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Xu Z, Huang L, Xu P, Lim L, Cheong KL, Wang Y, Tan K. Microplastic pollution in commercially important edible marine bivalves: A comprehensive review. Food Chem X 2024; 23:101647. [PMID: 39113739 PMCID: PMC11305219 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics have become major pollutants in the marine environment and can accumulate in high concentrations, especially in the gut of marine organisms. Unlike other seafood, bivalves are consumed whole, along with their digestive systems, resulting in the transfer of microplastics to humans. Therefore, there is an urgent need to review the status of microplastic pollution in marine bivalves. In this context, this article provides a comprehensive review of the status of microplastic pollution in marine bivalves and the impact of microplastics on the physiology and immunology of marine bivalves. In general, marine bivalves can accumulate high levels of microplastics in a tissue-specific manner. Although microplastic pollution does not cause mortality in bivalves, it can adversely affects bivalves' immunity, byssus production, and reproduction, potentially affecting bivalve populations. This article provides important information that will aid establishing management measures and determining the direction of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiong Xu
- College of Marine Science, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf Ocean Development Research Center, Beibu Gulf University, Pinglu Canal and Beibu Gulf Coastal Ecosystem Observation and Research Station of Guangxi, Qinzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Leiheng Huang
- College of Marine Science, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf Ocean Development Research Center, Beibu Gulf University, Pinglu Canal and Beibu Gulf Coastal Ecosystem Observation and Research Station of Guangxi, Qinzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Peng Xu
- College of Marine Science, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf Ocean Development Research Center, Beibu Gulf University, Pinglu Canal and Beibu Gulf Coastal Ecosystem Observation and Research Station of Guangxi, Qinzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Leongseng Lim
- Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Kit-Leong Cheong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Youji Wang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Karsoon Tan
- College of Marine Science, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf Ocean Development Research Center, Beibu Gulf University, Pinglu Canal and Beibu Gulf Coastal Ecosystem Observation and Research Station of Guangxi, Qinzhou, Guangxi, China
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2
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Li Y, Ye Y, Zhu X, Liu X, Li X, Zhao Y, Che X. Transcriptomic analysis reveals nanoplastics-induced apoptosis, autophagy and immune response in Litopenaeus vannamei. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174360. [PMID: 38960190 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Increasing attention is being paid to the toxic physiological effects of nanoplastics (NPs) on aquatic organisms. However, few studies have systematically evaluated the regulatory mechanisms of NPs on immune response in crustaceans. In this study, a 28-day chronic exposure experiment was conducted in which shrimps were exposed to various 80-nm polystyrene NPs concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 5 and 10 mg/L). Transcriptomic analysis was used to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of NPs in immune response of Litopenaeus vannamei. With increasing NPs concentration, the total hemocyte count (THC) content decreased, while phagocytosis rate (PR) and respiratory burst (RB) showed trends of first rising and then falling. High concentration (10 mg/L) of NPs caused the destruction of hepatopancreas tissue structure, the shedding of microvilli, the increase number of hepatocyte apoptosis and autophagy structure. With increasing NPs concentration, the lysozyme (Lys), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities first increased and then decrease, while contents of lipid peroxidation and malondialdehyde increased; the expression levels of Toll, MyD88, GPx, SOD, proPO, Lys, and ALF generally increased at first and then decreased. Transcriptional sequencing analysis showed that the pathway of differentially expressed genes in KEGG enrichment mainly included lysosome (ko04142), apoptosis (ko04210) pathways, indicating that the NPs mainly affected the immune regulatory mechanism. Further analysis by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) showed that the up-regulation pathways of NPs activation mainly included immune response-related pathways such as mitochondrial autophagy, DNA repair, autophagosomes signaling pathway. Our results indicated that NPs exposure induced oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy in shrimps. This study provides a basis for further understanding of the mechanisms of antioxidant immune regulation by NPs in shrimp and may serve as a reference for healthy ecological culture of shrimp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Li
- Fishery Machinery and Instrument Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yucong Ye
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiaoyi Zhu
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xingguo Liu
- Fishery Machinery and Instrument Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xinfeng Li
- Fishery Machinery and Instrument Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yunlong Zhao
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Xuan Che
- Fishery Machinery and Instrument Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Shanghai 200092, China.
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3
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Lin J, Zheng JY, Zhan ZG, Zhao YM, Zhou QZ, Peng J, Li Y, Xiao X, Wang JH. Abundant small microplastics hidden in water columns of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea: Distribution, transportation and potential risk. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 478:135531. [PMID: 39178782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pose significant concerns for marine ecological security due to their minuteness and ubiquity. However, comprehensive knowledge on their distribution and fate in seawater columns remains limited. This study investigated the abundances and characteristics of MPs across 3-6 water layers in the South Yellow Sea and East China Sea. Results indicate that high-abundance small MPs (< 100 µm) (average 6567 items/m3) were hidden beneath the sea-surface, predominantly fine-grained particles (< 20 µm) and high-density polymers (> 1.03 g/cm3). The total suspended MPs (5.0-834.2 µm) are estimated at 2.9-3.1 × 1017 particles, with most of them occurring in upper layers. In profiles, their distribution varied by physical properties with depth; fragment-shaped and high-density MPs increased in proportion at greater depths, contrasting with fibrous MPs. These MPs originated primarily from the Yangtze River and their winter transport was driven by the Yangtze River Dilution Water, East China Sea Coastal Current, and Yellow Sea Warm Current, resulting in their accumulation in coastal and estuarine regions. Consequently, the Yangtze River Estuary ecosystem faces substantial risks from MP pollution throughout the water column. This work unveils the prevalence of small MPs in coastal water columns and intricate interaction between their fate and hydrodynamic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Jia-Yuan Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Zhi-Geng Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Yuan-Ming Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Qian-Zhi Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Juan Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xi Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; National Engineering Research Center of Gas Hydrate Exploration and Development, Guangzhou 511457, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Mineral Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources, Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, China Geological Survey, Guangzhou 511457, China.
| | - Jiang-Hai Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China.
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Hou X, Li J, Li H, Du S, Liu S, Jiao S, Niu F, Tu J, Zong Y, Wang X, Liu X. Microplastics distribution, ecological risk and outflows of rivers in the Bohai Rim region of China - A flux model considering small and medium-sized rivers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 953:176035. [PMID: 39236832 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution and its ecological risks have attracted increasing global attention. The Bohai Rim region (BRR), as the economic and population center of the entire northern China, still lacks a precise assessment of MPs pollution. Although current attention on MPs pollution mainly focuses on large rivers, small and medium-sized rivers are more numerous and more closely connected to human activities. In this study, measurement data of MPs from 11 estuaries in the BRR was collected to understand MPs distribution and ecological risk. The results indicate that the overall MPs pollution in these estuaries is still at a low level, with an average abundance of 1254.3 particles m-3. While the pollution load index (1.85) is relatively low, the potential ecological risk of PVC in some area (S8, EPVC = 1433.78, III) warrants further attention. Then we integrated data from 22 relevant rivers (covering all size rivers) in this region from the literature to fit a MPs flux model and assessed the MPs outflow from the four provinces and cities in the region. A strong correlation is achieved between modeled estimates and field measurements (r2 = 0.74), which can well estimate the river MPs outflows in northern China such as the Nanfei River. The MPs outflow from the four provinces (cities) is calculated to be 123.235 (range 44.415-242.314) T year-1, of which Shandong accounted for >80 % (104.066 T year-1). The small and medium-sized rivers accounted for 47 % (58.08 T year-1), whose contribution to MPs outflows should not be underestimated. This study can help us to accurately assess MPs pollution in different coastal areas in northern China, benefiting the formulation of precise control measures and policies for marine MPs pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China
| | - Jiayao Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China
| | - Hongyu Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China
| | - Shuyun Du
- School of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia
| | - Sitong Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China
| | - Shipu Jiao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China
| | - Fuxin Niu
- Tianjin Marine Environmental Center Station, Ministry of Natural Resources, Tianjin 300450, PR China
| | - Jianbo Tu
- Tianjin Marine Environmental Center Station, Ministry of Natural Resources, Tianjin 300450, PR China
| | - Yanping Zong
- Tianjin Marine Environmental Center Station, Ministry of Natural Resources, Tianjin 300450, PR China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264000, PR China.
| | - Xianhua Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China.
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5
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Cottom JW, Cook E, Velis CA. A local-to-global emissions inventory of macroplastic pollution. Nature 2024; 633:101-108. [PMID: 39232151 PMCID: PMC11374682 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07758-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Negotiations for a global treaty on plastic pollution1 will shape future policies on plastics production, use and waste management. Its parties will benefit from a high-resolution baseline of waste flows and plastic emission sources to enable identification of pollution hotspots and their causes2. Nationally aggregated waste management data can be distributed to smaller scales to identify generalized points of plastic accumulation and source phenomena3-11. However, it is challenging to use this type of spatial allocation to assess the conditions under which emissions take place12,13. Here we develop a global macroplastic pollution emissions inventory by combining conceptual modelling of emission mechanisms with measurable activity data. We define emissions as materials that have moved from the managed or mismanaged system (controlled or contained state) to the unmanaged system (uncontrolled or uncontained state-the environment). Using machine learning and probabilistic material flow analysis, we identify emission hotspots across 50,702 municipalities worldwide from five land-based plastic waste emission sources. We estimate global plastic waste emissions at 52.1 [48.3-56.3] million metric tonnes (Mt) per year, with approximately 57% wt. and 43% wt. open burned and unburned debris, respectively. Littering is the largest emission source in the Global North, whereas uncollected waste is the dominant emissions source across the Global South. We suggest that our findings can help inform treaty negotiations and develop national and sub-national waste management action plans and source inventories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua W Cottom
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Ed Cook
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Costas A Velis
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.
