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Parameswarappa Jayalakshmamma M, Na Nagara V, Borgaonkar A, Sarkar D, Obropta C, Boufadel M. Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Microplastics in Green Infrastructures: Rain gardens. CHEMOSPHERE 2024:142543. [PMID: 38866339 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Rain gardens, a type of green infrastructure (GI), have been recognized for mitigating flooding and improving water quality from minor storms by trapping stormwater pollutants. Yet, the capability of these systems to retain microplastics (MPs) from stormwater, especially in size <125 , remains inadequately understood. This study investigated the spatial and temporal distributions of MPs in three rain gardens located in Newark, New Jersey, USA. The rain gardens have been in operation for ∼7 years and located in different land uses: low-density residential (Site 1), commercial (Site 2), and high-density residential (Site 3). The sediment samples were collected during May 2022, August 2022, and February 2023 at various soil depths and horizontal distances of rain gardens. The MPs were quantified and characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer and a Raman microscope. The overall mean concentration varied between sampling sites, with 469 89.8 in Site 1, 604 91.4 in Site 2, and 997 64.3 in Site 3, with Polypropylene as the dominant polymer, followed by nylon and polyethylene. In the vertical direction, larger MPs (250 -5 mm) were effectively retained within the top 5 cm and their concentration declined exponentially with the increasing depths. Small-sized MPs (1-250 ) were prevalent at deeper depths ( 10 cm), and no MPs were found below 15 cm. In the horizontal direction, the highest MP concentration was observed near the stormwater inlet, and the concentration decreased away from the inlet. Over the nine-month period, a notable increase in concentration was observed at all sites. These findings contribute valuable knowledge towards developing effective measures for retaining MPs from stormwater and monitoring GIs in urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghana Parameswarappa Jayalakshmamma
- Center for Natural Resources, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 323 MLK Blvd., Newark, NJ, USA 07102
| | - Viravid Na Nagara
- Center for Natural Resources, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 323 MLK Blvd., Newark, NJ, USA 07102
| | - Ashish Borgaonkar
- School of Applied Engineering and Technology, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 323 MLK Blvd., Newark, NJ, USA 07102
| | - Dibyendu Sarkar
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Ocean Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, 1 Castle Point Terrace, Hoboken, NJ, USA 07030
| | - Christopher Obropta
- Water Resources Research Institute Environmental Engineering, Rutgers, New Brunswick, NJ, USA 08854
| | - Michel Boufadel
- Center for Natural Resources, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 323 MLK Blvd., Newark, NJ, USA 07102.
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2
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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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3
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Beheshtimaal A, Alamdari N, Wang B, Kamali M, Salehi M. Understanding the Dynamics of Microplastics Transport in Urban Stormwater Runoff: Implications for Pollution Control and Management. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124302. [PMID: 38830525 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The transport of microplastics (MPs) from urban environments to water resources via stormwater runoff poses significant concerns due to its adverse impacts on water safety and aquatic ecosystems. This study presents a modeling approach aimed at understanding the transport mechanisms of MPs in an urban residential setting, considering settling and buoyant MPs. To consider the effect of MP shapes, the settling velocity of various settling MPs in shapes of fibers, films, and fragments was calculated. Using an analogy of sediment transport, a Rouse number criterion was used to analyze the transport of MPs. For buoyant MPs, it was assumed that they transport as wash-load as soon as they float in the water and the travel time for them to reach the storm drain was determined. The calculation of settling velocity revealed the influence of shape on the settling velocity of MPs was particularly pronounced as the equivalent diameter of the MPs increased. The transport mechanism for the smallest settling MPs, irrespective of their shapes, density, and depth of flow, was wash-load. However, for larger MPs, the shape and size distribution of settling MPs, along with the depth of flow and slope significantly influenced their transport mechanisms compared to sediment particles. The influence of weathering on the MPs' transport mechanisms depended on their sizes and shapes. The site-specific characteristics, including slope and surface friction, significantly influenced the velocity of stormwater runoff and, consequently, the extent of MP transport during rain events. Moreover, an evaluation of the transport mechanism of settling MPs was conducted using the reported field data on MP abundance in road dust collected from residential and traffic sites. This study underscores the complexity of MP transport dynamics and provides a foundation for developing targeted strategies to mitigate MP pollution in urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arghavan Beheshtimaal
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Nasrin Alamdari
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Tallahassee, FL 32310, United States of America
| | - Binbin Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Missouri Water Center, Columbia, MO
| | - Meysam Kamali
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Maryam Salehi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Missouri Water Center, Columbia, MO.
