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Yan X, Chio C, Li H, Zhu Y, Chen X, Qin W. Colonization characteristics and surface effects of microplastic biofilms: Implications for environmental behavior of typical pollutants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 937:173141. [PMID: 38761927 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173141] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
This paper summarizes the colonization dynamics of biofilms on microplastics (MPs) surfaces in aquatic environments, encompassing bacterial characteristics, environmental factors affecting biofilm formation, and matrix types and characteristics. The interaction between biofilm and MPs was also discussed. Through summarizing recent literatures, it was found that MPs surfaces offer numerous benefits to microorganisms, including nutrient enrichment and enhanced resistance to environmental stress. Biofilm colonization changes the surface physical and chemical properties as well as the transport behavior of MPs. At the same time, biofilms also play an important role in the fragmentation and degradation of MPs. In addition, we also investigated the coexistence level, adsorption mechanism, enrichment, and transformation of MPs by environmental pollutants mediated by biofilms. Moreover, an interesting aspect about the colonization of biofilms was discussed. Biofilm colonization not only had a great effect on the accumulation of heavy metals by MPs, but also affects the interaction between particles and environmental pollutants, thereby changing their toxic effects and increasing the difficulty of MPs treatment. Consequently, further attention and research are warranted to delve into the internal mechanisms, environmental risks, and the control of the coexistence of MPs and biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiurong Yan
- College of Environmental & Resource Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi Province, China; Shanxi Laboratory for Yellow River, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Chonlong Chio
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Hua Li
- College of Environmental & Resource Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi Province, China; Shanxi Laboratory for Yellow River, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Yuen Zhu
- College of Environmental & Resource Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi Province, China; Shanxi Laboratory for Yellow River, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi Province, China; Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada.
| | - Xuantong Chen
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Wensheng Qin
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada.
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2
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Biao W, Hashim NA, Rabuni MFB, Lide O, Ullah A. Microplastics in aquatic systems: An in-depth review of current and potential water treatment processes. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142546. [PMID: 38849101 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142546] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Plastic products, despite their undeniable utility in modern life, pose significant environmental challenges, particularly when it comes to recycling. A crucial concern is the pervasive introduction of microplastics (MPs) into aquatic ecosystems, with deleterious effects on marine organisms. This review presents a detailed examination of the methodologies developed for MPs removal in water treatment systems. Initially, investigating the most common types of MPs in wastewater, subsequently presenting methodologies for their precise identification and quantification in aquatic environments. Instruments such as scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and Raman tweezers stand out as powerful tools for studying MPs. The discussion then transitions to the exploration of both existing and emergent techniques for MPs removal in wastewater treatment plants and drinking water treatment plants. This includes a description of the core mechanisms that drive these techniques, with an emphasis on the latest research developments in MPs degradation. Present MPs removal methodologies, ranging from physical separation to chemical and biological adsorption and degradation, offer varied advantages and constraints. Addressing the MPs contamination problem in its entirety remains a significant challenge. In conclusion, the review offers a succinct overview of each technique and forwards recommendations for future research, highlighting the pressing nature of this environmental dilemma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Biao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N Awanis Hashim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Sustainable Process Engineering Centre (SPEC), Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Mohamad Fairus Bin Rabuni
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Sustainable Process Engineering Centre (SPEC), Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Ong Lide
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Aubaid Ullah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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3
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Li B, Mao R, Chen Z, Zhang Y, Song J, Li N, Tang B, Feng J, Guan M. The competition of heavy metals between hyporheic sediments and microplastics of driving factors in the Beiluo River Basin. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 473:134538. [PMID: 38761759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Both sediments and microplastics (MPs) are medias of heavy metals (HMs) in river ecosystems. This study investigated HMs (Mn, Cr, V, As, Cu, Co, Cd, Pb, and Ni) concentration and driving factors for competitive enrichment between hyporheic sediments versus MPs. The medias basic characteristics indicated that the sediments were mostly sand and rich in Fe2O3; three polymer types were identified, with blue, fragment, less than 500 µm being the main types of MPs. The results have shown that the average content of extracted HMs in MPs was much higher than that of the same metals accumulated in sediments. HMs in sediments and MPs reached heavily polluted at some points, among which As and Cd were ecological risks. Electrostatic adsorption and surface complexation, and biofilm-mediated and organic matter complexation were the interaction mechanism of HMs with sediments and MPs. Further, the driving factors affecting the distribution of HMs in the two carriers were analyzed by multivariate statistical analysis. The results demonstrated that carrier characteristics, hydrochemical factors, and the inherent metal load of MPs were the main causes of the high HMs content. These findings improved our understanding of HMs fate and environmental risks across multiple medias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjie Li
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Ruichen Mao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Zeyu Chen
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Jinxi Song
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China; Yellow River Institute of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China.
| | - Nan Li
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Bin Tang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Jiayuan Feng
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Mingchang Guan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
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Zhu Z, Cao X, Wang K, Guan Y, Ma Y, Li Z, Guan J. The environmental effects of microplastics and microplastic derived dissolved organic matter in aquatic environments: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 933:173163. [PMID: 38735318 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Currently, microplastics (MPs) have ubiquitously distributed in different aquatic environments. Due to the unique physicochemical properties, MPs exhibit a variety of environmental effects with the coexisted contaminants. MPs can not only alter the migration of contaminants via vector effect, but also affect the transformation process and fate of contaminants via environmental persistent free radicals (EPFRs). The aging processes may enhance the interaction between MPs and co-existed contaminants. Thus, it is of great significance to review the aging mechanism of MPs and the influence of coexisted substances, the formation mechanism of EPFRs, environmental effects of MPs and relevant mechanism. Moreover, microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter (MP-DOM) may also influence the elemental biogeochemical cycles and the relevant environmental processes. However, the environmental implications of MP-DOM are rarely outlined. Finally, the knowledge gaps on environmental effects of MPs were proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Zhu
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Xu Cao
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Kezhi Wang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Yujie Guan
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Yuqi Ma
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Zhuoyu Li
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Jiunian Guan
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, PR China.
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Tang KHD, Li R. The effects of plastisphere on the physicochemical properties of microplastics. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2024:10.1007/s00449-024-03059-4. [PMID: 38960926 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-024-03059-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The plastisphere is the microbial communities that grow on the surface of plastic debris, often used interchangeably with plastic biofilm or biofouled plastics. It can affect the properties of the plastic debris in multiple ways. This review aims to present the effects of the plastisphere on the physicochemical properties of microplastics systematically. It highlights that the plastisphere modifies the buoyancy and movement of microplastics by increasing their density, causing them to sink and settle out. Smaller and film microplastics are likely to settle sooner because of larger surface areas and higher rates of biofouling. Biofouled microplastics may show an oscillating movement in waterbodies when settling due to diurnal and seasonal changes in the growth of the plastisphere until they come close to the bottom of the waterbodies and are entrapped by sediments. The plastisphere enhances the adsorption of microplastics for metals and organic pollutants and shifts the adsorption mechanism from intraparticle diffusion to film diffusion. The plastisphere also increases surface roughness, reduces the pore size, and alters the overall charge of microplastics. Charge alteration is primarily attributed to changes in the functional groups on microplastic surfaces. The plastisphere introduces carbonyl, amine, amide, hydroxyl, and phosphoryl groups to microplastics, causing an increase in their surface hydrophilicity, which could alter their adsorption behaviors for heavy metals. The plastisphere may act as a reactive barrier that enhances the leaching of polar additives. It may anchor bacteria that can break down plastic additives, resulting in decreased crystallinity of microplastics. This review contributes to a better understanding of how the plastisphere alters the fate, transport, and environmental impacts of microplastics. It points to the possibility of engineering the plastisphere to improve microplastic biodegradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| | - Ronghua Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
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Guo Z, Li J, Zhang Z. Meta-analysis for systematic review of global micro/nano-plastics contamination versus various freshwater microalgae: Toxicological effect patterns, taxon-specific response, and potential eco-risks. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 258:121706. [PMID: 38761590 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121706] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nano-plastics (MNPs), as emerging persistent pollutants, are threatening freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Microalgae are important primary producers at the base of trophic level and susceptible to MNPs contamination, possibly resulting in further contamination in higher trophic levels and water quality. This study conducted a systematic review of 1071 observations from 63 publications, utilizing meta-analysis and subgroup analysis to investigate the toxicological effect patterns of MNPs parameters (size, concentration, and type) on microalgae. We also explored the potential eco-risks of certain specific MNPs parameters and subtle variations in the response of various microalgae taxa to MNPs. Results suggested that microplastics significantly inhibited microalgal photosynthesis, while nano-plastics induced more severe cell membrane damage and promoted toxin-release. Within a certain range of concentrations (0∼50 mg/L), rising MNPs concentration progressively inhibited microalgal growth and chlorophyll-a content, and progressively enhanced toxin-release. Among MNPs types, polyamide caused higher growth inhibition and more severe lipid peroxidation, and polystyrene induced more toxin-release, whereas polyethylene terephthalate and polymethyl methacrylate posed minimal effects on microalgae. Moreover, Bacillariophyta growth was inhibited most significantly, while Chlorophyta displayed strong tolerance and Cyanophyta possessed strong adaptive and exceptional resilience. Particularly, Komvophoron, Microcystis, Nostoc, Scenedesmus, and Gomphonema were more tolerant and might dominate freshwater microalgal communities under MNPs contamination. These results are crucial for acquiring the fate of freshwater microalgae under various MNPs contamination, identifying dominant microalgae, and reasonably assessing and managing involved eco-risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghui Guo
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jieming Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Ziqing Zhang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
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7
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Sudarsan JS, Dogra K, Kumar R, Raval NP, Leifels M, Mukherjee S, Trivedi MH, Jain MS, Zang J, Barceló D, Mahlknecht J, Kumar M. Tricks and tracks of prevalence, occurrences, treatment technologies, and challenges of mixtures of emerging contaminants in the environment: With special emphasis on microplastic. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 265:104389. [PMID: 38941876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
This paper aims to emphasize the occurrence of various emerging contaminant (EC) mixtures in natural ecosystems and highlights the primary concern arising from the unregulated release into soil and water, along with their impacts on human health. Emerging contaminant mixtures, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, antibiotics, biocides, surfactants, phthalates, enteric viruses, and microplastics (MPs), are considered toxic contaminants with grave implications. MPs play a crucial role in transporting pollutants to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems as they interact with the various components of the soil and water environments. This review summarizes that major emerging contaminants (ECs), like trimethoprim, diclofenac, sulfamethoxazole, and 17α-Ethinylestradiol, pose serious threats to public health and contribute to antimicrobial resistance. In addressing human health concerns and remediation techniques, this review critically evaluates conventional methods for removing ECs from complex matrices. The diverse physiochemical properties of surrounding environments facilitate the partitioning of ECs into sediments and other organic phases, resulting in carcinogenic, teratogenic, and estrogenic effects through active catalytic interactions and mechanisms mediated by aryl hydrocarbon receptors. The proactive toxicity of ECs mixture complexation and, in part, the yet-to-be-identified environmental mixtures of ECs represent a blind spot in current literature, necessitating conceptual frameworks for assessing the toxicity and risks with individual components and mixtures. Lastly, this review concludes with an in-depth exploration of future scopes, knowledge gaps, and challenges, emphasizing the need for a concerted effort in managing ECs and other organic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayaraman Sethuraman Sudarsan
- School of Energy and Environment, NICMAR (National Institute of Construction Management and Research) University, Pune 411045, India
| | - Kanika Dogra
- School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Nirav P Raval
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Sciences, SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh 522 240, India
| | - Mats Leifels
- Division Water Quality and Health, Karl Landsteiner University for Health Sciences, Dr.-Karl-Dorrek-Strasse 30, 3500 Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Santanu Mukherjee
- School of Agriculture, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan 173229, India.
| | - Mrugesh H Trivedi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, KSKV Kachchh University, Bhuj-Kachchh, Gujarat 370001, India
| | - Mayur Shirish Jain
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, 453552, India
| | - Jian Zang
- School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Damià Barceló
- School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India; Chemistry and Physics Department, University of Almeria, Ctra Sacramento s/n, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - Jürgen Mahlknecht
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterey, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64849, Mexico
| | - Manish Kumar
- School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India; Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterey, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64849, Mexico.
