1
|
Viaroli S, Lancia M, Lee JY, Ben Y, Giannecchini R, Castelvetro V, Petrini R, Zheng C, Re V. Limits, challenges, and opportunities of sampling groundwater wells with plastic casings for microplastic investigations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174259. [PMID: 38936718 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Investigating microplastics (MPs) in groundwater suffers from problems already faced by surface water research, such as the absence of common protocols for sampling and analysis. While the use of plastic instruments during the collection, processing, and analysis of water samples is usually avoided in order to minimize unintentional contamination, groundwater research encompassing MPs faces unique challenges. Groundwater sampling typically relies on pre-existing monitoring wells (MWs) and water wells (WWs) that are often constructed with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) casings or pipes due to their favorable price-performance ratio. Despite the convenience, however, the suitability of PVC casings for MP research is questionable. Unfortunately, the specifics of these wells are often not detailed in published studies. Current literature does not indicate significant pollution risks from PVC casings, suggesting these wells might still be viable for MP studies. Our preliminary analysis of the existing literature indicates that if PVC exceeds 6 % of the total MP concentration, it is likely that casings and pipes made of PVC are a source of pollution. Above this threshold, additional investigations in MWs and WWs with PVC casings and pipes are suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Viaroli
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Lancia
- Eastern Institute for Advanced Studies, Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Jin-Yong Lee
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujie Ben
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Roberto Giannecchini
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; CISUP - Center for the Integration of Scientific Instruments of the University of Pisa, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valter Castelvetro
- CISUP - Center for the Integration of Scientific Instruments of the University of Pisa, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Chunmiao Zheng
- Eastern Institute for Advanced Studies, Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Viviana Re
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou D, Cai Y, Yang Z. Transport of polystyrene microplastics in bare and iron oxide-coated quartz sand: Effects of ionic strength, humic acid, and co-existing graphene oxide. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174270. [PMID: 38925391 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
This research explored the effects of widely utilized nanomaterial graphene oxide (GO) and organic matter humic acid (HA) on the transport of microplastics under different ionic solution strengths in bare sand and iron oxide-coated sand. The results found transport of polystyrene microplastics (PS) did not respond to the presence of HA in sand that contains large amounts of iron oxide. Compared to bare quartz sand, ionic strength had little effect: <20 % of PS passed through Fe sand columns. There was a significant promotion of PS transport in the presence of GO, however, which can be attributed to the increased surface electronegativity of PS and steric hindrance. Moreover, GO combined with HA significantly promoted the transport of PS in the Fe sand, and transport further increased when the concentration of HA increased from 5 to 10 mg/L. Interestingly, the degree of this increase exactly corresponded to the change in the surface charge of the microplastics, demonstrating that electrostatic interaction dominated the PS transport. Further results indicated that co-existing pollutants had significant impacts on the transport of microplastics under various conditions by altering the surface characteristics of the plastic particles and the spatial steric hindrance within porous media. This research will offer insights into predicting the transport and fate of microplastics in complex environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yanpeng Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 511458, China.
| | - Zhifeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cheng S, Keang K, Cross JS. Evidence that microplastics at environmentally relevant concentration and size interfere with energy metabolism of microalgal community. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:134995. [PMID: 38909468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
To address two current issues in evaluating the toxicity of microplastics (MPs) namely, conflicting results due to species specificity and the ecological irrelevance of laboratory data, this study conducted a 10-day exposure experiment using a microalgal community comprising three symbiotic species. The experiment involved virgin and Benzo[a]pyrene-spiked micron-scale fibers and fragments made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP). The results showed that, from a physiological perspective, environmentally relevant concentrations of micron-scale MPs decreased saccharide accumulation in microalgal cells, as confirmed by ultrastructural observations. MPs may increase cellular energy consumption by obstructing cellular motility, interfering with nutrient uptake, and causing sustained oxidative stress. Additionally, MPs and adsorbed B[a]P induced DNA damage in microalgae, potentially further disrupting cellular energy metabolism. Ecologically, MPs altered the species abundance in microalgal communities, suggesting they could weaken the ecological functions of these communities as producers and affect ecosystem diversity and stability. This study marks a significant advancement from traditional single-species toxicity experiments to community-level assessments, providing essential insights for ecological risk assessment of microplastics and guiding future mechanistic studies utilizing multi-omics analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Cheng
- Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kimleng Keang
- Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jeffrey S Cross
- Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Choudhury TR, Riad S, Uddin FJ, Maksud MA, Alam MA, Chowdhury AMS, Mubin AN, Islam ARMT, Malafaia G. Microplastics in multi-environmental compartments: Research advances, media, and global management scenarios. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 265:104379. [PMID: 38851130 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
During the past decades, microplastics (MPs) have become an emerging concern due to their persistence and potential environmental threat. MP pollution has become so drastic that it has been found in the human food chain, breast milk, polar regions, and even the Himalayan basin, lake, etc. Inflammation, pulmonary hypertension, vascular occlusions, increased coagulability and blood cell cytotoxicity, disruption of immune function, neurotoxicity, and neurodegenerative diseases can all be brought on by severe microplastic exposure. Although many MPs studies have been performed on single environmental compartments, MPs in multi-environmental compartments have yet to be explored fully. This review aims to summarize the muti-environmental media, detection tools, and global management scenarios of MPs. The study revealed that MPs could significantly alter C flow through the soil-plant system, the structure and metabolic status of the microbial community, soil pH value, biomass of plant shoots and roots, chlorophyll, leaf C and N contents, and root N contents. This review reveals that MPs may negatively affect many C-dependent soil functions. Different methods have been developed to detect the MPs from these various environmental sources, including microscopic observation, density separation, Raman, and FT-IR analysis. Several articles have focused on MPs in individual environmental sources with a developed evaluation technique. This review revealed the extensive impacts of MPs on soil-plant systems, microbial communities, and soil functions, especially on water, suggesting possible disturbances to vital ecological processes. Furthermore, the broad range of detection methods explored emphasizes the significance of reliable analytical techniques in precisely evaluating levels of MP contamination in various environmental media. This paper critically discusses MPs' sources, occurrences, and global management scenarios in all possible environmental media and ecological health impacts. Future research opportunities and required sustainable strategies have also been suggested from Bangladesh and international perspectives based on challenges faced due to MP's pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tasrina Rabia Choudhury
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Center Dhaka, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh.
| | - Syed Riad
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Foyez Jalal Uddin
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - M A Maksud
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Center Dhaka, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - M Abbas Alam
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Bangladesh Accreditation Board, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | | | - Al-Nure Mubin
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh; Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh.
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nohara NML, Ariza-Tarazona MC, Triboni ER, Nohara EL, Villarreal-Chiu JF, Cedillo-González EI. Are you drowned in microplastic pollution? A brief insight on the current knowledge for early career researchers developing novel remediation strategies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170382. [PMID: 38307272 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170382] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) composed of different polymers with various shapes, within a vast granulometric distribution (1 μm - 5 mm) and with a wide variety of physicochemical surface and bulk characteristics spiral around the globe, with different atmospheric, oceanic, cryospheric, and terrestrial residence times, while interacting with other pollutants and biota. The challenges of microplastic pollution are related to the complex relationships between the microplastic generation mechanisms (physical, chemical, and biological), their physicochemical properties, their interactions with other pollutants and microorganisms, the changes in their properties with aging, and their small sizes that facilitate their diffusion and transportation between the air, water, land, and biota, thereby promoting their ubiquity. Early career researchers (ERCs) constitute an essential part of the scientific community committed to overcoming the challenges of microplastic pollution with their new ideas and innovative scientific perspectives for the development of remediation technologies. However, because of the enormous amount of scientific information available, it may be difficult for ERCs to determine the complexity of this environmental issue. This mini-review aims to provide a quick and updated overview of the essential insights of microplastic pollution to ERCs to help them acquire the background needed to develop highly innovative physical, chemical, and biological remediation technologies, as well as valorization proposals and environmental education and awareness campaigns. Moreover, the recommendations for the development of holistic microplastic pollution remediation strategies presented here can help ERCs propose technologies considering the environmental, social, and practical dimensions of microplastic pollution while fulfilling the current government policies to manage this plastic waste.