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Yoon S, Lee J, Jang T, Choi JH, Ko M, Kim HO, Ha SJ, Lim KS, Park JA. Assessing the abundance, sources, and potential ecological risk assessment of microplastics using their particle and mass units in Uiam lake, South Korea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124654. [PMID: 39098638 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) enter lakes through various pathways, including effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), surface runoff, and improperly disposed of plastic waste. In this study, the extent of MPs pollution in Uiam Lake in fall of 2022 and spring of 2023 was assessed by determining both the number (n/m3) and mass concentrations (μg/m3) of MPs. Moreover, the correlation between water quality parameters and MP properties was analyzed, and an ecological risk assessment was conducted. MPs abundance was higher in spring than in fall, probably due to the lifting of coronavirus disease-19 restrictions, melting of ice, higher rainfall, and faster wind speed. Fragment was the dominant shape of the MPs collected, while polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyester/polyethylene terephthalate were the frequently detected polymer types of MPs in fall and spring, respectively. There was a moderate positive correlation between the number concentration of MPs and the total nitrogen, total phosphorus (T-P), and total organic carbon levels; in contrast, there was no significant relationship between the mass concentration of MPs and all water quality parameters. However, the abundance (μg/m3) of PVC and polymethyl methacrylate MPs were positively correlated with T-P and electrical conductivity. The pollution load index, polymer hazard index, and potential ecological risk index (PERI) were generally higher when the mass unit of MPs was used due to the presence of large-sized MPs composed of highly hazardous polymers (e.g., polyurethane, PVC, and alkyd). For instance, the PERI value of the WWTP effluent was at the very high level (> 1200) in both seasons, regardless of the abundance unit of MPs. Therefore, WWTP effluents may have increased the ecological toxicity of MPs pollution in Uiam Lake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyeong Yoon
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jooyoung Lee
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Taesoon Jang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hyuk Choi
- Department of Integrated Energy and Infra System, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Mingi Ko
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ouk Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Suk-Jin Ha
- Department of Bioengineering, Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Kwang Suk Lim
- Department of Bioengineering, Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Jeong-Ann Park
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrated Energy and Infra System, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Zhang Y, Dou M, Cai X, Han B, Wang Z, Niu X, An L, Kang J, Zhou L. Modeling multi-source plastic pollution yield and transport driven by catchment hydrometeorological processes. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 259:121863. [PMID: 38870886 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has emerged as a global environmental concern, impacting both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. However, understanding of plastic sources and transport mechanism at the catchment scale remains limited. This study introduces a multi-source plastic yield and transport model, which integrates catchment economic activities, climate data, and hydrological processes. Model parameters were calibrated using a combination of field observations, existing literature, and statistical random sampling techniques. The model demonstrated robust performance in simulating both plastic yield and transport from 2010 to 2020 in the upper and middle Mulan River Catchment, located in southeast China. The annual average yield coefficients were found to closely align with existing estimations, and the riverine outflow exhibited a high correlation coefficient of 0.97, with biases ranging from -63.0 % to -21.4 % across all monitoring stations. The analysis reveals that, on average, 12.5 ± 2.5 % of the total plastic yield is transported to rivers annually, with solid waste identified as the primary source, accounting for 37.8 ± 20.7 % of the total load to rivers, followed by agricultural film (26.4 ± 9.8 %), impermeable surfaces (21.5 ± 10.3 %), urban and rural sewage (10.4 ± 5.0 % and 3.0 ± 1.5 %, respectively), and industrial wastewater (0.9 ± 0.7 %). The annual average outflow was estimated to between 9.3 and 43.0 ton/year (median: 23.1) at a 95 % confidence level. This study not only provides insights into the primary sources and transport pathways of plastic pollution at the catchment scale, but also offers a valuable tool for informing effective plastic pollution mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Ming Dou
- School of Ecology and Environment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Xueliang Cai
- Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office, Sectors Group, Asian Development Bank, Metro Manila, 1550, Philippines
| | - Bing Han
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xiaoyu Niu
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Lihui An
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Jianxiong Kang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Lijun Zhou
- State Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Bioenergy, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 9, Stuttgart, 70599, Germany
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Adamu H, Haruna A, Zango ZU, Garba ZN, Musa SG, Yahaya SM, IbrahimTafida U, Bello U, Danmallam UN, Akinpelu AA, Ibrahim AS, Sabo A, Aljunid Merican ZM, Qamar M. Microplastics and Co-pollutants in soil and marine environments: Sorption and desorption dynamics in unveiling invisible danger and key to ecotoxicological risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 362:142630. [PMID: 38897321 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142630] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and their co-pollutants pose significant threats to soil and marine environments, necessitating understanding of their colonization processes to combat the plastic pandemic and protect ecosystems. MPs can act as invisible carriers, concentrating and transporting pollutants, leading to a more widespread and potentially toxic impact than the presence of either MPs or the pollutants alone. Analyzing the sorption and desorption dynamics of MPs is crucial for understanding pollutants amplification and predicting the fate and transport of pollutants in soil and marine environments. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the sorption and desorption dynamics of MPs, highlighting the importance of considering these dynamics in ecotoxicological risk assessment of MPs pollution. The review identifies limitations of current frameworks that neglect these interactions and proposes incorporating sorption and desorption data into robust frameworks to improve the ability to predict ecological risks posed by MPs and co-pollutants in soil and marine environments. However, failure to address the interplay between sorption and desorption can result in underestimation of the true impact of MPs and co-pollutants, affecting livelihoods and agro-employments, and exacerbate poverty and community disputes (SDGs 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, and 16). It can also affect food production and security (SDG 2), life below water and life on land (DSGs 14 and 15), cultural practices, and natural heritage (SDG 11.4). Hence, it is necessary to develop new approaches to ecotoxicological risk assessment that consider sorption and desorption processes in the interactions between the components in the framework to address the identified limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruna Adamu
- Department of Environmental Management Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Yalwa Campus, 740272, Bauchi, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Gubi Campus, 740102, Bauchi, Nigeria.