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8
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Battulga B, Munkhbat D, Matsueda M, Atarashi-Andoh M, Oyuntsetseg B, Koarashi J, Kawahigashi M. Uncovering the characteristics of plastic-associated biofilm from the inland river system of Mongolia. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124427. [PMID: 38914199 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The occurrence and characteristics of plastic debris in aquatic and terrestrial environments have been extensively studied. However, limited information exists on the properties and dynamic behavior of plastic-associated biofilms in the environment. In this study, we collected plastic samples from an inland river system in Mongolia and extracted biofilms to uncover their characteristics using spectroscopic, isotopic, and thermogravimetric techniques. Mixtures of organic and mineral particles were detected in the extracted biofilms, revealing plastic as a carrier for exogenous substances, including contaminants, in the river ecosystem. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated the predominant contribution of minerals primarily comprising aluminosilicate and calcite, representing approximately 80 wt% of the biofilms. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) coupled with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry operated at 25°C-600 °C enabled the detection of gaseous decomposition products, such as CO2, H2O, CO, and functional groups (O-H, C-H, C-O, CO, CC, and C-C), released from biopolymers in the extracted biofilms. Dehydration, dehydroxylation, and decarboxylation reactions explain the thermal properties of biofilms. The stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope ratios of the biofilms demonstrated variable signatures ranging from -24.1‰ to -27.0‰ and 3.1‰-12.3‰, respectively. A significant difference in the δ13C value (p < 0.05) among the upstream, middle, and downstream research sites could be characterized by available organic carbon sources in the river environment, depending on the research sites. This study provides insights into the characteristics and environmental behavior of biofilms which are useful to elucidate the impact of plastic-associated biofilms on organic matter and material cycling in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batdulam Battulga
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan; Department of Geography, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0397, Japan.
| | - Dolgormaa Munkhbat
- Department of Geography, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0397, Japan
| | - Makoto Matsueda
- Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Fukushima, 963-7700, Japan
| | - Mariko Atarashi-Andoh
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan
| | - Bolormaa Oyuntsetseg
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Mongolia, Ikh Surguuliin Gudamj-1, Ulaanbaatar, 14201, Mongolia
| | - Jun Koarashi
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kawahigashi
- Department of Geography, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0397, Japan
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Zhang Y, Xu X, Xu J, Li Z, Cheng L, Fu J, Sun W, Dang C. When antibiotics encounter microplastics in aquatic environments: Interaction, combined toxicity, and risk assessments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172455. [PMID: 38636871 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172455] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotics and microplastics (MPs), known as emerging pollutants, are bound to coexist in aquatic environments due to their widespread distribution and prolonged persistence. To date, few systematic summaries are available for the interaction between MPs and antibiotics in aquatic ecosystems, and a comprehensive reanalysis of their combined toxicity is also needed. Based on the collected published data, we have analyzed the source and distribution of MPs and antibiotics in global aquatic environments, finding their coexistence occurs in a lot of study sites. Accordingly, the presence of MPs can directly alter the environmental behavior of antibiotics. The main influencing factors of interaction between antibiotics and MPs have been summarized in terms of the characteristics of MPs and antibiotics, as well as the environmental factors. Then, we have conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the combined toxicity of antibiotics and MPs on aquatic organisms and the related toxicity indicators, suggesting a significant adverse effect on algae, and inapparent on fish and daphnia. Finally, the environmental risk assessments for antibiotics and MPs were discussed, but unfortunately the standardized methodology for the risk assessment of MPs is still challenging, let alone assessment for their combined toxicity. This review provides insights into the interactions and environment risks of antibiotics and MPs in the aquatic environment, and suggests perspectives for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Dezhou Eco-environment Monitoring Center of Shandong Province, Dezhou, 253000, China
| | - Zhang Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Long Cheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Jie Fu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Weiling Sun
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chenyuan Dang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China.
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10
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Chu WC, Gao YY, Wu YX, Liu FF. Biofilm of petroleum-based and bio-based microplastics in seawater in response to Zn(II): Biofilm formation, community structure, and microbial function. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 928:172397. [PMID: 38608889 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172397] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic biofilms are novel vectors for the transport and spread of pathogenic and drug-resistant bacteria. With the increasing use of bio-based plastics, there is an urgent need to investigate the microbial colonization characteristics of these materials in seawater, particularly in comparison with conventional petroleum-based plastics. Furthermore, the effect of co-occurring contaminants, such as heavy metals, on the formation of microplastic biofilms and bacterial communities remains unclear. In this study, we compared the biofilm bacterial community structure of petroleum-based polyethylene (PE) and bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) in seawater under the influence of zinc ions (Zn2+). Our findings indicate that the biofilm on PLA microplastics in the late stage was impeded by the formation of a mildly acidic microenvironment resulting from the hydrolysis of the ester group on PLA. The PE surface had higher bacterial abundance and diversity, with a more intricate symbiotic pattern. The bacterial structures on the two types of microplastics were different; PE was more conducive to the colonization of anaerobic bacteria, whereas PLA was more favorable for the colonization of aerobic and acid-tolerant species. Furthermore, Zn increased the proportion of the dominant genera that could utilize microplastics as a carbon source, such as Alcanivorax and Nitratireductor. PLA had a greater propensity to harbor and disseminate pathogenic and drug-resistant bacteria, and Zn promoted the enrichment and spread of harmful bacteria such as, Pseudomonas and Clostridioides. Therefore, further research is essential to fully understand the potential environmental effects of bio-based microplastics and the role of heavy metals in the dynamics of bacterial colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang-Chao Chu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Gao
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Yu-Xin Wu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Fei-Fei Liu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China.
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11
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Umeh OR, Ophori DU, Ibo EM, Eke CI, Oyen TP. Groundwater systems under siege: The silent invasion of microplastics and cock-tails worldwide. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124305. [PMID: 38830527 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) contamination is one of the significant escalating environmental concerns worldwide, and this stems from the increasing production and unlawful disposal of plastic materials. Regretfully, the synthesis of plastic materials is expected to triple in the upcoming years. Nevertheless, MPs pollution in marine, aquatic, and terrestrial settings has received much attention, unlike in groundwater systems. This study exhaustively reviewed varying degrees of recent publications in various search engines and provided a detailed state of current knowledge and research progress vis-à-vis MPs and cock-tail pollution in groundwater systems. Evidently, groundwater sources are severely contaminated as a result of growing anthropogenic activities and vertical movement of MPs and cock-tails from the atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic environments, however, fewer researchers have fixated their attention on estimating the occurrence of MPs in groundwater resources, while sufficient information regarding their sources, sampling methods, abundance, transport pathways, fate, modeling techniques, appropriate and adequate data, sorption properties, separation from other environmental media, toxicity, and remedial measures are extensively lacking. In addition, MPs may combine with other toxic emerging contaminants to improve migration and toxicity; however, no research has been conducted to fully understand cock-tail migration mechanisms and impacts in groundwater systems. Over time, groundwater may be regarded as the primary sink for MPs, if effective actions are neglected. Overall, this study detected a lack of concern and innumerable voids in this field; hence, vital and nascent research gaps were identified for immediate, advanced, and interdisciplinary research investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odera R Umeh
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA.
| | - Duke U Ophori
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA.
| | - Eziafakaego M Ibo
- Department of Environmental Management, Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute, Ibadan, Oyo State, 200002, Nigeria.
| | - Chima I Eke
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA.
| | - Toritseju P Oyen
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA.
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12
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Zhang D, Zhang Z, Liu H, Zou J, Yin L, Liu X, Zhang YN, Qu J, Peijnenburg WJGM. Insights into the effect of crystallinity on the sorption of organic pollutants to microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:42202-42211. [PMID: 38862802 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33929-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The environmental behavior of microplastics (MPs) has attracted global attention. Research has confirmed that MPs can strongly absorb almost every kind of pollutant and can serve as vectors for pollutant transport. In this research, the sorption isotherms of six organic pollutants with different structure on four virgin plastic particles with different crystallinity were determined. Results indicated that the hydrophobicity (KOW) of organic pollutants and the crystallinity of MPs were the two key factors that affected the sorption process of organic pollutants on MPs. Strong correlations were observed between KOW and the partition coefficient. Hydrophobic partition was one of the major mechanisms regardless of the type of organic chemical (hydrophobic, polar, or dissociable). What is more, the influence of the crystallinity of MPs on the sorption process increased with increasing hydrophobicity of the chemical. Combining this result with analyzing the related literature on the effect of crystallinity, it was concluded that the effect of crystallinity on the sorption of chemicals with strong hydrophobicity was obvious, whereas this effect was negligible for chemicals with weak hydrophobicity. The influence of the crystallinity of MPs on sorption could even exceed the influence of MPs type, so crystallinity should be considered carefully when discussing the sorption capacity of MPs. This study enhances the understanding of the sorption of organic pollutants by MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Zhang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Jilin, China
| | - Zining Zhang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Jilin, China
| | - Hui Liu
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin, China
| | - Jiying Zou
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin, China
| | - Longyu Yin
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Jilin, China
| | - Xiuping Liu
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Jilin, China
| | - Ya-Nan Zhang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Jilin, China
| | - Jiao Qu
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Jilin, China.
