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Sun T, Teng Y, Ji C, Li F, Shan X, Wu H. Global prevalence of microplastics in tap water systems: Abundance, characteristics, drivers and knowledge gaps. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172662. [PMID: 38649043 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172662] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Tap water is a main route for human direct exposure to microplastics (MPs). This study recompiled baseline data from 34 countries to assess the current status and drivers of MP contamination in global tap water systems (TWS). It was shown that MPs were detected in 87 % of 1148 samples, suggesting the widespread occurrence of MPs in TWS. The detected concentrations of MPs spanned seven orders of magnitude and followed the linearized log-normal distribution (MSE = 0.035, R2 = 0.965), with cumulative concentrations at 5th, 50th and 95th percentiles of 0.028, 4.491 and 728.105 items/L, respectively. The morphological characteristics were further investigated, indicating that particles smaller than 50 μm dominated in global TWS, with fragment, polyester and transparent as the most common shape, composition and color of MPs, respectively. Subsequently, the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) algorithm was implemented to quantify the importance of variables affecting the MP abundance in global TWS, showing that the lower particle size limit was the most important variables. Subgroup analysis revealed that the concentration of MPs counted at the size limit of 1 μm was >20 times higher than that above 1 μm. Ultimately, current knowledge gaps and future research needs were elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yuefa Teng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Chenglong Ji
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, PR China; Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Qingdao 266071, PR China
| | - Fei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Qingdao 266071, PR China
| | - Xiujuan Shan
- Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Huifeng Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, PR China; Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Qingdao 266071, PR China.
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Li N, Yang H, Dong Y, Wei B, Liang L, Yun X, Tian J, Zheng Y, Duan S, Zhang L. Prevalence and implications of microplastic contaminants in general human seminal fluid: A Raman spectroscopic study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 937:173522. [PMID: 38802004 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that have been detected in human semen from polluted areas, yet their prevalence and effects in the general population remain largely unexplored. To examine microplastic presence, abundance, polymer types, and associations with semen quality parameters in individuals without occupational exposures, this study was conducted by collecting semen samples from 40 participants undergoing premarital health assessments in Jinan, China. Raman microspectroscopy was employed to identify, quantify, and categorize microplastic polymers, sperm motility was assessed via computer-assisted analysis, and morphology was evaluated through Diff-Quik staining. Correlations between demographics, semen parameters, and microplastic content were examined by statistical analysis. We found that microplastics were detected in all semen samples, with 2 particles per sample (ranging from 0.72 to 7.02 μm). Eight distinct polymers were identified, with polystyrene (31 %) being most prevalent. Semen exposed to polystyrene demonstrated higher sperm progressive motility as compared to polyvinyl chloride exposure group (43.52 ± 14.21 % vs 19.04 ± 13.46 %). Sperm morphological abnormalities were observed but not significantly associated with specific plastic types. In conclusion, this study reveals microplastic contamination in semen from individuals without occupational exposure, with PS, PE, and PVC being the most prevalent and exhibiting differential correlations with sperm progressive motility, and highlight the need for further research into the potential reproductive impacts of microplastic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan 250001, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Jinan 250001, China; School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Huijun Yang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan 250001, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Yunling Dong
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan 250001, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Bin Wei
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan 250001, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Liyang Liang
- Department of Surgery-oncology, Tangshan Gongren Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Xiang Yun
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Jiaqi Tian
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan 250001, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Yongfei Zheng
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Shuyin Duan
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan 250001, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Jinan 250001, China.