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4
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Du A, Hu C, Wang X, Zhao Y, Xia W, Dai X, Wang L, Zhang S. Experimental Study on the Migration and Distribution of Microplastics in Desert Farmland Soil Under Drip Irrigation. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:1250-1259. [PMID: 38563658 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The microplastics (MPs) formed by broken plastic film may migrate in the soil under drip irrigation. To investigate the migration distribution of MPs in desert farmland soil under drip irrigation conditions, our study was conducted on farmland in Xinjiang (China). A MP drip irrigation penetration migration testing device was set up in combination with Xinjiang farmland irrigation methods to conduct a migration simulation experiment. The results showed that the migration amount of MPs in soil was significantly positively correlated with the amount of drip irrigation, and significantly negatively correlated with the soil depth; in addition, the relationship between the migration amount of MPs in different types of soil was: clay < sandy loam < sandy soil. Under drip irrigation conditions, the migration rates of MPs were 30.51%, 19.41%, and 10.29% in sandy soil, sandy loam soil, and clay, respectively. The migration ability of these three particle sizes of polyethylene MPs in soil was ranked as follows: 25 to 147 μm > 0 to 25 μm > 147 to 250 μm. When the drip irrigation volume was 2.6 to 3.2 L, horizontal migration distances of MPs exceeded 5 cm, and vertical migration distances reached more than 30 cm. Our findings provide reference data for the study of soil MP migration. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1250-1259. © 2024 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Du
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer, China
- The Key Laboratory of Colleges & Universities under the Department of Education of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Alaer, China
| | - Can Hu
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer, China
- The Key Laboratory of Colleges & Universities under the Department of Education of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Alaer, China
| | - Xufeng Wang
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer, China
- The Key Laboratory of Colleges & Universities under the Department of Education of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Alaer, China
| | - Yachuan Zhao
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer, China
- The Key Laboratory of Colleges & Universities under the Department of Education of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Alaer, China
| | - Wenhao Xia
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer, China
- The Key Laboratory of Colleges & Universities under the Department of Education of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Alaer, China
| | - Xianxing Dai
- College of Agriculture, Tarim University, Alar, China
| | - Long Wang
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer, China
- The Key Laboratory of Colleges & Universities under the Department of Education of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Alaer, China
| | - Shufeng Zhang
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer, China
- The Key Laboratory of Colleges & Universities under the Department of Education of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Alaer, China
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5
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Richardson SD, Manasfi T. Water Analysis: Emerging Contaminants and Current Issues. Anal Chem 2024; 96:8184-8219. [PMID: 38700487 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan D Richardson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, JM Palms Center for GSR, 631 Sumter Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Tarek Manasfi
- Eawag, Environmental Chemistry, Uberlandstrasse 133, Dubendorf 8600, Switzerland
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Bodus B, O'Malley K, Dieter G, Gunawardana C, McDonald W. Review of emerging contaminants in green stormwater infrastructure: Antibiotic resistance genes, microplastics, tire wear particles, PFAS, and temperature. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167195. [PMID: 37777137 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Green stormwater infrastructure is a growing management approach to capturing, infiltrating, and treating runoff at the source. However, there are several emerging contaminants for which green stormwater infrastructure has not been explicitly designed to mitigate and for which removal mechanisms are not yet well defined. This is an issue, as there is a growing understanding of the impact of emerging contaminants on human and environmental health. This paper presents a review of five emerging contaminants - antibiotic resistance genes, microplastics, tire wear particles, PFAS, and temperature - and seeks to improve our understanding of how green stormwater infrastructure is impacted by and can be designed to mitigate these emerging contaminants. To do so, we present a review of the source and transport of these contaminants to green stormwater infrastructure, specific treatment mechanisms within green infrastructure, and design considerations of green stormwater infrastructure that could lead to their removal. In addition, common removal mechanisms across these contaminants and limitations of green infrastructure for contaminant mitigation are discussed. Finally, we present future research directions that can help to advance the use of green infrastructure as a first line of defense for downstream water bodies against emerging contaminants of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Bodus
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Marquette University, 1637 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA.
| | - Kassidy O'Malley
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Marquette University, 1637 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA.
| | - Greg Dieter
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Marquette University, 1637 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA.
| | - Charitha Gunawardana
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Marquette University, 1637 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA.
| | - Walter McDonald
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Marquette University, 1637 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA.