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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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Nava V, Leoni B, Arienzo MM, Hogan ZS, Gandolfi I, Tatangelo V, Carlson E, Chea S, Soum S, Kozloski R, Chandra S. Plastic pollution affects ecosystem processes including community structure and functional traits in large rivers. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 259:121849. [PMID: 38851112 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121849] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Plastics in aquatic ecosystems rapidly undergo biofouling, giving rise to a new ecosystem on their surface, the 'plastisphere.' Few studies quantify the impact of plastics and their associated community on ecosystem traits from biodiversity and functional traits to metabolic function. It has been suspected that impacts on ecosystems may depend on its state but comparative studies of ecosystem responses are rare in the published literature. We quantified algal biomass, bacterial and algal biodiversity (16S and 18S rRNA), and metabolic traits of the community growing on the surface of different plastic polymers incubated within rivers of the Lower Mekong Basin. The rivers selected have different ecological characteristics but are similar regarding their high degree of plastic pollution. We examined the effects of plastics colonized with biofilms on ecosystem production, community dark respiration, and the epiplastic community's capability to influence nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon, and oxygen in water. Finally, we present conceptual models to guide our understanding of plastic pollution within freshwaters. Our findings showed limited microalgal biomass and bacterial dominance, with potential pathogens present. The location significantly influenced community composition, highlighting the role of environmental conditions in shaping community development. When assessing the effects on ecosystem productivity, our experiments showed that biofouled plastics led to a significant drop in oxygen concentration within river water, leading to hypoxic/anoxic conditions with subsequent profound impacts on system metabolism and the capability of influencing biogeochemical cycles. Scaling our findings revealed that plastic pollution may exert a more substantial and ecosystem-altering impact than initially assumed, particularly in areas with poorly managed plastic waste. These results highlighted that the plastisphere functions as a habitat for biologically active organisms which play a pivotal role in essential ecosystem processes. This warrants dedicated attention and investigation, particularly in sensitive ecosystems like the Mekong River, which supports a rich biodiversity and the livelihoods of 65 million people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Nava
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano MI, Italy
| | - Barbara Leoni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano MI, Italy.
| | - Monica M Arienzo
- Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Pkwy, Reno, NV 89512, United States
| | - Zeb S Hogan
- Global Water Center and Biology Department, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia, Reno, NV 89557-0314, United States
| | - Isabella Gandolfi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano MI, Italy
| | - Valeria Tatangelo
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano MI, Italy
| | - Emily Carlson
- Global Water Center and Biology Department, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia, Reno, NV 89557-0314, United States
| | - Seila Chea
- Institute of Technology of Cambodia, PO Box 86, Russian Conf. Blvd. Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Savoeurn Soum
- Royal University of Phnom Penh, Russian Federation Blvd (110), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Rachel Kozloski
- Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Pkwy, Reno, NV 89512, United States
| | - Sudeep Chandra
- Global Water Center and Biology Department, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia, Reno, NV 89557-0314, United States.
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Luo W, Fu H, Lu Q, Li B, Cao X, Chen S, Liu R, Tang B, Yan X, Zheng J. Microplastic pollution differences in freshwater river according to stream order: Insights from spatial distribution, annual load, and ecological assessment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 366:121836. [PMID: 39018841 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121836] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a pressing concern in global freshwater ecosystems because rivers serve as essential channels for the transport of terrestrial debris to the ocean. The current researches mostly focus on the large catchments, but the impact on the small catchments remains underexplored. In this study, we employed Strahler's stream order classification to delineate the catchment structure of the Beijiang River in South China. The distribution pattern of MP contamination and the factors influencing the distribution pattern, were assessed across the streams at different orders. We found that the Beijiang River was moderately polluted compare to other rivers in China, with an average MP abundance of 2.15 ± 1.65 items/L. MP abundance ranged from 3.17 to 1.45 items/L in the streams at different orders, and significantly decreased with increasing stream order (R2 = 0.93). This highlights the key role of small rivers as the channels for the transport of MPs from watersheds to main streams. The high abundance of PP and PE fibers, the high correlation between the stream order and the resin proportion (R2 = 0.89), and the significant correlation between MP abundance and proximity to urban centers (P = 0.02), indicated that MP pollution across the streams at different orders was predominantly influenced by anthropogenic activities, rather than natural environmental factors. By integrating MP data with hydrographic information, the annual MP loads for the streams at Orders 1 to Order 5 were estimated to be 4.63, 39.38, 204.63, 503.06, and 1137.88 tons/yr, respectively. Additionally, an ecological risk assessment indicates that MP pollution led to a low risk in the Beijiang River. Our findings deepen the understanding of MP pollution within freshwater river networks, and emphasize the crucial role of tributary systems in transporting MPs to main river channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikeng Luo
- Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, PR China; Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510530, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Hongyu Fu
- Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510530, PR China
| | - Qiyuan Lu
- Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510530, PR China.
| | - Bowen Li
- Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510530, PR China.
| | - Xue Cao
- Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510530, PR China
| | - Sifan Chen
- Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510530, PR China
| | - Ruijuan Liu
- Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510530, PR China
| | - Bin Tang
- Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510530, PR China
| | - Xiao Yan
- Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510530, PR China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510530, PR China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510530, PR China
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9
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Chen C, Pagsuyoin SA, van Emmerik THM, Xu YY, He YQ, Guo ZF, Liu D, Xu YY. Significant regional disparities in riverine microplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134571. [PMID: 38743976 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Research on riverine microplastics has gradually increased, highlighting an area for further exploration: the lack of extensive, large-scale regional variations analysis due to methodological and spatiotemporal limitations. Herein, we constructed and applied a comprehensive framework for synthesizing and analyzing literature data on riverine microplastics to enable comparative research on the regional variations on a large scale. Research results showed that in 76 rivers primarily located in Asia, Europe, and North America, the microplastic abundance of surface water in Asian rivers was three times higher than that in Euro-America rivers, while sediment in Euro-American rivers was five times more microplastics than Asia rivers, indicating significant regional variations (p < 0.001). Additionally, based on the income levels of countries, rivers in lower-middle and upper-middle income countries had significantly (p < 0.001) higher abundance of microplastics in surface water compared to high-income countries, while the opposite was true for sediment. This phenomenon was preliminarily attributed to varying levels of urbanization across countries. Our proposed framework for synthesizing and analyzing microplastic literature data provides a holistic understanding of microplastic disparities in the environment, and can facilitate broader discussions on management and mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | | | - Tim H M van Emmerik
- Hydrology and Environmental Hydraulics Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen 6700 AA, Netherlands
| | - Yu-Yao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, PR China
| | - Yu-Qin He
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Zhao-Feng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, PR China
| | - Dong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, PR China
| | - Yao-Yang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, PR China.
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10
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Li Y, Ye Y, Yuan H, Li S, Rihan N, Liu X, Zhao Y, Che X. Dietary lipid supplementation alleviated the impacts of polystyrene nanoplastic exposure in Litopenaeus vannamei. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 272:106974. [PMID: 38815344 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106974] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The widespread occurrence of nanoplastic (NP) pollution in the environment is a growing concern, and its presence poses a potential threat to cultured aquatic animals. Previously, we found that NPs can significantly affect the lipid metabolism of shrimp. However, relevant reports about the effects of increasing dietary lipid levels on NP toxicity are lacking. Therefore, we explored the effects of dietary supplementation with different lipid levels on the growth and lipid metabolism of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). We cultured L. vannamei at three dietary lipid levels (3 %, 6 %, and 9 %) and three NP concentrations (0, 1, and 3 mg/L) for 2 months. We evaluated the effects of lipid levels on growth indexes, hepatopancreas morphological structure, lipid metabolism-related enzyme activity, and gene expression of the shrimp. The results showed that as lipid intake increased, the survival rate, body weight growth rate, and hepatosomatic ratio of the shrimp increased while the feed conversion rate decreased. Additionally, the crude protein and crude lipid contents increased, whereas the moisture and ash contents did not change much. We found that the morphological structure of the hepatopancreas was seriously damaged in the 3 mg/L NPs and 3 % dietary lipid group. Finally, lipid metabolism-related enzyme activities and gene expression levels increased with increased dietary lipid levels. Together, these results suggest that increasing dietary lipid content can improve shrimp growth and alleviate lipid metabolism disorders caused by NPs. This study is the first to show that nutrition regulation can alleviate the toxicity of NPs, and it provides a theoretical basis for the green and healthy culture of L. vannamei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Li
- Fishery Machinery and Instrument Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yucong Ye
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Haojuan Yuan
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Siwen Li
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Na Rihan
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xingguo Liu
- Fishery Machinery and Instrument Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yunlong Zhao
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Xuan Che
- Fishery Machinery and Instrument Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Shanghai 200092, China.
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11
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Liu R, Xu H, Zhao S, Dong C, Li J, Wei G, Li G, Gong L, Yan P, Shao Z. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-degrading bacteria in the pelagic deep-sea sediments of the Pacific Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 352:124131. [PMID: 38734049 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124131] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic pollution is widely found in deep-sea sediments. Despite being an international environmental issue, it remains unclear whether PET can be degraded through bioremediation in the deep sea. Pelagic sediments obtained from 19 sites across a wide geographic range in the Pacific Ocean were used to screen for bacteria with PET degrading potential. Bacterial consortia that could grow on PET as the sole carbon and energy source were found in 10 of the 19 sites. These bacterial consortia showed PET removal rate of 1.8%-16.2% within two months, which was further confirmed by the decrease of carbonyl and aliphatic hydrocarbon groups using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared analysis (ATR-FTIR). Analysis of microbial diversity revealed that Alcanivorax and Pseudomonas were predominant in all 10 PET degrading consortia. Meanwhile, Thalassospira, Nitratireductor, Nocardioides, Muricauda, and Owenweeksia were also found to possess PET degradation potential. Metabolomic analysis showed that Alcanivorax sp. A02-7 and Pseudomonas sp. A09-2 could turn PET into mono-(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET) even in situ stimulation (40 MPa, 10 °C) conditions. These findings widen the currently knowledge of deep-sea PET biodegrading process with bacteria isolates and degrading mechanisms, and indicating that the marine environment is a source of biotechnologically promising bacterial isolates and enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renju Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; School of Environmental Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Haiming Xu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Sufang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Chunming Dong
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jianyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Guangshan Wei
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Linfeng Gong
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Peisheng Yan
- School of Environmental Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Zongze Shao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; School of Environmental Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), China.
