1
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Brander SM, Senathirajah K, Fernandez MO, Weis JS, Kumar E, Jahnke A, Hartmann NB, Alava JJ, Farrelly T, Almroth BC, Groh KJ, Syberg K, Buerkert JS, Abeynayaka A, Booth AM, Cousin X, Herzke D, Monclús L, Morales-Caselles C, Bonisoli-Alquati A, Al-Jaibachi R, Wagner M. The time for ambitious action is now: Science-based recommendations for plastic chemicals to inform an effective global plastic treaty. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 949:174881. [PMID: 39047828 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174881] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitous and global ecological footprint arising from the rapidly increasing rates of plastic production, use, and release into the environment is an important modern environmental issue. Of increasing concern are the risks associated with at least 16,000 chemicals present in plastics, some of which are known to be toxic, and which may leach out both during use and once exposed to environmental conditions, leading to environmental and human exposure. In response, the United Nations member states agreed to establish an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, the global plastics treaty. The resolution acknowledges that the treaty should prevent plastic pollution and its related impacts, that effective prevention requires consideration of the transboundary nature of plastic production, use and pollution, and that the full life cycle of plastics must be addressed. As a group of scientific experts and members of the Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, we concur that there are six essential "pillars" necessary to truly reduce plastic pollution and allow for chemical detoxification across the full life cycle of plastics. These include a plastic chemical reduction and simplification, safe and sustainable design of plastic chemicals, incentives for change, holistic approaches for alternatives, just transition and equitable interventions, and centering human rights. There is a critical need for scientifically informed and globally harmonized information, transparency, and traceability criteria to protect the environment and public health. The right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment must be upheld, and thus it is crucial that scientists, industry, and policy makers work in concert to create a future free from hazardous plastic contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne M Brander
- Oregon State University, Dept. Fisheries, Wildlife, Conservation Sciences; Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station, Newport, OR, USA.
| | - Kala Senathirajah
- School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Marina O Fernandez
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IBYME-CONICET), Argentina
| | - Judith S Weis
- Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Eva Kumar
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Annika Jahnke
- Department of Exposure Science, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr, Leipzig, Germany; Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Germany
| | - Nanna B Hartmann
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Juan José Alava
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Trisia Farrelly
- School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University, New Zealand
| | - Bethanie Carney Almroth
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Ksenia J Groh
- Eawag - Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Duebendorf, Switzerland
| | - Kristian Syberg
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Johanna Sophie Buerkert
- Centre for Climate Change Law and Governance, Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Amila Abeynayaka
- Quantitative Sustainability Assessment, Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Lyngby, Denmark; Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | | | - Xavier Cousin
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, INRAE, Palavas, France
| | - Dorte Herzke
- NILU & Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - Laura Monclús
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Andrea Bonisoli-Alquati
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Rana Al-Jaibachi
- Department of Bioscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Wagner
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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2
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Chang M, Sun P, Zhang L, Liu Y, Chen L, Ren H, Wu B. Changes in characteristics and risk of freshwater microplastics under global warming. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 260:121960. [PMID: 38908311 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121960] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics present a significant threat to freshwater ecosystems. However, the impact of global warming on their characteristics and associated risks remains uncertain. This study collected 2793 sample sites from literature and datasets to create a new risk assessment and rank methodology, known as the Multi-characteristics Potential Ecological Risk Index (MPERI), which incorporates various microplastic characteristics, such as concentration, size distribution, color, shape, and polymer diversity. Using regression random forest models (RRF), this study predicted that a 10 °C increase would raise microplastic concentration from 12,465.34 ± 68,603.87 to 13,387.17 ± 60,692.96 particles/m3. The percentage of small-size microplastics initially decreased (from 69.10 % to 68.72 %) and then increased (from 68.72 % to 68.78 %), while the diversity of color, shape, and polymer decreased by 0.29 %, 3.24 %, and 0.17 %, respectively. Furthermore, global warming could increase the rank of microplastic risks from high (405.25 ± 528.9) to dangerous (535.37 ± 582.03) based on the MPERI method. Most countries would experience an increase in risk values, with Indonesia and Vietnam transitioning from low to medium risk, and China and Malaysia transitioning from high to dangerous risk. The feature importance assessment of the RRF model indicated that concentration was the most influential variable in determining the change in risk values. While other microplastic characteristics had a lesser impact compared to concentration, they still influenced the risk ranking. This study highlights the role of global warming in shaping microplastic risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Peipei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Linyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yuxuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hongqiang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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3
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Cheung CKH, Not C. Early signs of plastic degradation and fragmentation: A 40-day study in marine environments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 207:116809. [PMID: 39126776 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Conventional plastics are widely present in the ocean as marine plastic debris. This in-situ study investigates the degradability and fragmentation of seven common conventional plastics (PET, PVC, PS, EPS, PP, HDPE, and LDPE) in natural marine environments over a 40-day period. All plastics showed significant chemical changes and oscillating plastic oxidation levels, indicating the synergistic processes of oxidation and removal of oxidation products. Polystyrenes and polymers with heteroatoms showed the largest degradation potentials, while pure polyolefins exhibited the highest fragmentation risks. SEM images suggest potentials of EPS and pure polyolefins in generating microplastic fragments, and polymers with heteroatoms in generating nanoplastic fragments. PS did not exhibit any surface degradation signs, potentially due to enhanced crystallinity through oxidation. The findings highlight the need for reduced usage of EPS and pure polyolefins which are commonly applied as disposable utensils and food packaging, and prioritized cleanup of these polymers to reduce microplastic pollution in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coco Ka Hei Cheung
- Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong; The Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
| | - Christelle Not
- Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong; The Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