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7
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Jiao M, Wang Y, Yang F, Zhao Z, Wei Y, Li R, Wang Y. Dynamic fluctuations in plant leaf interception of airborne microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167877. [PMID: 37852496 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167877] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Plant leaves have been demonstrated to be a crucial sink of airborne microplastics (MPs). However, because of the particular shape of MPs and their relatively weak forces with leaves, the traditional accumulation model used for the adsorption of particulate matter and persistent organic pollutants may not be appropriate for describing the interception of MPs by leaves. Here, we performed a 7-day exploration of the interception of MPs by leaves in downtown Nanning. The abundances and characteristics of leaf-intercepted MPs showed dramatic diurnal fluctuations and interspecies differences (conifers > arbors > shrubs). The fluctuation (Coefficient of Variation (CV) = 0.459; abundances 0.003 ± 0.002 to 0.047 ± 0.005 n·cm-2) was even more drastic than that measured across species (CV = 0.353; 0.06 ± 0.01 to 0.40 ± 0.04 n·cm-2). Further analysis using partial least-squares path modeling demonstrated that stomatal variation and divergence largely dominated diurnal fluctuations and interspecies differences in microplastic interception by leaves, respectively. Our results highlight that the leaf-intercepted MPs is characterized by dynamic fluctuations rather than static equilibrium and reveal the important regulatory roles played by leaf micromorphological structures in intercepting MPs, thus enhancing our understanding of the interactions between terrestrial plants and airborne pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Jiao
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yijin Wang
- School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Fei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhen Zhao
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yihua Wei
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Ruilong Li
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Yinghui Wang
- Institute of Green and Low Carbon Technology, Guangxi Institute of Industrial Technology, Nanning 530004, China
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8
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Xia F, Tan Q, Qin H, Wang D, Cai Y, Zhang J. Sequestration and export of microplastics in urban river sediments. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 181:108265. [PMID: 37866239 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108265] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
In rivers, riverbeds are considered to have dual properties as a short-term sink and a source of further mobilization for microplastics. To better understand the sources, storage, and fate of microplastics in river systems, this study quantified the formation of microplastic hotspots in riverbeds and seasonal variations in microplastic inventories in riverbeds, especially for small-sized microplastics (<330 µm), with a fluorescence-based protocol. This study provides first-hand measured evidence for the sequestration of microplastics in the riverbed under low-flow conditions and its export from the riverbed under high-flow conditions. The results show that riverbeds in urban areas are still hotspots for microplastic pollution and that high inputs of urban microplastics control microplastic load in its downstream areas. Seasonal rainfall exported 34.86 % (equivalent to 4.34 × 1011 items/8.57 t) of microplastic pollution from the riverbed, and its removal capacity may be related to the rainfall intensity. Wider riverbeds are conducive to the formation of microplastic hotspots due to the flow slow down. Most importantly, rainfall-driven scouring of the riverbed can enhance the pollution of small-sized microplastics in the riverbed, especially the smallest-size microplastics (<100 µm). Therefore, this study not only contributes reliable information about the sequestration and export of microplastics in the riverbed, but also provides a possible mechanism to explain the lack of small-sized microplastics (<330 µm) in the ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyang Xia
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watershed, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Qian Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watershed, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Haiguang Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watershed, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Dunqiu Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Yanpeng Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watershed, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China.
| | - Jun Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China.
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Rullander G, Lorenz C, Herbert RB, Strömvall AM, Vollertsen J, Dalahmeh SS. How effective is the retention of microplastics in horizontal flow sand filters treating stormwater? JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118690. [PMID: 37586166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118690] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics accumulate in stormwater and can ultimately enter freshwater recipients, and pose a serious risk to aquatic life. This study investigated the effectiveness of lab-scale horizontal flow sand filters of differing lengths (25, 50 and 100 cm) in retaining four types of thermoplastic microplastics commonly occurring in stormwater runoff (polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate). Despite the differences in particle shape, size and density, the study revealed that more than 98% of the spiked microplastics were retained in all filters, with a slightly increased removal with increased filter length. At a flow rate of 1 mL/min and after one week of operation, 62-84% of the added microplastics agglomerated in the first 2 cm of the filters. The agglomerated microplastics included 96% of high-density fibers. Larger-sized particles were retained in the sand media, while microplastics smaller than 50 μm were more often detected in the effluent. Microplastics were quantified and identified using imaging based micro Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The efficient retention of microplastics in low-flow horizontal sand filters, demonstrated by the results, highlights their potential importance for stormwater management. This retention is facilitated by various factors, including microplastic agglomeration, particle sedimentation of heavy fibers and favorable particle-to-media size ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Rullander
- Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Villavägen 16, SE-752 36, Sweden.