| | - Willie J G M Peijnenburg
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Center for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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13
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Poursat BAJ, Langenhoff AAM, Feng J, Goense J, Peters RJB, Sutton NB. Effect of ultra-high-density polyethylene microplastic on the sorption and biodegradation of organic micropollutants. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116510. [PMID: 38810284 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics and organic micropollutants are two emerging contaminants that interact with each other in environmental and engineered systems. Sorption of organic micropollutants, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides and industrial compounds, to microplastics can modify their bioavailability and biodegradation. The present study investigated the capacity of ultra-high density polyethylene particles (125 µm in diameter), before and after aging, to sorb 21 organic micropollutants at different environmentally relevant concentration. Furthermore, the biodegradation of these organic micropollutants by a biofilm microbial community growing on the microplastic surface was compared with the biodegradation by a microbial community originating from activated sludge. Among all tested organic micropollutants, propranolol (70%), trimethoprim (25%) and sotalol (15%) were sorbed in the presence of polyethylene particles. Growth of a biofilm on the polyethylene particles had a beneficial effect on the sorption of bromoxynil, caffeine and chloridazon and on the biodegradation of irbesartan, atenolol and benzotriazole. On the other hand, the biofilm limited the sorption of trimethoprim, propranolol, sotalol and benzotriazole and the biodegradation of 2,4-D. These results showed that ultra-high density polyethylene particles can affect both in a positive and negative way for the abiotic and biotic removal of organic micropollutants in wastewater. This project highlights the need for further investigation regarding the interaction between microplastics and organic micropollutants in the aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste A J Poursat
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 17, Wageningen 6700 AA, the Netherlands.
| | - Alette A M Langenhoff
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 17, Wageningen 6700 AA, the Netherlands
| | - Jiahao Feng
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 17, Wageningen 6700 AA, the Netherlands
| | - Julianne Goense
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 17, Wageningen 6700 AA, the Netherlands
| | - Ruud J B Peters
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen University & Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, Wageningen 6708 WB, the Netherlands
| | - Nora B Sutton
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 17, Wageningen 6700 AA, the Netherlands
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14
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Guo Z, Zhang M, Li J. Modifying luteolin's algicidal effect on Microcystis by virgin and diversely-aged polystyrene microplastics: Unveiling novel mechanisms through microalgal adaptive strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124237. [PMID: 38801882 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Luteolin has shown great potential in inhibiting Microcystis-dominated cyanobacterial blooms. However, widespread microplastics (MPs) in natural aquatic systems often serve as substrates for cyanobacterial growth, which could impact cyanobacterial resistance to external stresses and interfere with luteolin's algicidal effect. This study explored the influence of virgin and diversely-aged polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on inhibitory effect of luteolin on Microcystis growth and its microcystins (MCs) production/release. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms were also revealed by jointly analyzing SEM image, antioxidant response, exopolymeric substances (EPSs) production, and functional gene expression. Results suggested that 0.5, 5, and 50 mg/L virgin and diversely-aged PS-MPs almost weakened growth inhibition and oxidative damage of two doses of luteolin against Microcystisby stimulating its EPSs production and inducing self-aggregation of Microcystis cells and/or hetero-aggregation between Microcystis cells and PS-MPs. Compared to virgin PS-MPs, photo-aged PS-MPs possessed rougher flaky surfaces, and hydrothermal-aged PS-MPs showed internal cracking. These characteristics led to greater stimulation of EPS production and exhibited more significant protective effects on Microcystis. Notably, PS-MPs also decreased MCs content in aqueous phase, likely because they adsorbed some MCs. Such toxigenic hetero-aggregates formed by MCs, MPs, and Microcystis cells would directly poison grazing organisms that consume them and create more pathways for MCs into food web, posing greater eco-risks. This is the first study to clarify the influence and mechanisms of virgin and diversely-aged MPs on allelopathic algicidal effects from the perspective of microalgal inherent adaptive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghui Guo
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Mingxia Zhang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jieming Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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15
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Wu X, Lin L, Lin Z, Deng X, Li W, He T, Zhang J, Wang Y, Chen L, Lei Z, Liu C, Xu Z. Influencing mechanisms of microplastics existence on soil heavy metals accumulated by plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171878. [PMID: 38537832 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171878] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals often coexist in soil, drawing significant attention to their interactions and the potential risks of biological accumulation in the soil-plant system. This paper comprehensively reviews the factors and biochemical mechanisms that influence the uptake of heavy metals by plants, in the existence of MPs, spanning from rhizospheric soil to the processes of root absorption and transport. The paper begins by introducing the origins and current situation of soil contamination with both heavy metals and MPs. It then discusses how MPs alter the physicochemical properties of rhizospheric soil, with a focus on parameters that affect the bioavailability of heavy metals such as aggregates, pH, Eh, and soil organic carbon (SOC). The paper also examines the effect of this pollution on soil organisms and plant growth and reviews the mechanisms by which MPs affect the bioavailability and movement-transformation of heavy metals in rhizospheric soil. This examination emphasizes the roles of rhizospheric microbes, soil fauna, and root physiological metabolism. Finally, the paper outlines the research progress on the mechanisms by which MPs influence the uptake and transport of heavy metals by plant roots. Through this comprehensive review, this paper provides aims to provide environmental managers with a detailed understanding of the potential impact of the coexistence of MPs and heavy metals on the soil-plant ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Wu
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Lihong Lin
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Zheng Lin
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Xingying Deng
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Wanli Li
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Tao He
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Hanjiang Normal University, Shi Yan 442000, China
| | - Jiexiang Zhang
- GRG Metrology& Test Group Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510656, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Lili Chen
- Business School, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zexiang Lei
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Chunguang Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zhimin Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany and Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China.
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16
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Song X, Ding J, Zhang Y, Zhu M, Peng Y, Wang Z, Pan G, Zou H. New insights into changes in phosphorus profile at sediment-water interface by microplastics: Role of benthic bioturbation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134047. [PMID: 38492392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134047] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have attracted increasing attention due to their ubiquitous occurrence in freshwater sediments and the detrimental effects on benthic invertebrates. However, a clear understanding of their downstream impacts on ecosystem services is still lacking. This study examines the effects of bio-based polylactic acid (PLA), fuel-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and biofilm-covered PET (BPET) MPs on the bioturbator chironomid larvae (Tanypus chinensis), and the influence on phosphorus (P) profiles in microcosms. The changes in biochemical responses and metabolic pathways indicated that MPs disrupted energy synthesis by causing intestinal blockage and oxidative stress in T. chinensis, leading to energy depletion and impaired bioturbation activity. The impairment further resulted in enhanced sedimentary P immobilization. For larval treatments, the internal-P loadings were respectively 11.4%, 8.6%, and 9.0% higher in the PLA, PET, and BPET groups compared to the non-MP control. Furthermore, the influence of bioturbation on P profiles was MP-type dependent. Both BPET and PLA treatments displayed more obvious impacts on P profiles compared to PET due to the changes in MP bioavailability or sediment microenvironment. This study connects individual physiological responses to broader ecosystem services, showing that MPs alter P biogeochemical processes by disrupting the bioturbation activities of chironomid larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Song
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jiannan Ding
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou 215009, China; Biomass Energy and Biological Carbon Reduction Engineering Center of Jiangsu Province, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Yunbo Zhang
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Mingda Zhu
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yi Peng
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou 215009, China; Biomass Energy and Biological Carbon Reduction Engineering Center of Jiangsu Province, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Gang Pan
- School of Humanity, York St John University, Lord Mayor's Walk, York YO31 7EX, UK
| | - Hua Zou
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou 215009, China; Biomass Energy and Biological Carbon Reduction Engineering Center of Jiangsu Province, Wuxi 214122, China
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17
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Yu Z, Qiu D, Zhou T, Zeng L, Yan C. Biofilm enhances the interactive effects of microplastics and oxytetracycline on zebrafish intestine. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 270:106905. [PMID: 38569307 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106905] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The enhanced adsorption of pollutants on biofilm-developed microplastics has been proved in many studies, but the ecotoxicological effects of biofilm-developed microplastics on organisms are still unclear. In this study, adult zebrafish were exposed to original microplastics, biofilm-developed microplastics, original microplastics absorbed with oxytetracycline (OTC), and biofilm-developed microplastics absorbed with OTC for 30 days. The intestinal histological damage, intestinal biomarker response, gut microbiome and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) profile of zebrafish were measured to explore the roles of biofilm in the effects of microplastics. The results showed that biofilm-developed microplastics significantly increased the number of goblet cells in intestinal epithelium compared with the control group. The biofilm-developed microplastics also induced the oxidative response in the zebrafish intestines, and biofilm changed the response mode in the combined treatment with OTC. Additionally, the biofilm-developed microplastics caused intestinal microbiome dysbiosis, and induced the abundance of some pathogenic genera increasing by several times compared with the control group and the original microplastics treatments, regardless of OTC adsorption. Furthermore, the abundance of ARGs in biofilm-developed microplastics increased significantly compared with the control and the original microplastic treatments. This study emphasized the significant influence and unique role of biofilm in microplastic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyue Yu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Donghua Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liqing Zeng
- Department of Public Health and Medical Technology, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Changzhou Yan
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
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18
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Rajendran D, Kamalakannan M, Doss GP, Chandrasekaran N. Surface functionalization, particle size and pharmaceutical co-contaminant dependent impact of nanoplastics on marine crustacean - Artemia salina. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024. [PMID: 38655700 DOI: 10.1039/d4em00010b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Despite a significant amount of research on micronanoplastics (MNPs), there is still a gap in our understanding of their function as transporters of other environmental pollutants (known as the Trojan horse effect) and the combined effects of ingestion, bioaccumulation, and toxicity to organisms. This study examined the individual effects of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) with various surface functionalizations (plain (PS), carboxylated (PS-COOH), and aminated (PS-NH2)), particle sizes (100 nm and 500 nm), and a pharmaceutical co-contaminant (metformin hydrochloride (MH), an anti-diabetic drug) on the marine crustacean - Artemia salina. The study specifically aimed to determine if MH alters the detrimental effects of PSNPs on A. salina. The potential toxicity of these emerging pollutants was assessed by examining mortality, hatching rate, morphological changes, and biochemical changes. Smaller nanoparticles had a more significant impact than larger ones, and PS-NH2 was more harmful than PS and PS-COOH. Exposure to the nanoparticle complex with MH resulted in a decrease in hatching rate, an increase in mortality, developmental abnormalities, an increase in reactive oxygen species, catalase, and lipid peroxidase, and a decrease in total protein and superoxide dismutase, indicating a synergistic effect. There were no significant differences between the complex and the individual nanoparticles. However, accumulating these particles in organisms could contaminate the food chain. These results highlight the potential environmental risks associated with the simultaneous exposure of aquatic species to plastics, particularly smaller PS, aminated PS, and pharmaceutical complex PS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durgalakshmi Rajendran
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | | | - George Priya Doss
- Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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19
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Li Y, Ke S, Xu D, Zhuo H, Liu X, Gao B. Preferential deposition of buoyant small microplastics in surface sediments of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China: Insights from biomineralization. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 468:133693. [PMID: 38367432 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Sediments act as sinks of microplastics (MPs) derived from terrestrial ecosystems. However, the fate and transport of MPs at the zone of sediment-overlying water in reservoir environment are poorly understood. Here, the MPs distribution patterns in surface sediments of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) and dominant mechanisms responsible for the sinking of MPs at the zone of sediment-overlying water were comprehensively investigated. The predominant occurrence of small microplastics (<300 µm, SMPs) in surface sediments of the TGR was found, with buoyant polyethene (PE) was dominant polymer types. Interestingly, the high abundance of SMPs in sediments correlated well with the Ca2+/Mg2+ in overlying water, suggesting that divalent cations in overlying water may enhance the preferential deposition of SMPs. Simulation sinking experiments under the presence of Microcystis aeruginosa and two divalent cations using different-sized PE MPs demonstrated that the greater deposition of SMPs was mainly the result of the formation of biogenic calcite on the surface of MPs rather than magnesium minerals, which provides stronger ballasting effects for SMPs than for large MPs. This study first highlights that the impact of biomineralization on preferential sinking of SMPs and enhances the understanding of the transport behaviour of MPs in aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Sun Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Dongyu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Haihua Zhuo
- Changjiang Basin Ecology and Environment Monitoring and Scientific Research Center, Changjiang Basin Ecology and Environment Administration, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Wuhan 430010, China
| | - Xiaobo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Bo Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China.