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12
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Chen Q, Yang Y, Qi H, Su L, Zuo C, Shen X, Chu W, Li F, Shi H. Rapid Mass Conversion for Environmental Microplastics of Diverse Shapes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:10776-10785. [PMID: 38838101 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c01031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Rivers have been recognized as the primary conveyors of microplastics to the oceans, and seaward transport flux of riverine microplastics is an issue of global attention. However, there is a significant discrepancy in how microplastic concentration is expressed in field occurrence investigations (number concentration) and in mass flux (mass concentration). Of urgent need is to establish efficient conversion models to correlate these two important paradigms. Here, we first established an abundant environmental microplastic dataset and then employed a deep neural residual network (ResNet50) to successfully separate microplastics into fiber, fragment, and pellet shapes with 92.67% accuracy. We also used the circularity (C) parameter to represent the surface shape alteration of pellet-shaped microplastics, which always have a more uneven surface than other shapes. Furthermore, we added thickness information to two-dimensional images, which has been ignored by most prior research because labor-intensive processes were required. Eventually, a set of accurate models for microplastic mass conversion was developed, with absolute estimation errors of 7.1, 3.1, 0.2, and 0.9% for pellet (0.50 ≤ C < 0.75), pellet (0.75 ≤ C ≤ 1.00), fiber, and fragment microplastics, respectively; environmental samples have validated that this set is significantly faster (saves ∼2 h/100 MPs) and less biased (7-fold lower estimation errors) compared to previous empirical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
- Yangtze Delta Estuarine Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education & Shanghai Science and Technology Committee, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Huiqing Qi
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Key Laboratory of MEA (Ministry of Education) & Shanghai Key Laboratory of PMMP, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Lei Su
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Chencheng Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiaoteng Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Wenhai Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Fang Li
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Key Laboratory of MEA (Ministry of Education) & Shanghai Key Laboratory of PMMP, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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Chen Q, Ma C, Lee YH, Marques Dos Santos M, Kim MS, Meng G, Snyder SA, Lee JS, Shi H. Non-negligible Toxicity to Fish in the Early Life Stages Triggered by Aqueous Leachate of Takeaway Plastic Containers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:10041-10051. [PMID: 38788731 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c01790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Ordering takeout is a growing social phenomenon and may raise public health concerns. However, the associated health risk of compounds leaching from plastic packaging is unknown due to the lack of chemical and toxicity data. In this study, 20 chemical candidates were tentatively identified in the environmentally relevant leachate from plastic containers through the nontargeted chemical analysis. Three main components with high responses and/or predicted toxicity were further verified and quantified, namely, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (BHC), 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP), and 9-octadecenamide (oleamide). The toxicity to zebrafish larvae of BHC, a degradation product of a widely used antioxidant Irganox 1010, was quite similar to that of the whole plastic leachate. In the same manner, RNA-seq-based ingenuity analysis showed that the affected canonical pathways of zebrafish larvae were quite comparable between BHC and the whole plastic leachate, i.e., highly relevant to neurological disease, metabolic disease, and even behavioral disorder. Longer-term exposure (35 days) did not cause any effect on adult zebrafish but led to decreased hatching rate and obvious neurotoxicity in zebrafish offspring. Collectively, this study strongly suggests that plastic containers can leach out a suite of compounds causing non-negligible impacts on the early stages of fish via direct or parental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Cuizhu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Young Hwan Lee
- Department of Marine Ecology and Environment, College of Life Sciences, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, South Korea
| | - Mauricius Marques Dos Santos
- Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, #06-08, 637141 Singapore
| | - Min-Sub Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Ge Meng
- Agilent Technologies, 412 Yinglun Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Shane Allen Snyder
- Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, #06-08, 637141 Singapore
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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14
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Ma Y, Chen X, Clayer F, Shi X, Chen Y, Norling M, Lin Y. Rivers of plastic: A socio-economic and topographic approach to modeling plastic transport from catchment to sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124314. [PMID: 38844039 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Marine litter caused by discharge of mismanaged plastic waste is considered to be one of the major environmental challenges by the international society. With the annual increase of plastic production, a growing number of plastic products are being used in people's daily lives. A large number of these plastics end up as waste emitted into rivers and subsequently into oceans through the effects of downpours or wind, posing a threat to the marine ecosystem. In this study, we developed a riverine plastic transport model based on catchment topography and social-economic factors. By applying reasonable compromise on the complexity of the model, this compromised simplified process-based model has the innovative capability to estimate plastic emissions effectively under the current conditions of limited data availability for model inputs. Compared to existing models, this novel model can also resolve challenges related to the contributions of various land use types and transport stages to plastic emissions into the oceans. To further explore the applicability of our results on a global scale, certain input parameter such as the proportion of mismanaged waste is crucial for users to acquire. Here, taking the S river catchment as our study area, the tourism-driven seasonal variation of land-based plastic emissions was quantified. According to our estimation, the emission flux in S river catchment in 2020 was 68 to 280 tons. 62.4% of riverine plastics reached the ocean. Although urban areas are the predominant contributors to the total emission flux, the contributions from other land use types such as forests and cultivated areas are also unignorable. For instance, forests and cultivated areas contribute 25.7% and 6.3%, respectively, even surpassing the contributions from high tourist activity (5.8%). Stricter waste collection legislations are imperatively needed particularly in these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youfei Ma
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, and Tianjin International Joint Research Center for Environmental Biogeochemical Technology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China; School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries, United Kingdom
| | - Xingmin Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, and Tianjin International Joint Research Center for Environmental Biogeochemical Technology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | | | - Xiaogang Shi
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries, United Kingdom
| | - Yuan Chen
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Magnus Norling
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, 0349, Norway
| | - Yan Lin
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, and Tianjin International Joint Research Center for Environmental Biogeochemical Technology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
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15
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de Deus BCT, Costa TC, Altomari LN, Brovini EM, de Brito PSD, Cardoso SJ. Coastal plastic pollution: A global perspective. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 203:116478. [PMID: 38735173 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116478] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Coastal ecosystems have ecological importance worldwide and require control and prevention measures to mitigate human pollution. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review to provide a comprehensive overview of the global issue of coastal plastic pollution. 689 articles were eligible for qualitative synthesis and 31 were considered for quantitative analysis. There was an exponential increase in articles addressing coastal plastic pollution over the past 50 years. Studies were mainly carried out on beaches, and plastic bottles were the most found item, followed by cigarette butts. Polyethylene was the predominant plastic polymer, and white microplastic fragments stood out. China published most articles on the topic and Brazil had the highest number of sites sampled. Meta-analysis had significant effect sizes based on the reported data. These findings carry significant implications for environmental policies, waste management practices, and targeted awareness campaigns aimed at mitigating plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Corrêa Thomé de Deus
- Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, 36036-900, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thaiane Cantarino Costa
- Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, 36036-900, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Leslie Nascimento Altomari
- Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, 36036-900, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Emília Marques Brovini
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Campus Universitário, Morro do Cruzeiro, 35400-000 Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sérgio Duque de Brito
- VALORIZA Research Centre, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, Campus Politécnico, 10, 7300-555 Portalegre, Portalegre, Portugal
| | - Simone Jaqueline Cardoso
- Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, 36036-900, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, 36036-900, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Jahan I, Chowdhury G, Baquero AO, Couetard N, Hossain MA, Mian S, Iqbal MM. Microplastics pollution in the Surma River, Bangladesh: A rising hazard to upstream water quality and aquatic life. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 360:121117. [PMID: 38733848 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121117] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The ecological health of freshwater rivers is deteriorating globally due to careless human activities, for instance, the emission of plastic garbage into the river. The current research was the first assessment of microplastics (MPs) pollution in water, sediment, and representative organisms (fish, crustacean, and bivalve) from the Surma River. Water, sediment, and organisms were sampled from six river sites (Site 1: Charkhai; Site 2: Golapganj; Site 3: Alampur; Site 4: Kazir Bazar; Site 5: Kanishail and Site 6: Lamakazi), and major water quality parameters were recorded during sampling. Thereafter, MPs in water, sediment, and organism samples were extracted, and then microscopically examined to categorize selected MPs types. The abundance of MPs, as well as size, and color distribution, were estimated. Polymer types were analyzed by ATR-FTIR, the color loss of MPs was recorded, the Pollution Load Index (PLI) was calculated, and the relationship between MPs and water quality parameters was analyzed. Sites 4 and 5 had comparatively poorer water quality than other sites. Microplastic fibers, fragments, and microbeads were consistently observed in water, sediment, and organisms. A substantial range of MPs in water, sediment, and organisms (37.33-686.67 items/L, 0.89-15.12 items/g, and 0.66-48.93 items/g, respectively) was recorded. There was a diverse color range, and MPs of <200 μm were prevalent in sampling areas. Six polymer types were identified by ATR-FTIR, namely Polyethylene (PE), Polyamide (PA), Polypropylene (PP), Cellulose acetate (CA), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and Polystyrene (PS), where PE (41%) was recognized as highly abundant. The highest PLI was documented in Site 4 followed by Site 5 both in water and sediment. Likewise, Sites 4 and 5 were substantially different from other study areas according to PCA. Overall, the pervasiveness of MPs was evident in the Surma River, which requires further attention and prompt actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israt Jahan
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Ecophysiology, Department of Fish Biology and Genetics, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh
| | - Gourab Chowdhury
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Ecophysiology, Department of Fish Biology and Genetics, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh; School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD 4556, Australia; Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4556, Australia
| | - Andrea Osorio Baquero
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences: Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Nicolas Couetard
- Plastic@Sea, Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls, 66650 Banyuls-sur-mer, France
| | - Mohammad Amzad Hossain
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Ecophysiology, Department of Fish Biology and Genetics, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh; Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC), Central Queensland University, QLD 4680, Australia; School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, North Rockhampton QLD 4701, Australia.
| | - Sohel Mian
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Ecophysiology, Department of Fish Biology and Genetics, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed Mahbub Iqbal
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Ecophysiology, Department of Fish Biology and Genetics, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh
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Li X, Liu W, Zhang J, Wang Z, Guo Z, Ali J, Wang L, Yu Z, Zhang X, Sun Y. Effective removal of microplastics by filamentous algae and its magnetic biochar: Performance and mechanism. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 358:142152. [PMID: 38679178 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142152] [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: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, filamentous algae blooms and microplastics (MPs) pollution have become two major ecological and environmental problems in urban water systems. In order to solve these two problems at the same time, this study explored the loading capacity of MPs on fresh filamentous algae, and successfully synthesized magnetic filamentous algae biochar loading with Fe3O4 by hydrothermal method, with the purpose of removing MPs from water. The magnetic filamentous algal biochar was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and so on. Experiments on adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms and optimum pH were carried out to explore the adsorption mechanism of MPs on magnetic filamentous algal biochar. The adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherm models were evaluated, and the selection criterion for the appropriate model was determined by using the residual sum of squares (RSS) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC). Microscope images revealed that fresh filamentous algae could interact with MPs in the form of entanglement, adhesion and encapsulation. The average load of MPs in filamentous algae samples was 14.1 ± 5 items/g dry weight. The theoretical maximum adsorption capacities of polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) by raw biochar (A500) and magnetic biochar with Fe3O4 (M2A500) were 176.99 mg/g and 215.58 mg/g, respectively. The adsorbent materials gave better reusability because they could be reused up to five times. Overall, these findings have provided new insights into the use of filamentous algae for in situ remediation of fluvial MPs pollution, as well as feasible strategies for the recycling of algal waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Li
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Wenjia Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jingshen Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Zhibin Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Zhiwei Guo
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jafar Ali
- Key Lab of Groundwater Resources and Environment (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Zhisheng Yu
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiru Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yangzhao Sun
- Norwegian Water Research Institute, Økernveien 94, 0579, Oslo, Norway
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18
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Wang Y, Jing S, Hou P, Ni R, Niu L, Wanger TC, Liu W, Liu K. Soil erosion is a major drive for nano & micro-plastics to enter riverine systems from cultivated land. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 256:121597. [PMID: 38614030 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121597] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Nano and micro-plastics (NMPs, particles diameter <5 mm), as emerging contaminants, have become a major concern in the aquatic environment because of their adverse consequences to aquatic life and potentially human health. Implementing mitigation strategies requires quantifying NMPs mass emissions and understanding their sources and transport pathways from land to riverine systems. Herein, to access NMPs mass input from agricultural soil to riverine system via water-driven soil erosion, we have collected soil samples from 120 cultivated land in nine drainage basins across China in 2021 and quantified the residues of six common types of plastic, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), and polystyrene (PS). NMPs (Σ6plastics) were detected in all samples at concentrations between 3.6 and 816.6 μg/g dry weight (median, 63.3 μg/g) by thermal desorption/pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Then, based on the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation model, we estimated that about 22,700 tonnes of NMPs may enter the Chinese riverine system in 2020 due to agricultural water-driven soil erosion, which occurs primarily from May to September. Our result suggested that over 90% of the riverine NMPs related to agricultural soil erosion in China are attributed to 36.5% of the country's total cultivated land, mainly distributed in the Yangtze River Basin, Southwest Basin, and Pearl River Basin. The migration of NMPs due to water-driven soil erosion cannot be ignored, and erosion management strategies may contribute to alleviating plastic pollution issues in aquatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanting Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Environmental Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Siyuan Jing
- Sustainable Agricultural Systems & Engineering Laboratory, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Peiyu Hou
- Division of Environment and Resources, College of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Rui Ni
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Environmental Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lili Niu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 312028, China
| | - Thomas Cherico Wanger
- Sustainable Agricultural Systems & Engineering Laboratory, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China; ChinaRiceNetwork.org, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Weiping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 312028, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Division of Environment and Resources, College of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China.