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Aalborg University, Department of The Built Environment, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220, Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Roger B Herbert
- Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Villavägen 16, SE-752 36, Sweden
| | - Ann-Margret Strömvall
- Water Environment Technology, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Aalborg University, Department of The Built Environment, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220, Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Sahar S Dalahmeh
- Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Villavägen 16, SE-752 36, Sweden
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Ziajahromi S, Lu HC, Drapper D, Hornbuckle A, Leusch FDL. Microplastics and Tire Wear Particles in Urban Stormwater: Abundance, Characteristics, and Potential Mitigation Strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:12829-12837. [PMID: 37578171 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Stormwater has been identified as a pathway for microplastics (MPs), including tire wear particles (TWPs), into aquatic habitats. Our knowledge of the abundance of MPs in urban stormwater and potential strategies to control MPs in stormwater is still limited. In this study, stormwater samples were collected from microlitter capture devices (inlet and outlet) during rain events. Sediment samples were collected from the material captured in the device and from the inlet and outlet of a constructed stormwater wetland. MP (>25 μm) concentration in stormwater varied across different locations ranging from 3.8 to 59 MPs/L in raw and 1.8 to 32 MPs/L in treated stormwater, demonstrating a decrease after passage through the device (35-88% removal). TWPs comprised ∼95% of all particles, followed by polypropylene (PP) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The concentration of TWPs ranged from 2.5 to 58 TWPs/L and 1450 to 4740 TWPs/kg in stormwater and sediment, respectively. A higher abundance of MPs was found in the sediment at the inlet of the constructed wetland compared to the outlet, indicating a potential role of wetlands in removing MPs from stormwater. These findings suggest that both constructed wetlands and microlitter capture devices can mitigate the transport of MPs from stormwater to the receiving waterways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Ziajahromi
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, Gold Coast 4222, QLD, Australia
| | - Hsuan-Cheng Lu
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, Gold Coast 4222, QLD, Australia
| | - Darren Drapper
- Drapper Environmental Consultants, 4/54 Quilton Place, Crestmead 4132, QLD, Australia
| | - Andy Hornbuckle
- Atlan Stormwater (formerly SPEL Stormwater), 130 Sandstone PlaceParkinson 4115, QLD, Australia
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, Gold Coast 4222, QLD, Australia
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11
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Alvarado-Zambrano D, Rivera-Hernández JR, Green-Ruiz C. First insight into microplastic groundwater pollution in Latin America: the case of a coastal aquifer in Northwest Mexico. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27461-9. [PMID: 37188938 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27461-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been studied on biota and other environmental domains, such as soils. Despite the importance of groundwater as a resource for millions of people worldwide as drinking water and personal hygiene, domestic, agricultural, mining, and industrial purposes, there are very few studies concerning microplastics in this domain around the world. We present the first study in Latin America addressing this topic. Six capped boreholes were analyzed in terms of abundance, concentration, and chemical characterization, at three different depths, from a coastal aquifer in Northwest Mexico. This aquifer is highly permeable and affected by anthropogenic activities. A total of 330 microplastics were found in the eighteen samples. In terms of concentration, the interval ranged from 10 to 34 particles/L, with an average of 18.3 particles/L. Four synthetic polymers were identified: isotactic polypropylene (iPP), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), carboxylated polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE); with iPP being the most abundant (55.8%) in each borehole. Agriculture activities and septic outflows are considered the potential regional sources of these contaminants into the aquifer. Three possible transport pathways to the aquifer are suggested: (1) marine intrusion, (2) marsh intrusion, and (3) infiltration through the soil. More research about the occurrence, concentration, and distribution of the different kinds of microplastics in groundwater is needed to have a better understanding of the behavior and health risks to organisms, including human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Alvarado-Zambrano
- Universidad Politécnica de Sinaloa, Unidad Académica de Ingeniería en Tecnología Ambiental, Km 3, Carretera Municipal Libre Mazatlán Higueras, 82199, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México
| | - José R Rivera-Hernández
- Universidad Politécnica de Sinaloa, Unidad Académica de Ingeniería en Tecnología Ambiental, Km 3, Carretera Municipal Libre Mazatlán Higueras, 82199, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar Y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Joel Montes Camarena S/N, Col. Playa Sur, 82040, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México
| | - Carlos Green-Ruiz
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar Y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Joel Montes Camarena S/N, Col. Playa Sur, 82040, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México.