| | - Abdurrashid Haruna
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia; Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, 810107, Zaria, Nigeria; Institute of Contaminant Management, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
| | | | - Zaharadden N Garba
- Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, 810107, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Suleiman Gani Musa
- Department of Chemistry, Al-Qalam University, 2137, Katsina, Nigeria; Institute of Contaminant Management, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
| | | | - Usman IbrahimTafida
- Department of Chemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Gubi Campus, 740102, Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Usman Bello
- Department of Chemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Gubi Campus, 740102, Bauchi, Nigeria; Biofuel and Biochemical Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi, PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar, 32610, Malaysia
| | | | - Adeola Akeem Akinpelu
- Center of Environment and Marine Studies, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abubakar Sadiq Ibrahim
- Department of Environmental Management Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Yalwa Campus, 740272, Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Ahmed Sabo
- Department of Environmental Management Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Yalwa Campus, 740272, Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Zulkifli Merican Aljunid Merican
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia; Institute of Contaminant Management, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Qamar
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Management (IRC-HTCM), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
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Maw MM, Boontanon N, Aung HKZZ, Jindal R, Fujii S, Visvanathan C, Boontanon SK. Microplastics in wastewater and sludge from centralized and decentralized wastewater treatment plants: Effects of treatment systems and microplastic characteristics. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142536. [PMID: 38844106 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142536] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Domestic wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) play a vital role in limiting the release of microplastics (MP) into the environment. This study examined MP removal efficiency from five centralized and four decentralized domestic WWTPs in Bangkok, Thailand. MP concentrations in wastewater and sludge were comparable between centralized and decentralized WWTPs, despite these decentralized WWTPs serving smaller populations and having limited treatment capacity. The elimination of MPs ranged from 50 to 96.8% in centralized WWTPs and 14.2-53.6% in decentralized WWTPs. It is noted that the retained MPs concentrations in sludge ranged from 20,000 to 228,100 MP/kg dry weight. The prevalence of synthetic fibers and fragments could be attributed to their pathways from laundry or car tires, and the accidental release of a variety of plastic wastes ended up in investigated domestic WWTPs. Removal of MPs between the centralized and decentralized WWTPs was influenced by several impact factors including initial MP concentrations, longer retention times, MP fragmentation, and variations of MP concentrations in sludge leading to different activated sludge process configurations. Sewage sludge has become a primary location for the accumulation of incoming microplastics in WWTPs. The MPs entering and leaving each unit process were varied due to the unique characteristics of MPs, and their different treatment efficiencies. While the extended hydraulic retention period in decentralized WWTPs decreased the MP removal efficacy, the centralized WWTP with the two-stage activated sludge process achieved the highest MP removal efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Me Me Maw
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73710, Thailand
| | - Narin Boontanon
- Research Center and Technology, Development for Environmental Innovation, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73710, Thailand
| | - Humm Kham Zan Zan Aung
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73710, Thailand
| | - Ranjna Jindal
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73710, Thailand
| | - Shigeo Fujii
- Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Chettiyappan Visvanathan
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73710, Thailand
| | - Suwanna Kitpati Boontanon
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73710, Thailand; Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
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5
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Xu M, Gao P, Gao Y, Xiong SJ, Chen HQ, Shen XX. Impacts of microplastic type on the fate of antibiotic resistance genes and horizontal gene transfer mechanism during anaerobic digestion. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 360:121090. [PMID: 38772228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are important pollutants in waste activated sludge (WAS), but their interactions during anaerobic digestion (AD) still need to be further explored. This study investigated variations in ARGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and host bacteria during AD under the pressure of polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP). The results showed that the MPs increased methane production by 11.7-35.5%, and decreased ARG abundance by 5.6-24.6%. Correlation analysis showed that the decrease of MGEs (plasmid, prophage, etc.) promoted the decrease of the abundance of multidrug, aminoglycoside and tetracycline resistance genes. Metagenomic annotation revealed that the reduction of key host bacteria (Arenimonas, Lautropia, etc.) reduced the abundance of major ARGs (rsmA, rpoB2, etc.). Moreover, PP MPs contributed to a reduction in the abundance of functional genes related to the production of reactive oxygen species, ATP synthesis, and cell membrane permeability, which was conducive to reducing the potential for horizontal gene transfer of ARGs. These findings provide insights into the treatment of organic waste containing MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Shi-Jin Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Hao-Qiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Shen
- Institute of Water Science and Technology, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; The National Key Laboratory of Water Disaster Prevention, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
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6
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Lv M, Meng F, Man M, Lu S, Ren S, Yang X, Wang Q, Chen L, Ding J. Aging increases the particulate- and leachate-induced toxicity of tire wear particles to microalgae. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 256:121653. [PMID: 38678723 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The toxic effects of tire wear particles (TWPs) on organisms have attracted widespread concerns over the past decade. However, the underlying toxicity mechanism of TWPs, especially aged TWPs to marine microalgae remains poorly understood. This study investigated the physiological and metabolic responses of Phaeodactylum tricornutum to different concentrations of TWPs (Experiment 1), virgin and differently aged TWPs (Experiment 2) as well as their leachates and leached particles (Experiment 3). Results demonstrated that TWPs promoted the growth of microalgae at low concentrations (0.6 and 3 mg L-1) and inhibited their growth at high concentrations (15 and 75 mg L-1). Moreover, aged TWPs induced more profound physiological effects on microalgae than virgin TWPs, including inhibiting microalgae growth, decreasing the content of Chla, promoting photosynthetic efficiency, and causing oxidative damage to algal cells. Untargeted metabolomics analysis confirmed that aged TWPs induced more pronounced metabolic changes than virgin TWPs. This study represented the first to demonstrate that both particulate- and leachate-induced toxicity of TWPs was increased after aging processes, which was confirmed by the changes in the surface morphology of TWPs and enhanced release of additives. Through the significant correlations between the additives and the microalgal metabolites, key additives responsible for the shift of microalgal metabolites were identified. These results broaden the understanding of the toxicity mechanism of aged TWPs to microalgae at the physiological and metabolic levels and appeal for considering the effects of long-term aging on TWP toxicity in risk assessment of TWPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lv
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Fanyu Meng
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Mingsan Man
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Shuang Lu
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Suyu Ren
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Xiaoyong Yang
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Qiaoning Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Lingxin Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Jing Ding
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
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Zhang Y, Fu H, Chen X, Shi S, Liu N, Tang C, Hu X. Surface wettability control and electron transport regulation in zerovalent iron for enhanced removal of emerging polystyrene microplastics-heavy metal contaminants. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 256:121602. [PMID: 38621315 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Emerging microplastics-heavy metal (MPs-HM) contaminants in wastewaters pose an emerging health and environmental risk due to their persistence and increasing ecological risks (e.g., "Trojan horse" effect). Hence, removing MPs in solution and preventing secondary releases of HM has become a key challenge when tackling with MPs pollution. Leveraging the hydrophobic nature of MPs and the electron transfer efficiency from Fe0 to HM, we demonstrate an alkylated and sulfidated nanoscale zerovalent iron (AS-nZVI) featuring a delicate "core-shell-hydrophobic film" nanostructure. Exemplified by polystyrene (PS) MPs-Pb(II) removal, the three nanocomponents offer synergistic functions for the rapid separation of MPs, as well as the reduction and stabilization of Pb(II). The outmost hydrophobic film of AS-nZVI greatly improves the anticorrosion performance of nanoscale zerovalent iron and the enrichment abilities of hydrophobic MPs, achieving a maximum removal capacity of MPs to 2725.87 mgMPs·gFe-1. This MPs enrichment promotes the subsequent reductive removal of Pb(II) through the electron transfer from the iron core of AS-nZVI to Pb(II), a process further strengthened by the introduced sulfur. When considering the inevitable aging of MPs in wastewaters due to mechanical wear or microbial degradation, our study concurrently examines the efficiencies and behaviors of AS-nZVI in removing virgin-MPs-Pb(II) and aged-MPs-Pb(II). The batch results reveal that AS-nZVI has an exceptional ability to remove above 99.6 % Pb(II) for all reaction systems. Overall, this work marks a pioneering effort in highlighting the importance of MPs-toxin combinations in dealing with MPs contamination and in demonstrating the utility of nZVI techniques for MPs-contaminated water purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Zhang
- Research Group of Water Pollution Control and Water Reclamation, College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China
| | - Haoyang Fu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Xi Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Shuaiyi Shi
- Research Group of Water Pollution Control and Water Reclamation, College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China
| | - Nuo Liu
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for WEEE Recycling, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Polytechnic University, Shanghai 201209, PR China
| | - Chenliu Tang
- Research Group of Water Pollution Control and Water Reclamation, College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China.
