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de França FJ, Moens T, da Silva RB, Pessoa GL, França DA, Dos Santos GA. Short-term microplastic effects on marine meiofauna abundance, diversity and community composition. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17641. [PMID: 39099655 PMCID: PMC11297435 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Due to the copious disposal of plastics, marine ecosystems receive a large part of this waste. Microplastics (MPs) are solid particles smaller than 5 millimeters in size. Among the plastic polymers, polystyrene (PS) is one of the most commonly used and discarded. Due to its density being greater than that of water, it accumulates in marine sediments, potentially affecting benthic communities. This study investigated the ingestion of MP and their effect on the meiofauna community of a sandy beach. Meiofauna are an important trophic link between the basal and higher trophic levels of sedimentary food webs and may therefore be substantially involved in trophic transfer of MP and their associated compounds. Methods We incubated microcosms without addition of MP (controls) and treatments contaminated with PS MP (1-µm) in marine sediments at three nominal concentrations (103, 105, 107particles/mL), for nine days, and sampled for meiofauna with collections every three days. At each sampling time, meiofauna were collected, quantified and identified to higher-taxon level, and ingestion of MP was quantified under an epifluorescence microscope. Results Except for Tardigrada, all meiofauna taxa (Nematoda, turbellarians, Copepoda, Nauplii, Acari and Gastrotricha) ingested MP. Absorption was strongly dose dependent, being highest at 107 particles/mL, very low at 105 particles/mL and non-demonstrable at 103 particles/mL. Nematodes accumulated MP mainly in the intestine; MP abundance in the intestine increased with increasing incubation time. The total meiofauna density and species richness were significantly lower at the lowest MP concentration, while at the highest concentration these parameters were very similar to the control. In contrast, Shannon-Wiener diversity and evenness were greater in treatments with low MP concentration. However, these results should be interpreted with caution because of the low meiofauna abundances at the lower two MP concentrations. Conclusion At the highest MP concentration, abundance, taxonomic diversity and community structure of a beach meiofauna community were not significantly affected, suggesting that MP effects on meiofauna are at most subtle. However, lower MP concentrations did cause substantial declines in abundance and diversity, in line with previous studies at the population and community level. While we can only speculate on the underlying mechanism(s) of this counterintuitive response, results suggest that further research is needed to better understand MP effects on marine benthic communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia J.L. de França
- Campus Recife, Center for Biosciences, Department of Zoology, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Tom Moens
- Marine Biology Lab, Biology Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Renan B. da Silva
- Campus Recife, Center for Biosciences, Department of Zoology, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Giovanna L. Pessoa
- Campus Recife, Center for Biosciences, Department of Zoology, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Débora A.A. França
- Campus Recife, Center for Biosciences, Department of Zoology, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Giovanni A.P. Dos Santos
- Campus Recife, Center for Biosciences, Department of Zoology, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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De Felice B, Gazzotti S, Ortenzi MA, Parolini M. Multi-level toxicity assessment of polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics on the cladoceran Daphnia magna. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 272:106966. [PMID: 38815345 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106966] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The accumulation of plastics waste in the environment has raised a worrisome concern, moving the society to seek out for sustainable solutions, such as the transition from the use of fossil-based, conventional plastics to bioplastics (BPs). However, once in the environment bioplastics have the same probability to accumulate and experience weathering processes than conventional plastics, leading to the formation of microplastics (MPs). However, to date the information on the potential toxicity of MPs originated from the weathering of bioplastics is limited. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the adverse effects induced by the exposure to MPs made of a bioplastic polymer, the polylactic acid (PLA), towards the freshwater cladoceran Daphnia magna. Organisms were exposed for 21 days to three concentrations (0.125 µg/mL, 1.25 µg/mL and 12.5 µg/mL) of PLA microplastics (hereafter PLA-MPs). A multi-level approach was performed to investigate the potential effects through the biological hierarchy, starting from the sub-individual up to the individual level. At the sub-individual level, changes in the oxidative status (i.e., the amount of reactive oxygen species and the activity of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes) and oxidative damage (i.e., lipid peroxidation) were explored. Moreover, the total caloric content as well as the content of protein, carbohydrate and lipid content assess were used to investigate the effects on energy reserves. At individual level the changes in swimming activity (i.e., distance moved and swimming speed) were assessed. Our results showed that the exposure to PLA-MPs induced a slight modulation in the oxidative status and energy reserves, leading to an increase in swimming behavior of treated individuals compared to control conspecifics. These results suggest that the exposure to MPs made of a bioplastic polymer can induce adverse effects similar to those caused by conventional polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice De Felice