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Kumar D, Biswas JK, Mulla SI, Singh R, Shukla R, Ahanger MA, Shekhawat GS, Verma KK, Siddiqui MW, Seth CS. Micro and nanoplastics pollution: Sources, distribution, uptake in plants, toxicological effects, and innovative remediation strategies for environmental sustainability. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 213:108795. [PMID: 38878390 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108795] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs), are minute particles resulting from plastic fragmentation, have raised concerns due to their widespread presence in the environment. This study investigates sources and distribution of MNPs and their impact on plants, elucidating the intricate mechanisms of toxicity. Through a comprehensive analysis, it reveals that these tiny plastic particles infiltrate plant tissues, disrupting vital physiological processes. Micro and nanoplastics impair root development, hinder water and nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and induce oxidative stress and cyto-genotoxicity leading to stunted growth and diminished crop yields. Moreover, they interfere with plant-microbe interactions essential for nutrient cycling and soil health. The research also explores the translocation of these particles within plants, raising concerns about their potential entry into the food chain and subsequent human health risks. The study underscores the urgency of understanding MNPs toxicity on plants, emphasizing the need for innovative remediation strategies such as bioremediation by algae, fungi, bacteria, and plants and eco-friendly plastic alternatives. Addressing this issue is pivotal not only for environmental conservation but also for ensuring sustainable agriculture and global food security in the face of escalating plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmendra Kumar
- Department of Botany, University of Delhi, New Delhi-110007, Delhi, India
| | - Jayanta Kumar Biswas
- International Centre for Ecological Engineering, Department of Ecological Studies, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia- 741235, West Bengal, India
| | - Sikandar I Mulla
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Allied Health Sciences, REVA University, Bangalore- 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - Rachana Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida- 201308, India
| | - Ravindra Shukla
- Department of Botany, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak- 484887, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Mohammad Abass Ahanger
- Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
| | - Gyan Singh Shekhawat
- Department of Botany, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, 342005, Rajasthan, India
| | - Krishan K Verma
- Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning-530007, China
| | - Mohammed Wasim Siddiqui
- Department of Food Science and Postharvest Technology, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour-813210, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India
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5
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Vlachogianni T, Scoullos M. Baseline assessment of macrolitter on the coastline of Algeria: Fit-for-purpose data for tailor-made measures to navigate the Plasticene Age. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116646. [PMID: 38936004 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116646] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Curbing the growing threat of marine litter requires reliable, coherent and fit-for-purpose data. The present study reports the findings of beach macrolitter surveys carried out in seventeen sites along the coastline of Algeria. The median litter density recorded along these sites amounted to 578 items per 100 m of coastline (range: 317-2684 items/100 m). Every surveyed beach exceeded the European threshold value of 20 items per 100 m of coastline by a significant margin. In addition, the evaluation conducted employing the Mediterranean threshold value of 130 items per 100 m of coastline indicated that each of the seventeen surveyed beaches resides within the non-Good Environmental Status spectrum. A significant proportion of the litter, accounting for 43 %, is attributed to food and beverage consumption-related items, highlighting the impact of single-use food packaging, including food and beverage containers resulting from unsustainable practices mainly by beach users and inadequate waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomais Vlachogianni
- Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE), Athens, Greece.
| | - Michael Scoullos
- Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE), Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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6
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Jiang Y, Yu J, Chen R, Wang S, Yang GP, Liu LF, Song XR. Impacts of nano- and micro-plastics exposure on zooplankton grazing, bacterial communities, and dimethylated sulfur compounds production in the microcosms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 360:124649. [PMID: 39095004 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is a prevalent volatile organic sulfur compound relevant to the global climate. Ecotoxicological effects of nano- and microplastics (NPs and MPs) on phytoplankton, zooplankton, and bacteria have been investigated by numerous studies. Yet, the influences of NPs/MPs on dimethylated sulfur compounds remains understudied. Herein, we investigated the impacts of polystyrene (PS) NPs/MPs (80 nm, 1 μm, and 10 μm) on zooplankton grazing, chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentration, bacterial community, dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), and DMS production in the microcosms. Our findings revealed that rotifer grazing increased the production of DMS in the absence of NPs/MPs but did not promote DMS production when exposed to NPs/MPs. The ingestion rates of the rotifer and copepod exposed to NPs/MPs at high concentrations were significantly reduced. NPs/MPs exposure significantly decreased DMS levels in the treatments with rotifers compared to the animal controls. In the bacterial microcosms, smaller NPs/MPs sizes were more detrimental to Chl a concentrations compared to larger sizes. The study revealed a stimulatory effect on Chl a concentrations, DMSPd concentrations, and bacterial abundances when exposed to 10 μm MP with low concentrations. The effects of NPs/MPs on DMS concentrations were both dose- and size-dependent, with NPs showing greater toxicity compared to larger MPs. NPs/MPs led to changes in bacterial community compositions, dependent on both dosage and size. NPs caused a notable decrease in the alpha diversities and richness of bacteria compared to MPs. These results provide insights into the influences of NPs/MPs on food webs, and subsequently organic sulfur compounds cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Juan Yu
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China.
| | - Rong Chen
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Su Wang
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Gui-Peng Yang
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Long-Fei Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Xin-Ran Song
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China
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7
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Yang Y, Wang J, Shi Y, Cao H, Wei L, Gao L, Liu M. Oxidation enhances the toxicity of polyethylene microplastics to mouse eye: Perspective from in vitro and in vivo. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 360:124633. [PMID: 39074689 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitously dispersed in the environment, and undergoing the process of oxidation that alters their physical and chemical properties. Eyes, which directly interface with the external milieu, inevitably encounter MPs. Nonetheless, the ophthalmic toxicity of MPs towards organisms remains unclear. In this study, primary mouse corneal epithelial cells (MCECs), C57BL/6 mice, and CX3CrlGFP/+ mice were utilized to evaluate the toxicity and differences between oxidized low-density polyethylene MPs (modified-MPs) and low-density polyethylene MPs (virgin-MPs) on eyes. The results manifested that virgin-MPs and modified-MPs could be endocytosed by primary MCECs, resulting in a range of cellular damage. Furthermore, they could diminish tear secretion, increase intraocular pressure, and could be internalized into cornea and retina in mice, instigating a series of detrimental reactions. Importantly, modified-MPs exhibited heightened toxicity towards mouse eyes, seemingly due to oxidation enhances the interaction between virgin-MPs/modified-MPs and tissues/cells, and leading to the release of toxic substances increased. In conclusion, our discoveries demonstrate that oxidation exacerbates the harm of virgin-MPs to eyes, and are of great significance for evaluating the risk of MPs to ocular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 222 South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Ji Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 222 South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yongpeng Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 222 South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Hanwen Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 222 South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Li Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 222 South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Lan Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 222 South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Mingxin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, No. 222 South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China.