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicoly Milhardo Lourenço Nohara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Estrada Municipal do Campinho, no number, Lorena, Brazil
| | - Maria Camila Ariza-Tarazona
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via P. Vivarelli 10/1, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Eduardo Rezende Triboni
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Estrada Municipal do Campinho, no number, Lorena, Brazil
| | - Evandro Luís Nohara
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Taubaté, R. Daniel Daneli, no number, Taubaté, Brazil
| | - Juan Francisco Villarreal-Chiu
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Universidad S/N Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza 66455, Nuevo León, Mexico; Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología (CIByN), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Km. 10 autopista al Aeropuerto Internacional Mariano Escobedo, Apodaca 66628, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Erika Iveth Cedillo-González
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via P. Vivarelli 10/1, Modena 41125, Italy; National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via Giusti, Florence 50121, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cha J, Lee JY, Lee J. Effects of groundwater sample volume on identified microplastics in groundwater of an agricultural area in Korea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 911:168650. [PMID: 37979868 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater serves various purposes worldwide, including agricultural, drinking, domestic, and industrial uses. In the Republic of Korea, groundwater is used primarily for agricultural purpose. Understanding the quality of groundwater is crucial because microplastics (MPs) can enter groundwater through agricultural activities and potentially pose harm to humans. Therefore, groundwater sampling plays a vital role in determining the presence of MPs. However, the optimal volume of groundwater sampling required for accurate MP assessment remains uncertain. This study examined the optimal sample size for collecting MPs from groundwater in the heavy agricultural area of the Haean Basin, Korea. Groundwater sampling and MP analyses were conducted during the wet and dry seasons of 2022. A total of 500 L of groundwater was continuously sampled in increments of 100 L to 500 L (100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 L). Additionally, we investigated the land use surrounding the sampling wells and the predominant types of plastics used in agriculture. To ensure reliable MP analysis, precautions were taken to minimize plastic contact during sampling, pretreatment, and μ-FTIR analysis. The concentration of MPs in groundwater ranged from 0.04 to 17.77 particles/L during the wet season and from 0 to 0.56 particles/L during the dry season. The highest concentration of MPs was observed at the first 100 L sample volume, with concentrations decreasing as the sampling volume increased. Fragmented particles accounted for 86.3 % during the wet season and 91.5 % during the dry season, whereas fibers constituted 13.7 and 8.5 %, respectively. MPs in the size range of 20-100 μm were predominant in both seasons. The polymers identified in both seasons were polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyamide (PA). While some studies suggest that 500 L is the optimal sample volume for assessing MPs in groundwater, the findings of this study indicate that a larger sample volume may be necessary. This study was the first attempt to determine the optimum sample volume required to collect MPs from groundwater, emphasizing the importance of conducting further research to validate these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihye Cha
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; Research on Microplastics in Groundwater (RMPG), Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Yong Lee
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; Research on Microplastics in Groundwater (RMPG), Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jejung Lee
- School of Science and Engineering, University of Missouri-Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen Y, Yan Z, Zhang Y, Zhu P, Jiang R, Wang M, Wang Y, Lu G. Co-exposure of microplastics and sulfamethoxazole propagated antibiotic resistance genes in sediments by regulating the microbial carbon metabolism. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132951. [PMID: 37951174 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132951] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
The concerns on the carriers of microplastics (MPs) on co-existing pollutants in aquatic environments are sharply rising in recent years. However, little is known about their interactions on the colonization of microbiota, especially for the spread of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influences on the propagation of ARGs in sediments by the co-exposure of different MPs and sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The results showed that the presence of MPs significantly enhanced the contents of total organic carbon, while having no effects on the removal of SMX in sediments. Exposure to SMX and MPs obviously activated the microbial carbon utilization capacities based on the BIOLOG method. The propagation of ARGs in sediments was activated by SMX, which was further promoted by the presence of polylactic acid (PLA) MPs, but significantly lowered by the co-exposed polyethylene (PE) MPs. This apparent difference may be attributed to the distinct influence on the antibiotic efflux pumps of two MPs. Moreover, the propagation of ARGs may be also dominated by microbial carbon metabolism in sediments, especially through regulating the carbon sources of carboxylic acids, carbohydrates, and amino acids. This study provides new insights into the carrier effects of MPs in sediments.