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Gazzotti
- University of Milan, Laboratory of Materials and Polymers (LaMPo), Department of Chemistry, via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Aldo Ortenzi
- University of Milan, Laboratory of Materials and Polymers (LaMPo), Department of Chemistry, via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Parolini
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
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3
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Zhang YT, Zhang Z, Zhang M, Zhang C, Chen H, Wang F, Xie L, Mu J. Surface functional groups on nanoplastics delay the recovery of gut microbiota after combined exposure to sulfamethazine in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 267:106813. [PMID: 38183774 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106813] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics can interact with antibiotics, altering their bioavailability and the ensuing toxicity in marine organisms. It is reported that plain polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics decrease the bioavailability and adverse effects of sulfamethazine (SMZ) on the gut microbiota in Oryzias melastigma. However, the influence of surface functional groups on the combined effects with SMZ remains largely unknown. In this study, adult O. melastigma were fed diet amended with 4.62 mg/g SMZ and 3.65 mg/g nanoplastics (i.e., plain PS, PS-COOH and PS-NH2) for 30 days (F0-E), followed by a depuration period of 21 days (F0-D). In addition, the eggs produced on the last day of exposure were cultured under standard protocols without further exposure for 2 months (F1 fish). The results showed that the alpha diversity or the bacterial community of gut microbiota did not differ among the SMZ + PS, SMZ + PS-COOH, and SMZ + PS-NH2 groups in the F0-E and F1 fish. Interestingly, during the depuration, a clear recovery of gut microbiota (e.g., increases in the alpha diversity, beneficial bacteria abundances and network complexity) was found in the SMZ + PS group, but not for the SMZ + PS-COOH and SMZ + PS-NH2 groups, indicating that PS-COOH and PS-NH2 could prolong the toxic effect of SMZ and hinder the recovery of gut microbiota. Compared to plain PS, lower egestion rates of PS-COOH and PS-NH2 were observed in O. melastigma. In addition, under the simulated fish digest conditions, the SMZ-loaded PS-NH2 was found to desorb more SMZ than the loaded PS and PS-COOH. These results suggested that the surface -COOH and -NH2 groups on PS could influence their egestion efficiency and the adsorption/desorption behavior with SMZ, resulting in a long-lasting SMZ stress in the gut during the depuration phase. Our findings highlight the complexity of the carrier effect and ecological risk of surface-charged nanoplastics and the interactions between nanoplastics and antibiotics in natural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ting Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory on Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Marine Biodiversity, College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory on Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Marine Biodiversity, College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Mingdong Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory on Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Marine Biodiversity, College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Chaoyue Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory on Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Marine Biodiversity, College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Hongxing Chen
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Feipeng Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory on Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Marine Biodiversity, College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Lingtian Xie
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Jingli Mu
- Fujian Key Laboratory on Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Marine Biodiversity, College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350108, China.
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Jimenez-Guri E, Murano C, Paganos P, Arnone MI. PVC pellet leachates affect adult immune system and embryonic development but not reproductive capacity in the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115604. [PMID: 37820449 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115604] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a major concern of our age, eliciting a range of effects on organisms including during embryonic development. Plastic preproduction pellets stunt the development of sea urchins through the leaching of teratogenic compounds. However, the effect of these leachates on adult sea urchins and their fertility is unknown. Here we investigate the effect of PVC leachates on the capacity to produce normal embryos, and demonstrate that adults kept in contaminated water still produce viable offspring. However, we observe a cumulative negative effect by continued exposure to highly polluted water: adult animals had lower counts and disturbed morphological profiles of immune cells, were under increased oxidative stress, and produced embryos less tolerant of contaminated environments. Our findings suggest that even in highly polluted areas, sea urchins are fertile, but that sublethal effects seen in the adults may lead to transgenerational effects that reduce developmental robustness of the embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Jimenez-Guri
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.