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12
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Lange K, Furén R, Österlund H, Winston R, Tirpak RA, Nordqvist K, Smith J, Dorsey J, Viklander M, Blecken GT. Abundance, distribution, and composition of microplastics in the filter media of nine aged stormwater bioretention systems. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 320:138103. [PMID: 36775039 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138103] [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: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Bioretention systems are designed for quality treatment of stormwater. Particulate contaminants are commonly treated efficiently and accumulate mainly in the surface layer of the bioretention filter material. However, concerns exist that microplastic particles may not show equal accumulation behavior as other sediment particles. So far only two field and two laboratory studies are available on the fate of microplastics in few relatively newly built bioretention systems. Therefore, this study investigated the abundance and distribution of microplastics in nine 7-12 years old stormwater bioretention systems. It was found that microplastics generally accumulate on the surface of bioretention systems. Microplastic median particle concentrations decreased significantly from the surface layer (0-5 cm) of the filter material to the 10-15 cm depth layer from 448 to 136 particles/100 g, respectively. The distance to the inlet did not significantly affect the surface accumulation of microplastic particles, suggesting modest spatial variability in microplastics accumulation in older bioretention systems. Further, this study investigated the polymer composition in bioretention systems. It was shown that PP, EVA, PS and EPDM rubber are the most abundant polymer types in bioretention systems. Also, it was found that large percentages of microplastic particles are black particles (median percentage of black particles: 39%) which were found in 28 of the 33 investigated samples. This underlines the importance of including black particles in microplastic studies on stormwater, which has been overlooked in most previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Lange
- Urban Water Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87, Luleå, Sweden.
| | - Robert Furén
- Urban Water Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87, Luleå, Sweden; NCC Sverige AB, Department of Research and Innovation, Herrjärva Torg 4, 170 80, Solna, Sweden
| | - Helene Österlund
- Urban Water Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Ryan Winston
- Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering, Ohio State University, Agricultural Engineering Building AE, Building 298, 590 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geodetic Engineering, Ohio State University, 470 Hitchcock Hall, 2070 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Core Faculty, Sustainability Institute, Ohio State University, 3018 Smith Lab 174 W, 18th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - R Andrew Tirpak
- Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering, Ohio State University, Agricultural Engineering Building AE, Building 298, 590 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Kerstin Nordqvist
- Urban Water Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Joseph Smith
- Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering, Ohio State University, Agricultural Engineering Building AE, Building 298, 590 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jay Dorsey
- Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering, Ohio State University, Agricultural Engineering Building AE, Building 298, 590 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Maria Viklander
- Urban Water Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Godecke-Tobias Blecken
- Urban Water Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87, Luleå, Sweden
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13
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Mehmood T, Mustafa B, Mackenzie K, Ali W, Sabir RI, Anum W, Gaurav GK, Riaz U, Liu X, Peng L. Recent developments in microplastic contaminated water treatment: Progress and prospects of carbon-based two-dimensional materials for membranes separation. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 316:137704. [PMID: 36592840 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Micro (nano)plastics pollution is a noxious menace not only for mankind but also for marine life, as removing microplastics (MPs) is challenging due to their physiochemical properties, composition, and response toward salinity and pH. This review provides a detailed assessment of the MPs pollution in different water types, environmental implications, and corresponding treatment strategies. With the advancement in nanotechnology, mitigation strategies for aqueous pollution are seen, especially due to the fabrication of nanosheets/membranes mostly utilized as a filtration process. Two-dimensional (2D) materials are increasingly used for membranes due to their diverse structure, affinity, cost-effectiveness, and, most importantly, removal efficiency. The popular 2D materials used for membrane-based organic and inorganic pollutants from water mainly include graphene and MXenes however their effectiveness for MPs removal is still in its infancy. Albeit, the available literature asserts a 70- 99% success rate in micro/nano plastics removal achieved through membranes fabricated via graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and MXene membranes. This review examined existing membrane separation strategies for MPs removal, focusing on the structural properties of 2D materials, composite, and how they adsorb pollutants and underlying physicochemical mechanisms. Since MPs and other contaminants commonly coexist in the natural environment, a brief examination of the response of 2D membranes to MPs removal was also conducted. In addition, the influencing factors regulate MPs removal performance of membranes by impacting their two main operating routes (filtration and adsorption). Finally, significant limitations, research gaps, and future prospects of 2D material-based membranes for effectively removing MPs are also proposed. The conclusion is that the success of 2D material is strongly linked to the types, size of MPs, and characteristics of aqueous media. Future perspectives talk about the problems that need to be solved to get 2D material-based membranes out of the lab and onto the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Mehmood
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570228, China; Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Environmental Engineering, Permoserstr. 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Beenish Mustafa
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Katrin Mackenzie
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Environmental Engineering, Permoserstr. 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wahid Ali
- Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, College of Applied Industrial Technology (CAIT), Jazan University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Raja Irfan Sabir
- Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore; Pakistan
| | - Wajiha Anum
- Regional Agricultural Research Institute, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Gajendra Kumar Gaurav
- Sustainable Process Integration Laboratory, SPIL, NETME Centre, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, VUT Brno, Technická 2896/2, 616 69, Brno, Czech Republic; School of Physics and Electronic Information, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Umair Riaz
- Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, 60000, Pakistan
| | - Xinghui Liu
- School of Physics and Electronic Information, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, China; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077 China
| | - Licheng Peng
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570228, China.