| | - Xiang Hu
- Research Group of Water Pollution Control and Water Reclamation, College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China
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8
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Zhao K, Li C, Li F. Research progress on the origin, fate, impacts and harm of microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater treatment plants. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9719. [PMID: 38678134 PMCID: PMC11055955 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60458-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous studies reported microplastics (MPs), antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). There is still a lack of research progress on the origin, fate, impact and hazards of MPs and ARGs in WWTPs. This paper fills a gap in this regard. In our search, we used "microplastics", "antibiotic resistance genes", and "wastewater treatment plant" as topic terms in Web of Science, checking the returned results for relevance by examining paper titles and abstracts. This study mainly explores the following points: (1) the origins and fate of MPs, antibiotics and ARGs in WWTPs; (2) the mechanisms of action of MPs, antibiotics and ARGs in sludge biochemical pools; (3) the impacts of MPs in WWTPs and the spread of ARGs; (4) and the harm inflicted by MPs and ARGs on the environment and human body. Contaminants in sewage sludge such as MPs, ARGs, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria enter the soil and water. Contaminants can travel through the food chain and thus reach humans, leading to increased illness, hospitalization, and even mortality. This study will enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of action among MPs, antibiotics, ARGs, and the harm they inflict on the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Songliao Aquatic Environment, Ministry of Education, Jilin Jianzhu University, 5088 Xincheng Street, Changchun, 130118, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengzhi Li
- Key Laboratory of Songliao Aquatic Environment, Ministry of Education, Jilin Jianzhu University, 5088 Xincheng Street, Changchun, 130118, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria at Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Fengxiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Songliao Aquatic Environment, Ministry of Education, Jilin Jianzhu University, 5088 Xincheng Street, Changchun, 130118, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria at Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
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9
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Zhou S, Wang L, Liu J, Zhang C, Liu X. Microplastics' toxic effects and influencing factors on microorganisms in biological wastewater treatment units. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2024; 89:1539-1553. [PMID: 38557717 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2024.040] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Prior to entering the water body, microplastics (MPs) are mostly collected at the sewage treatment plant and the biological treatment unit is the sewage treatment facility's central processing unit. This review aims to present a comprehensive analysis of the detrimental impacts of MPs on the biological treatment unit of a sewage treatment plant and it covers how MPs harm the effluent quality of biological treatment processes. The structure of microbial communities is altered by MPs presence and additive release, which reduces functional microbial activity. Extracellular polymers, oxidative stress, and enzyme activity are explored as micro views on the harmful mechanism of MPs on microorganisms, examining the toxicity of additives released by MPs and the harm caused to microorganisms by harmful compounds that have been adsorbed in the aqueous environment. This article offers a theoretical framework for a thorough understanding of the potential problems posed by MPs in sewage treatment plants and suggests countermeasures to mitigate those risks to the aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Zhou
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China; Sijie Zhou and Lili Wang contributed equally to this work
| | - Lili Wang
- Waterway Transportation Environmental Protection Technology Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Water Transportation Engineering Science and Research, Ministry of Transportation, Tianjin 300456, China; Sijie Zhou and Lili Wang contributed equally to this work
| | - Jin Liu
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Chuanguo Zhang
- Waterway Transportation Environmental Protection Technology Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Water Transportation Engineering Science and Research, Ministry of Transportation, Tianjin 300456, China
| | - Xianbin Liu
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China E-mail:
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10
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Zhou L, Masset T, Breider F. Adsorption of copper by naturally and artificially aged polystyrene microplastics and subsequent release in simulated gastrointestinal fluid. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:411-420. [PMID: 38250811 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00354j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, especially aged microplastics can become vectors of metals from environment to organisms with potential negative effects on food chain. However, a few studies focused on the bioavailability of adsorbed metals and most studies related to aged microplastics used artificial method that cannot entirely reflect actual aging processes. In this study, virgin polystyrene was aged by ozone (PS-O3), solar simulator (PS-SS) and lake (PS-lake) to investigate adsorption of Cu by virgin, artificially and naturally aged microplastics and subsequent release in simulated gastrointestinal fluids (SGF). Characterization results show carbonyl was formed in PS-O3 and PS-SS, and the oxidation degree was PS-O3 > PS-SS > PS-lake. However, Cu adsorption capacity followed this order PS-lake (158 μg g-1) > PS-SS (117 μg g-1) > PS-O3 (65 μg g-1) > PS-virgin (0). PS-O3 showed highest Cu adsorption capacity at 0.5 h (71 μg g-1), but it dropped dramatically later (10 μg g-1, 120 h), because PS-O3 could break up and the adsorbed Cu released in solutions subsequently. For PS-lake, precipitation of metallic oxides contributes to the accumulation of Cu. The addition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) could occupy adsorption sites on PS and compete with Cu, but also can attach PS and adsorb Cu due to its rich functional groups. The simultaneous ingestion of microplastics with food suggested that adsorbed Cu is solubilized mostly from aged PS to SGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhou
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne - EPFL, Central Environmental Laboratory, IIE, ENAC, Station 2, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, People's Republic of China
| | - Thibault Masset
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne - EPFL, Central Environmental Laboratory, IIE, ENAC, Station 2, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Florian Breider
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne - EPFL, Central Environmental Laboratory, IIE, ENAC, Station 2, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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11
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Ding S, Gu X, Sun S, He S. Optimization of microplastic removal based on the complementarity of constructed wetland and microalgal-based system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169081. [PMID: 38104829 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
As one of the emblematic emerging contaminants, microplastics (MPs) have aroused great public concern. Nevertheless, the global community still insufficiently acknowledges the ecological health risks and resolution strategies of MP pollution. As the nature-based biotechnologies, the constructed wetland (CW) and microalgal-based system (MBS) have been applied in exploring the removal of MPs recently. This review separately presents the removal research (mechanism, interactions, implications, and technical defects) of MPs by a single method of CWs or MBS. But one thing with certitude is that the exclusive usage of these techniques to combat MPs has non-negligible and formidable challenges. The negative impacts of MP accumulation on CWs involve toxicity to macrophytes, substrates blocking, and nitrogen-removing performance inhibition. While MPs restrict MBS practical application by making troubles for separation difficulties of microalgal-based aggregations from effluent. Hence the combined strategy of microalgal-assisted CWs is proposed based on the complementarity of biotechnologies, in an attempt to expand the removing size range of MPs, create more biodegradable conditions and improve the effluent quality. Our work evaluates and forecasts the potential of integrating combination for strengthening micro-polluted wastewater treatment, completing the synergistic removal of MP-based co-pollutants and achieving long-term stability and sustainability, which is expected to provide new insights into MP pollution regulation and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoxuan Ding
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Xushun Gu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Shanshan Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Shengbing He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Landscape Water Environment, Shanghai 200031, PR China.