| | - Carola Murano
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Periklis Paganos
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Ina Arnone
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
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Digka N, Patsiou D, Kaberi H, Krasakopoulou E, Tsangaris C. Microplastic ingestion and its effects οn sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus: A field study in a coastal East Mediterranean environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115613. [PMID: 37820450 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115613] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are recognized as an increasing threat to the marine environment, but little is known about their effects on benthic organisms, including sea urchins, when ingested. For this purpose, wild sea urchins (P. lividus) and seafloor sediment samples were investigated across three coastal areas of Zakynthos Island (Ionian Sea), each exposed to different anthropogenic pressures, revealing a consistent pattern in MP abundance, shape, and color. Biomarkers related to oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and genotoxicity showed no significant effects of MP ingestion in the sea urchins, except for a positive correlation between GST activity and ingested MPs, suggesting a possible activation of their detoxification system in response to MP ingestion. While MP concentrations in sea urchins and sediments were within the low range reported in the global literature, it remains crucial to conduct further investigations in areas with MP pollution approaching predicted levels to fully comprehend the potential effects of MP pollution on marine organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikoletta Digka
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km, Athinon-Souniou Ave., P.O. Box 712, 19013 Anavyssos, Greece; Department of Marine Sciences, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, University Hill, 81132 Mytilene, Greece.
| | - Danae Patsiou
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km, Athinon-Souniou Ave., P.O. Box 712, 19013 Anavyssos, Greece
| | - Helen Kaberi
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km, Athinon-Souniou Ave., P.O. Box 712, 19013 Anavyssos, Greece
| | - Evangelia Krasakopoulou
- Department of Marine Sciences, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, University Hill, 81132 Mytilene, Greece
| | - Catherine Tsangaris
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km, Athinon-Souniou Ave., P.O. Box 712, 19013 Anavyssos, Greece
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Ridall A, Asgari S, Ingels J. The role of microbe-microplastic associations in marine Nematode feeding behaviors. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122308. [PMID: 37543070 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122308] [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: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Fauna across many taxa and trophic levels have been shown to consume microplastics (MPs) in experiments, providing evidence that supports field-based gut content assessments. Multiple explanations exist regarding why fauna consume MPs, one of which posits that microbial growth on MPs may facilitate faunal ingestion. However, laboratory assessments on the reasons why MPs are consumed remain limited. Here, we assessed if the presence of microbes on MPs altered marine nematode feeding behaviors across current and potential future concentrations of MPs in a local system. We used a microcosm experiment in which field-collected sediment was spiked with bacterially treated or untreated fluorescent plastic microbeads (1.0-5.0 μm) in concentrations of 102, 104, and 106 per microcosm, representing local and potential future concentrations of MPs. Ingestion by the dominant interstitial fauna was investigated after 0, 3, and 7 days using bright field microscopy. Nematodes were the only fauna across microcosms that consumed MPs, but this consumption was variable and there were no apparent trends across exposure time, bacterial treatment, or MP concentration. There were also no genera- or feeding-type-specific trends in the number of MPs consumed, though four of the top five nematode genera that consumed MPs were pollution-tolerant genera. Our study demonstrates that microbe-MP associations do not drive marine nematodes to eat MPs, especially at local field concentrations. While there were no trends across any of the nematode genera in our study, we recognize that unrealistic MP concentrations in other studies may provide alternative explanations for nematode consumption of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Ridall
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA; Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, 3618 Coastal Highway 98, St Teresa, FL, 32358, USA.