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19
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Imbulana S, Tanaka S, Oluwoye I. Quantifying annual microplastic emissions of an urban catchment: Surface runoff vs wastewater sources. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 360:121123. [PMID: 38761621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121123] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Urban clusters are recognized as hotspots of microplastic pollution, and the associated urban rivers convey microplastics into the global oceans. Despite this knowledge, the relative contributions of various sources to the annual microplastic emissions from urban catchments remain scarcely quantified. Here, we quantified microplastic emissions from a riverine urban catchment in Japan. The total microplastics (size range: 10-5000 μm) released from the catchment amounted to 269.1 tons/annum, of which 78.1% is contributed by surface runoff and other uncontrolled emissions (UCE), and 21.1% emerges from the regulated wastewater (controlled emissions; CE), implying that approximately one-fifth is intercepted and removed by the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This further indicated higher microplastic pollution by unmanaged surface runoff compared to untreated wastewater. In the dry season, WWTPs contributed significantly to the reduction of total microplastic emissions (95%) compared to wet periods (8%). On an annual scale, the treated effluent occupies only 0.1% of the total microplastics released to the river network (212.4 tons/annum), while the remaining portion is dominated by UCE, i.e., primarily surface runoff emissions (98.9%), and trivially by the background microplastic inputs that are potentially derived through atmospheric depositions in dry days (1.0%). It was shown that moderate and heavy rainfall events which occur during 18% of the year (within the context of Japan), leading to 95% of the annual microplastic emissions, are crucial for pollution control of urban rivers. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that surface area-normalized microplastic emissions from an urban catchment (∼0.8 tons/km2/annum) is globally relevant, especially for planning microplastic interventions for developed cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachithra Imbulana
- Environmentally-friendly Industries for Sustainable Development Laboratory, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Shuhei Tanaka
- Environmentally-friendly Industries for Sustainable Development Laboratory, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Ibukun Oluwoye
- Environmentally-friendly Industries for Sustainable Development Laboratory, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan; Curtin Corrosion Centre, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia
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20
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Li G, Pei Z, Li Y, Yang R, Wang P, Liang Y, Zhang J, Zhang Q, Jiang G. A high-precision, effective method for extraction and identification of small-sized microplastics from soil. Talanta 2024; 272:125802. [PMID: 38368834 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.125802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
A growing evidence showed that the terrestrial ecosystem was a greater sink for microplastics (MPs) compared with ocean. Owing to the limitation of pretreatment methods, there are few reports on the identification of small-sized MPs(<60 μm) in soil currently, which may led to an underestimation of the environmental risk of MPs in soil system. In this study, we established an efficient pretreatment method for MPs in soils by developing a novel device, Plastic Flotation and Separator system (PFSS). The device integrated the suspension, digestion and filtration procedures into one system, reducing the losses of pretreatment process. It was shown that the recovery of MPs with size of 45 μm was 90%, significantly surpassing that of the traditional pretreatment methods in this particle size range. Combined with the SEM-Raman technique, MPs with small size were accurately determined. This work provides an effective method for the extraction and determination of MPs in soils and is of significance for the risk assessment of MPs in soil system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Taishan Institute for Eco-Environment, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Zhiguo Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Yingming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Ruiqiang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Taishan Institute for Eco-Environment, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Pu Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Yong Liang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Jilong Zhang
- State Nuclear Security Technology Center, Beijing, 102445, China
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
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21
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Chen S, Liu H, Sun Y, Li S, Shi Y, Cheng Z, Zhu H, Sun H. Phthalate Biomarkers Composition in Relation to Fatty Liver: Evidence from Epidemiologic and in vivo studies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171607. [PMID: 38461993 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Phthalates, classified as environmental endocrine disruptors, pose potential toxicity risks to human health. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease is one of the most widespread liver diseases globally. Compared to studies focusing on metabolic disorders in relation to pollutants exposure, the impact of individual factors such as fatty liver on the in vivo metabolism of pollutants is always overlooked. Therefore, this study measured concentrations and composition of phthalate monoesters (mPAEs) in human urine samples, particularly those from fatty liver patients. Furthermore, we induced fatty liver in male Wistar rats by formulating a high-fat diet for twelve weeks. After administering a single dose of DEHP at 500 mg/kg bw through gavage, we compared the levels of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), its metabolites (mDEHPs) and three hepatic metabolic enzymes, namely cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450), UDP glucuronosyltransferase 1 (UGT1), and carboxylesterase 1 (CarE1), between the normal and fatty liver rat groups. Compared to healthy individuals (n = 75), fatty liver patients (n = 104) exhibited significantly lower urinary concentrations of ∑mPAEs (median: 106 vs. 166 ng/mL), but with a higher proportion of mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate in ∑mDEHPs (25.7 % vs. 9.9 %) (p < 0.05). In the animal experiment, we found that fatty liver in rats prolonged the elimination half-life of DEHP (24.61 h vs. 18.89 h) and increased the contents of CYP450, CarE1, and UGT1, implying the common but differentiated metabolism of DEHP as excess lipid accumulation in liver cells. This study provides valuable information on how to distinguish populations in biomonitoring studies across a diverse population and in assigning exposure classifications of phthalates or similar chemicals in epidemiologic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shucong Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hang Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yulian Sun
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Shuxian Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yixuan Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zhipeng Cheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hongkai Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
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22
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Xue Y, Lu H, Feng S, Kang J, Guan Y, Li H, Zhang K, Weiss L. Standardization of monitoring data reassesses spatial distribution of aquatic microplastics concentrations worldwide. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 254:121356. [PMID: 38430756 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121356] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are found in continental and oceanic waters worldwide, but their spatial distribution shows an intricate pattern. Their driving factors remain difficult to identify and widely discussed due to insufficient and unstandardized monitoring data. Here, based on in situ experiments and hundreds of river samples from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, we formulate a model to standardize aquatic microplastic measurements. The model was applied to existing data on a global scale. These data are standardized to a 20 µm mesh size, resulting in a new spatial distribution of aquatic microplastic densities, with average concentrations of 554.93 ± 1352.42 items/m3 in Europe, 2558.90 ± 4799.62 in North America and 1741.94 ± 3225.09 in Asia. Excessive contaminations (microplastic concentration > 10⁴ items/m3) are in the Yangtze River, the Charleston Harbor Estuary, the Bodega Bay and the Winyah Bay. We show that, based on these standardized concentrations, new driving factors could be used to predict the global or regional microplastic distribution in continental waters, such as the Human Development Index with a correlation of 75.86% on a global scale, the nighttime lights with a correlation of 37.26 ± 0.30% in Europe and 39.02 ± 0.54% in Asia, and the Mismanagement Plastic Waste with a correlation of 61.21 ± 19.86% in North America. Mapping standardized concentrations of aquatic microplastics enables a better comparison of contamination levels between regions and reveals more accurate hotspots to better adapt remediation efforts and future plastic pollution scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Xue
- 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; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongwei Lu
- 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.
| | - Sansan Feng
- 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
| | - Jiajie Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
| | - Yanlong Guan
- College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Hengchen Li
- 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; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Keli 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
| | - Lisa Weiss
- University of Toulouse, IRD, CNRS, CNES, UPS, Laboratoire d'Etudes en Géophysique et Océanographie Spatiales (LEGOS), Toulouse F31400, France; University of Brest, IRD, CNRS, Ifremer, Laboratoire d'Océanographie Physique et Spatiale (LOPS), IUEM, Plouzané F29280, France
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23
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Rodrigues CC, Harayashiki CAY, S Pereira E, Rodrigues GLS, Neves BJ, Rocha TL. How do microplastics alter molluscicidal activity? Effects of weathered microplastics and niclosamide in developing freshwater snails. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171165. [PMID: 38395171 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Despite the wide distribution and persistence of microplastics (MPs), their interactive effects with molluscicides are unknown. Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, affects 236.6 million people worldwide. Niclosamide (NCL) is the only molluscicide recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and it is used to control the population of Schistosoma spp.'s intermediate host. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate of the interaction between polyethylene (PE) MPs and NCL, and their associated toxicity in the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata (Say 1818). Weathered PE MPs were characterized and theoretical analysis of NCL-MP adsorption nature was made using quantum mechanical calculations. The toxicity of NCL isolated (0.0265 to 0.0809 mg L-1) and under interaction with PE MPs (3400 μg L-1) in B. glabrata embryos and newly hatched snails was analyzed. In silico analysis confirmed the adsorption mechanisms of NCL into PE MPs. PE MPs decreased the NCL toxicity to both B. glabrata developmental stages, increasing their survival and NCL lethal concentrations, indicating concerns regarding NCL use as molluscicide in aquatic environments polluted by MPs. In conclusion, MPs may change the efficiency of chemicals used in snail control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cândido C Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Cyntia A Y Harayashiki
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Eufrásia S Pereira
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Gabriel L S Rodrigues
- Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bruno J Neves
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Thiago L Rocha
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
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24
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Chen H, Cheng Y, Wang Y, Ding Y, Wang C, Feng X, Fan Q, Yuan F, Fu G, Gao B, Liu K, Zou X. Microplastics: A potential proxy for tracing extreme flood events in estuarine environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170554. [PMID: 38309341 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The transport of microplastics (MPs) is susceptible to being influenced by catchment hydrology; however, there is a notable lack of research on their retention and responses to flood events in estuarine sedimentary records. Herein, we collected two cores in the Yangtze Estuary to explore their microplastic pollution, influencing factors and linkage to flood events. MP abundance exhibited a decreasing trend from the top to the bottom in both cores. Both plastic production and sediment mean grain size showed a significant positive correlation with MP abundance. The sedimentary record displayed a marked surge in MP abundance during the extreme flood period, suggesting a direct influence of flooding on MP deposition. The resuspension of upstream MPs and erosion of land-based MPs by heavy rain might be responsible for this increase. Furthermore, our study identified significant periodicities in MP abundance, closely aligned with the hydrological patterns of the Yangtze River. This study highlights the role of floods in fluvial MP distribution and proposes MPs as a proxy of extreme floods from the 20th century in estuarine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Chen
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yu Cheng
- Geological Survey of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210018, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yongcheng Ding
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Chenglong Wang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xuguang Feng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Geology and Metallogeny, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao 266061, China
| | - Qinya Fan
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Feng Yuan
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Guanghe Fu
- Nanjing Center, China Geological Survey, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Bingfei Gao
- Geological Survey of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210018, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Nanjing Center, China Geological Survey, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Xinqing Zou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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25
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Li Q, Zhang B, Liu W, Zou H. Strigolactones alleviate the toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) in maize (Zea mays L.). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170626. [PMID: 38325482 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics are widely used across various fields, yet their uptake can potentially exert adverse effects on plant growth and development, ultimately reducing yields. While there is growing awareness of the phytotoxicity caused by nanoplastics, our understanding of effective strategies to prevent nanoplastic accumulation in plants remains limited. This study explores the role of strigolactones (SLs) in mitigating the toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) in Zea mays L. (maize). SLs application markedly inhibited PS-NPs accumulation in maize roots, thus enhancing the root weight, shoot weight and shoot length of maize. Physiological analysis showed that SLs application activated the activities of antioxidant defence enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase, to decrease the malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage and alleviate the accumulation of H2O2 and O2.- induced by PS-NPs in maize plants. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that SLs application induced transcriptional reprogramming by regulating the expression of genes related to MAPK, plant hormones and plant-pathogen interaction signal pathways in maize treated with PS-NPs. Notably, the expression of genes, such as ZmAUX/IAA and ZmGID1, associated with phytohormones in maize treated with PS-NPs underwent significant changes. In addition, SLs induced metabolic dynamics changes related to amino acid biosynthesis, ABC transporters, cysteine and methionine metabolism in maize treated with PS-NPs. In summary, these results strongly reveal that SLs could serve as a strategy to mitigate the accumulation and alleviate the stress of PS-NPs in maize, which appears to be a potential approach for mitigating the phytotoxicity induced by PS-NPs in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaolu Li
- College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China
| | - Binglin Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China
| | - Weijuan Liu
- College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China.
| | - Huawen Zou
- College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China.