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20
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Lin W, Cao S, Wu Q, Xu F, Li R, Cui L. Size effects of microplastics on antibiotic resistome and core microbiome in an urban river. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170716. [PMID: 38325450 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170716] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments provide a new ecological niche that facilitates the attachment of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) and pathogens. However, the effect of particle size on the colonization of antibiotic resistomes and pathogens remains poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, this study explored the antibiotic resistome and core microbiome on three distinct types of MPs including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene (PS), with varying sizes of 30, 200, and 3000 μm by metagenomic sequencing. Our finding showed that the ARG abundances of the PS type increased by 4-folds with increasing particle size from 30 to 3000 μm, and significant differences in ARG profiles were found across the three MP types. In addition, the concentrations of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were markedly higher in the MPs than in the surrounding water, indicating their enrichment at these artificial interfaces. Notably, several pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Legionella pneumophila were enriched in MP biofilms, and the co-occurrence of ARGs and virulence factor genes (VFGs)/MGEs suggested the presence of pathogenic antibiotic-resistant microbes with potential mobility. Both redundancy analysis (RDA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) demonstrated that physicochemical properties such as zeta potential, MP size, and contact angle were the most significant contributors to the antibiotic resistome. Strikingly, no significant differences were observed in the health risk scores of the ARG profiles among different sizes and types of MPs. This study expands our knowledge on the impact of MP size on microbial risks, thus enhancing our understanding of the potential health hazards they pose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfang Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Shaoheng Cao
- School of Marine Science, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Qihui Wu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; College of Environment and Resources, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Ruilong Li
- School of Marine Science, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Li Cui
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
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21
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Zheng Z, Wang X, Zhang W, Wang L, Lyu H, Tang J. Regulation of ARGs abundance by biofilm colonization on microplastics under selective pressure of antibiotics in river water environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 355:120402. [PMID: 38428183 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120402] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Interactions of microplastics (MPs) biofilm with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotics in aquatic environments have made microplastic biofilm an issue of keen scholarly interest. The process of biofilm formation and the degree of ARGs enrichment in the presence of antibiotic-selective pressure and the impact on the microbial community need to be further investigated. In this paper, the selective pressure of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and illumination conditions were investigated to affect the physicochemical properties, biomass, and extracellular polymer secretion of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastic biofilm. In addition, relative copy numbers of nine ARGs were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In the presence of CIP, microorganisms in the water and microplastic biofilm were more inclined to carry associated ARGs (2-3 times higher), which had a contributing effect on ARGs enrichment. The process of pre-microplastic biofilm formation might have an inhibitory effect on ARGs (total relative abundance up to 0.151) transfer and proliferation compared to the surrounding water (total relative abundance up to 0.488). However, in the presence of CIP stress, microplastic biofilm maintained the abundance of ARGs (from 0.151 to 0.149) better compared to the surrounding water (from 0.488 to 0.386). Therefore, microplastic biofilm act as abundance buffer island of ARGs stabilizing the concentration of ARGs. In addition, high-throughput analyses showed the presence of antibiotic-resistant (Pseudomonas) and pathogenic (Vibrio) microorganisms in biofilm under different conditions. The above research deepens our understanding of ARGs enrichment in biofilm and provides important insights into the ecological risks of interactions between ARGs, antibiotics, and microplastic biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Wenzhu Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Lan Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Honghong Lyu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, China
| | - Jingchun Tang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
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22
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Ding S, Gu X, Sun S, He S. Optimization of microplastic removal based on the complementarity of constructed wetland and microalgal-based system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169081. [PMID: 38104829 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169081] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoxuan Ding
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Xushun Gu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Shanshan Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Shengbing He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Landscape Water Environment, Shanghai 200031, PR China.
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23
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Huang W, Zhang J, Zhang Z, Gao H, Xu W, Xia X. Insights into adsorption behavior and mechanism of Cu(II) onto biodegradable and conventional microplastics: Effect of aging process and environmental factors. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 342:123061. [PMID: 38042467 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
The widespread promotion attempt of biodegradable plastics is considered as an effective solution to address conventional plastic pollution. However, the interaction of microplastics (MPs) easily broken down from biodegradable plastics with the coexisting pollutants in aquatic environments has gained less attention. Herein, we investigated the effects of the aging process and environmental factors on copper (Cu(II)) adsorption behavior by biodegradable polylactic acid and conventional polystyrene MPs. Results demonstrated that the aging process significantly altered physicochemical properties of both types of MPs, and PLA showed less resistance to aging. The aged polylactic acid MPs (aged-PLA) exhibited the far highest Cu(II) maximum adsorption capacity (7.13 mg/g) mainly due to its abundant oxygen-containing functional groups (OCFGs), followed by pristine polylactic acid (PLA, 6.08 mg/g), aged polystyrene (aged-PS, 0.489 mg/g) and pristine polystyrene (PS, 0.365 mg/g). The adsorption kinetics of Cu(II) on PLA MPs were controlled by film and intraparticle diffusion, while film diffusion governed the Cu(II) adsorption onto PS MPs. In addition to roles of rougher surface structure, greater surface area and pore filling, the complexation of OCFGs and electrostatic interaction were critical to the adsorption mechanism of aged-PLA and aged-PS, and cation-π interaction was associated with adsorption of aged-PS. Moreover, the adsorption capacity of Cu(II) on aged MPs gradually grew with the increasing pH from 4 to 7. Besides, humic acid significantly promoted the adsorption of Cu(II) at a low concentration (0-20 mg/L) due to the formation of binary mixtures of MPs-HA but inhibited the adsorption at a high concentration (50 mg/L) because of its competitive effect, suggesting the dual roles of humic acid in the adsorption process. Overall, our findings provide a better understanding of the adsorption behavior of metals on biodegradable MPs and emphasize their non-negligible risk as carriers of contaminant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China
| | - Zhenrui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China
| | - Hui Gao
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China
| | - Wenhao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China
| | - Xinghui Xia
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China.
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24
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Chen Y, Yan Z, Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Jiang R, Wang M, Yuan S, Lu G. Dynamic evolution of antibiotic resistance genes in plastisphere in the vertical profile of urban rivers. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 249:120946. [PMID: 38043355 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120946] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) can vertically transport in the aquatic environment due to their aging and biofouling, forming distinct plastisphere in different water layers. However, even though MPs have been regarded as hotspots for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), little is known about the propagation and transfer of ARGs in plastisphere in waters, especially in the vertical profile. Therefore, this study investigated the dynamic responses and evolution of ARGs in different plastisphere distributed vertically in an urbanized river. The biofilm biomass in the polylactic acid (PLA) plastisphere was relatively higher than that in the polyethylene terephthalate (PET), showing depth-decay variations. The ARGs abundance in plastisphere were much higher than that in the surrounding waters, especially for the PLA. In the vertical profiles, the ARGs abundance in the PET plastisphere increased with water depths, while the highest abundance of ARGs in the PLA mostly appeared at intermediate waters. In the temporal dynamic, the ARGs abundance in plastisphere increased and then decreased, which may be dominated by the MP types at the initial periods. After long-term exposure, the influences of water depths seemed to be strengthened, especially in the PET plastisphere. Compared with surface waters, the microbiota attached in plastisphere in deep waters showed high species richness, strong diversity, and complex interactions, which was basically consistent with the changes of nutrient contents in different water layers. These vertical variations in microbiota and nutrients (e.g., nitrogen) may be responsible for the propagation of ARGs in plastisphere in deep waters. The host bacteria for ARGs in plastisphere was also developed as water depth increased, leading to an enrichment of ARGs in deep waters. In addition, the abundance of ARGs in plastisphere in bottom waters was positively correlated with the mobile genetic elements (MGEs) of intI1 and tnpA05, indicative of a frequent horizontal gene transfer of ARGs. Overall, water depth played a critical role in the propagation of ARGs in plastisphere, which should not be ignored in a long time series. This study provides new insights into the dynamic evolution of ARGs propagation in plastisphere under increasing global MPs pollution, especially in the vertical profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Zhenhua Yan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| | - Yixin Zhou
- College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Runren Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Min Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Saiyu Yuan
- The National Key Laboratory of Water Disaster Prevention, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Guanghua Lu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
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25
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Liang J, Chen X, Duan X, Gu X, Zhao X, Zha S, Chen X. Natural aging and adsorption/desorption behaviors of polyethylene mulch films: Roles of film types and exposure patterns. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133588. [PMID: 38290328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) mulch films are an important source of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils, which may further affect the bioavailability of coexisting pollutants. In this study, white (WM), black (BM), and silver-black (SM) PE mulch films were aged on the soil surface and under soil burial to simulate the two exposure patterns of abandoned mulch films in the field. Results indicated that the soil-surface exposure induced more pronounced aging characteristics, and WM seemed the most susceptible. Serious surface deterioration by aging led to a drastic decrease in the tensile properties of the films, suggesting the tendency to fragment. Oxygen-containing functional groups were generated on the film surfaces, with oxygen/carbon ratios increasing by up to 29 times, which contributed to the prominent increase in Pb adsorption on the film-derived MPs. Additionally, the film surface became more hydrophobic when exposed to the soil surface but more hydrophilic in the soil-burial exposure, which was in agreement with the change in triclosan adsorption, i.e., promotion and suppression, respectively. Aging generally decreased the desorption potential of the adsorbed pollutants in simulated gastrointestinal solutions due to increased interactions. By comparison, exposure patterns were revealed to be the critical factor for these changes, regardless of film types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingcheng Liang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, 1801 Zhongwu Avenue, Changzhou 213001, China
| | - Xian Chen
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, 1801 Zhongwu Avenue, Changzhou 213001, China.