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Marcharla E, Vinayagam S, Gnanasekaran L, Soto-Moscoso M, Chen WH, Thanigaivel S, Ganesan S. Microplastics in marine ecosystems: A comprehensive review of biological and ecological implications and its mitigation approach using nanotechnology for the sustainable environment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 256:119181. [PMID: 38768884 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination has rapidly become a serious environmental issue, threatening marine ecosystems and human health. This review aims to not only understand the distribution, impacts, and transfer mechanisms of microplastic contamination but also to explore potential solutions for mitigating its widespread impact. This review encompasses the categorisation, origins, and worldwide prevalence of microplastics and methodically navigates the complicated structure of microplastics. Understanding the sources of minute plastic particles infiltrating water bodies worldwide is critical for successful removal. The presence and accumulation of microplastics has far reaching negative impacts on various marine creatures, eventually extending its implications to human health. Microplastics are known to affect the metabolic activities and the survival of microbial communities, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fauna present in marine environments. Moreover, these microplastics cause developmental abnormalities, endocrine disruption, and several metabolic disorders in humans. These microplastics accumulates in aquatic environments through trophic transfer mechanisms and biomagnification, thereby disrupting the delicate balance of these ecosystems. The review also addresses the tactics for minimising the widespread impact of microplastics by suggesting practical alternatives. These include increasing public awareness, fostering international cooperation, developing novel cleanup solutions, and encouraging the use of environment-friendly materials. In conclusion, this review examines the sources and prevalence of microplastic contamination in marine environment, its impacts on living organisms and ecosystems. It also proposes various sustainable strategies to mitigate the problem of microplastics pollution. Also, the current challenges associated with the mitigation of these pollutants have been discussed and addressing these challenges require immediate and collective action for restoring the balance in marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eswar Marcharla
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science & Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Saranya Vinayagam
- Department of Biosciences, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 602 105, India
| | - Lalitha Gnanasekaran
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, 1000000, Chile.
| | | | - Wei-Hsin Chen
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; Research Center for Smart Sustainable Circular Economy, Tunghai University, Taichung 407, Taiwan; Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung 411, Taiwan
| | - Sundaram Thanigaivel
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science & Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu 603203, India.
| | - Swamynathan Ganesan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science & Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu 603203, India.
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Yu C, Xu Y, Wei Y, Guo Y, Wang Y, Song P, Yu J. Gut microbiota and liver metabolomics reveal the potential mechanism of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG modulating the liver toxicity caused by polystyrene microplastics in mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:6527-6542. [PMID: 38151562 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31564-8] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are known to cause liver toxicity as they can spread through the food chain. Most researches on their toxicity have focused on individual organs, neglecting the crucial "gut-liver axis"-a bidirectional communication pathway between the gut and liver. Probiotics have shown promise in modulating the effects of environmental pollutants. In this study, we exposed mice to Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG, 100 mg/kg b.w./d) and/or polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs, 5 mg/kg b.w./d) for 28 d via gavage to investigate how probiotics influence live toxicity through the gut-liver axis. Our results demonstrated that PS-MPs induced liver inflammation (increased IL-6 and TNF-α) and disrupted lipid metabolism. However, when combined with LGG, these effects were alleviated. LGG also improved colon health, rectifying ciliary defects and abnormal mucus secretion caused by PS-MPs. Furthermore, LGG improved gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by PS-MPs. Metabolomics and gene expression analysis (Cyp7a1 and Cyp7b1) indicated that LGG modulated bile acid metabolism. In summary, LGG appears to protect the liver by maintaining gut homeostasis, enhancing gut barrier integrity, and reducing the liver inflammation. These findings confirm the potential of LGG to modulate liver toxicity caused by PS-MPs through the gut-liver axis, offering insights into probiotics' application for environmental pollutant detoxification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhao Yu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Xuelin Road, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yawen Xu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Xuelin Road, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiping Wei
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Xuelin Road, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxue Guo
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Xuelin Road, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Wang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Xuelin Road, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Song
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Xuelin Road, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Yu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Xuelin Road, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
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Chauhan R, Archibong AE, Ramesh A. Imprinting and Reproductive Health: A Toxicological Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16559. [PMID: 38068882 PMCID: PMC10706004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This overview discusses the role of imprinting in the development of an organism, and how exposure to environmental chemicals during fetal development leads to the physiological and biochemical changes that can have adverse lifelong effects on the health of the offspring. There has been a recent upsurge in the use of chemical products in everyday life. These chemicals include industrial byproducts, pesticides, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical products. They mimic the natural estrogens and bind to estradiol receptors. Consequently, they reduce the number of receptors available for ligand binding. This leads to a faulty signaling in the neuroendocrine system during the critical developmental process of 'imprinting'. Imprinting causes structural and organizational differentiation in male and female reproductive organs, sexual behavior, bone mineral density, and the metabolism of exogenous and endogenous chemical substances. Several studies conducted on animal models and epidemiological studies provide profound evidence that altered imprinting causes various developmental and reproductive abnormalities and other diseases in humans. Altered metabolism can be measured by various endpoints such as the profile of cytochrome P-450 enzymes (CYP450's), xenobiotic metabolite levels, and DNA adducts. The importance of imprinting in the potentiation or attenuation of toxic chemicals is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Chauhan
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA;
| | - Anthony E. Archibong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA;
| | - Aramandla Ramesh
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA;
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