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8
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Dogra K, Kumar M, Deoli Bahukhandi K, Zang J. Traversing the prevalence of microplastics in soil-agro ecosystems: Origin, occurrence, and pollutants synergies. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 266:104398. [PMID: 39032427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquity of plastics in modern life has made them a significant environmental concern and a marker of the Anthropocene era. The degradation of plastics results in the formation of microplastics (MPs), which measure 5 mm or less. The coexistence of MPs with other pollutants found in sludge, water treatment plant effluents, surface water, and groundwater, shapes the environmental landscape together. Despite extensive investigation, the long-term implications of MPs in soils remain uncertain, underscoring the importance of delving into their transportation and interactions with soil biota and other contaminants. The present article provides a comprehensive overview of MPs contamination in soil, encompassing its sources, prevalence, features, and interactions with soil flora and fauna, heavy metals, and organic compounds. The sources of MPs in soil agroecosystems are mulching, composting, littering, sewage sludge, irrigation water, and fertilizer application. The concentration of MPs reported in plastic mulch, littering, and sewage sludge is 503 ± 2760 items per kg-1, 4483 ± 2315 MPs/kg, and 11,100 ± 570 per/kg. The transport of MPs in soil agroecosystems is due to their horizontal and vertical migration including biotic and abiotic mobility. The article also highlighted the analytical process, which includes sampling planning, collection, purification, extraction, and identification techniques of MPs in soil agroecosystems. The mechanism in the interaction of MPs and organic pollutants includes surface adsorption or adhesion cation bridging, hydrogen bonding, charge transfer, ligand exchange, van der Waals interactions, and ion exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanika Dogra
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India; Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterey, Monterrey 64849, Nuevo León, Mexico.
| | - Kanchan Deoli Bahukhandi
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Jian Zang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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9
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Chen H, Huang D, Zhou W, Deng R, Yin L, Xiao R, Li S, Li F, Lei Y. Hotspots lurking underwater: Insights into the contamination characteristics, environmental fates and impacts on biogeochemical cycling of microplastics in freshwater sediments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135132. [PMID: 39002483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments has become a significant concern, with freshwater sediments acting as terminal sinks, rapidly picking up these emerging anthropogenic particles. However, the accumulation, transport, degradation and biochemical impacts of MPs in freshwater sediments remain unresolved issues compared to other environmental compartments. Therefore, this paper systematically revealed the spatial distribution and characterization information of MPs in freshwater (rivers, lakes, and estuaries) sediments, in which small-size (<1 mm), fibers, transparent, polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) predominate, and the average abundance of MPs in river sediments displayed significant heterogeneity compared to other matrices. Next, the transport kinetics and drivers of MPs in sediments are summarized, MPs transport is controlled by the particle diversity and surrounding environmental variability, leading to different migration behaviors and transport efficiencies. Also emphasized the spatio-temporal evolution of MPs degradation processes and biodegradation mechanisms in sediments, different microorganisms can depolymerize high molecular weight polymers into low molecular weight biodegradation by-products via secreting hydrolytic enzymes or redox enzymes. Finally, discussed the ecological impacts of MPs on microbial-nutrient coupling in sediments, MPs can interfere with the ecological balance of microbially mediated nutrient cycling by altering community networks and structures, enzyme activities, and nutrient-related functional gene expressions. This work aims to elucidate the plasticity characteristics, fate processes, and potential ecological impact mechanisms of MPs in freshwater sediments, facilitating a better understanding of environmental risks of MPs in freshwater sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojie Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Danlian Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China; Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation, Hunan University, Guangzhou 511300, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Wei Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Rui Deng
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, PR China
| | - Lingshi Yin
- College of Water Resources & Civil Engineering, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China
| | - Ruihao Xiao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Sai Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Fei Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yang Lei
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
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10
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Ilvis P, Acosta J, Arancibia M, Casado S. Nanoscopic Characterization of Starch-Based Biofilms Extracted from Ecuadorian Potato ( Solanum tuberosum) Varieties. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1873. [PMID: 39000728 PMCID: PMC11244412 DOI: 10.3390/polym16131873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic plastic polymers are causing considerable emerging ecological hazards. Starch-based biofilms are a potential alternative. However, depending on the natural source and extraction method, the properties of starch can vary, affecting the physicochemical characteristics of the corresponding casted films generated from it. These differences might entail morphological changes at the nanoscale, which can be explored by inspecting their surfaces. Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a well-known tuber containing a high amount of starch, but the properties of the biofilms extracted from it are dependent on the specific variety. In this research, four Ecuadorian potato varieties (Leona Blanca, Única, Chola, and Santa Rosa) were analyzed and blended with different glycerol concentrations. The amylose content of each extracted starch was estimated, and biofilms obtained were characterized at both macroscopic and nanoscopic levels. Macroscopic tests were conducted to evaluate their elastic properties, visible optical absorption, water vapor permeability, moisture content, and solubility. It was observed that as the glycerol percentage increased, both moisture content and soluble matter increased, while tensile strength decreased, especially in the case of the Chola variety. These results were correlated to a surface analysis using atomic force microscopy, providing a possible explanation based on the topography and phase contrast observations made at the nanoscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Ilvis
- Food and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Department, Technical University of Ambato, Ambato 180207, Ecuador
| | - José Acosta
- Food and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Department, Technical University of Ambato, Ambato 180207, Ecuador
| | - Mirari Arancibia
- Food and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Department, Technical University of Ambato, Ambato 180207, Ecuador
| | - Santiago Casado
- Food and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Department, Technical University of Ambato, Ambato 180207, Ecuador
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11
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de Vogel FA, Goudriaan M, Zettler ER, Niemann H, Eich A, Weber M, Lott C, Amaral-Zettler LA. Biodegradable plastics in Mediterranean coastal environments feature contrasting microbial succession. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 928:172288. [PMID: 38599394 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172288] [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: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution of the ocean is a top environmental concern. Biodegradable plastics present a potential "solution" in combating the accumulation of plastic pollution, and their production is currently increasing. While these polymers will contribute to the future plastic marine debris budget, very little is known still about the behavior of biodegradable plastics in different natural environments. In this study, we molecularly profiled entire microbial communities on laboratory confirmed biodegradable polybutylene sebacate-co-terephthalate (PBSeT) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) films, and non-biodegradable conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films that were incubated in situ in three different coastal environments in the Mediterranean Sea. Samples from a pelagic, benthic, and eulittoral habitat were taken at five timepoints during an incubation period of 22 months. We assessed the presence of potential biodegrading bacterial and fungal taxa and contrasted them against previously published in situ disintegration data of these polymers. Scanning electron microscopy imaging complemented our molecular data. Putative plastic degraders occurred in all environments, but there was no obvious "core" of shared plastic-specific microbes. While communities varied between polymers, the habitat predominantly selected for the underlying communities. Observed disintegration patterns did not necessarily match community patterns of putative plastic degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fons A de Vogel
