, revealing a unique "source-sink-source" cycle in pollutant transportation, which provides a new methodological framework for the division of pollution risk areas in nature reserves and the evaluation of spatial transport between sources and sinks. Overall, this study establishes a foundational framework for conducting comprehensive risk assessments and formulating strategies for pollution control and management.

Ecological risk assessment of microplastics and mesoplastics in six common fishes from the Bay of Bengal Coast

Plastic particles have emerged as a growing threat to both ecosystems and human well-being, as they are being ingested and accumulate at different trophic levels. However, microplastic and mesoplastic contamination and its risk to coastal and marine water fish have not been well studied, particularly in the northern Bay of Bengal. In this study, the presence of small-scale plastic particles (micro- and meso-sized) in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and muscles of six edible fish species from the northern Bay of Bengal Coast were identified and analyzed. The overall range of microplastics was 1.74 ± 0.23-3.79 ± 2.03items/g in muscle and 0.54 ± 0.22-5.96 ± 3.16 items/g in the GIT, with 16.38 ± 8.08-31.88 ± 12.09 items/individual. No mesoplastics were found in muscle tissue, but they were present in the GIT at concentrations ranging from 0.33 ± 0.27 to 0.03 ± 0.02 items/g and from 0.51 ± 0.05to 1.38 ± 1.01 items/individual. Lepturacanthus savala accumulated the most microplastics in muscle, and Harpadon nehereus had the least. In addition, the highest levels of mesoplastics were detected in the GIT of Polynemus paradiseus and the lowest was detected in the GIT of Lutjenus sanguineus. Omnivorous fish showed higher plastic concentrations than carnivorous fish, which was linked to dietary habits, feeding strategies and digestive processes. Plastic material predominantly accumulated in the GIT rather than in the muscle. The majority of ingested plastic particles were fibres (95.18 %), were violet in color (34 %), and were < 0.5 mm in size (87 %). The dominant microplastic polymers included 38 % PE, 15 % PP, 33 % PU, and 14 % CES. In contrast, the prevalent mesoplastic polymers comprised 45 % PE, 19 % PP, 13 % PS, 16 % PA, and 7 % PET. Subsequently, a hazard analysis using the polymer hazard index (PHI) revealed that plastic contamination was of distinct hazard categories for different polymer types, ranging from grade I (<1) to grade IV (100-1000). The assessment of the contamination factor (1 < CF < 3) and pollution load index (PLI > 1) indicated moderate contamination of fish by the ingestion of plastic debris. This study provides the foremost evidence for the presence of mesoplastics and microplastics in coastal and marine fish in the study region, paving the way for future investigations and policy implementation.

A systematic review of microplastics emissions in kitchens: Understanding the links with diseases in daily life

The intensification of microplastics (MPs) pollution has emerged as a formidable environmental challenge, with profound global implications. The pervasive presence of MPs across a multitude of environmental mediums, such as the atmosphere, soil, and oceans, extends to commonplace items, culminating in widespread human ingestion and accumulation via channels like food, water, and air. In the domestic realm, kitchens have become significant epicenters for MPs pollution. A plethora of kitchen utensils, encompassing coated non-stick pans, plastic cutting boards, and disposable utensils, are known to release substantial quantities of MPs particles in everyday use, which can then be ingested alongside food. This paper conducts a thorough examination of contemporary research addressing the release of MPs from kitchen utensils during usage and focuses on the health risks associated with MPs ingestion, as well as the myriad factors influencing the release of MPs in kitchen utensils. Leveraging the insights derived from this analysis, this paper proposes a series of strategic recommendations and measures targeted at mitigating the production of MPs in kitchen settings. These initiatives are designed not solely to diminish the release of MPs but also to enhance public awareness regarding this pressing environmental concern. By adopting more informed practices in kitchens, we can significantly contribute to the reduction of the environmental burden of MPs pollution, thus safeguarding both human health and the ecological system.

Current strategies on bioremediation of personal care products and detergents: Sustainability and life cycle assessment

The increased use of personal care products and detergents in modern society has raised concerns about their potential adverse effects on the environment. These products contain various chemical compounds that can persist in water bodies, leading to water pollution and ecological disturbances. Bioremediation has emerged as a promising approach to address these challenges, utilizing the natural capabilities of microorganisms to degrade or remove these contaminants. This review examines the current strategies employed in the bioremediation of personal care products and detergents, with a specific focus on their sustainability and environmental impact. This bioremediation is essential for environmental rejuvenation, as it uses living organisms to detergents and other daily used products. Its distinctiveness stems from sustainable, nature-centric ways that provide eco-friendly solutions for pollution eradication and nurturing a healthy planet, all while avoiding copying. Explores the use of microbial consortia, enzyme-based treatments, and novel biotechnological approaches in the context of environmental remediation. Additionally, the ecological implications and long-term sustainability of these strategies are assessed. Understanding the strengths and limitations of these bioremediation techniques is essential for developing effective and environmentally friendly solutions to mitigate the impact of personal care products and detergents on ecosystems.

Optimization of microplastic removal based on the complementarity of constructed wetland and microalgal-based system

As one of the emblematic emerging contaminants, microplastics (MPs) have aroused great public concern. Nevertheless, the global community still insufficiently acknowledges the ecological health risks and resolution strategies of MP pollution. As the nature-based biotechnologies, the constructed wetland (CW) and microalgal-based system (MBS) have been applied in exploring the removal of MPs recently. This review separately presents the removal research (mechanism, interactions, implications, and technical defects) of MPs by a single method of CWs or MBS. But one thing with certitude is that the exclusive usage of these techniques to combat MPs has non-negligible and formidable challenges. The negative impacts of MP accumulation on CWs involve toxicity to macrophytes, substrates blocking, and nitrogen-removing performance inhibition. While MPs restrict MBS practical application by making troubles for separation difficulties of microalgal-based aggregations from effluent. Hence the combined strategy of microalgal-assisted CWs is proposed based on the complementarity of biotechnologies, in an attempt to expand the removing size range of MPs, create more biodegradable conditions and improve the effluent quality. Our work evaluates and forecasts the potential of integrating combination for strengthening micro-polluted wastewater treatment, completing the synergistic removal of MP-based co-pollutants and achieving long-term stability and sustainability, which is expected to provide new insights into MP pollution regulation and control.