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14
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Österlund H, Blecken G, Lange K, Marsalek J, Gopinath K, Viklander M. Microplastics in urban catchments: Review of sources, pathways, and entry into stormwater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159781. [PMID: 36309285 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Urban areas play a key role in the production of microplastics (MPs) and their entry into water bodies. This article reviews the literature on the sources, transport, and control of MPs in urban environments with the aim of clarifying the mechanisms underlying these processes. Major MP sources include atmospheric deposition, micro-litter, and tire and road wear particles (TRWPs). MPs deposited from the atmosphere are mostly fibers and may be particularly important in catchments without traffic. Littering and attrition of textiles and plastic products is another important MP source. However, the quantities of MPs originating from this source may be hard to estimate. TRWPs are a significant source of MPs in urban areas and are arguably the best quantified source. The mobilization of MPs in urban catchments is poorly understood but it appears that dry unconsolidated sediments and MP deposits are most readily mobilized. Sequestration of MPs occurs in green areas and is poorly understood. Consequently, some authors consider green/pervious parts of urban catchments to be MP sinks. Field studies have shown that appreciable MP removal occurs in stormwater quality control facilities. Street cleaning and snow removal also remove MPs (particularly TRWPs), but the efficacy of these measures is unknown. Among stormwater management facilities, biofiltration/retention units seem to remove MPs more effectively than facilities relying on stormwater settling. However, knowledge of MP removal in stormwater facilities remains incomplete. Finally, although 13 research papers reported MP concentrations in stormwater, the total number of field samples examined in these studies was only 189. Moreover, the results of these studies are not necessarily comparable because they are based on relatively small numbers of samples and differ widely in terms of their objectives, sites, analytical methods, size fractions, examined polymers, and even terminology. This area of research can thus be considered "data-poor" and offers great opportunities for further research in many areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heléne Österlund
- Urban Water Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Godecke Blecken
- Urban Water Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, Sweden.
| | - Katharina Lange
- Urban Water Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Jiri Marsalek
- Urban Water Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Kalpana Gopinath
- Urban Water Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Maria Viklander
- Urban Water Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, Sweden
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15
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Koutnik VS, Leonard J, El Rassi LA, Choy MM, Brar J, Glasman JB, Cowger W, Mohanty SK. Children's playgrounds contain more microplastics than other areas in urban parks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158866. [PMID: 36126714 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Children spend many hours in urban parks and playgrounds, where the tree canopy could filter microplastics released from the surrounding urban hotspots. However, the majority of children's playgrounds also contain plastic structures that could potentially release microplastics. To assess if the children's playgrounds pose a higher exposure risk than other places inside the park, we evaluate the extent of microplastic contamination in the sand, soil, and leaf samples from 19 playgrounds inside urban parks in Los Angeles, CA, USA. The average microplastic concentration in sand samples collected inside the playground was 72 p g-1, and >50 % of identified plastics were either polyethylene or polypropylene. Microplastic concentrations inside the playgrounds were on average >5 times greater than concentrations outside the playgrounds in the park, indicating that children playing within the playground may be exposed to more microplastics than children playing outside the playground in the same park. By comparing the microplastic composition found inside and outside the playgrounds with the plastic composition of the plastic structures in the playground, we show that plastic structures and other products used inside the playgrounds could contribute to elevated microplastic concentration. The population density was slightly correlated with a microplastic concentration in the park soil but did not correlate with microplastic concentration inside the playgrounds. Therefore, playgrounds in urban parks may have microplastic exposure risks via inhalation or ingestion via hand-to-mouth transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera S Koutnik
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Jamie Leonard
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lea A El Rassi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michelle M Choy
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jaslyn Brar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joel B Glasman
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Win Cowger
- Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Sanjay K Mohanty
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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16
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Rosso B, Corami F, Vezzaro L, Biondi S, Bravo B, Barbante C, Gambaro A. Quantification and characterization of additives, plasticizers, and small microplastics (5-100 μm) in highway stormwater runoff. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 324:116348. [PMID: 36174466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Highway stormwater (HSW) runoff is a significant pathway for transferring microplastics from land-based sources to the other surrounding environmental compartments. Small microplastics (SMPs, 5-100 μm), additives, plasticizers, natural, and nonplastic synthetic fibers, together with other components of micro-litter (APFs), were assessed in HSW samples via Micro-FTIR; oleo-extraction and purification procedures previously developed were optimized to accomplish this goal. The distribution of SMPs and APFs observed in distinct HSW runoff varied significantly since rainfall events may play a crucial role in the concentration and distribution of these pollutants. The SMPs' abundance varied from 11932 ± 151 to 18966 ± 191 SMPs/L. The dominating polymers were vinyl ester (VE), polyamide 6 (PA6), fluorocarbon, and polyester (PES). The APFs' concentrations ranged from 12825 ± 157 to 96425 ± 430 APFs/L. Most APFs originated from vehicle and tire wear (e.g., Dioctyl adipate or 5-Methyl-1H-benzotriazole). Other sources of these pollutants might be pipes, highway signs, packaging from garbage debris, road marking paints, atmospheric deposition, and other inputs. Assessing SMPs in HSW runoff can help evaluating the potential threat they may represent to receiving water bodies and air compartments. Besides, APFs in HSW runoff may be efficient proxies of macro- and microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Rosso
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics, and Statistics; Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy; Institute of Polar Sciences, CNR-ISP; Campus Scientifico - Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy.