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike Goudriaan
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands
| | - Erik R Zettler
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands
| | - Helge Niemann
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands; Faculty of Geosciences, Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.115, 3508 TC Utrecht, the Netherlands; CAGE-Centre for Arctic Gas Hydrate, Environment and Climate, Department of Geosciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Andreas Eich
- HYDRA Marine Sciences GmbH, D-77815 Bühl, Germany
| | - Miriam Weber
- HYDRA Marine Sciences GmbH, D-77815 Bühl, Germany
| | | | - Linda A Amaral-Zettler
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands; Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, 1090 GE Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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12
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McMullen K, Calle P, Alvarado-Cadena O, Kowal MD, Espinoza E, Domínguez GA, Tirapé A, Vargas FH, Grant E, Hunt BPV, Pakhomov EA, Alava JJ. Ecotoxicological Assessment of Microplastics and Cellulose Particles in the Galápagos Islands and Galápagos Penguin Food Web. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:1442-1457. [PMID: 38695731 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution threatens some of the world's most iconic locations for marine biodiversity, including the remote Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Using the Galápagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) as a sentinel species, the present study assessed microplastics and suspected anthropogenic cellulose concentrations in surface seawater and zooplankton near Santa Cruz and Galápagos penguin colonies (Floreana, Isabela, Santiago), as well as in penguin potential prey (anchovies, mullets, milkfish) and penguin scat. On average, 0.40 ± 0.32 microplastics L-1 were found in surface seawater (<10 μm; n = 63 L), while 0.003, 0.27, and 5.12 microplastics individual-1 were found in zooplankton (n = 3372), anchovies (n = 11), and mullets (n = 6), respectively. The highest concentration (27 microplastics individual-1) was observed in a single milkfish. Calculations based on microplastics per gram of prey, in a potential diet composition scenario, suggest that the Galápagos penguin may consume 2881 to 9602 microplastics daily from prey. Despite this, no microplastics or cellulose were identified in 3.40 g of guano collected from two penguins. Our study confirms microplastic exposure in the pelagic food web and endangered penguin species within the UNESCO World Heritage site Galápagos Islands, which can be used to inform regional and international policies to mitigate plastic pollution and conserve biodiversity in the global ocean. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1442-1457. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karly McMullen
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paola Calle
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Omar Alvarado-Cadena
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Matthew D Kowal
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eduardo Espinoza
- Marine Ecosystem Monitoring Program, Galapagos National Park Directorate (Dirección del Parque Nacional Galápagos), Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
| | - Gustavo A Domínguez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Ana Tirapé
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | | | - Edward Grant
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brian P V Hunt
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Evgeny A Pakhomov
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Juan José Alava
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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13
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Sharma S, Bhardwaj A, Thakur M, Saini A. Understanding microplastic pollution of marine ecosystem: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:41402-41445. [PMID: 37442935 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28314-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are emerging as prominent pollutants across the globe. Oceans are becoming major sinks for these pollutants, and their presence is widespread in coastal regions, oceanic surface waters, water column, and sediments. Studies have revealed that microplastics cause serious threats to the marine ecosystem as well as human beings. In the past few years, many research efforts have focused on studying different aspects relating to microplastic pollution of the oceans. This review summarizes sources, migration routes, and ill effects of marine microplastic pollution along with various conventional as well as advanced methods for microplastics analysis and control. However, various knowledge gaps in detection and analysis require attention in order to understand the sources and transport of microplastics, which is critical to deploying mitigation strategies at appropriate locations. Advanced removal methods and an integrated approach are necessary, including government policies and stringent regulations to control the release of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Shoolini Institute of Life Sciences and Business Management, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Aprajita Bhardwaj
- Department of Biotechnology, Shoolini Institute of Life Sciences and Business Management, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Monika Thakur
- Department of Microbiology, Shoolini Institute of Life Sciences and Business Management, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Anita Saini
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Maharaja Agrasen University, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, India.
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14
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Bao S, Yi J, Xian B, Rao C, Xiang D, Tang W, Fang T. Global analysis of the adverse effects of micro- and nanoplastics on intestinal health and microbiota of fish. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134157. [PMID: 38569337 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134157] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The wide occurrence of micro- and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) within aquatic ecosystems has raised increasing concerns regarding their potential effects on aquatic organisms. However, the effects of MPs/NPs on intestinal health and microbiota of fish remain controversial, and there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding how the impact of MPs/NPs is influenced by MPs/NPs characteristics and experimental designs. Here, we conducted a global analysis to synthesize the effects of MPs/NPs on 47 variables associated with fish intestinal health and microbiota from 118 studies. We found that MPs/NPs generally exerted obvious adverse effects on intestinal histological structure, permeability, digestive function, immune and oxidative-antioxidative systems. By contrast, MPs/NPs showed slight effects on intestinal microbial variables. Further, we observed that the responses of intestinal variables to MPs/NPs were significantly regulated by MPs/NPs characteristics and experimental designs. For instance, polyvinyl chloride plastics showed higher toxicity to fish gut than polyethylene and polystyrene did. Additionally, larval fish appeared to be more sensitive to MPs/NPs than juvenile fish. Collectively, this study highlights the potential impacts of MPs/NPs on intestinal health and microbiota of fish, and underscores the determinant role of MPs/NPs characteristics and experimental designs in MPs/NPs toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaopan Bao
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Jia Yi
- Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Bo Xian
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Chenyang Rao
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Dongfang Xiang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Tao Fang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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15