Collapse
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.
| | - 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
| | - Peiyuan Zhu
- 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
| | - Yonghua 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
| | - 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
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mubin AN, Islam ARMT, Hasan M, Islam MS, Ali MM, Siddique MAB, Alam MS, Rakib MRJ, Islam MS, Momtaz N, Senapathi V, Idris AM, Malafaia G. The path of microplastics through the rare biodiversity estuary region of the northern Bay of Bengal. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 260:104271. [PMID: 38056088 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2023.104271] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Due to its harmful effects on ecosystems and human health, microplastic (MP) pollution has become a significant environmental problem on a global scale. Although MPs' pollution path and toxic effects on marine habitats have been examined worldwide, the studies are limited to the rare biodiversity estuary region of Hatiya Island from the northern Bay of Bengal. This study aimed to investigate the MP pollution path and its influencing factors in estuarine sediments and water in rare biodiversity Hatiya Island in the northern Bay of Bengal. Sixty water and sediment samples were collected from 10 sampling sites on the Island and analyzed for MPs. The abundance of MPs in sediment ranged from 67 to 143 pieces/kg, while the abundance in water ranged from 24.34 to 59 pieces/m3. The average concentrations of MPs in sediment and water were 110.90 ± 20.62 pieces/kg and 38.77 ± 10.09 pieces/m3, respectively. Most identified MPs from sediment samples were transparent (51%), while about 54.1% of the identified MPs from water samples were colored. The fragment was the most common form of MP in both compartments, with a value of 64.6% in sediment samples and 60.6% in water samples. In sediment and water samples, almost 74% and 80% of MP were <0.5 mm, respectively. Polypropylene (PP) was the most abundant polymer type, accounting for 51% of all identified polymers. The contamination factor, pollution load index, polymer risk score, and pollution risk score values indicated that the study area was moderately polluted with MPs. The spatial distribution patterns and hotspots of MPs echoed profound human pathways. Based on the results, sustainable management strategies and intervention measures were proposed to reduce the pollution level in the ecologically diverse area. This study provides important insights into evaluating estuary ecosystem susceptibility and mitigation policies against persistent MP issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Al-Nure Mubin
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh; Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh.
| | - Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Mir Mohammad Ali
- Department of Aquaculture, Sher - e - Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abu Bakar Siddique
- Institute of National Analytical Research and Service (INARS), Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Sha Alam
- Institute of Mining, Mineralogy & Metallurgy (IMMM), Bangladesh Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (BCSIR), Joypurhat 5900, Bangladesh
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Saiful Islam
- Fiber and Polymer Research Division, BCSIR Laboratories Dhaka, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Nasima Momtaz
- Biological Research Division, BCSIR Laboratories Dhaka, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | | | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jędruchniewicz K, Bogusz A, Chańko M, Bank MS, Alessi DS, Ok YS, Oleszczuk P. Extractability and phytotoxicity of heavy metals and essential elements from plastics in soil solutions and root exudates. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:166100. [PMID: 37558061 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste is increasing and is a serious environmental problem. Among the threats associated with plastics is the release of contaminants into the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of metals release from plastics (low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene (PP)) as affected by different soil solution types, artificial root exudates, and distilled water. The extent of metal release varied depending on the type of solution and plastic used. Metals were leached most effectively from plastics in soil solutions, followed by root exudates, and least effectively by distilled water. LDPE released the highest concentrations of Cu and Na into solution, PP released the greatest amount of Fe, and PET released the most Cr. The efficiencies of Mg and Zn release from the plastics (PP and PET) varied by solution type. Among the plastics studied, LDPE exhibited the strongest ability to adsorb metals, such as Fe, Cr, Mg, and Zn from soil solutions. The amount of metal released from the plastics was also dependent on pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations, and the electrical conductivity (EC) of the solutions. Moreover, plastic extracts were found to have negative effects on germination and growth in Lepidium sativum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Jędruchniewicz
- Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Maria Curie-Sklodowska Sq. 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Bogusz
- 2Department of Ecotoxicology, Institute of Environmental Protection - National Research Institute, ul. Krucza 5/11D, 00-548 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Marcin Chańko
- Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Maria Curie-Sklodowska Sq. 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
| | - Michael S Bank
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen 5005, Norway; University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program, Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Patryk Oleszczuk
- Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Maria Curie-Sklodowska Sq. 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Xu J, Zuo R, Shang J, Wu G, Dong Y, Zheng S, Xu Z, Liu J, Xu Y, Wu Z, Huang C. Nano- and micro-plastic transport in soil and groundwater environments: Sources, behaviors, theories, and models. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166641. [PMID: 37647954 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing use of plastics, nano- and micro-plastic (NMP) pollution has become a hot topic in the scientific community. Ubiquitous NMPs, as emerging contaminants, are becoming a global issue owing to their persistence and potential toxicity. Compared with studies of marine and freshwater environments, investigations into the sources, transport properties, and fate of NMPs in soil and groundwater environments remain at a primary stage. Hence, the promotion of such research is critically important. Here, we integrate existing information and recent advancements to compile a comprehensive evaluation of the sources and transport properties of NMPs in soil and groundwater environments. We first provide a systematic description of the various sources and transport behaviors of NMPs. We then discuss the theories (e.g., clean-bed filtration and Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek theories) and models (e.g., single-site and dual-site kinetic retention and transport models) of NMP transport through saturated porous media. Finally, we outline the potential limitations of current research and suggest directions for future research. Overall, this review intends to assimilate and outline current knowledge and provide a useful reference frame to determine the sources and transport properties of NMPs in soil and groundwater environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xu
- College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Rui Zuo
- College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Jinhua Shang
- Jinan Rail Transit Group Co., Ltd, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Guanlan Wu
- College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Yanan Dong
- Jinan Rail Transit Group Co., Ltd, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Shida Zheng
- College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Zuorong Xu
- College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jingchao Liu
- College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yunxiang Xu
- College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Ziyi Wu
- College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Chenxi Huang