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12
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Rafa N, Ahmed B, Zohora F, Bakya J, Ahmed S, Ahmed SF, Mofijur M, Chowdhury AA, Almomani F. Microplastics as carriers of toxic pollutants: Source, transport, and toxicological effects. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123190. [PMID: 38142809 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has emerged as a new environmental concern due to our reliance on plastic. Recent years have seen an upward trend in scholarly interest in the topic of microplastics carrying contaminants; however, the available review studies have largely focused on specific aspects of this issue, such as sorption, transport, and toxicological effects. Consequently, this review synthesizes the state-of-the-art knowledge on these topics by presenting key findings to guide better policy action toward microplastic management. Microplastics have been reported to absorb pollutants such as persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, and antibiotics, leading to their bioaccumulation in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Hydrophobic interactions are found to be the predominant sorption mechanism, especially for organic pollutants, although electrostatic forces, van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and pi-pi interactions are also noteworthy. This review reveals that physicochemical properties of microplastics, such as size, structure, and functional groups, and environmental compartment properties, such as pH, temperature, and salinity, influence the sorption of pollutants by microplastic. It has been found that microplastics influence the growth and metabolism of organisms. Inadequate methods for collection and analysis of environmental samples, lack of replication of real-world settings in laboratories, and a lack of understanding of the sorption mechanism and toxicity of microplastics impede current microplastic research. Therefore, future research should focus on filling in these knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazifa Rafa
- Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Downing Place, Cambridge, CB2 3EN, United Kingdom
| | - Bushra Ahmed
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Fatema Zohora
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Jannatul Bakya
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Samiya Ahmed
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Department, College of Health and Life sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shams Forruque Ahmed
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram 4000, Bangladesh
| | - M Mofijur
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Ashfaque Ahmed Chowdhury
- School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia; Centre for Intelligent Systems, Clean Energy Academy, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia
| | - Fares Almomani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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13
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Ziajahromi S, Slynkova N, Dwyer J, Griffith M, Fernandes M, Jaeger JE, Leusch FDL. Comprehensive assessment of microplastics in Australian biosolids: Abundance, seasonal variation and potential transport to agroecosystems. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 250:121071. [PMID: 38171181 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.121071] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Striving towards a circular economy, the application of treated sewage sludge (biosolids) to land is an opportunity to improve the condition of the soil and add essential nutrients, in turn reducing the need for fertilisers. However, there is an increasing concern about microplastic (MP) contamination of biosolids and their transport to terrestrial ecosystems. In Australia, agriculture is the largest biosolids end-user, however, there is limited understanding of MPs in Australian biosolids. Also, while the method to isolate MPs from biosolid is established, a need to extract and analyse MPs more efficiently is still pressing. In this study, we comprehensively quantified and characterised MPs in 146 biosolids samples collected from thirteen wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) including different seasons. We have optimised an oxidative-enzymatic purification method to overcome current limitations for MP identification in complex samples and accurately report MPs in biosolids. This method enabled removal of >93 % of dry weight of organic material and greatly facilitated the MPs instrumental analysis. The concentration of MPs (>20 µm) in all biosolids samples ranged from 11 to 150 MPs/g dry weight. Abundance of MPs was affected by seasons with higher abundance of MPs usually found during cold and wet seasons. Despite seasonal variations, polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane and polymethyl methacrylate were the most abundant polymers. Smaller MPs (20 to 200 µm) comprised >70 % of all detected MPs with a clear negative linear relationship observed between MP size and abundance. Per capita concentration of MPs in biosolids across all studied WWTPs was 0.7 to 21 g MPs per person per year. Therefore, biosolids are an important sink and source of MPs to agroecosystems, emphasising the need to more comprehensively understand the fate, impact and risks associated with MPs on agricultural soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Ziajahromi
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport QLD 4222, Australia.
| | | | | | | | - Milena Fernandes
- South Australian Water Corporation, SA 5000, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Julia E Jaeger
- Eurofins Environment Testing Australia, VIC 3175, Australia
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport QLD 4222, Australia
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14
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Na SH, Kim MJ, Kim J, Batool R, Cho K, Chung J, Lee S, Kim EJ. Fate and potential risks of microplastic fibers and fragments in water and wastewater treatment processes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132938. [PMID: 37948781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Water and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) receive various types of microplastics (MPs), with fibers and fragments being dominant shapes. Here we investigated the removal behavior and transformation of MPs (polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate fibers and fragments) in simulated water and wastewater treatment units, including activated sludge process, coagulation, sand filtration, and advanced oxidation/disinfection. Sand filtration demonstrated the highest average efficiency in removing MPs (98 %), followed by activated sludge process (61 %) and coagulation (55 %), which was associated with their physicochemical properties (shape, size, density, surface functional groups, etc). In activated sludge process and coagulation, the polymer type had a greater impact on the removal of MPs than the particle shape, while in sand filtration, the particle shape played a more important role. When subjected to the long-term operation and backwashing of sand filters, approximately 15 % of the initially filtered fragments broke through the sand media, with nearly no fibers escaping. UV-based advanced oxidation and chlorination induced the leaching of dissolved organic matters with different molecular characteristics from fragment MPs, resulting in varying levels of cytotoxicity and bacterial toxicity. Our study provides important information for predicting the fate of MPs and mitigating their impacts in WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Heon Na
- Water Cycle Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, South Korea; Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, South Korea
| | - Min-Ji Kim
- Water Cycle Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, South Korea
| | - Jihee Kim
- Water Cycle Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, South Korea
| | - Rida Batool
- Water Cycle Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, South Korea; Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, South Korea
| | - Kyungjin Cho
- Water Cycle Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, South Korea; Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, South Korea
| | - Jaeshik Chung
- Water Cycle Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, South Korea; Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, South Korea
| | - Seunghak Lee
- Water Cycle Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, South Korea; Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, South Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Kim
- Water Cycle Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, South Korea; Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, South Korea.