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26
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Chen J, Zhang S, Xu W, Chen C, Chen A, Lu R, Jing Q, Liu J. Exploring long-term global environmental impacts of chlorinated paraffins (CPs) in waste: Implications for the Stockholm and Basel Conventions and the global plastic treaty. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 185:108527. [PMID: 38422873 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Chlorinated paraffins (CPs), mainly short-chain CPs (SCCPs) and medium-chain CPs (MCCPs), are currently the most produced and used industrial chemicals related to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) globally. These chemicals are widely detected in the environment and in the human body. As the release of SCCPs and MCCPs from products represents only a small fraction of their stock in products, the potential long-term release of CPs from a large variety of products at the waste stage has become an issue of great concern. The results of this study showed that, by 2050, SCCPs and MCCPs used between 2000 and 2021 will cumulatively generate 226.49 Mt of CP-containing wastes, comprising 8610.13 kt of SCCPs and MCCPs. Approximately 79.72 Mt of CP-containing wastes is predicted to be generated abroad through the international trade of products using SCCPs and MCCPs. The magnitude, distribution, and growth of CP-containing wastes subject to environmentally sound disposal will depend largely on the relevant provisions of the Stockholm and Basel Conventions and the forthcoming global plastic treaty. According to multiple scenarios synthesizing the provisions of the three conventions, 26.6-101.1 Mt of CP-containing wastes will be subject to environmentally sound disposal as POP wastes, which would pose a great challenge to the waste disposal capacity of China, as well as for countries importing CP-containing products. The additional 5-year exemption period for MCCPs is expected to see an additional 10 Mt of CP-containing wastes subject to environmentally sound disposal. Thus, there is an urgent need to strengthen the Stockholm and Basel Conventions and the global plastic treaty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiazhe Chen
- State Key Joint Laboratory for Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shaoxuan Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory for Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Weiguang Xu
- State Key Joint Laboratory for Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chengkang Chen
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
| | - Anna Chen
- State Key Joint Laboratory for Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Rongjing Lu
- State Key Joint Laboratory for Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Qiaonan Jing
- State Key Joint Laboratory for Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jianguo Liu
- State Key Joint Laboratory for Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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Noman MA, Adyel TM, Macreadie PI, Trevathan-Tackett SM. Prioritising plastic pollution research in blue carbon ecosystems: A scientometric overview. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169868. [PMID: 38185172 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169868] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The Blue Carbon Ecosystems (BCEs), comprising mangroves, saltmarshes, and seagrasses, located at the land-ocean interface provide crucial ecosystem services. These ecosystems serve as a natural barrier against the transportation of plastic waste from land to the ocean, effectively intercepting and mitigating plastic pollution in the ocean. To gain insights into the current state of research, and uncover key research gaps related to plastic pollution in BCEs, this study conveyed a comprehensive overview using bibliometric, altmetric, and literature synthesis approaches. The bibliometric analysis revealed a significant increase in publications addressing plastic pollution in BCEs, particularly since 2018. Geographically, Chinese institutions have made substantial contributions to this research field compared to countries and regions with extensive BCEs and established blue carbon science programs. Furthermore, many studies have focused on mangrove ecosystems, while limited attention was given to exploring plastic pollution in saltmarsh, seagrass, and multiple ecosystems simultaneously. Through a systematic analysis, this study identified four major research themes in BCE-plastics research: a) plastic trapping by vegetated coastal ecosystems, b) microbial plastic degradation, c) ingestion of plastic by benthic organisms, and d) effects of plastic on blue carbon biogeochemistry. Upon synthesising the current knowledge in each theme, we employed a perspective lens to outline future research frameworks, specifically emphasising habitat characteristics and blue carbon biogeochemistry. Emphasising the importance of synergistic research between plastic pollution and blue carbon science, we underscore the opportunities to progress our understanding of plastic reservoirs across BCEs and their subsequent effects on blue carbon sequestration and mineralisation. Together, the outcomes of this review have overarching implications for managing plastic pollution and optimising climate mitigation outcomes through the blue carbon strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Abu Noman
- Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC 3125, Australia.
| | - Tanveer M Adyel
- Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC 3125, Australia; STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes campus, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Peter I Macreadie
- Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Stacey M Trevathan-Tackett
- Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC 3125, Australia.
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Ge A, Zhao S, Sun C, Yuan Z, Liu L, Chen L, Li F. Comparison of three digestion methods for microplastic extraction from aquaculture feeds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168919. [PMID: 38030012 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168919] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants found in aquaculture animals that may threaten human health through the food chain. However, there is a lack of effective methods for extracting MPs from aquaculture feeds containing complex components such as organic matter and fish bones. Therefore, in the present study, the extraction efficiency of three digestion methods using 30 % H2O2, Fenton reagent, and 30 % H2O2 + HNO3 for different particle sizes and types of MPs in aquaculture feeds was investigated and compared. The total digestion efficiency of the aquaculture feeds by 30 % H2O2 was 97.3 ± 0.1 %, while the recovery efficiency of MPs was 91.3 ± 1.1 % -103.1 ± 0.9 %. However, there was a large deviation in the extraction efficiency of MPs from aquaculture feeds by the Fenton reagent and 30 % H2O2 + HNO3. Notably, the surface morphology, particle size distribution, and oxidation degree of MPs hardly changed after 30 % H2O2 digestion. More importantly, the changes in the spectral features and carbonyl index of MPs after 30 % H2O2 digestion were smaller than those of the Fenton reagent and 30 % H2O2 + HNO3, which did not affect the identification of MPs. Overall, 30 % H2O2 was more efficient in extracting MPs from aquaculture feeds, and no significant effect on the characteristics of MPs was observed. This work provides novel insights into the effect of chemical pretreatment on the extraction of MPs in aquaculture feeds and provides an optimal protocol for the detection of MPs in aquaculture feeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Ge
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Shasha Zhao
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Green and High-value Marine Fine Chemical, School of Chemical Engineering and Environment, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China
| | - Cuizhu Sun
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Zixi Yuan
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Liuqingqing Liu
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Lingyun Chen
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Fengmin Li
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China.
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Portillo De Arbeloa N, Marzadri A. Modeling the transport of microplastics along river networks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 911:168227. [PMID: 37977379 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The excessive use of plastics in modern life has led to a significant increase in production and a corresponding rise in plastic waste generation. The slow degradation of plastics results in the introduction and accumulation of microplastics (MP) in the environment, posing environmental and health risks. River networks, acting as conduits between terrestrial and marine environments, play a crucial role in controlling the transport of MP. Predicting the complex processes of MP pathways in these environments is an ongoing challenge. To address this issue, we propose a model that integrates the advection-dispersion equation with anthropogenic MP loads and hydraulic river network characteristics. The validity of the model was assessed using literature data from three river networks worldwide. Model results show a good agreement between predictions and field observations (R2=0.72). Consequently, predicted MP data was used to perform a potential pollution assessment through the pollution load index, revealing in most cases higher MP contamination in headwaters stream and a dilution effect along the river network. The structure of the proposed model allows its further implementation to account for other transport mechanisms, interactions with other emerging contaminants (i.e., pharmaceuticals), and connections with other riverine environments, making it a valuable tool for understanding and mitigating MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Portillo De Arbeloa
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Trento 38123, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Marzadri
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Trento 38123, Italy.
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30
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Irfan T, Isobe A, Matsuura H. A particle tracking model approach to determine the dispersal of riverine plastic debris released into the Indian Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:115985. [PMID: 38184858 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115985] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Although the Indian Ocean receives a large amount of land-based plastic waste, the studies on pathways of riverine plastic debris are limited to date. Therefore, a particle tracking model that included ocean surface currents, horizontal diffusion, Stokes drift, windage, and beaching/re-drifting processes was developed to reproduce the behavior of riverine plastic debris in the Indian Ocean. The modeled particles were released in the model domain based on riverine plastic debris database. The maximum abundance of beached particles occurred during the southwesterly monsoon season, particularly in the Bay of Bengal. The particles released from the rivers were trapped in the northern Indian Ocean unless both Stokes drift and windage were excluded from transportation velocity. These results suggest that the riverine plastic debris was trapped in the northern Indian Ocean until it fragmented into less buoyant small microplastics drifting in the subsurface layer, free from windage and Stokes drift at increasing depths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahira Irfan
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga-Koen, Kasuga 816-8580, Japan.