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Thomas A, Marchand J, Schwoerer GD, Minor EC, Maurer-Jones MA. Size Distributions of Microplastics in the St Louis Estuary and Western Lake Superior. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:8480-8489. [PMID: 38693822 PMCID: PMC11097629 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Identifying the sources and fate of microplastics in natural systems has garnered a great deal of attention because of their implications for ecosystem health. This work characterizes the size fraction, morphology, color, and polymer composition of microplastics in western Lake Superior and its adjacent harbor sampled in August and September 2021. The results reveal that the overall microplastic counts are similar, with the harbor stations ranging from 0.62 to 3.32 microplastics per liter and the lake stations ranged from 0.83 to 1.4 microplastics per liter. However, meaningful differences between the sample locations can be seen in the size fraction trends and polymer composition. Namely, the harbor samples had relatively larger amounts of the largest size fraction and more diversity of polymer types, which can be attributed to the urbanized activity and shorter water residence time. Power law size distribution modeling reveals deviations that help in the understanding of potential sources and removal mechanisms, although it significantly underpredicts microplastic counts for smaller-sized particles (5-45 μm), as determined by comparison with concurrently collected microplastic samples enumerated by Nile Red staining and flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariyah Thomas
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Minnesota Duluth, 1038 University Dr. , Duluth , Minnesota 55812, United States
| | - Joseph Marchand
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Minnesota Duluth, 1038 University Dr. , Duluth , Minnesota 55812, United States
| | - Guenter D. Schwoerer
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Minnesota Duluth, 1038 University Dr. , Duluth , Minnesota 55812, United States
| | - Elizabeth C. Minor
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Minnesota Duluth, 1038 University Dr. , Duluth , Minnesota 55812, United States
- Large
Lakes Observatory and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Minnesota Duluth, 2205 East Fifth St. , Duluth , Minnesota 55812, United States
| | - Melissa A. Maurer-Jones
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Minnesota Duluth, 1038 University Dr. , Duluth , Minnesota 55812, United States
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16
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Di Giulio T, De Benedetto GE, Ditaranto N, Malitesta C, Mazzotta E. Insights into Plastic Degradation Processes in Marine Environment by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5060. [PMID: 38791107 PMCID: PMC11121657 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study employs X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to analyze plastic samples subjected to degradation processes with the aim to gain insight on the relevant chemical processes and disclose fragmentation mechanisms. Two model plastics, namely polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE), are selected and analyzed before and after artificial UV radiation-triggered weathering, under simulated environmental hydrodynamic conditions, in fresh and marine water for different time intervals. The object of the study is to identify and quantify chemical groups possibly evidencing the occurrence of hydrolysis and oxidation reactions, which are the basis of degradation processes in the environment, determining macroplastic fragmentation. Artificially weathered plastic samples are analyzed also by Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy. Changes in surface chemistry with weathering are revealed by XPS, involving the increase in chemical moieties (hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl functionalities) which can be correlated with the degradation processes responsible for macroplastic fragmentation. On the other hand, the absence of significant modifications upon plastics weathering evidenced by Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy confirms the importance of investigating plastics surface, which represents the very first part of the materials exposed to degradation agents, thus revealing the power of XPS studies for this purpose. The XPS data on experimentally weathered particles are compared with ones obtained on microplastics collected from real marine environment for investigating the occurring degradation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziano Di Giulio
- Laboratorio di Chimica Analitica, Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (Di.S.Te.B.A.), Università del Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (T.D.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Egidio De Benedetto
- Laboratorio di Spettrometria di Massa Analitica ed Isotopica, Dipartimento di Beni Culturali, Università del Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Nicoletta Ditaranto
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy;
- CSGI (Center for Colloid and Surface Science) Bari Unit, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Cosimino Malitesta
- Laboratorio di Chimica Analitica, Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (Di.S.Te.B.A.), Università del Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (T.D.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Elisabetta Mazzotta
- Laboratorio di Chimica Analitica, Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (Di.S.Te.B.A.), Università del Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (T.D.G.); (C.M.)
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17
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Fan X, Zhang D, Hou T, Zhang Q, Tao L, Bian C, Wang Z. Mitochondrial DNA Stress-Mediated Health Risk to Dibutyl Phthalate Contamination on Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) at Early Life Stage. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:7731-7742. [PMID: 38662601 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10175] [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: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Plastics contaminations are found globally and fit the exposure profile of the planetary boundary threat. The plasticizer of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) leaching has occurred and poses a great threat to human health and the ecosystem for decades, and its toxic mechanism needs further comprehensive elucidation. In this study, environmentally relevant levels of DBP were used for exposure, and the developmental process, oxidative stress, mitochondrial ultrastructure and function, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) instability and release, and mtDNA-cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) signaling pathway with inflammatory responses were measured in zebrafish at early life stage. Results showed that DBP exposure caused developmental impairments of heart rate, hatching rate, body length, and mortality in zebrafish embryo. Additionally, the elevated oxidative stress damaged mitochondrial ultrastructure and function and induced oxidative damage to the mtDNA with mutations and instability of replication, transcription, and DNA methylation. The stressed mtDNA leaked into the cytosol and activated the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and inflammation, which were ameliorated by co-treatment with DBP and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, inhibitors of cGAS or STING. Furthermore, the larval results suggest that DBP-induced mitochondrial toxicity of energy disorder and inflammation were involved in the developmental defects of impaired swimming capability. These results enhance the interpretation of mtDNA stress-mediated health risk to environmental contaminants and contribute to the scrutiny of mitochondrial toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoteng Fan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Dingfu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Tingting Hou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qianqing Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Lu Tao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Chongqian Bian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Zaizhao Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
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18