| | - Fabiana Corami
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics, and Statistics; Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy; Institute of Polar Sciences, CNR-ISP; Campus Scientifico - Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy.
| | - Luca Vezzaro
- Department of Environmental Engineering Water Technology & Processes, Technical University of Denmark, Anker Engelunds Vej 1, Bygning 101A, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark.
| | | | - Barbara Bravo
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Str. Rivoltana, Km 4 - 20090 Rodano (MI), Italy.
| | - Carlo Barbante
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics, and Statistics; Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy; Institute of Polar Sciences, CNR-ISP; Campus Scientifico - Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy.
| | - Andrea Gambaro
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics, and Statistics; Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy; Institute of Polar Sciences, CNR-ISP; Campus Scientifico - Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy.
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17
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Goehler LO, Moruzzi RB, Tomazini da Conceição F, Júnior AAC, Speranza LG, Busquets R, Campos LC. Relevance of tyre wear particles to the total content of microplastics transported by runoff in a high-imperviousness and intense vehicle traffic urban area. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120200. [PMID: 36165832 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging pollutant and a worldwide issue. A wide variety of MPs and tyre wear particles (TWPs) are entering and spreading in the environment. TWPs can reach waterbodies through runoff, where main contributing particulate matter comes from impervious areas. In this paper, TWPs and other types of MPs that were transported with the runoff of a high populated-impervious urban area were characterised. Briefly, MPs were sampled from sediments in a stormwater detention reservoir (SDR) used for flood control of a catchment area of ∼36 km2, of which 73% was impervious. The sampled SDR is located in São Paulo, the most populated city in South America. TWPs were the most common type of MPs in this SDR, accounting for 53% of the total MPs; followed by fragments (30%), fibres (9%), films (4%) and pellets (4%). In particular, MPs in the size range 0.1 mm-0.5 mm were mostly TWPs. Such a profile of MPs in the SDR is unlike what is reported in environmental compartments elsewhere. TWPs were found at levels of 2160 units/(kg sediment·km2 of impervious area) and 87.8 units/(kg sediment·km street length); MP and TWP loadings are introduced here for the first time. The annual flux of MPs and TWPs were 7.8 × 1011 and 4.1 × 1011 units/(km2·year), respectively, and TWP emissions varied from 43.3 to 205.5 kg/day. SDRs can be sites to intercept MP pollution in urban areas. This study suggests that future research on MP monitoring in urban areas and design should consider both imperviousness and street length as important factors to normalize TWP contribution to urban pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Ostini Goehler
- UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia de São José Dos Campos - ICT, São José Dos Campos, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Braga Moruzzi
- UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia de São José Dos Campos - ICT, São José Dos Campos, Brazil.
| | - Fabiano Tomazini da Conceição
- UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia de São José Dos Campos - ICT, São José Dos Campos, Brazil
| | | | - Lais Galileu Speranza
- UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia de São José Dos Campos - ICT, São José Dos Campos, Brazil; GreenCoLab - Associação Oceano Verde, Faro, Portugal
| | - Rosa Busquets
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, United Kingdom; Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Luiza Cintra Campos
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, United Kingdom
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18
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Lu HC, Ziajahromi S, Locke A, Neale PA, Leusch FDL. Microplastics profile in constructed wetlands: Distribution, retention and implications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 313:120079. [PMID: 36064057 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater and stormwater are both considered as critical pathways contributing microplastics (MPs) to the aquatic environment. However, there is little information in the literature about the potential influence of constructed wetlands (CWs), a commonly used wastewater and stormwater treatment system. This study was conducted to investigate the abundance and distribution of MPs in water and sediment at five CWs with different influent sources, namely stormwater and wastewater. The MP abundance in the water samples ranged between 0.4 ± 0.3 and 3.8 ± 2.3 MP/L at the inlet and from 0.1 ± 0.0 to 1.3 ± 1.0 MP/L at the outlet. In the sediment, abundance of MPs was generally higher at the inlet, ranging from 736 ± 335 to 3480 ± 4330 MP/kg dry sediment and decreased to between 19.0 ± 16.4 and 1060 ± 326 MP/kg dry sediment at the outlet. Although no significant differences were observed in sediment cores at different depth across the five CWs, more MPs were recorded in silt compared to sandy sediment which indicated sediment grain size could be an environmental factor contributing to the distribution of MPs. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibres were the dominant polymer type found in the water samples while polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) fragments were predominantly recorded in the sediment. While the size of MPs in water varied across the studied CWs, between 51% and 64% of MPs in the sediment were smaller than 300 μm, which raises concerns about the bioavailability of MPs to a wider range of wetland biota and their potential ecotoxicological effects. This study shows that CWs can not only retain MPs in the treated water, but also become sinks accumulating MPs over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan-Cheng Lu
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld, 4222, Australia.