| | - Atsuhiko Isobe
- Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga-Koen, Kasuga 816-8580, Japan
| | - Hiromi Matsuura
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga-Koen, Kasuga 816-8580, Japan
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31
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Andvik C, Bories P, Harju M, Borgå K, Jourdain E, Karoliussen R, Rikardsen A, Routti H, Blévin P. Phthalate contamination in marine mammals off the Norwegian coast. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:115936. [PMID: 38154171 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115936] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are used in plastics, found throughout the marine environment and have the potential to cause adverse health effects. In the present study, we quantified blubber concentrations of 11 phthalates in 16 samples from stranded and/or free-living marine mammals from the Norwegian coast: the killer whale (Orcinus orca), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas), white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris), harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), and harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). Five compounds were detected across all samples: benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP; in 50 % of samples), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP; 33 %), diisononyl phthalate (DiNP; 33 %), diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP; 19 %), and dioctyl phthalate (DOP; 13 %). Overall, the most contaminated individual was the white-beaked dolphin, whilst the lowest concentrations were measured in the killer whale, sperm whale and long-finned pilot whale. We found no phthalates in the neonate killer whale. The present study is important for future monitoring and management of these toxic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Andvik
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Pierre Bories
- INRS, Eau Terre Environnement center, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Mikael Harju
- The Climate and Environmental Research Institute NILU, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Katrine Borgå
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Eve Jourdain
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Orca Survey, Andenes, Norway
| | | | - Audun Rikardsen
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT -The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
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32
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Ferreira V. Macroplastic litter colonization by stream macroinvertebrates relative to that of plant litter: A meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 342:123108. [PMID: 38070646 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123108] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Environmental pollution by anthropogenic litter is a global concern, but studies specifically addressing the interaction between macroplastics and macroinvertebrates in streams are scarce. However, several studies on plant litter decomposition in streams have also used plastic strips as a methodological approach to assess if macroinvertebrates colonize plant litter mostly as a substrate or a food resource. Looking at these studies from the plastic strips perspective may provide useful information on the interaction between macroplastics and macroinvertebrates in streams. I carried out a meta-analysis of 18 studies that have compared macroinvertebrate colonization of macroplastic litter and plant litter in streams to estimate the overall macroinvertebrate colonization of macroplastic litter relative to plant litter, and identify moderators of this difference. Macroinvertebrate colonization of macroplastic litter was overall lower (by ∼ 40%) compared with plant litter. However, differences in macroinvertebrate colonization between macroplastic litter and plant litter were observed when considering leaf litter but not wood litter, which may be a poorer substrate and food resource for macroinvertebrates. Also, differences in macroinvertebrate colonization between macroplastic litter and leaf litter were observed for shredders, collectors and predators, but not for grazers that may feed on the biofilm developed on macroplastics. Macroplastic litter supported lower macroinvertebrate density, biomass, abundance, and richness, but higher macroinvertebrate diversity than leaf litter. Higher macroinvertebrate diversity on macroplastic litter may have occurred when macroplastics represented more heterogeneous substrates (e.g., mixture of plastic types) than leaf litter (e.g., needles). Differences in macroinvertebrate abundance between macroplastic litter and leaf litter were not significantly affected by plastic type, mesh opening size, plant functional group or plant identity. By testing previously untested hypotheses, this meta-analysis guides future empirical studies. Future studies should also consider the geographical areas most affected by macroplastic pollution and the plastic types most often found in the streams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Ferreira
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Wang T, Li B, Shi H, Ding Y, Chen H, Yuan F, Liu R, Zou X. The processes and transport fluxes of land-based macroplastics and microplastics entering the ocean via rivers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133623. [PMID: 38301445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Approximately 80% of marine plastic waste originates from land-based sources and enters oceans through rivers. Hence, to create effective regulations, it is crucial to thoroughly examine the processes by which land-based plastic waste flows into marine environments. To this end, this review covers the complete journey of macro- and microplastics from their initial input into rivers to their ultimate release into oceans. Here, we also discuss the primary influencing factors and current popular research topics. Additionally, the principles, applicability, accuracy, uncertainty, and potential improvement of the standard methods used for flux estimation at each stage are outlined. Emission estimates of land-based macro- and microplastics are typically assessed using the emission factor approach, coefficient accounting approach, or material flow analysis. Accurately estimating mismanaged plastic waste is crucial for reducing uncertainty in the macroplastic emission inventory. In our review of the processes by which land-originating plastics enter rivers, we categorized them into two major types: point-source and diffuse-source pollution. Land surface hydrological models simulate transport from diffuse sources to rivers, necessitating further research. Riverine (micro)plastic flux to the ocean is often estimated using monitoring statistics and watershed hydrological models at the watershed scale; however, standardized monitoring methods have not yet been established. At the global scale, algorithms based on river datasets are often used, which require further improvements in river data selection and microplastic number-mass conversion factors. Furthermore, the article summarizes the accuracy and sources of uncertainty of various methods. Future research efforts should focus on quantifying and mitigating uncertainties in resultant projections. Overall, this review deepens our understanding of the processes by which land-based plastic waste enters the ocean and helps scholars efficiently select or improve relevant methods when studying land-ocean transport fluxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Hazards Forecasting, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization & Nanjing Outskirts Sea-Atmosphere Interface Field Scientific Observation Research Station & College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China.
| | - Baojie Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yongcheng Ding
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Feng Yuan
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Rongze Liu
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization & Nanjing Outskirts Sea-Atmosphere Interface Field Scientific Observation Research Station & College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Xinqing Zou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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34
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Hong P, Xiao J, Liu H, Niu Z, Ma Y, Wang Q, Zhang D, Ma Y. An inversion model of microplastics abundance based on satellite remote sensing: a case study in the Bohai Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 909:168537. [PMID: 37979861 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, microplastics (MPs) as emerging contaminants have posed great risks to marine ecosystems and human health. However, non-continuous field sampling data makes it difficult to meet the needs of scientific research and pollution control of marine MPs. Consequently, the development of rapid monitoring techniques for marine MPs to achieve efficient acquisition of data is increasingly essential. Remote sensing technology provides a convenient and effective tool for monitoring and mapping marine MPs pollution. Therefore, we established an inversion model based on multiple regression by combining the remote sensing data and the measured data to predict the MPs pollution status in the Bohai Sea. The feature variables of a model are crucial to the prediction, and we proposed three methods of variable selection, namely successive projections algorithm (SPA), band combination method, and remote sensing index method. By comparing accuracy evaluation metrics, an approach based on SPA was selected to analyze the abundance and spatio-temporal distribution of MPs in the Bohai Sea in 2022. The determination coefficient of the SPA model is 0.75, and the root mean square error is 0.38 items/m3. The error of the model is within an acceptable range. It was found that the MPs abundance on the sea surface of the Bohai Sea varied significantly in different seasons and regions. This study indicates that satellite remote sensing technology has great potential in monitoring marine MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Hong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Marine Environmental Research and Service, School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jingen Xiao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Marine Environmental Research and Service, School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Hongtao Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Marine Environmental Research and Service, School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Zhiguang Niu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Marine Environmental Research and Service, School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yini Ma
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Dianjun Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Marine Environmental Research and Service, School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Yongzheng Ma
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Marine Environmental Research and Service, School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensor Technology and Biomedical Instrument, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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35
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Chen H, Wang T, Ding Y, Yuan F, Zhang H, Wang C, Wang Y, Wang Y, Song Y, Fu G, Zou X. A catchment-wide microplastic pollution investigation of the Yangtze River: The pollution and ecological risk of tributaries are non-negligible. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133544. [PMID: 38244455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The Yangtze River is an important global channel for plastics and microplastics (MPs) to enter the sea. However, the existing research on MPs in the Yangtze River has primarily focused on the mainstream region, without regarding the occurrence, spatial distribution, and ecological risks associated with tributaries, as well as their relationship with the mainstream. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a large-scale catchment-wide investigation of the surface water in the Yangtze River, encompassing MPs (48 µm-5 mm) of the mainstream and 15 important tributaries. Tributaries and upstream regions exhibited relatively higher levels of MPs compared with the mainstream and different sections of the river. The distribution of MPs is primarily influenced by the emission of arable land and the pH of water. Notably, the upstream tributary areas demonstrated the highest ecological risks associated with MPs. Further analysis highlighted that the tributaries accounted for a contribution ranging from 16% to 67% in quantity and from 14% to 90% in mass of the microplastics observed in the mainstream. Our results suggest that the pollution of tributaries and their associated ecological risk migration must be effectively regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Chen
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Teng Wang
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210013, China
| | - Yongcheng Ding
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Feng Yuan
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hexi Zhang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Chenglong Wang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yameng Wang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yuyang Song
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Guanghe Fu
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xinqing Zou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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36
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Micella I, Kroeze C, Bak MP, Strokal M. Causes of coastal waters pollution with nutrients, chemicals and plastics worldwide. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115902. [PMID: 38101060 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115902] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, coastal waters contain pollutants such as nutrients, plastics, and chemicals. Rivers export those pollutants, but their sources are not well studied. Our study aims to quantify river exports of nutrients, chemicals, and plastics to coastal waters by source and sub-basin worldwide. We developed a new MARINA-Multi model for 10,226 sub-basins. The global modelled river export to seas is approximately 40,000 kton of nitrogen, 1,800 kton of phosphorous, 45 kton of microplastics, 490 kton of macroplastics, 400 ton of triclosan and 220 ton of diclofenac. Around three-quarters of these pollutants are transported to the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Diffuse sources contribute by 95-100 % to nitrogen (agriculture) and macroplastics (mismanaged waste) in seas. Point sources (sewage) contribute by 40-95 % to phosphorus and microplastics in seas. Almost 45 % of global sub-basin areas are multi-pollutant hotspots hosting 89 % of the global population. Our findings could support strategies for reducing multiple pollutants in seas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Micella
- Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Carolien Kroeze
- Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam P Bak
- Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Maryna Strokal
- Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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37
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Cividanes M, Aguiar-González B, Gómez M, Herrera A, Martínez I, Pham CK, Pérez L, Machín F. Lagrangian tracking of long-lasting plastic tags: From lobster fisheries in the USA and Canada to Macaronesia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115908. [PMID: 38086104 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115908] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Plastic waste from the fishing industry, particularly lobster trap identification tags from the USA and Canada, poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems due to its resilience. This study unveils a novel link between North American fisheries and the appearance of these plastic tags in Macaronesia. Collected in the Azores and Canary Islands, these tags offer a unique insight into the sources and spatio-temporal scales of marine plastic pollution. Ocean model data indicates the Labrador Current and Gulf Stream as key forces transporting these tags. Virtual particle simulations show a small fraction reaching Macaronesia (4.12 % in the Azores, 0.76 % in the Canary Islands), suggesting real ocean drift. The Azores, with more collected tags, are more susceptible, and tags can reach Macaronesia in under a year. These findings underscore the urgency of better waste management and emphasize the role of citizen science in monitoring and combating marine pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Cividanes
- Oceanografía Física y Geofísica Aplicada (OFYGA), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands 35017, Spain
| | - Borja Aguiar-González
- Oceanografía Física y Geofísica Aplicada (OFYGA), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands 35017, Spain.
| | - May Gómez
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands 35017, Spain
| | - Alicia Herrera
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands 35017, Spain
| | - Ico Martínez
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands 35017, Spain
| | - Christopher K Pham
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, Horta 9900-138, Portugal
| | - Laura Pérez
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, Horta 9900-138, Portugal
| | - Francisco Machín
- Oceanografía Física y Geofísica Aplicada (OFYGA), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands 35017, Spain
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Chen R, Zhao X, Wu X, Wang J, Wang X, Liang W. Research progress on occurrence characteristics and source analysis of microfibers in the marine environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115834. [PMID: 38061148 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic microfiber pollution is a growing concern in the marine environment. However, critical issues associated with microfiber origins in marine environments have not been resolved. Herein, the potential sources of marine microfibers are systematically reviewed. The obtained results indicate that surface runoffs are primary contributors that transport land-based microfibers to oceans, and the breakdown of larger fiber plastic waste due to weathering processes is also a notable secondary source of marine microfibers. Additionally, there are three main approaches for marine microplastic source apportionment, namely, anthropogenic source classification, statistical analysis, and numerical simulations based on the Lagrangian particle tracking method. These methods establish the connections between characteristics, transport pathways and sources of microplastics, which provides new insights to further conduct microfiber source apportionment. This study helps to better understand sources analysis and transport pathways of microfibers into oceans and presents a scientific basis to further control microfiber pollution in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouzheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China.