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15
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Guo S, Feng D, Li Y, Liu L, Tang J. Innovations in chemical degradation technologies for the removal of micro/nano-plastics in water: A comprehensive review. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115979. [PMID: 38244511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115979] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs) in water have raised global concern due to their potential environmental risks. To reestablish a M/NPs free world, enormous attempts have been made toward employing chemical technologies for their removal in water. This review comprehensively summarizes the advances in chemical degradation approaches for M/NPs elimination. It details and discusses promising techniques, including photo-based technologies, Fenton-based reaction, electrochemical oxidation, and novel micro/nanomotors approaches. Subsequently, critical influence factors, such as properties of M/NPs and operating factors, are analyzed in this review specifically. Finally, it concludes by addressing the current challenges and future perspectives in chemical degradation. This review will provide guidance for scientists to further explore novel strategies and develop feasible chemical methods for the improved control and remediation of M/NPs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saisai Guo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Di Feng
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center/Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, Shandong, China
| | - Yu Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Linan Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jingchun Tang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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16
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Ding J, Liang Z, Lv M, Li X, Lu S, Ren S, Yang X, Li X, Tu C, Zhu D, Chen L. Aging in soil increases the disturbance of microplastics to the gut microbiota of soil fauna. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132611. [PMID: 37748304 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the soil environment inevitably experience aging processes. However, how aging in soil affects MP toxicity to soil fauna remains poorly understood. In this study, two types of widely distributed MPs (polypropylene and tire wear particles) were aged in different soils, and their surface properties, morphology, leaching features of additives, biofilm colonization and toxicity to the typical soil fauna Enchytraeus crypticus were investigated. Results showed that aging in soil slightly changed the surface properties and morphology for both types of MPs, but significantly affected the release of additives, especially for those MPs aged in soil amended with manure. Moreover, a distinct and less diverse microbial community than the surrounding soils was formed on the surface of MPs, and MP type was a determinant of the biofilm microbial community. Exposure experiments indicated that aged MPs, especially those aged in soil with manure significantly affected the reproduction of soil worms with a more obvious disturbance to their gut microbiota, and biofilm features and changes in the leaching properties of MPs during aging were the main factors for these shifts. This study is the first attempt to reveal the role of aging in soil in MP toxicity to soil fauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ding
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Zhaoqin Liang
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Min Lv
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China.
| | - Xiuyu Li
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Shuang Lu
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Suyu Ren
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Xiaoyong Yang
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Li
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Chen Tu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Lingxin Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China.
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17
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Li Y, Liu C, Yang H, He W, Li B, Zhu X, Liu S, Jia S, Li R, Tang KHD. Leaching of chemicals from microplastics: A review of chemical types, leaching mechanisms and influencing factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167666. [PMID: 37820817 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
It is widely known that microplastics are present everywhere and they pose certain risks to the ecosystem and humans which are partly attributed to the leaching of additives and chemicals from them. However, the leaching mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. This review paper aims to comprehensively and critically illustrate the leaching mechanisms in biotic and abiotic environments. It analyzes and synthesizes the factors influencing the leaching processes. It achieves the aims by reviewing >165 relevant scholarly papers published mainly in the past 10 years. According to this review, flame retardants, plasticizers and antioxidants are the three main groups of additives in microplastics with the potentials to disrupt endocrine functions, reproduction, brain development and kidney functions. Upon ingestion, the MPs are exposed to digestive fluids containing enzymes and acids which facilitate their degradation and leaching of chemicals. Fats and oils in the digestive tracts also aid the leaching and transport of these chemicals particularly the fat-soluble ones. Leaching is highly variable depending on chemical properties and bisphenols leach to a larger extent than other endocrine disrupting chemicals. However, the rates of leaching remain poorly understood, owing probably to multiple factors at play. Diffusion and partitioning are two main mechanisms of leaching in biotic and abiotic environments. Photodegradation is more predominant in the latter, generating reactive oxygen species which cause microplastic aging and leaching with minimal destruction of the chemicals leached. Effects of microplastic sizes on leaching are governed by Sherwood number, thickness of aqueous boundary layer and desorption half-life. This review contributes to better understanding of leaching of chemicals from microplastics which affect their ecotoxicities and human toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yage Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Chen Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Haotian Yang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Wenhui He
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Beibei Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Xinyi Zhu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Shuyan Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Shihao Jia
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Ronghua Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
- Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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18
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Liu S, Su C, Lu Y, Xian Y, Chen Z, Wang Y, Deng X, Li X. Effects of microplastics on the properties of different types of sewage sludge and strategies to overcome the inhibition: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166033. [PMID: 37543332 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166033] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been identified as an emerging pollutant. When microplastics enter wastewater treatment plants, the plant traps most of the microplastics in the sludge during sewage treatment. Therefore, the effects of microplastics on sludge removal performance, and on the physical and chemical properties and microbial communities in sludge, have attracted extensive attention. This review mainly describes the presence of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants, and the effects of microplastics on the decontamination efficiency and physicochemical properties of activated sludge, aerobic granular sludge, anaerobic granular sludge and anaerobic ammonium oxidation sludge. Further, the review summarizes the effects of microplastics on microbial activity and microbial community dynamics in various sludges in terms of type, concentration, and contact time. The mechanisms used to strengthen the reduction of microplastics, such as biochar and hydrochar, are also discussed. This review summarizes the mechanism by which microplastics influence the performance of different types of sludge, and proposes effective strategies to mitigate the inhibitive effect of microplastics on sludge and discusses removal technologies of microplastics in sewage. Biochar and hydrochar are one of the effective measures to overcome the inhibition of microplastics on sludge. Meanwhile, constructed wetland may be one of the important choice for the future removal of microplastics from sewage. The goal is to provide theoretical support and insights for ensuring the stable operation of wastewater treatment plants and reducing the impact of microplastics on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengtao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Chengyuan Su
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China; College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China.