| | - Sean Asgari
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Jeroen Ingels
- Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, 3618 Coastal Highway 98, St Teresa, FL, 32358, USA
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7
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Gallo A, Murano C, Notariale R, Caramiello D, Tosti E, Cecchini Gualandi S, Boni R. Immune and Reproductive Biomarkers in Female Sea Urchins Paracentrotus lividus under Heat Stress. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1216. [PMID: 37627280 PMCID: PMC10452167 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The functioning of the immune and reproductive systems is crucial for the fitness and survival of species and is strongly influenced by the environment. To evaluate the effects of short-term heat stress (HS) on these systems, confirming and deepening previous studies, female sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus were exposed for 7 days to 17 °C, 23 and 28 °C. Several biomarkers were detected such as the ferric reducing power (FRAP), ABTS-based total antioxidant capacity (TAC-ABTS), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), total thiol levels (TTL), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and protease (PA) activities in the coelomic fluid (CF) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), H2O2 content and intracellular pH (pHi) in eggs and coelomocytes, in which TAC-ABTS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) were also analyzed. In the sea urchins exposed to HS, CF analysis showed a decrease in FRAP levels and an increase in TAC-ABTS, TTL, MPO and PA levels; in coelomocytes, RNS, MMP and H2O2 content increased, whereas pHi decreased; in eggs, increases in MMP, H2O2 content and pHi were found. In conclusion, short-term HS leads to changes in five out of the six CF biomarkers analyzed and functional alterations in the cells involved in either reproductive or immune activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (A.G.); (R.N.); (E.T.)
| | - Carola Murano
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy;
| | - Rosaria Notariale
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (A.G.); (R.N.); (E.T.)
| | - Davide Caramiello
- Unit Marine Resources for Research, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (A.G.); (R.N.); (E.T.)
| | | | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (A.G.); (R.N.); (E.T.)
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo lucano, 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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Chen H, Chen M, Gu Y, Jiang Y, Ding P, Wang C, Pan R, Shi C, Li H. Microbial colonization of microplastics in wastewater accelerates the aging process associated with oxidative stress and the insulin/IGF1 signaling pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121954. [PMID: 37271365 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Although polystyrene (PS)-induced toxicity in organisms has been documented, adverse effects on lifespan and molecular mechanisms underlying microbial colonization of PS remain elusive. Herein, physicochemical properties of biofilm-developed PS (B-PS) incubated in wastewater were altered compared with virgin PS (V-PS). Bacterial community adherence to the B-PS surface were also impacted. Acute exposure to V-PS (100 μg/L) and B-PS (10 μg/L) significantly altered the mean lifespan and lipofuscin accumulation of Caenorhabditis elegans, suggesting that B-PS exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations could more severely accelerate the aging process than V-PS. Generation of ROS, gst-4::GFP expression, and oxidative stress-related gene expression were significantly altered following B-PS exposure. Moreover, B-PS exposure increased the nucleus-cytoplasm translocation of DAF-16 and altered the expression of genes encoding the insulin/IGF1 signaling (IIS) pathway. Compared with wild-type nematodes, the daf-16 mutation markedly enhanced lipofuscin accumulation and reduced mean lifespan, whereas daf-2, age-1, pdk-1, and akt-1 mutants could recover lipofuscin accumulation and mean lifespan. Accordingly, B-PS exposure accelerated the aging process associated with oxidative stress and the IIS pathway, and the DAF-2-AGE-1-PDK-1-AKT-1-DAF-16 signaling cascade may play a critical role in regulating the lifespan of C. elegans. This study provides new insights into the potential risks associated with microbial colonization of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Chen
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Mengfan Chen
- Shanghai Honess Environmental Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 202150, PR China
| | - Yulun Gu
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Yongqi Jiang
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Ping Ding
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, PR China
| | - Chen Wang
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Ruolin Pan
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Chongli Shi
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Hui Li
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China.