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Eisen A, Pioro EP, Goutman SA, Kiernan MC. Nanoplastics and Neurodegeneration in ALS. Brain Sci 2024; 14:471. [PMID: 38790450 PMCID: PMC11119293 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050471] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic production, which exceeds one million tons per year, is of global concern. The constituent low-density polymers enable spread over large distances and micro/nano particles (MNPLs) induce organ toxicity via digestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Particles have been documented in all human tissues including breast milk. MNPLs, especially weathered particles, can breach the blood-brain barrier, inducing neurotoxicity. This has been documented in non-human species, and in human-induced pluripotent stem cell lines. Within the brain, MNPLs initiate an inflammatory response with pro-inflammatory cytokine production, oxidative stress with generation of reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Glutamate and GABA neurotransmitter dysfunction also ensues with alteration of excitatory/inhibitory balance in favor of reduced inhibition and resultant neuro-excitation. Inflammation and cortical hyperexcitability are key abnormalities involved in the pathogenic cascade of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and are intricately related to the mislocalization and aggregation of TDP-43, a hallmark of ALS. Water and many foods contain MNPLs and in humans, ingestion is the main form of exposure. Digestion of plastics within the gut can alter their properties, rendering them more toxic, and they cause gut microbiome dysbiosis and a dysfunctional gut-brain axis. This is recognized as a trigger and/or aggravating factor for ALS. ALS is associated with a long (years or decades) preclinical period and neonates and infants are exposed to MNPLs through breast milk, milk substitutes, and toys. This endangers a time of intense neurogenesis and establishment of neuronal circuitry, setting the stage for development of neurodegeneration in later life. MNPL neurotoxicity should be considered as a yet unrecognized risk factor for ALS and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Eisen
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6S 1Z3, Canada;
| | - Erik P. Pioro
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6S 1Z3, Canada;
| | - Stephen A. Goutman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
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19
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Li T, Lan J, Wang Y, Sun L, Li Y, Zhao Z. Enhanced biotoxicity by co-exposure of aged polystyrene and ciprofloxacin: the adsorption and its influence factors. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:185. [PMID: 38695908 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01961-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/17/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), as emerging contaminants, usually experience aging processes in natural environments and further affect their interactions with coexisted contaminants, resulting in unpredictable ecological risks. Herein, the effect of MPs aging on their adsorption for coexisting antibiotics and their joint biotoxicity have been investigated. Results showed that the adsorption capacity of aged polystyrene (PS, 100 d and 50 d) for ciprofloxacin (CIP) was 1.10-4.09 times higher than virgin PS due to the larger BET surface area and increased oxygen-containing functional groups of aged PS. Following the increased adsorption capacity of aged PS, the joint toxicity of aged PS and CIP to Shewanella Oneidensis MR-1 (MR-1) was 1.03-1.34 times higher than virgin PS and CIP. Combined with the adsorption process, CIP posed higher toxicity to MR-1 compared to aged PS due to the rapid adsorption of aged PS for CIP in the first 12 h. After that, the adsorption process tended to be gentle and hence the joint toxicity to MR-1 was gradually dominated by aged PS. A similar transformation between the adsorption rate and the joint toxicity of PS and CIP was observed under different conditions. This study supplied a novel perception of the synergistic effects of PS aging and CIP on ecological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Jing Lan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yaoyao Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Lulu Sun
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yaru Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Zongshan Zhao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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20
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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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21
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Hu C, Xiao Y, Jiang Q, Wang M, Xue T. Adsorption properties and mechanism of Cu(II) on virgin and aged microplastics in the aquatic environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:29434-29448. [PMID: 38575820 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33131-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) migrate by adsorbing heavy metals in aquatic environments and act as their carriers. However, the aging mechanisms of MPs in the environment and the interactions between MPs and heavy metals in aquatic environments require further study. In this study, two kinds of materials, polyamide (PA) and polylactic acid (PLA) were used as target MPs, and the effects of UV irradiation on the physical and chemical properties of the MPs and the adsorption behavior of Cu(II) were investigated. The results showed that after UV irradiation, pits, folds and pores appeared on the surface of aged MPs, the specific surface area (SSA) increased, the content of oxygen-containing functional groups increased, and the crystallinity decreased. These changes enhanced the adsorption capacity of aged MPs for Cu(II) pollutants. The adsorption behavior of the PA and PLA MPs for Cu(II) conformed to the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir isotherm model, indicating that the monolayer chemical adsorption was dominant. The maximum amounts of aged PA and PLA reached 1.415 and 1.398 mg/g, respectively, which were 1.59 and 1.76 times of virgin MPs, respectively. The effects of pH and salinity on the adsorption of Cu(II) by the MPs were significant. Moreover, factors such as pH, salinity and dosage had significant effects on the adsorption of Cu(II) by MPs. Oxidative complexation between the oxygen-containing groups of the MPs and Cu(II) is an important adsorption mechanism. These findings reveal that the UV irradiation aging of MPs can enhance the adsorption of Cu(II) and increase their role as pollutant carriers, which is crucial for assessing the ecological risk of MPs and heavy metals coexisting in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Hu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yaodong Xiao
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingrong Jiang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyao Wang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingdan Xue
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, People's Republic of China
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22
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Fan X, Cao B, Wang S, Li H, Zhu M, Sha H, Yang Y. Effects of tire-road wear particles on the adsorption of tetracycline by aquatic sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:29232-29245. [PMID: 38573573 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33132-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Tire-road wear particles (TRWPs) are formed by friction between the tire and the road. TRWPs are ubiquitous across the globe, especially in sediments. However, the possible effects of TRWPs on tetracycline (TC) in aquatic sediments are unknown. To investigate the potential role of TRWPs as carriers of co-pollutants, this study investigated the pore surface properties and TC adsorption behavior of TRWP-contaminated sediments and explored the TC behavior in water sediments, as well as the role of aging processes and TRWPs abundance. The results showed that the surface morphology of TRWP-contaminated sediments changed and the adsorption capacity of sediments to TC increased. The TC adsorption capacity of sediments contaminated by 2% TRWPs increased from 3.15 to 3.48 mg/g. Moreover, the surface physical and chemical properties of TRWPs after UV aging changed, which further increased the TC adsorption capacity. The TC adsorption capacity of the sediments contaminated by aged TRWPs increased from 3.48 to 3.65 mg/g. Changing the proportion of aged TRWPs, we found that the adsorption capacity of sediments contaminated by different proportions of TRWPs for TC was 2% > 1% > 0.5% > 4% > blank sediment. These results may contribute to predicting the potential environmental risks of TRWPs in aquatic sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiulei Fan
- School of Environmental Engineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou, 221018, China
| | - Binwen Cao
- School of Environmental Engineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou, 221018, China
| | - Shenpeng Wang
- School of Environmental Engineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou, 221018, China
| | - Huixian Li
- Xuzhou River and Lake Management Center, Xuzhou, China
| | - Mingxian Zhu
- School of Environmental Engineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou, 221018, China
| | - Haidi Sha
- School of Environmental Engineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou, 221018, China
| | - Yangyang Yang
- School of Environmental Engineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou, 221018, China.