- College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100875, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jeong E, Kim YI, Lee JY, Raza M. Microplastic contamination in groundwater of rural area, eastern part of Korea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165006. [PMID: 37385487 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants in agricultural regions owing to the widespread use of plastics in farming activities. Groundwater has a vital role in farming activities, and it can be contaminated by MPs, fragmented from plastic products used in agricultural activities. Following an appropriate sampling protocol, this study investigated the distribution of MPs in shallow to deep aquifers (well depths: 3-120 m) and cave water of an agricultural region in Korea. Our investigation found that MPs contamination can penetrate up to the deep bedrock aquifer. The abundance of MPs was lower during the wet season (0.014-0.554 particles/L) than during the dry season (0.042-1.026 particles/L), which may be attributed to the dilution effect of precipitation in the groundwater. The abundance of MPs increased as the MPs size decreased at all sampling points, and size ranges were 20.3-869.6 and 20.3-673.0 μm in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Our findings showed lower MPs abundance compared to previous studies, and we inferred that it might be due to differences in groundwater sampling volume, low agricultural intensity, and the non-application of sludge fertilizers. Our findings suggest that repeated and long-term investigations are needed to identify better the factors that influence the results of MPs distribution in groundwater, including sampling methods and hydrogeological and hydrological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eunju Jeong
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; Research on Microplastics in Groundwater (RMPG), Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-In Kim
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; Research on Microplastics in Groundwater (RMPG), Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Yong Lee
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; Research on Microplastics in Groundwater (RMPG), Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Maimoona Raza
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Brožová K, Halfar J, Čabanová K, Motyka O, Drabinová S, Hanus P, Heviánková S. The first evidence of microplastic occurrence in mine water: The largest black coal mining area in the Czech Republic. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 244:120538. [PMID: 37666150 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120538] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is creating new challenges for water supply worldwide, making the search for new sources of water vital. As mine water could serve as a potential source, this study investigated the presence of microplastics in water from terminated deep mines in the largest coal basin in the Czech Republic, as well as in water from nearby shallow wells. The particles found were analyzed for size, polymer composition, color and morphology using the ImageJ tool, infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform (FTIR) and an optical stereomicroscope with a digital camera. Microplastics were detected in all tested sites. Their range accounted for 2.5-17.5 items/L for mine water samples and 2.5-20 items/L for well samples, with fibers being the dominant type. The average width of particles from mine water and wells amounted to 58 µm; 71 µm, length to 655 µm; 501 µm and area to 22,067 µm2; 28,613 µm2, respectively. Blue color was prevalent, among materials, in both cases, plastic coated paper was found dominant to Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyester (PES), Tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoro (Propyl Vinyl Ether) - Copolymer (TFE-PPVE), and polypropylene (PP). The research provides the first evidence of microplastics' presence in underground waters from deep mines and shallow wells in the same area. The data suggest that it is almost impossible to find underground water sources free of microplastic contamination. In this context, atmospheric contamination from mine ventilation and infiltration through terminated mines were identified as potential sources, while infiltration through soil and rock formations is unlikely given the geological composition. The results of this study can serve as a relevant basis for further research on microplastics in mine waters. Additionally, the conclusions can advance the development in remediation technologies of microplastics from deep underground waters and their implementation in practice, particularly in light of upcoming legislation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kateřina Brožová
- Faculty of Mining and Geology, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava-Poruba, 708 00, Czechia
| | - Jan Halfar
- Faculty of Mining and Geology, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava-Poruba, 708 00, Czechia.
| | - Kristina Čabanová
- Faculty of Mining and Geology, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava-Poruba, 708 00, Czechia; Centre for Advanced Innovation Technologies, VSB-Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava-Poruba, 708 00, Czechia
| | - Oldřich Motyka
- Faculty of Mining and Geology, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava-Poruba, 708 00, Czechia; Nanotechnology Centre, CEET, VSB-Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava-Poruba, 708 00, Czechia
| | - Silvie Drabinová
- Faculty of Mining and Geology, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava-Poruba, 708 00, Czechia
| | - Pavel Hanus
- Faculty of Mining and Geology, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava-Poruba, 708 00, Czechia
| | - Silvie Heviánková
- Faculty of Mining and Geology, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava-Poruba, 708 00, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kim YI, Jeong E, Lee JY, Chia RW, Raza M. Microplastic contamination in groundwater on a volcanic Jeju Island of Korea. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 226:115682. [PMID: 36921785 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MPs) contamination in groundwater has received massive attention since plastic waste has been released directly into the environment. This study investigates MPs contamination in groundwater on the Jeju volcanic Island, Korea. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify MPs in groundwater from volcanic islands. A total of 21 sites were sampled for groundwater wells and springs in July and September (2021). Sampling was performed without cross-contamination through quality assurance and quality control. The results showed that MPs abundance ranged from 0.006 to 0.192 particles/L in groundwater samples. Additionally, MPs were detected in deep groundwater wells where the groundwater level was 143 m below ground surface. Eight MPs polymer types, including polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyamide, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and polyurethane, were detected using Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μ-FT-IR). Most of the detected MPs size ranged from 20 to 100 μm, accounting for 95% of the total. Fragments and fiber shaped MPs were detected, with the majority of them being fragmented in groundwater samples. The concentrations of MPs and major ions in groundwater showed a positive correlation. A negative correlation was observed between MPs concentration and topographic elevation (r = -0.59, p = 0.01). The source of MPs contamination is most likely attributed to agricultural activities, such as plastic mulching and greenhouses, which account for most of the land use in the study area. In this study, MPs entered the aquifer through the soil at the surface and seeped through cracks in fractured rock on basalt with sealed groundwater wells. This study takes 500 L of samples to prevent sample bias, reveal plastic contamination in groundwater, and indicating the characteristics and sources of contaminated plastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Young-In Kim
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; Research on Microplastics in Groundwater (RMPG), Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunju Jeong
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; Research on Microplastics in Groundwater (RMPG), Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Yong Lee
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; Research on Microplastics in Groundwater (RMPG), Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Rogers Wainkwa Chia
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Earth Resources, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Maimoona Raza
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abbasi S, Razeghi N, Yousefi MR, Podkościelna B, Oleszczuk P. Microplastics identification in water by TGA-DSC Method: Maharloo Lake, Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:67008-67018. [PMID: 37101214 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27214-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, one of the biggest challenges is the lack of coordination between the microplastic identification methods used by researchers. To advance our global understanding of microplastic contamination and address the knowledge gaps, we require acceptable or similar identification methods or instruments designed to support the quantitative characterization of the microplastics data. In the current study, we focused on the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method which is usually used experimentally by other researchers, while we tried to look at this method in a real aquatic environment, Maharloo Lake and its Rivers. A number of 22 sites were chosen for sampling microplastics from water. The mean and median of total organic matter percentage for rivers samples (mean = 88%;median = 88%) was similar to the Maharloo lake (mean = 88.33%; median = 89%), suggesting the existence of a robust potential sink. The differentiation of the organic matter part into labile (e.g., carbon aliphatic and polysaccharides), recalcitrant (e.g., aromatic compounds and most plastics), and refractory fractions was implemented and the results indicated that labile organic matter was dominant in both the lake and the rivers, while recalcitrant and refractory fractions were lower. The river's average labile and refractory fractions were similar to the lake. Although the overall results of the study show combining TGA techniques with other analytical procedures can improve the technical quality of polymers, interpreting the complex information of those measurements requires a high level of expertise and the technology is still maturing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Abbasi
- Department of Earth Sciences, School of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71454, Iran.
- Centre for Environmental Studies and Emerging Pollutants (ZISTANO), Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Nastaran Razeghi
- Centre for Environmental Studies and Emerging Pollutants (ZISTANO), Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Beata Podkościelna
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, M. Curie-Sklodowska Sq. 3, 20-031, Lublin, Poland
| | - Patryk Oleszczuk
- Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, 20-031, Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Valsan G, Warrier AK, Amrutha K, Anusree S, Rangel-Buitrago N. Exploring the presence and distribution of microplastics in subterranean estuaries from southwest India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 190:114820. [PMID: 36989595 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Rivers, surface runoff, and the wind all transport microplastics (MPs) to the ocean. There is a knowledge gap concerning the distribution of microplastics in transitional subterranean estuaries. Here, we report the presence of microplastics in the pore water, groundwater, and sea water from four locations in southwest India. Pore water, groundwater, and seawater had mean MP abundances (± standard deviations) of 0.75 (±0.66), 0.15 (±0.1), and 0.11 (±0.07) MPs/l, respectively. Fibres were the dominant category of MPs found. Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of polymers like polyester, low-density polyethylene, and polystyrene. Possible sources of microplastic are fishing activities, tourism, and coastal residents. The microplastics-derived risk assessment scores indicate severe risk to the ecosystems. Fibrous microplastics in pore water indicate that these linear particles can migrate vertically through sandy sediments, reaching subterranean estuaries. We believe submarine groundwater discharge can act as a possible pathway for microplastics to enter the oceans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gokul Valsan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Anish Kumar Warrier
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India; Centre for Climate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India.