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Sun C, Teng J, Wang D, Zhao J, Shan E, Wang Q. The adverse impact of microplastics and their attached pathogen on hemocyte function and antioxidative response in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 325:138381. [PMID: 36907490 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widely distributed in marine environments, and they are easily attached by various microorganisms, including pathogenic bacteria. When bivalves mistakenly eat MPs, pathogenic bacteria attached to MPs enter their bodies through the Trojan horse effect, causing adverse effects. In this study, the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis was exposed to aged polymethylmethacrylate MPs (PMMA-MPs, 20 μm) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus attached to PMMA-MPs to explore the effect of synergistic exposure by measuring lysosomal membrane stability, ROS content, phagocytosis, apoptosis in hemocytes, antioxidative enzyme activities and apoptosis-related gene expression in gills and digestive glands. The results showed that MP exposure alone did not cause significant oxidative stress in mussels, but after long-term coexposure to MPs and V. parahaemolyticus, the activities of antioxidant enzymes were significantly inhibited in the gills of mussels. Both single MP exposure and coexposure will affect hemocyte function. Coexposure can induce hemocytes to produce higher ROS, improve phagocytosis, significantly reduce the stability of the lysosome membrane, and induce the expression of apoptosis-related genes, causing apoptosis of hemocytes compared with single MP exposure. Our results demonstrate that MPs attached to pathogenic bacteria have stronger toxic effects on mussels, which also suggests that MPs with pathogenic bacteria might have an influence on the immune system and cause disease in mollusks. Thus, MPs may mediate the transmission of pathogens in marine environments, posing a threat to marine animals and human health. This study provides a scientific basis for the ecological risk assessment of MP pollution in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaofan Sun
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Jia Teng
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Dongyu Wang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Encui Shan
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR 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, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China.
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10
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Murano C, Nonnis S, Scalvini FG, Maffioli E, Corsi I, Tedeschi G, Palumbo A. Response to microplastic exposure: An exploration into the sea urchin immune cell proteome. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 320:121062. [PMID: 36641070 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121062] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
It is now known that the Mediterranean Sea currently is one of the major hotspot for microplastics (MPs; < 5 mm) pollution and that the risks will be even more pronounced in the coming years. Thus, the in-depth study of the mechanisms underlying the MPs toxicity in key Mediterranean organisms, subjected to high anthropic pressures, has become a categorical imperative to pursue. Here, we explore for the first time the sea urchins immune cells profile combined to their proteome upon in vivo exposure (72 h) to different concentrations of polystyrene-microbeads (micro-PS) starting from relevant environmental concentrations (10, 50, 103, 104 MP/L). Every 24 h, immunological parameters were monitored. After 72 h, the abundance of MPs was examined in various organs and coelomocytes were collected for proteomic analysis based on a shotgun label free proteomic approach. While sea urchins treated with the lowest concentration tested (10 and 50 micro-PS/L) did not show the presence of micro-PS in any tissue, in the specimens exposed to the highest concentration (103 and 104 micro-PS) there was an internalisation of 9.75 ± 2.75 and 113.75 ± 34.5 MP/g, respectively. Proteomic analyses revealed that MPs exposure altered coelomocytes protein profile not only compared to the control group but also among the different micro-PS concentrations and these variations are micro-PS concentration dependent. The proteins exclusively expressed in the coelomocytes of specimens exposed to MPs are mainly metabolite interconversion enzymes, involved in cellular processes, indicating a severe alteration of the cellular metabolic pathways. Overall, these findings provide new insights on the mode of action of MPs in the sea urchin immune cells both at the molecular and cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Murano
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Nonnis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (DIVAS), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy; CRC "Innovation for Well-being and Environment" (I-WE), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Grassi Scalvini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (DIVAS), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Maffioli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (DIVAS), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriella Tedeschi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (DIVAS), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy; CRC "Innovation for Well-being and Environment" (I-WE), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Anna Palumbo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.