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23
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Shafi M, Lodh A, Khajuria M, Ranjan VP, Gani KM, Chowdhury S, Goel S. Are we underestimating stormwater? Stormwater as a significant source of microplastics in surface waters. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133445. [PMID: 38198866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Stormwater represent a critical pathway for transporting microplastics (MPs) to surface waters. Due to complex dynamics of MPs in stormwater, its dispersion, weathering, risk, and transport are poorly understood. This review bridges those gaps by summarizing the latest findings on sources, abundance, characteristics, and dynamics involved in stormwater MP pollution. Weathering starts before or after MPs enter stormwater and is more pronounced on land due to continuous heat and mechanical stress. Land use patterns, rainfall intensity, MPs size and density, and drainage characteristics influence the transport of MPs in stormwater. Tire and road wear particles (TRWPs), littering, and road dust are major sources of MPs in stormwater. The concentrations of MPs varies from 0.38-197,000 particles/L globally. Further MP concentrations showed regional variations, highlighting the importance of local monitoring efforts needed to understand local pollution sources. We observed unique signatures associated with the shape and color of MPs. Fibers and fragments were widely reported, with transparent and black being the predominant colors. We conclude that the contribution of stormwater to MP pollution in surface waters is significantly greater than wastewater treatment plant effluents and demands immediate attention. Field and lab scale studies are needed to understand its behavior in stormwater and the risk posed to the downstream water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozim Shafi
- Environmental Engineering and Management Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Ayan Lodh
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Medha Khajuria
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190006, India
| | - Ved Prakash Ranjan
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, India
| | - Khalid Muzamil Gani
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190006, India
| | - Shamik Chowdhury
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Sudha Goel
- Environmental Engineering and Management Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India.
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24
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Rynek R, Tekman MB, Rummel C, Bergmann M, Wagner S, Jahnke A, Reemtsma T. Hotspots of Floating Plastic Particles across the North Pacific Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4302-4313. [PMID: 38394333 PMCID: PMC10919090 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The pollution of the marine environment with plastic debris is expected to increase, where ocean currents and winds cause their accumulation in convergence zones like the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG). Surface-floating plastic (>330 μm) was collected in the North Pacific Ocean between Vancouver (Canada) and Singapore using a neuston catamaran and identified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Baseline concentrations of 41,600-102,700 items km-2 were found, dominated by polyethylene and polypropylene. Higher concentrations (factors 4-10) of plastic items occurred not only in the NPSG (452,800 items km-2) but also in a second area, the Papaha̅naumokua̅kea Marine National Monument (PMNM, 285,200 items km-2). This second maximum was neither reported previously nor predicted by the applied ocean current model. Visual observations of floating debris (>5 cm; 8-2565 items km-2 and 34-4941 items km-2 including smaller "white bits") yielded similar patterns of baseline pollution (34-3265 items km-2) and elevated concentrations of plastic debris in the NPSG (67-4941 items km-2) and the PMNM (295-3748 items km-2). These findings suggest that ocean currents are not the only factor provoking plastic debris accumulation in the ocean. Visual observations may be useful to increase our knowledge of large-scale (micro)plastic pollution in the global oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robby Rynek
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre
for Environmental Research − UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mine B. Tekman
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut,
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
- Department
of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Ozyegin University, 34794 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Christoph Rummel
- Department
of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, Helmholtz-Centre
for Environmental Research − UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Melanie Bergmann
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut,
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Stephan Wagner
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre
for Environmental Research − UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Annika Jahnke
- Department
of Exposure Science, Helmholtz-Centre for
Environmental Research − UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute
for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen
University, 52047 Aachen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Reemtsma
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre
for Environmental Research − UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute
of Analytical Chemistry, University of Leipzig, Linnéstrasse 3, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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25
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Zhou X, Xiao C, Zhang B, Chen T, Yang X. Effects of microplastics on carbon release and microbial community in mangrove soil systems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133152. [PMID: 38056259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133152] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Mangrove ecosystems are major carbon sink biomes and also a sink of microplastics (MPs). The final enrichment of MPs in sediments may have a significant impact on the microbial community and carbon turnover in the soil. However, the effects of MP pollution on the mangrove soil microbial communities and carbon release remain unknown. Here, we conducted a manipulative incubation experiment by adding MPs to soil at different soil depths to examine the effect of enriched MPs on soil microorganisms and its function (i.e., decomposition of soil carbon). The results showed that the addition of MPs had no significant effect on the microbial diversity and CO2 cumulative emission in the topsoil but significantly increased CO2 release from the subsoil. The promoting effect of polylactide (PLA) on the release of CO2 from the subsoil was stronger than that of polyethylene (PE) and aging PE. In the subsoil, the activity of soil extracellular enzymes related to N acquisition increased with the MP addition, indicating an increase in microbial N deficiency. The subsoil was more sensitive to MPs because of the exacerbated nitrogen limitation. MP addition reduced the microbial diversity of the subsoil and altered soil microbial interactions. The increasing abundance of some microbial taxa, especially bacteria related to the sulfur cycle, indicated more active electron transfer and organic carbon mineralization in the subsoil. Our findings suggest that MP contamination has potential effects on microbial communities, nutrient cycling, and carbon release in mangrove soils that vary depending on soil depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou)
| | - Cunde Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Bingwei Zhang
- Zhuhai Branch of State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai 519087, China
| | - Tao Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaofan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou).