| | - Shima Ziajahromi
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld, 4222, Australia
| | - Ashley Locke
- Central Analytical Research Facility, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane Qld, 4000, Australia
| | - Peta A Neale
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld, 4222, Australia
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld, 4222, Australia
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19
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Wang C, O'Connor D, Wang L, Wu WM, Luo J, Hou D. Microplastics in urban runoff: Global occurrence and fate. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 225:119129. [PMID: 36170770 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Public concerns on microplastic (MP) pollution and its prevalence in urban runoff have grown exponentially. Huge amounts of MPs are transported from urban environments via surface runoff to different environment compartments, including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and oceans. The global concentrations of MPs in urban runoff range from 0 to 8580 particles/L. Understanding the sources, abundance, composition and characteristics of MPs in urban runoff on a global scale is a critical challenge because of the existence of multiple sources and spatiotemporal heterogeneity. Additionally, dynamic processes in the mobilization, aging, fragmentation, transport, and retention of MPs in urban runoff have been largely overlooked. Furthermore, the MP flux through urban runoff into rivers, lakes and even oceans is largely unknown, which is very important for better understanding the fate and transport of MPs in urban environments. Here, we provide a critical review of the global occurrence, transport, retention process, and sinks of MPs in urban runoff. Relevant policies, regulations and measures are put forward. Future global investigations and mitigation efforts will require us to address this issue cautiously, cooperating globally, nationally and regionally, and acting locally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengqian Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - David O'Connor
- School of Real Estate and Land Management, Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester GL7 1RS, United Kingdom
| | - Liuwei Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei-Min Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, William & Cloy Codiga Resource Recovery Center, Center for Sustainable Development & Global Competitiveness, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-4020, United States
| | - Jian Luo
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0355, United States
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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20
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Koutnik VS, Leonard J, Brar J, Cao S, Glasman JB, Cowger W, Ravi S, Mohanty SK. Transport of microplastics in stormwater treatment systems under freeze-thaw cycles: Critical role of plastic density. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 222:118950. [PMID: 35964509 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Stormwater treatment systems remove and accumulate microplastics from surface runoff, but some of them can be moved downward to groundwater by natural freeze-thaw cycles. Yet, it is unclear whether or how microplastic properties such as density could affect the extent to which freeze-thaw cycles would move microplastics in the subsurface. To examine the transport and redistribution of microplastics in the subsurface by freeze-thaw cycles, three types of microplastics, with density smaller than (polypropylene or PP), similar to (polystyrene or PS), or greater than (polyethylene terephthalate or PET) water, were first deposited on the top of packed sand-the most common filter media used in infiltration-based stormwater treatment systems. Then the columns were subjected to either 23 h of drying at 22 ⁰C (control) or freeze-thaw treatment (freezing at -20 ⁰C for 6 h and thawing at 22 ⁰C for 17 h) followed by a wetting event. The cycle was repeated 36 times, and the effluents were analyzed for microplastics. Microplastics were observed in effluents from the columns that were contaminated with PET and subjected to freeze-thaw cycles. Comparison of the distribution of microplastics in sand columns at the end of 36 cycles confirmed that freeze-thaw cycles could disproportionally accelerate the downward mobility of denser microplastics. Using a force balance model, we show that smaller microplastics (<50 µm) can be pushed at higher velocity by the ice-water interface, irrespective of the density of microplastics. However, plastic density becomes critical when the size of microplastics is larger than 50 µm. The coupled experimental studies and theoretical framework improved the understanding of why denser microplastics such as PET and PVC may move deeper into the subsurface in the stormwater treatment systems and consequently elevate groundwater pollution risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera S Koutnik
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jamie Leonard
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jaslyn Brar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shangqing Cao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joel B Glasman
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Win Cowger
- Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Sujith Ravi
- Department of Earth & Environmental Science, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sanjay K Mohanty
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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