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11
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Zhi Xiang JK, Bairoliya S, Cho ZT, Cao B. Plastic-microbe interaction in the marine environment: Research methods and opportunities. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 171:107716. [PMID: 36587499 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 9 million metric tons of plastics enters the ocean annually, and once in the marine environment, plastic surfaces can be quickly colonised by marine microorganisms, forming a biofilm. Studies on plastic debris-biofilm associations, known as plastisphere, have increased exponentially within the last few years. In this review, we first briefly summarise methods and techniques used in exploring plastic-microbe interactions. Then we highlight research gaps and provide future research opportunities for marine plastisphere studies, especially, on plastic characterisation and standardised biodegradation tests, the fate of "environmentally friendly" plastics, and plastisphere of coastal habitats. Located in the tropics, Southeast Asian (SEA) countries are significant contributors to marine plastic debris. However, plastisphere studies in this region are lacking and therefore, we discuss how the unique environmental conditions in the SEA seas may affect plastic-microbe interaction and why there is an imperative need to conduct plastisphere studies in SEA marine environments. Finally, we also highlight the lack of understanding of the pathogenicity and ecotoxicological effects of plastisphere on marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Koh Zhi Xiang
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Sakcham Bairoliya
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Zin Thida Cho
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Bin Cao
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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12
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Pyl M, Taylor A, Oberhänsli F, Swarzenski P, Besson M, Danis B, Metian M. Evidence of microplastic-mediated transfer of PCB-153 to sea urchin tissues using radiotracers. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114322. [PMID: 36427378 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114322] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The present study reports the first experimental microplastic-mediated transfer of a key PCB congener into adult specimens of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Three experiments were conducted to assess whether 14C-PCB-153 adsorbed onto negatively buoyant microplastics (MPs) (500-600 μm) is bioavailable to the sea urchin: (1) exposure to a low concentration of 14C-PCB-153 sorbed onto a high number of virgin MPs ("lowPCB highMP" experiment), (2) exposure to a high concentration of 14C-PCB-153 sorbed onto a relatively low number of virgin MPs ("highPCB lowMP" experiment), and (3) exposure to a low concentration of 14C-PCB-153 sorbed onto a relatively low number of aged MP ("lowPCB lowMP" experiment). Results showed that the transfer of 14C-PCB-153 from MPs to sea urchin tissues occurred in each of the three 15-day experiments, suggesting that MPs located on the seafloor may act as vectors of PCB-153 to sea urchins even during short-term exposure events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Pyl
- Laboratoire de Biologie marine (CP 160/15), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Av. F.D. Roosevelt 50, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium; International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, Radioecology Laboratory, 4a, Quai Antoine 1er, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco.
| | - Angus Taylor
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, Radioecology Laboratory, 4a, Quai Antoine 1er, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - François Oberhänsli
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, Radioecology Laboratory, 4a, Quai Antoine 1er, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - Peter Swarzenski
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, Radioecology Laboratory, 4a, Quai Antoine 1er, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - Marc Besson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, United Kingdom; Sorbonne Université CNRS UMR Biologie des Organismes Marins, BIOM, Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
| | - Bruno Danis
- Laboratoire de Biologie marine (CP 160/15), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Av. F.D. Roosevelt 50, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Metian
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, Radioecology Laboratory, 4a, Quai Antoine 1er, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
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13
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Raguso C, Grech D, Becchi A, Ubaldi PG, Lasagni M, Guala I, Saliu F. Detection of microplastics and phthalic acid esters in sea urchins from Sardinia (Western Mediterranean Sea). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114328. [PMID: 36368079 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in wild purple sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus) of Sardinia (Italy, Western Mediterranean Sea) was surveyed. Specifically, MPs were analyzed in the digestive tract by μFTIR and PAEs in the gonads by SPME-LC-MS/MS. 9 out of 22 specimens resulted contaminated with MPs and 20 displayed levels of PAEs over the quantification limit. A total of 23 MPs were detected with a maximum concentration of 4 microplastics/individual in the commercially undersized specimens. PAEs displayed average concentration of 32 ng/g, σ = 5.3 with maximum value of 77 ng/g. The most abundant congeners were DEHP (17 ng/g, σ = 4.3) and DBP (10 ng/g, σ = 2.5). Statistical analysis showed correlation between DEHP and fiber concentrations and among the concentration of MEP, DEP, DBP and BBzP. Due to local use of sea urchin gonads as gourmet delicacy, the potential human exposition to MPs and PAEs by consumption is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Raguso
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Daniele Grech
- IMC - International Marine Centre, 09170 Loc.tà Sa Mardini, Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Becchi
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Giuseppe Ubaldi
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Ivan Guala
- IMC - International Marine Centre, 09170 Loc.tà Sa Mardini, Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy.