| | - Xiaotong Duan
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, 1801 Zhongwu Avenue, Changzhou 213001, China
| | - Xueyuan Gu
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhao
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Simin Zha
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, 1801 Zhongwu Avenue, Changzhou 213001, China
| | - Xingming Chen
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, 1801 Zhongwu Avenue, Changzhou 213001, China
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26
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Xu Y, Ou Q, van der Hoek JP, Liu G, Lompe KM. Photo-oxidation of Micro- and Nanoplastics: Physical, Chemical, and Biological Effects in Environments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:991-1009. [PMID: 38166393 PMCID: PMC10795193 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are attracting increasing attention due to their persistence and potential ecological risks. This review critically summarizes the effects of photo-oxidation on the physical, chemical, and biological behaviors of MNPs in aquatic and terrestrial environments. The core of this paper explores how photo-oxidation-induced surface property changes in MNPs affect their adsorption toward contaminants, the stability and mobility of MNPs in water and porous media, as well as the transport of pollutants such as organic pollutants (OPs) and heavy metals (HMs). It then reviews the photochemical processes of MNPs with coexisting constituents, highlighting critical factors affecting the photo-oxidation of MNPs, and the contribution of MNPs to the phototransformation of other contaminants. The distinct biological effects and mechanism of aged MNPs are pointed out, in terms of the toxicity to aquatic organisms, biofilm formation, planktonic microbial growth, and soil and sediment microbial community and function. Furthermore, the research gaps and perspectives are put forward, regarding the underlying interaction mechanisms of MNPs with coexisting natural constituents and pollutants under photo-oxidation conditions, the combined effects of photo-oxidation and natural constituents on the fate of MNPs, and the microbiological effect of photoaged MNPs, especially the biotransformation of pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanghui Xu
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Qin Ou
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Peter van der Hoek
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
- Waternet,
Department Research & Innovation,
P.O. Box 94370, 1090 GJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gang Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Kim Maren Lompe
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
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27
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Li B, Song J, Guan M, Chen Z, Tang B, Long Y, Mao R, Zhao J, Xu W, Zhang Y. With spatial distribution, risk evaluation of heavy metals and microplastics to emphasize the composite mechanism in hyporheic sediments of Beiluo River. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 462:132784. [PMID: 37866143 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the hazardous impacts of heavy metals (HMs) enrichment on the surface of microplastics (MPs) in the hyporheic zone. The present work analyzed the spatial distribution and risk evaluation of HMs (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) and MPs and the mechanism of HMs enrichment on MPs in the sediments. The highest rates of contamination were for Cd, Pb, and As. The main types of MPs were fiber, blue, and a size smaller than 500 µm. The lower reaches of the Beiluo River had the most serious HMs and MPs pollution, especially BL-10 (HMs: CF-Cd, 41.91; EF-Cd, 50.87; Igeo-Cd, 4.80; RI, 1291; PN, 29.83; MPs: abundance, 890 ± 18 items/kg). Meanwhile, the principal component analysis showed that natural, industrial activities, and agricultural production and transportation were primary HMs sources in sediments, and Cd, Co, and Pb were the main enriched metals on the surface of MPs. More importantly, regarding the interaction mechanism of these composite pollutants, we concluded that electrostatic adsorption and biofilm mediation were the main mechanisms of the synergistic effect. Overall, our findings provide a theoretical basis for further research on the ecotoxicity of composite pollutants in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjie Li
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Jinxi Song
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China; Yellow River Institute of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China.
| | - Mingchang Guan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Zeyu Chen
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Bin Tang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Yongqing Long
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Ruichen Mao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Jiawei Zhao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Wenjin Xu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
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28
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Zhang Z, Zou S, Li P. Aging of plastics in aquatic environments: Pathways, environmental behavior, ecological impacts, analyses and quantifications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122926. [PMID: 37963513 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquity of plastics in our environment has brought about pressing concerns, with their aging processes, photo-oxidation, mechanical abrasion, and biodegradation, being at the forefront. Microplastics (MPs), whether originating from plastic degradation or direct anthropogenic sources, further complicate this landscape. This review delves into the intricate aging dynamics of plastics in aquatic environments under various influential factors. We discuss the physicochemical changes that occur in aged plastics and the release of oxidation products during their degradation. Particular attention is given to their evolving environmental interactions and the resulting ecotoxicological implications. A rigorous evaluation is also conducted for methodologies in the analysis and quantification of plastics aging, identifying their merits and limitations and suggesting potential avenues for future research. This comprehensive review is able to illuminate the complexities of plastics aging, charting a path for future research and aiding in the formulation of informed policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Shichun Zou
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Pu Li
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai 519082, China.
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29
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Chen C, Sun C, Wang B, Zhang Z, Yu G. Adsorption behavior of triclosan on polystyrene nanoplastics: The roles of particle size, surface functionalization, and environmental factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167430. [PMID: 37778562 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) contribute substantially to the transport of waterborne pollutants. Triclosan (TCS) has a high potential to contact with NPs because of their prevalence in natural waters. Herein, this study investigated the adsorption behavior of TCS on differently sized and functionalized polystyrene (PS) NPs. The effects of environmental factors such as pH, salinity, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) were also evaluated. Results suggest that the adsorption equilibrium constant (kd) of TCS in pristine PSNP suspensions followed the order as: PSNPs-50 nm (4.39 L·g-1) > PSNPs-100 nm (2.78 L·g-1) > PSNPs-200 nm (2.59 L·g-1) > PSNPs-500 nm (1.36 L·g-1) ≈ PSNPs-900 nm (1.36 L·g-1). For the functionalized PSNPs (i.e., PSNPs-COOH, PSNPs-NH2), the values of specific surface area normalized kd called kd, SSA were higher than those of pristine PSNPs. Meanwhile, TCS adsorption on two functionalized PSNPs remained stable and then decreased as salinity increased, while an opposite trend was observed toward pristine PSNPs. All these suggested that physicochemical properties of PSNPs (e.g., particle size and surface functional groups) are important factors influencing their adsorption capacity. When the solution pH raised, the adsorbed amounts of TCS on all tested PSNPs prone to decline. However, DOM only affected the adsorption behavior of PSNPs-50 nm, probably owing to its aggregation with tiny PSNPs and the induced secondary adsorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunzhao Chen
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Chenxi Sun
- School of Environment, Beijing Key Laboratory for Emerging Organic Contaminants Control, Beijing Laboratory of Environmental Frontier Technologies, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Wang
- School of Environment, Beijing Key Laboratory for Emerging Organic Contaminants Control, Beijing Laboratory of Environmental Frontier Technologies, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Gang Yu
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, China; School of Environment, Beijing Key Laboratory for Emerging Organic Contaminants Control, Beijing Laboratory of Environmental Frontier Technologies, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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30
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Hu S, Johnson DM, Jiang M, Zhang J, Huang Y, Xi Y, Xu T. The effect of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) color on biofilm development and biofilm-heavy metal chemodynamics in the aquatic environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:166924. [PMID: 37704145 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166924] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic surfaces are colonized by microorganisms and biofilms are formed in the natural aquatic environment. As the biofilm develops, it changes the density and buoyancy of the plastic-biofilm complex, results in plastic sinking, and increases the heavy metals accumulated by biofilm's mobility and availability in aquatic ecosystems. In this experiment, biofilms were cultured on five colors of polyvinyl chloride (PVC; transparent, green, blue, red, black) in an aquatic environment to investigate the effects of plastic color on biofilm formation and development (Phase 1) and to study the effects of being sunk below the photic zone on biofilm (Phase 2). The PVC color significantly affected the biofilm formation rate but had no impact on the final biofilm biomass. After sinking the biofilm-PVC below the photic zone in Phase 2, the layer of diatoms on the biofilm surface began to disintegrate, and the biomass and Chlorophyll-a (Chla) content of the biofilm decreased, except on the red PVC. Below the photic zone, the microbial community of the biofilm changed from primarily autotrophic microbes to mostly heterotrophic microbes. Microbial diversity increased and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) content decreased. The primary factor leading to microbial diversity and community structure changes was water depth rather than PVC color. The changes induced in the biofilm led to an increase in the concentration of all heavy metals in the biofilm, related to the increase in microbial diversity. This study provides new insights into the biofilm formation process and the effects on a biofilm when it sinks below the photic zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Hu
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - David M Johnson
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Menghan Jiang
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; College of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Yingping Huang
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; College of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Ying Xi
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; College of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Tao Xu
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China.