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Junyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Weigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
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Tan Y, Dai J, Xiao S, Tang Z, Zhang J, Wu S, Wu X, Deng Y. Occurrence of microplastic pollution in rivers globally: Driving factors of distribution and ecological risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:165979. [PMID: 37543313 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics, as global emerging pollutants, have received significant attention worldwide due to their ubiquitous presence in the rivers. However, there is still a lack of clarity on the occurrence, driving factors, and ecological risks of microplastics in rivers worldwide. In this study, a global microplastic dataset based on 862 water samples and 445 sediment samples obtained from 63 articles was constructed, which revealed the temporal and spatial distribution of abundance and morphological characteristics of microplastics in rivers across the globe. In global rivers, the abundance of MPs in both water and sediment spans across 10 and 4 orders of magnitude, respectively. The MP comprehensive diversity index based on the physical morphological characteristics of MPs indicated a significant positive correlation between the pollution sources of MPs in different environmental media. Based on the data was aligned to the full-scale MPs, a novel framework was provided to evaluate the ecological risk of MPs and the interaction effects between the influencing factors driving the distribution characteristics of MPs in rivers around the world. The results obtained demonstrated a wide variation in the key driving factors affecting the distribution of microplastics in different environmental media (water and sediment) in rivers globally. The diversity indices of the morphological characteristics of MPs in densely populated areas of lower-middle income countries in Asia were significantly higher, implying that the sources of microplastics in these regions are more complex and extensive. More than half of the rivers are exposed to potential ecological risks of MPs; however, microplastics may pose only immediate risks to aquatic species in Burigang River, Bangladesh. This can provide valuable insights for formulating more effective scientific strategies for the management of MP pollution in rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Tan
- College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625000, China; State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China; State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jiangyu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Shuwen Xiao
- College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625000, China
| | - Zhiqiang Tang
- College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625000, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Shiqiang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xiufeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yu Deng
- College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625000, China.
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40
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Yuan B, Gan W, Sun J, Lin B, Chen Z. Depth profiles of microplastics in sediments from inland water to coast and their influential factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166151. [PMID: 37562610 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics, plastic particles with a size smaller than 5 mm, are widely observed in the global environments and pose a growing threat as they accumulate and affect the environments in numerous ways. These particles can be transported from inland water to coast and disperse from surface water to deep sediments, especially the latter, while knowledge of the hidden microplastics in sediment layers is still lacking. Understanding the characteristics and behavior of microplastics in deep sediments from inland water to coast is crucial for estimating the present and future global plastic budget from land to seas. Herein, present knowledge of microplastic sedimentation from inland water to coast is reviewed, with a focus on the physical characteristics of microplastics and environmental factors that affect sedimentation. The abundance, shape, composition, and timeline of microplastics in sediment layers in rivers, floodplains, lakes, estuaries and coastal wetlands are presented. The abundance of microplastics in sediment layers varies across sites and may exhibit opposite trends along depth, and generally the proportion of relatively small microplastics increases with depth, while less is known about the vertical trends in the shape and composition of microplastics. Timeline of microplastics is generally linked to the sedimentation rate, which varies from millimeters to centimeters per year in the reviewed studies. The spatiotemporal characteristics of microplastic sedimentation depend on the settling and erosion of microplastics, which are determined by two aspects, microplastic characteristics and environmental factors. The former aspect includes size, shape and density influenced by aggregation and biofouling, and the latter includes dynamic forces, topographic features, bioturbation and human activities. The comprehensive review of these factors highlights the needs to further quantify the characteristics of microplastic sedimentation and explore the role of these factors in microplastic sedimentation on various spatiotemporal scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yuan
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, 519082 Zhuhai, China; State Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Engineering, Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Wenhui Gan
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, 519082 Zhuhai, China
| | - Jian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Engineering, Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China.
| | - Binliang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Engineering, Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Zhihe Chen
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, 519082 Zhuhai, China.
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Napper IE, Baroth A, Barrett AC, Bhola S, Chowdhury GW, Davies BFR, Duncan EM, Kumar S, Nelms SE, Niloy MNH, Nishat B, Maddalene T, Smith N, Thompson RC, Koldewey H. The distribution and characterisation of microplastics in air, surface water and sediment within a major river system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:166640. [PMID: 37647965 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are key pathways for the transfer of microplastics (MP) to marine environments. However, there are considerable uncertainties about the amount of microplastics transported by rivers to the ocean; this results in inaccuracies in our understanding of microplastic quantity and transport by freshwater systems. Additionally, it has been suggested that rivers may represent long-term sinks, with microplastics accumulating in sediment due to their high density or other biological, chemical, and physical factors. The atmosphere is also an important pathway by which airborne microplastics may enter aquatic habitats. Here, we compare for first time microplastics type and concentration in these key environmental mediums (air, water and sediment) along a major river (Ganges), from sea to source to understand 1) the abundance, 2) the spatial distribution, and 3) characteristics. Mean microplastic abundance settling from the atmosphere was 41.12 MP m2 day-1; while concentrations in sediment were 57.00 MP kg-1 and in water were 0.05 MP L-1. Across all sites and environmental mediums, rayon (synthetically altered cellulose) was the dominant polymer (54-82 %), followed by acrylic (6-23 %) and polyester (9-17 %). Fibres were the dominant shape (95-99 %) and blue was the most common colour (48-79 %). Across water and sediment environmental mediums, the number of microplastics per sample increased from the source of the Ganges to the sea. Additionally, higher population densities correlated with increased microplastic abundance for air and water samples. We suggest that clothing is likely to be the prominent source of microplastics to the river system, influenced by atmospheric deposition, wastewater and direct input (e.g. handwashing of clothes in the Ganges), especially in high density population areas. However, we suggest that subsequent microplastic release to the marine environment is strongly influenced by polymer type and shape, with a large proportion of denser microplastics settling in sediment prior to the river discharging to the ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imogen E Napper
- International Marine Litter Research Unit, University of Plymouth, UK; School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, UK.
| | - Anju Baroth
- Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Aaron C Barrett
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, UK
| | - Sunanda Bhola
- Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Gawsia W Chowdhury
- Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; WildTeam, 69/1 New Circular Road, Malibagh, Dhaka 1217, Bangladesh
| | - Bede F R Davies
- Nantes Université, Institut des Substances et Organismes de la Mer, ISOMer, UR2160, Nantes, F-44000, France
| | - Emily M Duncan
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, UK
| | - Sumit Kumar
- Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sarah E Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, UK
| | - Md Nazmul Hasan Niloy
- Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; WildTeam, 69/1 New Circular Road, Malibagh, Dhaka 1217, Bangladesh
| | | | - Taylor Maddalene
- National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, USA; University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Natalie Smith
- International Marine Litter Research Unit, University of Plymouth, UK; Plymouth Marine Laboratory, UK
| | - Richard C Thompson
- International Marine Litter Research Unit, University of Plymouth, UK; School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, UK
| | - Heather Koldewey
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, UK; Zoological Society of London, London, UK
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42
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Sun C, Yang X, Gu Q, Jiang G, Shen L, Zhou J, Li L, Chen H, Zhang G, Zhang Y. Comprehensive analysis of nanoplastic effects on growth phenotype, nanoplastic accumulation, oxidative stress response, gene expression, and metabolite accumulation in multiple strawberry cultivars. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 897:165432. [PMID: 37437629 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165432] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) have emerged as a novel environmental threat due to their potential impacts on both animals and plants. Currently, research on the ecotoxicity of NPs has mainly focused on marine aquatic organisms and freshwater algae, with very limited investigations conducted on horticultural plants. This study examined the effects of varying concentrations (0, 1, 10, 50 mg·L-1) of polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs) on strawberry growth. The findings revealed that low concentrations of PS-NPs stimulated strawberry growth, whereas high concentrations impeded it. Notably, diverse strawberry cultivars displayed considerable differences in their sensitivity to PS-NP exposure. Laser scanning confocal microscopy confirmed the absorption of PS-NPs by strawberry roots, with variations in PS-NP accumulation observed across different cultivars. Comparative transcriptomics analysis suggested that the differential expression of genes responsible for calcium ion transport played a significant role in the observed intervarietal differences in PS-NP accumulation among strawberry cultivars. Furthermore, distinct variations in endogenous oxidative responses were observed in different strawberry cultivars under PS-NP treatment. Further analysis indicated that the down-regulation of peroxidase (POD) gene expression and terpenoid compounds accumulation were responsible for heightened endogenous oxidative stress observed in certain strawberry cultivars under PS-NP treatment. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed on six strawberry cultivars to investigate their response to PS-NPs in terms of endogenous gene expression and metabolite accumulation. The results identified one commonly up-regulated gene (wall-associated receptor kinase-like) and sixteen commonly down-regulated genes associated with lipid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism. In addition, a significant reduction in fatty acid metabolite accumulation was observed in the six strawberry cultivars under PS-NP treatment. These findings have significant implications for understanding the effects of NPs on strawberry growth, metabolism, and antioxidant responses, as well as identifying marker genes for monitoring and evaluating the impact of NP pollution on strawberry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chendong Sun
- Institute of Horticulture, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaofang Yang
- Institute of Horticulture, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qijuan Gu
- Key Laboratory of Microbiol Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Institute of Microbiology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guihua Jiang
- Institute of Horticulture, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lan Shen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Ningbo Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiayan Zhou
- Agricultural Technology Extension Center of Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Long Li
- Agricultural Technology Extension Center of Jiande, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hexiu Chen
- Agricultural Technology Extension Center of Jiande, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guofang Zhang
- Institute of Biotechnology, Ningbo Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Yuchao Zhang
- Institute of Horticulture, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
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43
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Ma M, Zhao J, Xu D, Gao B. Using optimized particle imaging of micro-Raman to characterize microplastics in water samples. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165031. [PMID: 37355109 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Characterizing the chemical properties, morphologies, size, and quantities of microplastics (MPs) in water samples with high precision is critically important for understanding the environmental behaviors of MPs. Traditional detection methods, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy point-by-point detection, provide worthy reference techniques but are time- and labor-consuming. We established a super time-saving and high-precision technique to characterize MPs using micro-Raman automatic particle identification (MR-API). Based on the identification of PS spheres, screen magnification, exposure time, and the number of scans are selected as crucial detection parameters for MR-API analysis, which highly affect the precision of the results. Detecting particles down to 1 μm requires magnification of the mosaic until the scale showed 200 μm. The recommended setting parameters were 83.33 or 100 ms exposure time, 20 scans, 7 mW laser power, and 1 μm image pixel size, suitable for polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyamide (PA) particles detection. With the complete procedure of MR-API measurements, the recovery of MPs was 61.67-90.00 %. To validate the feasibility of the MR-API, the method was used to detect samples of known plastic types (mask leachates) and unknown plastic types (urban lake). A total of 4540 particles in the sample of mask leachates consuming 35 h 50 min 43 s, and 0.92 ± 0.49 % of particles were identified as MPs. The urban river sample efficiently identified PP, PET, PE, PVC, PS, EVA, and VC/VAC MPs using this method. The detected MPs size ranged from 8.3 to 5000 μm, saving 75.03 % and 58.38 % of the time compared to the conventional micro-FTIR and micro-Raman point-by-point methods, respectively. Therefore, this method is effective for detecting MPs in the environmental samples and has excellent prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minglu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China; Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China; Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Jian Zhao
- Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China; Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Dongyu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Bo Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China.