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14
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Lai KP, Tsang CF, Li L, Yu RMK, Kong RYC. Microplastics act as a carrier for wastewater-borne pathogenic bacteria in sewage. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 301:134692. [PMID: 35504476 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134692] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution, a pressing global environmental problem, has a severe impact on both aquatic ecosystems and public health worldwide. Due to the small size of microplastics, they are able to pass through the filtration systems of municipal wastewater treatment works (WWTWs). In recent years, studies have focused on the environmental abundance and ecotoxicological effects of microplastics, but there are limited studies investigating the colonization of microplastics by bacteria, especially those pathogenic ones. In this study, we examined the colonization and composition of the bacterial communities on polyethylene microbeads after incubation in raw sewage collected from three municipal WWTWs in Hong Kong (Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works, Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works, and Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicate that bacterial cells were colonized on the surfaces of the microbeads and formed biofilms after sewage incubation. Metagenomic sequencing data demonstrated an increase in bacterial diversity after 21 days of sewage incubation when compared to shorter incubation periods of 6, 11 and 16 days. Importantly, human and fish pathogens such as Arcobacter cryaerophilus, Aeromonas salmonicida, Vibrio areninigrae and Vibrio navarrensis were found in the resident bacterial communities. Taken together, our results demonstrate that microplastics could act as a carrier for wastewater-borne pathogenic bacteria in municipal sewage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keng Po Lai
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China; Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Chau Fong Tsang
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lei Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Richard Man Kit Yu
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Richard Yuen Chong Kong
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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15
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Trevisan R, Ranasinghe P, Jayasundara N, Di Giulio RT. Nanoplastics in Aquatic Environments: Impacts on Aquatic Species and Interactions with Environmental Factors and Pollutants. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10060326. [PMID: 35736934 PMCID: PMC9230143 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10060326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Plastic production began in the early 1900s and it has transformed our way of life. Despite the many advantages of plastics, a massive amount of plastic waste is generated each year, threatening the environment and human health. Because of their pervasiveness and potential for health consequences, small plastic residues produced by the breakdown of larger particles have recently received considerable attention. Plastic particles at the nanometer scale (nanoplastics) are more easily absorbed, ingested, or inhaled and translocated to other tissues and organs than larger particles. Nanoplastics can also be transferred through the food web and between generations, have an influence on cellular function and physiology, and increase infections and disease susceptibility. This review will focus on current research on the toxicity of nanoplastics to aquatic species, taking into account their interactive effects with complex environmental mixtures and multiple stressors. It intends to summarize the cellular and molecular effects of nanoplastics on aquatic species; discuss the carrier effect of nanoplastics in the presence of single or complex environmental pollutants, pathogens, and weathering/aging processes; and include environmental stressors, such as temperature, salinity, pH, organic matter, and food availability, as factors influencing nanoplastic toxicity. Microplastics studies were also included in the discussion when the data with NPs were limited. Finally, this review will address knowledge gaps and critical questions in plastics’ ecotoxicity to contribute to future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Trevisan
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88037-000, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Prabha Ranasinghe
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; (P.R.); (N.J.); (R.T.D.G.)
| | - Nishad Jayasundara
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; (P.R.); (N.J.); (R.T.D.G.)
| | - Richard T. Di Giulio
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; (P.R.); (N.J.); (R.T.D.G.)