| | - Yiying Lu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Yunchuan Xian
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Zhengpeng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Yuchen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Xue Deng
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Xinjuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
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19
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Su J, Zhang F, Yu C, Zhang Y, Wang J, Wang C, Wang H, Jiang H. Machine learning: Next promising trend for microplastics study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118756. [PMID: 37573697 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118756] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), as an emerging pollutant, pose a significant threat to humans and ecosystems. However, traditional MPs characterization methods are limited by sample requirements and characterization time. Machine Learning (ML) has emerged as a vital technology for analyzing MPs pollution due to its accuracy, broad application, and powerful feature extraction. Nevertheless, environmental scientists require threshold knowledge before using ML, restricting the ML application in MPs research. Furthermore, imbalanced development of ML in MPs research is a pressing concern. In order to achieve a wide ML application in MPs research, in this review, we comprehensively discussed the size and sources of MPs datasets in relevant literature to help environmental scientists deepen their understanding of the construction of MPs datasets. Commonly used ML algorithms are analyzed from the perspective of interpretability and the need for computer facilities. Additionally, methods for improving and evaluating ML model performance, such as dataset pre-processing, model optimization, and model assessment metrics, are discussed. According to datasets and characterization techniques, MPs identification using ML was divided into three categories in this work: spectral identification, image identification, and spectral imaging identification. Finally, other applications of ML in MPs studies, including toxicity analysis, pollutants adsorption, and microbial colonization, are comprehensively discussed, which reveals the great application potential of ML. Based on the discussion above, this review suggests an algorithm selection strategy to assist researchers in selecting the most suitable ML algorithm in different situations, improving efficiency and decreasing the costs of trial and error. We believe that this work sheds light on the application of ML in MPs study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiming Su
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, PR China
| | - Fupeng Zhang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, 518055, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Chuanxiu Yu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yingshuang Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xinjiang University, 830017, Urumqi, Xinjiang, PR China
| | - Jianchao Wang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, PR China
| | - Chongqing Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Hongru Jiang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, PR China.
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20
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Liu B, Gao Y, Yue Q, Guo K, Gao B. Microcosmic mechanism analysis of the combined pollution of aged polystyrene with humic acid and its efficient removal by a composite coagulant. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132272. [PMID: 37573824 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The composite pollutants formed by aged polystyrene (APS) and natural organic matter are complex and harmful, which lead to the deterioration of water quality. In this work, the interaction mechanism between humic acid (HA) and APS was discussed by investigating the changes in their functional groups. Besides, a novel polyaluminum-titanium chloride composite coagulant (PATC) was prepared, and its binding behaviors with HA@APS under different pH conditions were analyzed from a microscopic perspective. It was found that at pH 4, π-π conjugation was the dominant interaction between HA and APS. And the main removal mechanism of HA@APS by PATC was surface complexation. With the increase of pH, π-π conjugation, n-π electron donor-acceptor interaction (EDA), and hydrogen bonding gradually dominated the interaction between APS and HA. At pH 7, PATC hydrolyzed to form various polynuclear Al-Ti species, which could meet the demand for different binding sites of HA@APS. Under alkaline conditions, HB and n-π EDA in HA@APS were weakened, while π-π conjugation held a dominant position again. At this time, the main coagulation mechanism of PATC changed from charge neutralization to sweeping action, accompanied by hydrogen bonding. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Microplastics (MPs) have attracted the public's attention due to their potential toxicity to humans. The combined pollution of aged microplastics and humic acid (HA) will bring great harm to aquatic environment. The development of novel composite coagulants is hopeful to efficiently remove MPs and their combined pollutants. Elucidating the interactions between HA and aged MPs is helpful to understand the transformation and fate of MPs in actual environments, and to reveal the removal mechanism of composite pollutants by coagulation. The findings presented here will provide theoretical guidance for addressing the challenges of coagulation technology in treating new pollutants in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Liu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 26600, PR China
| | - Yue Gao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 26600, PR China
| | - Qinyan Yue
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 26600, PR China
| | - Kangying Guo
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 26600, PR China.
| | - Baoyu Gao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 26600, PR China.
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21
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Kim S, Hyeon Y, Park C. Microplastics' Shape and Morphology Analysis in the Presence of Natural Organic Matter Using Flow Imaging Microscopy. Molecules 2023; 28:6913. [PMID: 37836755 PMCID: PMC10574296 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitous microplastics in urban waters have raised substantial public concern due to their high chemical persistence, accumulative effects, and potential adverse effects on human health. Reliable and standardized methods are urgently needed for the identification and quantification of these emerging environmental pollutants in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this study, we introduce an innovative rapid approach that employs flow imaging microscopy (FlowCam) to simultaneously identify and quantify microplastics by capturing high-resolution digital images. Real-time image acquisition is followed by semi-automated classification using customized libraries for distinct polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics. Subsequently, these images are subjected to further analysis to extract precise morphological details of microplastics, providing insights into their behavior during transport and retention within WWTPs. Of particular significance, a systematic investigation was conducted to explore how the presence of natural organic matter (NOM) in WWTPs affects the accuracy of the FlowCam's measurement outputs for microplastics. It was observed that varying concentrations of NOM induced a more curled shape in microplastics, indicating the necessity of employing pre-treatment procedures to ensure accurate microplastic identification when utilizing the FlowCam. These observations offer valuable new perspectives and potential solutions for designing appropriate treatment technologies for removing microplastics within WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chanhyuk Park
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
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22
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Liu YJ, Yang HY, Hu YY, Li ZH, Yin H, He YT, Zhong KQ, Yuan L, Zheng X, Sheng GP. Face mask derived micro(nano)plastics and organic compounds potentially induce threat to aquatic ecosystem security revealed by toxicogenomics-based assay. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 242:120251. [PMID: 37356160 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120251] [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: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Micro(nano)plastics widely detected in aquatic environments have caused serious threat to water quality security. However, as a potential important source of micro(nano)plastics in surface water during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ecological risks of face mask waste to aquatic environments remain poorly understood. Herein, we comprehensively characterized the micro(nano)plastics and organic compounds released from four daily used face masks in aqueous environments and further evaluated their potential impacts on aquatic ecosystem safety by quantitative genotoxicity assay. Results from spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrum showed that plastic microfibers/particles (∼11%-83%) and leachable organic compounds (∼15%-87%) were dominantly emitted pollutants, which were significantly higher than nanoplastics (< ∼5%) based on mass of carbon. Additionally, a toxicogenomics approach using green fluorescence protein-fused whole-cell array revealed that membrane stress was the primary response upon the exposure to micro(nano)plastics, whereas the emitted organic chemicals were mainly responsible for DNA damage involving most of the DNA repair pathways (e.g., base/nucleotide excision repair, mismatch repair, double-strand break repair), implying their severe threat to membrane structure and DNA replication of microorganisms. Therefore, the persistent release of discarded face masks derived pollutants might exacerbate water quality and even adversely affect aquatic microbial functions. These findings would contribute to unraveling the potential effects of face mask waste on aquatic ecosystem security and highlight the necessity for more developed management regulations in face mask disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jun Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - He-Yun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, China