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Gan M, Zhang Y, Shi P, Cui L, Sun H. Microplastic pollution in typical seasonal rivers in northern China: temporal variation and risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:1479-1490. [PMID: 37581367 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00281k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are important channels for the transport of microplastics (MPs) from land to sea. In this work, the temporal variation and risk assessment of MP pollution in the surface water of the Wei River, a typical seasonal river in northern China, were quantified. The number abundance of MPs in the dry season was significantly higher than that in the wet season (p < 0.05). Fiber was the most abundant type of MP in both dry and wet seasons. Infrared spectrometer and Raman spectroscopy identification showed that polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) were the major polymers found in both dry and wet seasons, and the mixture of different MP polymers was more diverse in the dry season. The risk assessment showed that the average pollution load index (PLI) and risk quotient (RQ) were 2.10 and 1.19 in the dry season, which significantly decreased to 1.25 and 0.74, respectively, in the wet season (p < 0.05). In total, the results from this study highlight the characteristics of seasonal rivers that influence the temporal distribution and risk assessment of microplastics, providing scientific reference for policymakers and river managers to effectively deal with MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mufan Gan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China.
| | - Peng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, China
| | - Lingzhou Cui
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Haotian Sun
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China.
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45
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Feng Q, An C, Chen Z, Lee K, Wang Z. Identification of the driving factors of microplastic load and morphology in estuaries for improving monitoring and management strategies: A global meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 333:122014. [PMID: 37336353 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries are one of the primary pathways for transferring microplastics (MPs) from the land to the ocean. A comprehensive understanding of the load, morphological characteristics, driving factors, and potential risks of MPs in estuaries is imperative to inform reliable management in this critical transboundary area. Extracted from 135 publications, a global meta-analysis comprising 1477 observations and 124 estuaries was conducted. MP abundance in estuaries was tremendously variable, reaching a mean of 21,342.43 ± 122,557.53 items/m3 in water and 1312.79 ± 6295.73 items/kg in sediment. Fibers and fragments take up a majority proportion in estuaries. Polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene are the most detected MP types. Around 68.73% and 85.51% of MPs detected in water and sediment are smaller than 1 μm. The redundancy analysis revealed that the explanatory factors influencing the morphological characteristics of MPs differed between water and sediment. Regression analysis shows that MP abundance in water is significantly inversely correlated with mesh/filter size, per capita plastic waste, and the Human Development Index, whereas it is significantly positively correlated with population density and share of global mismanaged plastic waste. MP abundance in sediment significantly positively correlated with aridity index and probability of plastic entering the ocean, while significantly negatively correlated with mesh/filter size. Analysis based on Geodector identified that the extraction method, density of flotation fluid, and sampling depth are the top three explanatory factors for MP abundance in water, while the share of global mismanaged plastic waste, the probability of plastic being emitted into the ocean, and population density are the top three explanatory factors for MP abundance in sediment. In the studied estuaries, 46.75% of the water and 2.74% of the sediment are categorized into extremely high levels of pollution, while 73.08% of the water and 43.48% of the sediment belong to class V of the potential ecological index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Feng
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, H3G 1M8, Canada.
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ecosystem Science, Ottawa, K1A 0E6, Canada
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, H3G 1M8, Canada
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46
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Kumayon I, Prajapati S, Brinkmann M, Kahan TT. Levels and composition of microplastics and microfibers in the South Saskatchewan River and stormwater retention ponds in the City of Saskatoon, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:95367-95375. [PMID: 37548793 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29077-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, contamination of the environment with microplastics and microfibers has been recognized as a pervasive and ubiquitous issue of global concern. While much research in this field has been undertaken in marine environments, more recent studies have identified rivers as major conveyors of plastic pollution from terrestrial into marine systems. However, reports on the levels and composition of microplastic and microfiber contamination in rivers of the Canadian prairie region, specifically the South Saskatchewan River (SSR), are scarce, which leaves this vital source of water for societies and ecosystems in a vulnerable state. To fill this gap, we obtained samples from seven sites along the Saskatchewan portion of the SSR, as well as three stormwater retention ponds (SRP) in the city of Saskatoon during the spring, summer, and fall of 2020. We used optical and Raman microscopy to enumerate and characterize particles in these samples. Total levels of particles and fibers in all samples ranged from 32 to 116 particles m-3. Most particles (approximately 77%) were natural fibers, while polymers accounted for the remaining 33%. Average microplastic levels were lower (3.18 ± 3 particles m-3) downstream of Lake Diefenbaker, a large reservoir on the SSR, compared to upstream (12.0 ± 9 particles m-3). Retention of microplastics in the reservoir could explain the lower mean microplastic concentration of 4.43 ± 3 particles m-3 recorded in the SSR compared to mean concentrations of 26.2 ± 18 particles m-3 reported in the North Saskatchewan River, which is not dammed. This study is among the first to describe microplastic and microfiber levels in the SSR and thereby helps improve our understanding of this pervasive environmental contaminant on the Canadian prairies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iyanu Kumayon
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Saurabh Prajapati
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Markus Brinkmann
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
- Global Institute for Water Security, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
| | - Tara Tara Kahan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Global Institute for Water Security, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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47
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Chen Z, Li G, Bowen M, Coco G. Retention of buoyant plastic in a well-mixed estuary due to tides, river discharge and winds. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115395. [PMID: 37639863 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115395] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries can act as plastic retention hotspots, but the hydrodynamic controls on retention are not well understood. This study investigates the retention of river-sourced buoyant plastics in a well-mixed estuary, the Waitematā Estuary, using validated numerical simulations of floats with different tides, winds, and freshwater discharge. The proportion of floats grounded on the shore in all seven simulations is higher than 60 % and over 90 % in five simulations after ten days. <20 % of the floats leave the estuarine mouth in any of the simulations. An increase of two orders of magnitude in freshwater discharge doubles the likelihood for floats to reach the lower estuary. However, we find increased freshwater discharge doubles the lateral circulation towards the shore and results in similar proportions of grounding (90 %) as the low discharge cases. These findings challenge the conventional view that plastics preferentially enter the open ocean after high river discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Chen
- School of Environment, Faculty of Science, the University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Gaoyang Li
- School of Environment, Faculty of Science, the University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Melissa Bowen
- School of Environment, Faculty of Science, the University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Giovanni Coco
- School of Environment, Faculty of Science, the University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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48
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Strokal M, Vriend P, Bak MP, Kroeze C, van Wijnen J, van Emmerik T. River export of macro- and microplastics to seas by sources worldwide. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4842. [PMID: 37563145 PMCID: PMC10415377 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40501-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Seas are polluted with macro- (>5 mm) and microplastics (<5 mm). However, few studies account for both types when modeling water quality, thus limiting our understanding of the origin (e.g., basins) and sources of plastics. In this work, we model riverine macro- and microplastic exports to seas to identify their main sources in over ten thousand basins. We estimate that rivers export approximately 0.5 million tons of plastics per year worldwide. Microplastics are dominant in almost 40% of the basins in Europe, North America and Oceania, because of sewage effluents. Approximately 80% of the global population live in river basins where macroplastics are dominant because of mismanaged solid waste. These basins include many African and Asian rivers. In 10% of the basins, macro- and microplastics in seas (as mass) are equally important because of high sewage effluents and mismanaged solid waste production. Our results could be useful to prioritize reduction policies for plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Strokal
- Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Paul Vriend
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management, Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Mirjam P Bak
- Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carolien Kroeze
- Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jikke van Wijnen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Tim van Emmerik
- Hydrology and Quantitative Water Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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49
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Hu J, Ye F, Zhang S, Li H, Bao Q, Gan J, Ye Q, Wang W. Multi-dimensional visualization of ingestion, biological effects and interactions of microplastics and a representative POP in edible jellyfish. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108028. [PMID: 37343326 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Due to their ubiquity and potential risks, microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are concerning environmental issues. Yet there are still significant knowledge gaps in understanding the tissue-specific accumulation and dynamic change of MPs and NPs in the aquatic organism and how these micro/nano-scale emerging contaminants interact with other environmental pollutants such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Here, in vivo imaging systems (IVIS), radioisotope tracing, and histological staining were innovatively used to reveal the fate and toxicity of fluorescently-labeled MPs/NPs and 14C-labeled 2,4,4'-trichlorobiphenyl (PCB28) in edible jellyfish Rhopilema esculentum. These contaminants' ingestion, biological effects, and interactions were visualized at cellular, tissue, and whole-body multidimensional levels. Both MPs and NPs were shown to be preferentially accumulated in the mouthlets of oral arms, and most ingested MPs/NPs were present in the extracellular environment instead of being internalized into the mesoglea. Moreover, the presence of MPs or NPs in the seawater significantly inhibited the bioaccumulation of PCB28 in the jellyfish tissue, thus alleviating physiological alteration, gastric damage, and apoptosis caused by PCB28. This study provides a multi-dimensional visualization strategy to display the distribution and biological effects of typical pollutants in marine organisms and offers new insights for understanding the impacts of MPs/NPs and POPs on marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jirong Hu
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture of PRC and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Feiyang Ye
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture of PRC and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Sufen Zhang
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture of PRC and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hao Li
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture of PRC and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qian Bao
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture of PRC and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jay Gan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Qingfu Ye
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture of PRC and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture of PRC and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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50
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Zhou X, Xiao C, Li X, Chen T, Yang X. Microplastics in coastal blue carbon ecosystems: A global Meta-analysis of its distribution, driving mechanisms, and potential risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:163048. [PMID: 36990230 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics, as emerging pollutants, have become a global environmental concern. Blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs) are threatened by microplastics. Although substantial studies have explored the dynamics and threats of microplastics in BCEs, the fate and driving factors of microplastics in BCEs on a global scale remain largely unknown. Here, the occurrence, driving factors, and risks of microplastics in global BCEs were investigated by synthesizing a global meta-analysis. The results showed that the abundance of microplastics in BCEs has notable spatial differences worldwide, with the highest microplastic concentrations in Asia, especially in South and Southeast Asia. Microplastic abundance is influenced by the vegetation habitat, climate, coastal environment, and river runoff. The interaction of geographic location, ecosystem type, coastal environment, and climate enhanced the effects of microplastic distribution. In addition, we found that microplastic accumulation in organisms varied according to feeding habits and body weight. Significant accumulation was observed in large fish; however, growth dilution effects were also observed. The effect of microplastics on the organic carbon content of sediments from BCEs varies by ecosystem; microplastic concentrations do not necessarily increase organic carbon sequestration. Global BCEs are at a high risk of microplastic pollution, with high microplastic abundance and toxicity driving the high pollution risk. Finally, this review provides scientific evidence that will form the basis for future microplastic research, focusing on the transport of microplastics in BCEs; effects on the growth, development, and primary productivity of blue carbon plants; and soil biogeochemical cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Cunde Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xueying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Tao Chen
- School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Xiaofan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510006, China.
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