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31
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Liu X, Fang L, Yan X, Gardea-Torresdey JL, Gao Y, Zhou X, Yan B. Surface functional groups and biofilm formation on microplastics: Environmental implications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166585. [PMID: 37643702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) contamination is becoming a significant environmental issue, as the widespread omnipresence of MPs can cause many adverse consequences for both ecological systems and humans. Contrary to what is commonly thought, the toxicity-inducing MPs are not the original pristine plastics; rather, they are completely transformed through various surface functional groups and aggressive biofilm formation on MPs via aging or weathering processes. Therefore, understanding the impacts of MPs' surface functional groups and biofilm formation on biogeochemical processes, such as environmental fate, transport, and toxicity, is crucial. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the distinctive impact that surface functional groups and biofilm formation of MPs have on their significant biogeochemical behavior in various environmental media, as well as their toxicity and biological effects. We place emphasis on the role of surface functional groups and biofilm formation as a means of influencing the biogeochemical processes of MPs. This includes their effects on pollutant fate and element cycling, which in turn impacts the aggregation, transport, and toxicity of MPs. Ultimately, future research studies and tactics are needed to improve our understanding of the biogeochemical processes that are influenced by the surface functional groups and biofilm formation of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xigui Liu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Liping Fang
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-Environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Xiliang Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jorge L Gardea-Torresdey
- University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Yan Gao
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhou
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Bing Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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32
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Surendran D, Varghese GK, Zafiu C. Characterization and source apportionment of microplastics in Indian composts. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 196:5. [PMID: 38044370 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12177-7] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP), small plastic particles under 5 mm, are pollutants known to carry heavy metals in ecosystems. Composts are a significant source of soil microplastics. This study examined MSW composts from Kochi and Kozhikode in India for microplastic concentrations and heavy metals' accumulation thereon. Microplastics were isolated using zinc chloride density separation, with Fenton's reagent used for organic matter oxidation. Resin types were identified using FTIR analysis that showed the presence of PE, PP, PS, nylon, PET, and allyl alcohol copolymer. In Kozhikode's compost, the average concentration of microplastics was 840 ± 30 items/kg, while Kochi had 1600 ± 111 items/kg, mainly polyethylene films. PE was the most prevalent resin, comprising 58.3% in Kozhikode and 73.37% in Kochi. Heavy metal analysis of MP showed significant concentrations of lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, and manganese adsorbed on the surface of microplastics. The concentrations of heavy metals in the MP before Fenton oxidation ranged from 1.02 to 2.02 times the corresponding concentrations in compost for Kozhikode and 1.23 to 2.85 times for Kochi. Source apportionment studies revealed that 64% of microplastics in Kozhikode and 77% in Kochi originated from single-use plastics. Ecological risk indices, PLI and PHI, showed that composts from both locations fall under hazard level V. The study revealed that compost from unsegregated MSW can act as a significant source of microplastics and heavy metals in the soil environment, with single-use plastics contributing major share of the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christian Zafiu
- Institute of Waste Management and Circularity, Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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33
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Ge Z, Lu X. Impacts of extracellular polymeric substances on the behaviors of micro/nanoplastics in the water environment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 338:122691. [PMID: 37797922 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122691] [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: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Increasing pollution of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) has caused widespread concern worldwide. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are natural organic polymers mainly produced by microorganisms, the major components of which are polysaccharides and proteins. This review focuses on the interactions that occur between EPS and MPs/NPs in the water environment and evaluates the effects of these interactions on the behaviors of MPs/NPs. EPS-driven formation of eco-corona, biofilm, and "marine snow" can incorporate MPs and NPs into sinking aggregates, resulting in the export of MPs/NPs from the upper water column. EPS coating greatly enhances the adsorption of metals and organic pollutants by MPs due to the larger specific surface area and the abundance of functional groups such as carboxyl, hydroxyl and amide groups. EPS can weaken the physical properties of MPs. Through the synergistic action of different extracellular enzymes, MPs may be decomposed into oligomers and monomers that can enter microbial cells for further mineralization. This review contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of MPs and NPs in the water environment and the associated ecological risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaiming Ge
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xiaoxia Lu
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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34
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Ning Z, Zhou S, Li P, Li R, Liu F, Zhao Z, Ren N, Lu L. Exaggerated interaction of biofilm-developed microplastics and contaminants in aquatic environments. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 345:140509. [PMID: 37871873 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140509] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm-developed microplastics (MPs) may serve as important vectors for contaminants in aquatic environments. Elucidating the interactions between biofilm-developed MPs and coexisting contaminants is crucial for understanding the vector capacities of MPs. However, little is known about how the adverse effects of contaminants on MP surface-colonized biofilms influence their vector capacity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the interaction mechanism of biofilms colonizing the surface of MPs with coexisting contaminants using microcosm experiments and biofilm characterization techniques. The results indicated that the biofilm biomass on polystyrene increased over time, providing an additional abundance of oxygen-containing functional groups and promoting Cd accumulation by biofilm-developed polystyrene. Moreover, as a coexisting contaminant, Cd exerted adverse effects such as additional mortality of microorganisms and senescence and MP-colonized biofilm shedding. Consequently, the contaminant vector capacity of biofilm-developed MPs could be mitigated. Thus, the adverse effects of coexisting contaminants on biofilms influenced the ability of MPs to act as vectors in aquatic environments. Neglecting the negative effects of contaminants on biofilms may lead to an overestimation of the contaminant vector capacity of biofilm-developed MPs. This study provides support for more accurate assessment of the interactions between biofilm-developed MPs as vectors and contaminants in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zigong Ning
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Zhuhai Modern Agriculture Development Center, Zhuhai 519075, China.
| | - Shuang Zhou
- Shenzhen Honglue Research Institute of Innovation Management, Shenzhen 518119, China
| | - Pengxiang Li
- CCTEG Beijing Academy of Land Renovation and Ecological Restoration Technology Co.,Ltd, Beijing 100013, China; Research Center of Land Renovation and Ecological Restoration Engineering in the Coal Industry, Beijing 100013, China
| | - Rong Li
- The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Feihua Liu
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zilong Zhao
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Nanqi Ren
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lu Lu
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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35
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Abdel Ghani SA, Shobier AH, El-Sayed AAM, Shreadah MA, Shabaka S. Quantifying microplastics pollution in the Red Sea and Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba: Insights from chemical analysis and pollution load assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:166031. [PMID: 37541508 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) constitute the majority of marine plastic litter. The pollution caused by MPs has been categorized as a gradual and persistent crisis, but little is known about its extent along the shores of the Red Sea, particularly on the Egyptian side. The Red Sea is a rapidly developing region and home to critical ecosystems with high levels of endemism. This study represents the first comprehensive survey investigating the extent of MP pollution along the Egyptian shores of the Red Sea, including the Gulf of Suez and Aqaba. Mean concentrations ranged from 23.3 ± 15.28 to 930.0 ± 181.9 MPs/kg DW. Out of 17 beaches surveyed, 12 had mean concentrations of <200 items/kg, indicating a low occurrence of MPs compared to the shores of the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt. The pollution load index varied from low to medium levels in most locations. Ras Mohamed, a marine protected area, showed high vulnerability to MP pollution. All the investigated particles were fragments of secondary MPs. The sources of pollution mainly come from maritime activities, including cargo shipping and intense recreational activities. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy identified four plastic polymers, with polyethylene and polypropylene being the most common. The surface morphology of plastic particles was examined using scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. All the particles exhibited signs of degradation, which could generate countless plastic pieces with possible deleterious impacts. This work has highlighted the importance of conducting region-specific assessments of mismanaged plastic waste, focusing on the role of tourism and recreational navigation as contributors to plastic litter, to estimate plastic waste inputs into the waters of the Red Sea Coast of Egypt. Efforts are needed to develop strategic plans to reduce the disposal of plastic waste in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aida H Shobier
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Niof, Egypt
| | | | - M A Shreadah
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Niof, Egypt
| | - Soha Shabaka
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Niof, Egypt.
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36
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Luo H, Tu C, He D, Zhang A, Sun J, Li J, Xu J, Pan X. Interactions between microplastics and contaminants: A review focusing on the effect of aging process. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165615. [PMID: 37481081 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the environment are a major global concern due to their persistent nature and wide distribution. The aging of MPs is influenced by several processes including photodegradation, thermal degradation, biodegradation and mechanical fragmentation, which affect their interaction with contaminants. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the aging process of MPs and the factors that impact their aging, and to discuss the effects of aging on the interaction of MPs with contaminants. A range of characterization methods that can effectively elucidate the mechanistic processes of these interactions are outlined. The rate and extent of MPs aging are influenced by their physicochemical properties and other environmental factors, which ultimately affect the adsorption and aggregation of aged MPs with environmental contaminants. Pollutants such as heavy metals, organic matter and microorganisms have a tendency to accumulate on MPs through adsorption and the interactions between them impact their environmental behavior. Aging enhances the specific surface area and oxygen-containing functional groups of MPs, thereby affecting the mechanism of interaction between MPs and contaminants. To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of how aging affects the interactions, this review also provides an overview of the mechanisms by which MPs interact with contaminants. In the future, there should be further in-depth studies of the potential hazards of aged MPs in different environments e.g., soil, sediment, aquatic environment, and effects of their interaction with environmental pollutants on human health and ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Chaolin Tu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Dongqin He
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Anping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jianqiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Juan Xu
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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37
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Pan H, Zhao X, Zhou X, Yan H, Han X, Wu M, Chen F. Research progress on the role of biofilm in heavy metals adsorption-desorption characteristics of microplastics: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122448. [PMID: 37640222 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been found to be widely distributed in aquatic environments, where they will interact with toxic heavy metals and result in more serious adverse effects on the aquatic environments and organisms. However, after entering the aquatic environments, MPs are quickly covered by biofilms, which significantly modify MPs properties and relevant heavy metals adsorption-desorption characteristics In order to better understand the adsorption behavior of heavy metals on biofilm developed MPs (BMPs), we comprehensively reviewed representative studies in this area. First, we summarized the formation process of biofilms on MPs. Subsequently, we reviewed the current understanding on the influence of biofilm formation on the properties of MPs and discussed the metal adsorption-desorption characteristics of MPs affected by these changes. Finally, based on the systematic literature review, some future research needs and strategies were proposed to further understand the interactions between MPs and heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Pan
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819 China
| | - Xin Zhao
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819 China.