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16
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Beloe CJ, Browne MA, Johnston EL. Plastic Debris As a Vector for Bacterial Disease: An Interdisciplinary Systematic Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:2950-2958. [PMID: 35129968 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c05405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pathogens and polymers can separately cause disease; however, environmental and medical researchers are increasingly investigating the capacity of polymers to transfer pathogenic bacteria, and cause disease, to hosts in new environments. We integrated causal frameworks from ecology and epidemiology into one interdisciplinary framework with four stages (colonization, survival, transfer, disease). We then systematically and critically reviewed 111 environmental and medical papers. We show 58% of studies investigated the colonization-stage alone but used this as evidence to classify a substratum as a vector. Only 11% of studies identified potential pathogens, with only 3% of studies confirming the presence of virulence-genes. Further, 8% of studies investigated μm-sized polymers with most (58%) examining less pervasive cm-sized polymers. No study showed bacteria can preferentially colonize, survive, transfer, and cause more disease on polymers compared to other environmental media. One laboratory experiment demonstrated plausibility for polymers to be colonized by a potential pathogen (Escherichia coli), survive, transfer, and cause disease in coral (Astrangia poculata). Our analysis shows a need for linked structured surveys with environmentally relevant experiments to understand patterns and processes across the vectoral stages, so that the risks and impacts of pathogens on polymers can be assessed with more certainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte J Beloe
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Mark Anthony Browne
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Emma L Johnston
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
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17
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Murano C, Vaccari L, Casotti R, Corsi I, Palumbo A. Occurrence of microfibres in wild specimens of adult sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816) from a coastal area of the central Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 176:113448. [PMID: 35217421 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the occurrence of anthropogenic fibres inside wild Paracentrotus lividus at a Mediterranean coastal area in 2020. From each sea urchin, the coelomic fluid was directly analysed while digestive tracts and gonads were removed, pre-treated with trypsin (0.3%) and digested with H2O2 (10%) before analysis. A total of 260 fibres and 1 fragment were found in 100 specimens, with an average of 2.6 items/individual. Fibres were more abundant in the digestive system, less in gonads and in the coelomic fluid, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of representative fibres identified 67% natural (cotton-based) and 33% synthetic polymers (polyester) suggesting their origin from textiles, possibly released from laundry sewages. Overall, these results encourage further in-depth investigations on fibres accumulation and potential transfer through the trophic chain up to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Murano
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Lisa Vaccari
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., S.S. 14 Km 163.5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Raffaella Casotti
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Palumbo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
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18
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Milito A, Cocurullo M, Columbro A, Nonnis S, Tedeschi G, Castellano I, Arnone MI, Palumbo A. Ovothiol ensures the correct developmental programme of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus embryo. Open Biol 2022; 12:210262. [PMID: 35042403 PMCID: PMC8767189 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovothiols are π-methyl-5-thiohistidines produced in great amounts in sea urchin eggs, where they can act as protective agents against the oxidative burst at fertilization and environmental stressors during development. Here we examined the biological relevance of ovothiol during the embryogenesis of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus by assessing the localization of the key biosynthetic enzyme OvoA, both at transcript and protein level, and perturbing its protein translation by morpholino antisense oligonucleotide-mediated knockdown experiments. In addition, we explored the possible involvement of ovothiol in the inflammatory response by assessing ovoA gene expression and protein localization following exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharide. The results of the present study suggest that ovothiol may be a key regulator of cell proliferation in early developing embryos. Moreover, the localization of OvoA in key larval cells and tissues, in control and inflammatory conditions, suggests that ovothiol may ensure larval skeleton formation and mediate inflammatory processes triggered by bacterial infection. This work significantly contributes to the understanding of the biological function of ovothiols in marine organisms, and may provide new inspiration for the identification of the biological activities of ovothiols in humans, considering the pharmacological potential of these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonsina Milito
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Genetics, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Cocurullo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Columbro
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Nonnis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,CRC 'Innovation for Well-Being and Environment' (I-WE), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Tedeschi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,CRC 'Innovation for Well-Being and Environment' (I-WE), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Immacolata Castellano
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Ina Arnone
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Palumbo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
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19
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Sucharitakul P, Pitt KA, Welsh DT. Trophic transfer of microbeads to jellyfish and the importance of aging microbeads for microplastic experiments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112867. [PMID: 34425362 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Concepts in microplastics studies are not well established due to the emerging nature of microplastic research, especially in jellyfish. We conducted experiments to test whether ephyrae would ingest more microbeads via trophic transfer than direct ingestion and whether medusae would ingest more aged microbeads than virgin microbeads. We exposed ephyrae of Aurelia coerulea to two treatments, aged microbeads and Artemia nauplii that had ingested microbeads. We found that the ephyrae ingested 35 times more microbeads via trophic transfer than by direct ingestion. In the second experiment, medusae of A. coerulea were exposed to virgin microbeads and microbeads in seawater under a 12/12 light/dark cycle or constant darkness. Ingestion rates of microbeads from the light incubation were greater than those from the dark incubation or virgin microbeads, suggesting the likely presence of photosynthetic organisms in biofilms from the light incubation increased the palatability of the microbeads and promoted their ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuping Sucharitakul
- Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, 4222, Australia.
| | - Kylie A Pitt
- Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, 4222, Australia
| | - David T Welsh
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4215, Australia; Future Industry Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5095, Australia
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