| | - Yan-Yun Hu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Zheng-Hao Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
| | - Hao Yin
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yun-Tian He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Keng-Qiang Zhong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Li Yuan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Xing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, China
| | - Guo-Ping Sheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
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23
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Huang Q, Yang C, Cheng Z, Wang H, Mojiri A, Zhu N, Qian X, Shen Y, Wu S, Lou Z. Exploring into a light-avoided environment: Mechanical-thermal coupled conditions responsible for the aging behavior of plastic waste in landfills. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 242:120162. [PMID: 37307685 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120162] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastics in landfills undergo a unique micronization process due to multi-factor and light-avoided conditions, but their aging process in such a typical environment remains unexplored. This study investigated the aging behavior of polyethylene plastics, representative of landfills, under simulated dynamic mechanical forces and high temperature-two prevalent environmental factors in landfills. The study explored the individual and combined contributions of these factors to the aging process. Results indicated that high temperature played a primary role in aging plastics by depolymerization and degradation through ·OH production, while mechanical forces contributed mainly to surface structure breakdown. The combined effect leads to more serious surface damage, creating holes, cracks, and scratches that provide access for free radical reactions to plastic bulk, thereby accelerating the aging and micronization process. The resulting microplastics were found to be 14.25 ± 0.53 μg L-1. Aged plastics exhibit a rapid aging rate of depolymerization and oxidation compared to virgin plastics due to their weak properties, suggesting a higher potential risk of microplastic generation. This study fills a knowledge gap regarding the aging behavior of plastics under complex and light-avoided landfill conditions, emphasizing the need for increased attention to the evolution process of microplastics from aged plastic waste in landfills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiujie Huang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Changfu Yang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhaowen Cheng
- School of Resource Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Amin Mojiri
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Nanwen Zhu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaoyong Qian
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yilong Shen
- Shanghai Solid Waste Management Center, Shanghai 200235, China
| | - Shaolin Wu
- Shanghai Solid Waste Management Center, Shanghai 200235, China
| | - Ziyang Lou
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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24
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Álvarez-Méndez SJ, Ramos-Suárez JL, Ritter A, Mata González J, Camacho Pérez Á. Anaerobic digestion of commercial PLA and PBAT biodegradable plastic bags: Potential biogas production and 1H NMR and ATR-FTIR assessed biodegradation. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16691. [PMID: 37303513 PMCID: PMC10248121 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioplastics aim to substitute conventional plastics in most applications, a critical one being the collection of organic wastes for composting or anaerobic degradation. The anaerobic biodegradability of six commercial bags composed of PBAT or PLA/PBAT blends and certified as compostable [1] was studied using 1H NMR and ATR-FTIR techniques. This study aims to elucidate if commercial bioplastic bags are biodegradable under conventional conditions found in anaerobic digestates. Results showed that all studied bags are hardly anaerobically biodegradable at mesophilic temperatures. The biogas yield resulting from the anaerobic digestion under laboratory conditions oscillated between 270.3 ± 45.5 L kgVS-1 for a trash bag composed of 26.64 ± 0.03%/73.36 ± 0.03% PLA/PBAT and 36.7 ± 25.0 L kgVS-1 for a bag composed of 21.24 ± 0.08%/78.76 ± 0.08% PLA/PBAT. The degree of biodegradation did not correlate with PLA/PBAT molar composition. However, 1H NMR characterization showed that the anaerobic biodegradation occurred mostly in the PLA fraction. No bioplastics biodegradation products were detected in the digestate fraction (<2 mm). Finally, none of the biodegraded bags comply with the EN 13432 standard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Joaquín Álvarez-Méndez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Agraria y del Medio Natural. Universidad de La Laguna. La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Ramos-Suárez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Agraria y del Medio Natural. Universidad de La Laguna. La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Axel Ritter
- Área de Ingeniería Agroforestal, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Javier Mata González
- Departamento de Ingeniería Agraria y del Medio Natural. Universidad de La Laguna. La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ángeles Camacho Pérez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Agraria y del Medio Natural. Universidad de La Laguna. La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
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25
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Ren X, Han Y, Zhao H, Zhang Z, Tsui TH, Wang Q. Elucidating the characteristic of leachates released from microplastics under different aging conditions: Perspectives of dissolved organic carbon fingerprints and nano-plastics. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 233:119786. [PMID: 36848850 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Despite numerous studies that have been devoted to investigating the aging behaviors of microplastics (MPs), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nano-plastics (NPs) released from MPs under different aging conditions were limited. Herein, the characterizations and underlying mechanisms of DOC and NPs leaching from MPs (PVC and PS) in the aquatic environment for 130 days under different aging conditions were investigated. The results showed that aging could reduce the abundance of MPs, and high temperature and UV aging generated small-sized MPs (< 100 μm), especially UV aging. DOC-releasing characteristics were related to MP type and aging condition. Meanwhile, MPs were prone to release protein-like and hydrophilic substances except for 60 °C aging of PS MPs. Additionally, 8.77 × 109-8.87 × 1010 and 4.06 × 109-3.94 × 1010 NPs/L were detected in leachates from PVC and PS MPs-aged treatments, respectively. High temperature and UV promoted the release of NPs, especially UV irradiation. Meanwhile, smaller sizes and rougher NPs were observed in UV-aged treatments, implying higher ecological risks of leachates from MPs under UV aging. This study highlights the leachate released from MPs under different aging conditions comprehensively, which could offset the knowledge gap between the MPs' aging and their potential threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuna Ren
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Ye Han
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Haoran Zhao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - To-Hung Tsui
- NUS Environment Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117411, Singapore; Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX13PJ, United Kingdom
| | - Quan Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China.
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26
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Liu X, Deng Q, Du M, Lu Q, Zhou W, Wang D. Microplastics decrease the toxicity of cadmium to methane production from anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161780. [PMID: 36706993 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161780] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and Cd have been proven to inhibit methane production from anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge. However, the published studies mainly focused on their single inhibition. This cannot reflect the real-world situations where MPs and Cd co-exist. This study therefore aims to reveal the combined effect of MPs and Cd on anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge. Experimental results showed that PVC-MPs at environmentally relevant levels (e.g., 1, 10 particles/g total solids (TS)) did not affect methane yield but decrease the toxicity of Cd. When PVC-MPs were 30 particles/g TS, the cumulative methane production recovered from 58.8 % (in the presence of 5 mg Cd/g TS) to 89.7 % of the control. Organic fluxes were significantly increased compared with the control, particularly affecting the content of dissolved substances and short-chain fatty acids during anaerobic digestion. Mechanistic exploration showed that the adsorption of Cd by PVC-MPs was higher than that of sludge-substrate, which reduced the bioavailability of Cd by anaerobes, as evidenced by the increased anaerobes driven carbon flux from solid-phase to bio-methane during anaerobic digestion. Overall, these findings identified important factors in determining the toxicity of pollutants on anaerobic digestion process, providing precise data for toxicity evaluation of MPs and metals in anaerobic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuran Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Qian Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Mingting Du
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Qi Lu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Wenneng Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| | - Dongbo Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China.