| | - K Amrutha
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - S Anusree
- Department of Sciences, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programa de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia; Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cha J, Lee JY, Chia RW. Microplastics contamination and characteristics of agricultural groundwater in Haean Basin of Korea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 864:161027. [PMID: 36549528 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The quality of groundwater is critical to human health. MPs have access to groundwater from the soil, polluted by various agricultural activities. However, to date, there have been no studies on the occurrence of MP in groundwater from an agriculture field without any adjacent sources of contamination, such as nearby landfills. In this study, the occurrence and distribution of MPs in groundwater of an agricultural area in the Haean Basin, Korea, without any definite source of pollution, was examined. MP and groundwater samplings were conducted in the dry season in 2020, the wet and dry seasons in 2021, respectively. In this study, the reliability of MP analysis was improved through good practices from laboratory to field campaigns, collecting large groundwater samples (300-500 L) volumes. Any involvement of plastic materials was avoided during the full procedures as possible and. Detailed investigation was conducted for the distribution of potential plastics sources like mulching, plastic covers, dripping pipes and shading nets, and hydrogeological properties affecting MPs occurrence. Groundwater MP concentrations of 0.02-0.15 particles/L (median = 0.06 particles/L), 0.02-2.56 particles/L (median = 0.43 particles/L) and 0.20-3.48 particles/L (median = 0.83 particles/L) were found in three rounds of sampling that comprised of the exploratory investigation in 2020, the wet season, and the dry season in 2021, respectively. The identified polymer types were polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) and polyamide (PA). The MPs concentrations showed no statistically significant seasonal variation but revealed an apparent strong positive correlation (r = 0.71) of MPs with the amount of groundwater use. Findings of this study need more clarification from repeated samplings for multiple years. This study reveals the occurrence of MPs in groundwater in Korea for the first time to the best of our knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihye Cha
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; Research on Microplastics in Groundwater (RMPG), Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Yong Lee
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; Research on Microplastics in Groundwater (RMPG), Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Rogers Wainkwa Chia
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Earth Resources, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Nie Z, Wang L, Lin Y, Xiao N, Zhao J, Wan X, Hu J. Effects of polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) biodegradable microplastics on the abundance and diversity of denitrifying and anammox bacteria in freshwater sediment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 315:120343. [PMID: 36208824 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been widely distributed on Earth and have drawn global concern for freshwater and marine ecosystems. Biodegradable plastics have risen in popularity to replace nonbiodegradable plastics all over the world. The effects of biodegradable plastics on denitrifying and anammox bacteria in freshwater sediment remain largely unknown. In this study, water column reactors containing polylactic acid (PLA) or polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) MPs in sediment were established to simulate lake ecosystems and analyze the effects of biodegradable MPs on sedimentary nitrogen transformation microorganisms. The total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations in the PLA and PBAT groups were slightly higher than those in the control group, which might be related to the slow degradation of these two plastics. Denitrifying and anammox bacterial diversities decreased after adding MPs to sediments for 30 days, and the dominant OTUs of these two bacteria were differentiated from the control. The abundance levels of nirS denitrifying and anammox bacteria on the PLA MP surface were significantly higher than those in the other groups (P < 0.05), but they were lower in the PBAT groups than in the other groups. As an excellent electron donor for the denitrification process, lactic acid release from PLA degradation resulted in the enrichment of denitrifying and anammox bacteria on the MP surfaces. However, PBAT led to various responses of bacteria in an anaerobic environment. In addition, the redundancy analysis results indicated that total phosphorus, TOC and nitrate were strongly negatively correlated with the abundance levels of denitrifying and anammox bacteria. Our findings provided insight into the effects of MPs, especially the biodegradable ones, on sedimentary nitrogen-transformation bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenpeng Nie
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Lulu Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Yanxu Lin
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Naidong Xiao
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Jianwei Zhao
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Xiaoqiong Wan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Jinlong Hu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|