| | - Xiuyan Zhou
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819 China
| | - Hua Yan
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819 China
| | - Xiaoyu Han
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819 China
| | - Mingsong Wu
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819 China
| | - Fang Chen
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819 China
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38
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Sodré FF, Arowojolu IM, Canela MC, Ferreira RS, Fernandes AN, Montagner CC, Vidal C, Dias MA, Abate G, da Silva LC, Grassi MT, Bertoldi C, Fadini PS, Urban RC, Ferraz GM, Schio NS, Waldman WR. How natural and anthropogenic factors should drive microplastic behavior and fate: The scenario of Brazilian urban freshwater. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 340:139813. [PMID: 37586495 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Brazil maintains its position at the top of the global ranking of plastic producers, yet recycling efforts have been incipient. Recent data reveals an annual production of approximately 14 million tons of plastic waste, not accounting for the surge in the usage of plastic masks and related materials due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, what remains largely unreported is that over half of post-consumer plastic packaging in Brazil is managed without any monitoring, and it remains unclear how this will contribute to the occurrence of plastic waste and microplastics in Brazilian freshwaters. This scenario requires the consideration of several other crucial factors. Studies have been carried out mainly in marine and estuarine waters, while data on freshwaters are lacking. Brazil has continental dimensions and the highest water availability on the planet, yet the demand for water is greatest in regions with medium to low supply. Many densely populated Brazilian urban areas face chronic flood problems, possess inadequate levels of wastewater treatment, and display inadequate solid waste management practices. Consequently, urban freshwater with tropical characteristics in Brazil presents an intriguing scenario and is complementary to the most commonly studied marine environments. In this study, we explore the nuances of pollution in Brazilian urban freshwater and discuss how various parameters, such as organic matter, suspended solids, temperature, and pH, among others, influence the behavior of microplastics and their interactions with organic and inorganic contaminants. Furthermore, we address how microplastic conditions, such as biofouling, the type of plastic, or degradation level, may impact their behavior. By analyzing how these conditions change, we propose priority themes for investigating the occurrence of microplastics in Brazilian urban freshwater systems under different degrees of human impact. Ultimately, this study aims to establish a network dedicated to standardized monitoring of microplastic pollution in Brazilian urban freshwaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando F Sodré
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| | - Imisi M Arowojolu
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Maria C Canela
- Exact Sciences and Technology Center, State University of the North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos Dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo S Ferreira
- Exact Sciences and Technology Center, State University of the North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos Dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andreia N Fernandes
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Cristiane Vidal
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana A Dias
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Abate
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of Paraná, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Marco T Grassi
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of Paraná, PR, Brazil
| | - Crislaine Bertoldi
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Chemistry Department, Federal University of Paraná, PR, Brazil
| | - Pedro S Fadini
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberta C Urban
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel M Ferraz
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Natalí S Schio
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Walter R Waldman
- Science and Technology Center for Sustainability, Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, SP, Brazil
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Vrinda PK, Amal R, Abhirami N, Mini DA, Kumar VJR, Devipriya SP. Co-exposure of microplastics and heavy metals in the marine environment and remediation techniques: a comprehensive review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:114822-114843. [PMID: 37922080 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30679-2] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals are significant pollutants in the marine environment, necessitating effective remediation strategies to prevent their release into the sea through sewage and industrial effluent. This comprehensive review explores the current understanding of the co-exposure of MPs and heavy metal-enriched MPs, highlighting the need for effective remediation methods. Various mechanisms, including surface ion complexation, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic forces, contribute to the adsorption of heavy metals onto MPs, with factors like surface area and environmental exposure duration playing crucial roles. Additionally, biofilm formation on MPs alters their chemical properties, influencing metal adsorption behaviors. Different thermodynamic models are used to explain the adsorption mechanisms of heavy metals on MPs. The adsorption process is influenced by various factors, including the morphological characteristics of MPs, their adsorption capacity, and environmental conditions. Additionally, the desorption of heavy metals from MPs has implications for their bioavailability and poses risks to marine organisms, emphasizing the importance of source reduction and remedial measures. Hybrid approaches that combine both conventional and modern technologies show promise for the efficient removal of MPs and heavy metals from marine environments. This review identifies critical gaps in existing research that should be addressed in future studies including standardized sampling methods to ensure accurate data, further investigation into the specific interactions between MPs and metals, and the development of hybrid technologies at an industrial scale. Overall, this review sheds light on the adsorption and desorption mechanisms of heavy metal-enriched MPs, underscoring the necessity of implementing effective remediation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Punmoth Kalyadan Vrinda
- Department of Ocean Studies and Marine Biology, Pondicherry University, Port Blair, 744112, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
| | - Radhakrishnan Amal
- School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, India, 682022
| | - Nandakumar Abhirami
- Department of Aquatic Environment Management, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Versova, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400061, India
| | - Divya Alex Mini
- Department of Aquatic Environment Management, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Panangad, Kochi, 682508, Kerala, India
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Liu P, Dai J, Liu J, Zhang H, Wang G, Guo X, Gao S. Microplastics exhibit lower carrying effects on the bioaccessibility and cytotoxicity of lead than montmorillonite clay particles. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132350. [PMID: 37619279 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132350] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the environment are always colonized by microbes, which may have implications for carrying effect of pollutants and exposure risk in organisms. We present the crucial impacts and mechanisms of microbial colonization on the bioaccessibility and toxicity of Pb(II) loaded in disposable box-derived polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) MPs and montmorillonite (MMT) clay particles. After 45 d incubation, higher biomass measured by crystal violet staining were detected in MMT (1.23) than in PP and PS (0.400 and 0.721) indicating preferential colonization of microbes in clay particles. Microbial colonization further enhanced the sorption ability toward Pb(II), but inhibited the desorption and bioaccessibility of enriched Pb(II) in zebrafish and decreased the toxicity to gastric epithelial cells in an order of MMT > PS ≈ PP. The crucial effects were mainly because microbe-colonized substrates possessed higher oxygen functional groups and specific surface area and exhibited stronger interactions with Pb(II) and digestive component (i.e., pepsin) than pure substrates. This decreased the available soluble pepsin for complexing with sorbed Pb(II). The findings highlight the role of microbial colonization in modulating the exposure risks of artificial and natural substrate-associated pollutants and suggest that the risks of MPs may be overestimated compared to clay particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jiamin Dai
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jingxuan Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Haiyu Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Guowei Wang
- School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Engineering Process of Ministry of Education, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, China.
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, China.
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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Ahmad M, Lubis NMA, Usama M, Ahmad J, Al-Wabel MI, Al-Swadi HA, Rafique MI, Al-Farraj ASF. Scavenging microplastics and heavy metals from water using jujube waste-derived biochar in fixed-bed column trials. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122319. [PMID: 37544401 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Extensive production and utilization of plastic products have resulted in the generation of microplastics (MPs), subsequently polluting the environment. The efficiency of biochars (BCs) derived from jujube (Ziziphus jujube L.) biomass (300 °C and 700 °C) for nylon (NYL) and polyethylene (PE) removal from contaminated water was explored in fixed-bed column trials. The optimum pH for the removal of both MPs was found 7. Both of the produced biochars demonstrated >99% removal of the MPs, while the sand filter exhibited a maximum of 78% removal of MPs. BC produced at 700 °C (BC700) showed 33-fold higher MPs retention, while BC produced at 300 °C (BC300) exhibited 20-fold higher retention, as compared to sand filters, indicating the higher efficiency of BC produced at higher pyrolysis temperature. Entrapment into the pores, entanglement with flaky structures of the BCs, and electrostatics interactions were the major mechanism for MPs retention in BCs. The efficiency of MPs-amended BCs was further explored for the removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) in fixed-bed column trials. BC700 amended with PE and NYL exhibited the highest 50% breakthrough time (2114.23 and 2024.61 min, respectively, for Pb(II) removal and 2107.92 and 1965.19 min, respectively, for Cd(II) removal), as compared to sand filters (38.07 and 60.49 min for Pb(II) and Cd(II) removal, respectively). Thomas model predicted highest adsorption capacity was exhibited by BC700 amended with PE (584.34 and 552.80 mg g-1, for Pb(II) and Cd(II) removal, respectively), followed by BC700 amended with NYL (557.65 and 210.59 mg g-1 for Pb(II) and Cd(II) removal, respectively). Therefore, jujube waste-derived BCs could be used as efficient adsorbents to remove PE and NYL from contaminated water, while MPs-loaded BCs can further be utilized for higher adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) from contaminated aqueous media. These findings suggest that BC could be used as an efficient adsorbent to remove the co-existing MPs-metals ions from the environment on a sustainable basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munir Ahmad
- Soil Sciences Department, College of Food & Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Nahrir M A Lubis
- Soil Sciences Department, College of Food & Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Usama
- Soil Sciences Department, College of Food & Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Jahangir Ahmad
- Soil Sciences Department, College of Food & Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad I Al-Wabel
- Soil Sciences Department, College of Food & Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamed A Al-Swadi
- Soil Sciences Department, College of Food & Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Imran Rafique
- Soil Sciences Department, College of Food & Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah S F Al-Farraj
- Soil Sciences Department, College of Food & Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Zheng Z, Huang Y, Liu L, Wang L, Tang J. Interaction between microplastic biofilm formation and antibiotics: Effect of microplastic biofilm and its driving mechanisms on antibiotic resistance gene. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132099. [PMID: 37517232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
As two pollutants with similar transport pathways, microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics (ATs) inevitably co-exist in water environments, and their interaction has become a topic of intense research interest for scholars over the past few years. This paper comprehensively and systematically reviews the current interaction between MPs and ATs, in particular, the role played by biofilm developed MPs (microplastic biofilm). A summary of the formation process of microplastic biofilm and its unique microbial community structure is presented in the paper. The formation of microplastic biofilm can enhance the adsorption mechanisms of ATs on primary MPs. Moreover, microplastic biofilm system is a diverse and vast reservoir of genetic material, and this paper reviews the mechanisms by which microplastics with biofilm drive the production of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and the processes that selectively enrich for more ARGs. Meanwhile, the enrichment of ARGs may lead to the development of microbial resistance and the gradual loss of the antimicrobial effect of ATs. The transfer pathways of ARGs affected by microplastic biofilm are outlined, and ARGs dependent transfer of antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB) is mainly through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Furthermore, the ecological implications of the interaction between microplastic biofilm and ATs and perspectives for future research are reviewed. This review contributes to a new insight into the aquatic ecological environmental risks and the fate of contaminants (MPs, ATs), and is of great significance for controlling the combined pollution of these two pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yao Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, People's Republic of China
| | - Linan Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Lan Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jingchun Tang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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Zhao W, Zhao Y, Geng T, Tian Y, Zhao P. Co-transport behavior and Trojan-horse effect of colloidal microplastics with different functional groups and heavy metals in porous media. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:131892. [PMID: 37487336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The emerging global problems of microplastics pollution and their co-occurrence with other pollutants have presented major new challenges for environmental health and protection. This study used column experiments to investigate the co-transport behavior and Trojan-horse effect of colloidal microplastics (non-functional polystyrene microspheres (MS), carboxyl-modified polystyrene microspheres (CMS) and sulfonate-modified polystyrene microspheres (SMS)) and lead (Pb) in porous media. Results showed that a Trojan-horse effect occurred during the co-transport of colloidal microplastics and Pb. In the process of co-transport, colloidal microplastics and Pb mutually inhibited each other's transport at an ionic strength of 1 mM, which may be due to Pb absorption by microplastics, resulting in the destabilization of agglomerates and a reduction in the electronegativity of microplastics. At an ionic strength of 100 mM, colloidal microplastics and Pb promoted each other's transport, potentially due to their competition for adsorption in porous media. The functional groups present on colloidal microplastics inhibited the transport of Pb at low ionic strengths, while at high ionic strengths Pb transport was promoted. Furthermore, deposition experiments verified that quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) monitoring could effectively account for and predict the transport and deposition behavior of microplastics in the presence or absence of Pb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weigao Zhao
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yuwei Zhao
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tong Geng
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yimei Tian