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27
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Hao B, Wu H, You Y, Liang Y, Huang L, Sun Y, Zhang S, He B. Bacterial community are more susceptible to nanoplastics than algae community in aquatic ecosystems dominated by submerged macrophytes. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 232:119717. [PMID: 36796151 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As a ubiquitous emerging pollutant, microplastics can interact with algal and bacterial communities in aquatic ecosystems. Currently, knowledge on how microplastics influence algae/bacteria is mostly limited to toxicity tests using either monocultures of algae/bacteria or specific algal-bacterial consortium. However, information on the effect of microplastics on algal and bacterial communities in natural habitats is not easily available. Here, we conducted a mesocosm experiment to test the effect of nanoplastics on algal and bacterial communities in aquatic ecosystems dominated by different submerged macrophytes. The community structure of algae and bacteria suspended in the water column (planktonic) and attached to the surface of submerged macrophytes (phyllospheric) were identified, respectively. Results showed that both planktonic and phyllospheric bacteria were more susceptible to nanoplastics, and these variations driven by decreased bacterial diversity and increased abundance of microplastic-degrading taxa, especially in aquatic systems dominated by V. natans. The community composition of both algae and bacteria were influenced to varying degrees by nanoplastics and/or plant types, but RDA results showed that only bacterial community composition was strongly correlated with environmental variables. Correlation network analysis showed that nanoplastics not only reduced the intensity of associations between planktonic algae and bacteria (average degree reduced from 4.88 to 3.24), but also reduced proportion of positive correlations (from 64% to 36%). Besides, nanoplastics also decreased the algal/bacterial connections between planktonic and phyllospheric habitats. Our study elucidates the potential interactions between nanoplastics and algal-bacterial community in natural aquatic ecosystems. These findings suggest that in aquatic ecosystems, bacterial community are more vulnerable to nanoplastics and may serve as a protective barrier for algae community. Further research is needed to reveal the protective mechanism of bacteria against algae at the community level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Hao
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Haoping Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Ornamental Plant Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Environmental Horticulture Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yi You
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Ornamental Plant Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Environmental Horticulture Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Ying Liang
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Lihua Huang
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Yan Sun
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Siyi Zhang
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Bin He
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China.
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28
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Zhou Y, Ren X, Tsui TH, Barcelo D, Wang Q, Zhang Z, Yongzhen D. Microplastics as an underestimated emerging contaminant in solid organic waste and their biological products: Occurrence, fate and ecological risks. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130596. [PMID: 37055952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), as an emerging pollutant, have been widely detected in aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric ecosystems. Recently, more researchers indicated that solid organic waste is also a crucial repository of MPs and has become a vital pollution source in ecosystems. Although the occurrence and fate of MPs in solid organic waste and the interaction between MPs and biological treatments have been explored, there still needs to be comprehensive summaries. Hence, this study reviewed the occurrence and characteristics of MPs in solid organic waste and organic fertilizers. Meanwhile, this study summarized the influence of MPs on biological treatments (composting and anaerobic digestion) and their degradation characteristics. MPs are abundant in solid organic waste (0-220 ×103 particles/kg) and organic fertilizer (0-30 ×103 particles/kg), PP and PE are the prominent MPs, and fibers and fragments are the main shapes. MPs can affect the carbon and nitrogen conversion during biological treatments and interfere with microbial communities. The MP's characteristics changed after biological treatments, which should further consider their potential ecological risks. This review points out the existing problems of MPs in organic waste recycling and provides directions for their treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanting Zhou
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xiuna Ren
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - To-Hung Tsui
- NUS Environment Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore
| | - Damia Barcelo
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Quan Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Ding Yongzhen
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin 300191, China.
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29
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Jie Ni
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Eun-Ju Kim
- Water Cycle Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, South Korea
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30
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Binda G, Zanetti G, Bellasi A, Spanu D, Boldrocchi G, Bettinetti R, Pozzi A, Nizzetto L. Physicochemical and biological ageing processes of (micro)plastics in the environment: a multi-tiered study on polyethylene. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:6298-6312. [PMID: 35994148 PMCID: PMC9895034 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22599-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Pollution by plastic and microplastic impacts the environment globally. Knowledge on the ageing mechanisms of plastics in natural settings is needed to understand their environmental fate and their reactivity in the ecosystems. Accordingly, the study of ageing processes is gaining focus in the context of the environmental sciences. However, laboratory-based experimental research has typically assessed individual ageing processes, limiting environmental applicability. In this study, we propose a multi-tiered approach to study the environmental ageing of polyethylene plastic fragments focusing on the combined assessment of physical and biological processes in sequence. The ageing protocol included ultraviolet irradiation in air and in a range of water solutions, followed by a biofouling test. Changes in surface characteristics were assessed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and water contact angle. UV radiation both in air and water caused a significant increase in the density of oxidized groups (i.e., hydroxyl and carbonyl) on the plastic surface, whereby water solution chemistry influenced the process both by modulating surface oxidation and morphology. Biofouling, too, was a strong determinant of surface alterations, regardless of the prior irradiation treatments. All biofouled samples present (i) specific infrared bands of new surface functional groups (e.g., amides and polysaccharides), (ii) a further increase in hydroxyl and carbonyl groups, (iii) the diffuse presence of algal biofilm on the plastic surface, and (iv) a significant decrease in surface hydrophobicity. This suggests that biological-driven alterations are not affected by the level of physicochemical ageing and may represent, in real settings, the main driver of alteration of both weathered and pristine plastics. This work highlights the potentially pivotal role of biofouling as the main process of plastic ageing, providing useful technical insights for future experimental works. These results also confirm that a multi-tiered laboratory approach permits a realistic simulation of plastic environmental ageing in controlled conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto Binda
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100, Como, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Zanetti
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100, Como, Italy
| | - Arianna Bellasi
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100, Como, Italy
| | - Davide Spanu
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100, Como, Italy
| | - Ginevra Boldrocchi
- Department of Human and Innovation for the Territory, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100, Como, Italy
| | - Roberta Bettinetti
- Department of Human and Innovation for the Territory, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100, Como, Italy
| | - Andrea Pozzi
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100, Como, Italy
| | - Luca Nizzetto
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579, Oslo, Norway
- RECETOX, Masarik University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
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