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
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Tian X, Weixie L, Wang S, Zhang Y, Xiang Q, Yu X, Zhao K, Zhang L, Penttinen P, Gu Y. Effect of polylactic acid microplastics and lead on the growth and physiological characteristics of buckwheat. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 337:139356. [PMID: 37379973 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals are common, often co-existing pollutants, that threaten crop growth and productivity worldwide. We analysed the adsorption of lead ions (Pb2+) to polylactic acid MPs (PLA-MPs) and their single factor and combined effects on tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum L. Gaertn.) in hydroponics by measuring changes in the growth characteristics, antioxidant enzyme activities and Pb2+ uptake of buckwheat in response to PLA-MPs and Pb2+. PLA-MPs adsorbed Pb2+, and the better fitting second-order adsorption model implied that Pb2+ was adsorbed by chemisorption. However, the similar Pb2+ contents in the plants treated with Pb2+ only and those treated with the combined PLA-MPs-Pb2+ suggested that the adsorption played no role in the uptake of Pb2+. Low concentrations of PLA-MPs promoted shoot length. At high concentrations of both PLA-MPs and Pb2+, buckwheat growth was inhibited, and leaf peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were higher than in the control. No significant differences were observed in seedling growth between exposure to Pb2+ only and combined exposure to PLA-MPs with Pb2+, implying that PLA-MPs did not increase the toxicity of Pb2+ at macroscopic level. POD activity was higher and chlorophyll content was lower with PLA-MPs in the low Pb2+ dose treatments, suggesting that PLA-MPs may increase the toxicity of naturally occurring Pb2+. However, the conclusions must be verified in controlled experiments in natural soil conditions over the whole cultivation period of buckwheat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianrui Tian
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Luyao Weixie
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Shuya Wang
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Quanju Xiang
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xiumei Yu
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Ke Zhao
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Lingzi Zhang
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Petri Penttinen
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Yunfu Gu
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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Yu Y, Craig N, Su L. A Hidden Pathway for Human Exposure to Micro- and Nanoplastics-The Mechanical Fragmentation of Plastic Products during Daily Use. TOXICS 2023; 11:774. [PMID: 37755784 PMCID: PMC10538053 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
In numerous environmental compartments around the world, the existence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the environment has been verified. A growing number of studies have looked at the interaction between MNPs and human activities due to the risks they may pose to humans. Exposure pathways are key factors in measuring MNPs risks. However, current research largely ignores the contribution of mechanical fragmentation pathways to MNPs exposure during the daily use of plastic products. Our critical review demonstrated the research gap between MNP fragmentation and risk assessments via a network analysis. The release of fragmented MNPs and their properties were also described at various scales, with emphasis on environmental stressors and mechanical fragmentation. In the scenarios of daily use, plastic products such as food packaging and clothing provide acute pathways of MNPs exposure. The release tendency of those products (up to 102 mg MNPs) are several orders of magnitude higher than MNPs abundances in natural compartments. Despite the limited evidence available, waste recycling, landfill and municipal activities represented long-term pathways for MNPs fragmentation and point sources of MNPs pollution in environmental media. Assessing the health effects of the fragmentation process, unfortunately, is further hampered by the current absence of human exposure impact assessments for secondary MNPs. We proposed that future studies should integrate aging evaluation into risk assessment frameworks and establish early warning signs of MNPs released from plastic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Nicholas Craig
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Lei Su
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of River and Lake Biochain Construction and Resource Utilization, Shanghai 201702, China
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Wang R, Zhang X, Guo S. Comb Polybutadiene with Long Polystyrene Side Chains: A Solution for Tunable Flowability and Enhancing Dielectric Properties in High-Frequency Printed Board Adhesive Films. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:41019-41030. [PMID: 37582186 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c09622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Liquid high-vinyl polybutadiene (PB) possessed excellent dielectric properties, rendering them suitable candidates for adhesive films of high-frequency printed boards. However, their inherent low molecular weights resulted in chain slippage and overflow during processing, thereby diminishing the performance of the adhesive films. To address this challenge, we synthesized comb PB with long polystyrene side chains via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, effectively immobilizing the PB backbone and restricting relative chain slippage. Controlling the length and number of "comb teeth" (styrene side chains) efficiently regulated the flowability of comb PB, achieving distinct flow states. Simultaneously, molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the elongated and inflexible polystyrene side chains of comb PB could create minuscule cavities, which impeded close packing of molecules and led to low dielectric constants (2.39/2.01, 1 MHz/10 GHz) and ultralow dielectric losses (0.0071/0.0016, 1 MHz/10 GHz). Furthermore, a series of printed circuit boards were fabricated using a comb PB adhesive film, and the signal loss was significantly reduced to 48.8% (19 GHz) in comparison with a commercial epoxy adhesive. This study demonstrated the potential of comb PB with polystyrene side chains to achieve desirable flow and dielectric properties by introducing tangles, large volume potential resistance, and microporosity compared with block structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruikun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University, Sichuan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Plastic/Rubber Complex Processing Technology, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Xianlong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University, Sichuan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Plastic/Rubber Complex Processing Technology, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Shaoyun Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University, Sichuan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Plastic/Rubber Complex Processing Technology, Chengdu 610065, China
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Luo G, Liang B, Cui H, Kang Y, Zhou X, Tao Y, Lu L, Fan L, Guo J, Wang A, Gao SH. Determining the Contribution of Micro/Nanoplastics to Antimicrobial Resistance: Challenges and Perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:12137-12152. [PMID: 37578142 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Microorganisms colonizing the surfaces of microplastics form a plastisphere in the environment, which captures miscellaneous substances. The plastisphere, owning to its inherently complex nature, may serve as a "Petri dish" for the development and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), adding a layer of complexity in tackling the global challenge of both microplastics and ARGs. Increasing studies have drawn insights into the extent to which the proliferation of ARGs occurred in the presence of micro/nanoplastics, thereby increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, a comprehensive review is still lacking in consideration of the current increasingly scattered research focus and results. This review focuses on the spread of ARGs mediated by microplastics, especially on the challenges and perspectives on determining the contribution of microplastics to AMR. The plastisphere accumulates biotic and abiotic materials on the persistent surfaces, which, in turn, offers a preferred environment for gene exchange within and across the boundary of the plastisphere. Microplastics breaking down to smaller sizes, such as nanoscale, can possibly promote the horizontal gene transfer of ARGs as environmental stressors by inducing the overgeneration of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, we also discussed methods, especially quantitatively comparing ARG profiles among different environmental samples in this emerging field and the challenges that multidimensional parameters are in great necessity to systematically determine the antimicrobial dissemination risk in the plastisphere. Finally, based on the biological sequencing data, we offered a framework to assess the AMR risks of micro/nanoplastics and biocolonizable microparticles that leverage multidimensional AMR-associated messages, including the ARGs' abundance, mobility, and potential acquisition by pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoyang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Bin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Hanlin Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Yuanyuan Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yu Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lu Fan
- Department of Ocean Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Jianhua Guo
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB, formerly AWMC), The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Aijie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shu-Hong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Binda G, Carnati S, Spanu D, Bellasi A, Hurley R, Bettinetti R, Monticelli D, Pozzi A, Nizzetto L. Selection of the optimal extraction protocol to investigate the interaction between trace elements and environmental plastic. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 452:131330. [PMID: 37004438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between environmental plastic and trace elements is an issue of concern. Understanding their interaction mechanisms is key to evaluate the potential threats for the environment. To this regard, consolidating confidence in extraction protocols can help in understanding the amount of different species present on plastic surface, as well as the potential mobility of trace elements present inside the plastic matrix (e.g., additives). Here we tested the efficacy of different reagents to mimic the elemental phases bonded to meso- and microplastic in the environment, in relation to the grade of ageing and the polymer composition. Results showed that a relatively high portion of trace elements is bonded in a weak phase and that other phases abundant in other matrices (e.g., oxides and bonded to organic matter) are only present to a limited degree in the plastic samples. The comparison of different sample types highlighted the important role of plastic ageing in governing interactions with trace elements, while the polymer composition has a limited influence on this process. Finally, the future steps toward a tailored extraction scheme for environmental plastic are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto Binda
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Stefano Carnati
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Davide Spanu
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Arianna Bellasi
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Rachel Hurley
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
| | - Roberta Bettinetti
- Department of Human and Innovation for the Territory, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Damiano Monticelli
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Andrea Pozzi
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Luca Nizzetto
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway; RECETOX, Masarik University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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Battulga B, Atarashi-Andoh M, Koarashi J, Oyuntsetseg B, Kawahigashi M. Plastic-associated metal(loid)s in the urban river environments of Mongolia. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 261:115100. [PMID: 37285671 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The widespread distribution of plastic debris in riverine environment is one of the major concerns of environmental pollution because of its potential impact on the aquatic ecosystem. In this study, we investigated the accumulation of metal(loid)s on polystyrene foam (PSF) plastics collected from the floodplain of the Tuul River of Mongolia. The metal(loid)s sorbed on plastics were extracted from the collected PSF via sonication after peroxide oxidation. The size-dependent association of metal(loid)s with plastics indicates that PSFs act as vectors for pollutants in the urban river environment. The mean concentrations of metal(loid)s (i.e., B, Cr, Cu, Na, and Pb) indicate a higher accumulation of the metal(loid)s on meso-sized PSFs compared with macro- and micro-sized PSFs. In addition, the images from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated not only the degraded surface of plastics showing fractures, holes, and pits but also the adhered mineral particles and microorganisms on the PSFs. The interaction of metal(loid)s with plastics was probably facilitated by the physical and chemical properties of altered surface of plastics through photodegradation, followed by an increase in surface area by size reduction and/or biofilm development in the aquatic environment. The enrichment ratio (ER) of metals on PSF samples suggested the continuous accumulation of heavy metals on plastics. Our results demonstrate that the widespread plastic debris could be a carrier of hazardous chemicals in the environment. Considering that the negative impacts of plastic debris on environmental health are major concerns to be addressed, the fate and behavior of the plastics especially their interaction with pollutants in aquatic environments should be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batdulam Battulga
- Department of Geography, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan; Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan.
| | - Mariko Atarashi-Andoh
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan
| | - Jun Koarashi
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan
| | - Bolormaa Oyuntsetseg
- Department of Chemistry, School of Arts and Sciences, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 14201, Mongolia
| | - Masayuki Kawahigashi
- Department of Geography, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
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Akhtar S, Pranay K, Kumari K. Personal protective equipment and micro-nano plastics: A review of an unavoidable interrelation for a global well-being hazard. HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ADVANCES 2023; 6:100055. [PMID: 37102160 PMCID: PMC10089666 DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2023.100055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The usage and the demand for personal protective equipments (PPEs) for our day-to-day survival in this pandemic period of COVID-19 have seen a steep rise which has consequently led to improper disposal and littering. Fragmentation of these PPE units has eventually given way to micro-nano plastics (MNPs) emission in the various environmental matrices and exposure of living organisms to these MNPs has proven to be severely toxic. Numerous factors contribute to the toxicity imparted by these MNPs that mainly include their shape, size, functional groups and their chemical diversity. Even though multiple studies on the impacts of MNPs toxicity are available for other organisms, human cell line studies for various plastic polymers, other than the most common ones namely polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PP), are still at their nascent stage and need to be explored more. In this article, we cover a concise review of the literature on the impact of these MNPs in biotic and human systems focusing on the constituents of the PPE units and the additives that are essentially used for their manufacturing. This review will subsequently identify the need to gather scientific evidence at the smaller level to help combat this microplastic pollution and induce a more in-depth understanding of its adverse effect on our existence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaheen Akhtar
- Kolkata Zonal Centre, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Kolkata 700107, West Bengal, India
| | - Kumar Pranay
- Department of Biochemistry, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna 800014, Bihar, India
| | - Kanchan Kumari
- Kolkata Zonal Centre, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Kolkata 700107, West Bengal, India
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