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26
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Li C, Li X, Bank MS, Dong T, Fang JKH, Leusch FDL, Rillig MC, Wang J, Wang L, Xia Y, Xu EG, Yang Y, Zhang C, Zhu D, Liu J, Jin L. The "Microplastome" - A Holistic Perspective to Capture the Real-World Ecology of Microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4060-4069. [PMID: 38331396 PMCID: PMC10919093 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution, an emerging pollution issue, has become a significant environmental concern globally due to its ubiquitous, persistent, complex, toxic, and ever-increasing nature. As a multifaceted and diverse suite of small plastic particles with different physicochemical properties and associated matters such as absorbed chemicals and microbes, future research on microplastics will need to comprehensively consider their multidimensional attributes. Here, we introduce a novel, conceptual framework of the "microplastome", defined as the entirety of various plastic particles (<5 mm), and their associated matters such as chemicals and microbes, found within a sample and its overall environmental and toxicological impacts. As a novel concept, this paper aims to emphasize and call for a collective quantification and characterization of microplastics and for a more holistic understanding regarding the differences, connections, and effects of microplastics in different biotic and abiotic ecosystem compartments. Deriving from this lens, we present our insights and prospective trajectories for characterization, risk assessment, and source apportionment of microplastics. We hope this new paradigm can guide and propel microplastic research toward a more holistic era and contribute to an informed strategy for combating this globally important environmental pollution issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changchao Li
- Environment
Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Michael S. Bank
- Institute
of Marine Research, 5005 Bergen, Norway
- University
of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Tao Dong
- Department
of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - James Kar-Hei Fang
- Department
of Food Science and Nutrition and Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
- State Key
Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University
of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Frederic D. L. Leusch
- Australian
Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222 Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Jie Wang
- Beijing
Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation,
College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lei Wang
- MOE Key
Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College
of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yu Xia
- School
of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Elvis Genbo Xu
- Department
of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - Yuyi Yang
- Key Laboratory
of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Environment
Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory
of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Environment
Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Ling Jin
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
- State Key
Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University
of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong 999077, Hong Kong
- Department
of Health Technology and Informatics, The
Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
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27
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Nasir MS, Tahir I, Ali A, Ayub I, Nasir A, Abbas N, Sajjad U, Hamid K. Innovative technologies for removal of micro plastic: A review of recent advances. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25883. [PMID: 38380043 PMCID: PMC10877293 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastics are becoming a pervasive pollutant in every environmental matrix, particularly in the aquatic environment. Due to increased plastic usage and its impact on human and aquatic life, microplastic (MP) pollution has been studied extensively as a global issue. The production of MP has been linked to both consumer and commercial practices. There is a significant amount of MP's that must be removed by wastewater treatment plants before they can be bioaccumulated. Many researchers have recently become interested in the possibility of eliminating MPs in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). Many studies have analyzed MP's environmental effects, including its emission sources, distribution, and impact on the surrounding environment. The effectiveness of their removal by various wastewater treatment technologies requires a critical review that accounts for all these methods. In this review, we have covered the most useful technologies for the removal of MP during WWTP. The findings of this review should help scientists and policymakers move forward with studies, prototypes, and proposals for significant remediation impact on water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Salman Nasir
- Department of Structures and Environmental Engineering, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Ifrah Tahir
- Department of Structures and Environmental Engineering, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Ahsan Ali
- Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Iqra Ayub
- Department of Energy Systems Engineering, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Nasir
- Department of Structures and Environmental Engineering, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Naseem Abbas
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, South Korea
| | - Uzair Sajjad
- Department of Energy and Refrigerating Air-Conditioning Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, 10608, Taiwan
| | - Khalid Hamid
- Process and Power Research Group, Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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28
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Hu F, Zhao H, Ding J, Jing C, Zhang W, Chen X. Uptake and toxicity of micro-/nanoplastics derived from naturally weathered disposable face masks in developing zebrafish: Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on aquatic life. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123129. [PMID: 38092337 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123129] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The unprecedented proliferation of disposable face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with their improper disposal, threatens to exacerbate the already concerning issue of plastic pollution. This study evaluates the role of environmentally weathered masks as potential sources of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) and assesses their adverse impact on the early life stages of zebrafish. Experimental findings revealed that a single disposable mask could release approximately 1.79 × 109 particles, with nearly 70% measuring less than 1 μm, following 60 days of sunlight exposure and subsequent sand-induced physical abrasion. Remarkably, the MPs/NPs (MNPs) emanating from face masks have the potential to permeate the outer layer (chorion) of zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, due to their minute size, these particles can be consumed by the larvae's digestive system and subsequently circulated to other tissues, including the brain. Exposure to mask-derived MNPs at concentrations of 1 and 10 μg/L led to significant cases of developmental toxicity, incited oxidative stress, and prompted cell apoptosis. A subsequent metabolomics analysis indicated that the accumulation of these plastic particles perturbed metabolic functions in zebrafish larvae, primarily disrupting amino acid and lipid metabolism. The outcomes of this research underscore the accelerating possibility of environmental aging processes and physical abrasion in the release of MNPs from disposable face masks. Most importantly, these results shed light on the possible ecotoxicological risk posed by improperly disposed of face masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxiao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Haocheng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Jieyu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Chen Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Weini Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Xinhua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519000, China.
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29
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Olawore O, Ogunmola M, Desai S. Engineered Nanomaterial Coatings for Food Packaging: Design, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Sustainability Implications. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:245. [PMID: 38398974 PMCID: PMC10893406 DOI: 10.3390/mi15020245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The food industry is one of the most regulated businesses in the world and follows strict internal and regulated requirements to ensure product reliability and safety. In particular, the industry must ensure that biological, chemical, and physical hazards are controlled from the production and distribution of raw materials to the consumption of the finished product. In the United States, the FDA regulates the efficacy and safety of food ingredients and packaging. Traditional packaging materials such as paper, aluminum, plastic, and biodegradable compostable materials have gradually evolved. Coatings made with nanotechnology promise to radically improve the performance of food packaging materials, as their excellent properties improve the appearance, taste, texture, and shelf life of food. This review article highlights the role of nanomaterials in designing and manufacturing anti-fouling and antimicrobial coatings for the food packaging industry. The use of nanotechnology coatings as protective films and sensors to indicate food quality levels is discussed. In addition, their assessment of regulatory and environmental sustainability is developed. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on nanotechnology coatings that can ensure high-quality nutrition at all stages of the food chain, including food packaging systems for humanitarian purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwafemi Olawore
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; (O.O.); (M.O.)
| | - Motunrayo Ogunmola
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; (O.O.); (M.O.)
| | - Salil Desai
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; (O.O.); (M.O.)
- Center of Excellence in Product Design and Advanced Manufacturing, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
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30
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Huang W, Jiang G, Xie L, Chen X, Zhang R, Fan X. Effect of oxygen-containing functional groups on the micromechanical behavior of biodegradable plastics and their formation of microplastics during aging. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132911. [PMID: 37939564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132911] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (BPs) are more prone to generate harmful microplastics (MPs) in a short time, which have always been ignored. Oxygenated functional group formation is considered to be a key indicator for assessing microplastic formation, while it is difficult to characterize at a very early stage. The micromechanical properties of the aging plastic during the formation of the MPs are highly influenced by the evolution of oxygen-containing functional groups, however, their relationship has rarely been revealed. Herein, we compared changes in the physicochemical properties of BPs and non-degradable plastic bags during aging in artificial seawater, soil, and air. The results showed that the oxidation of plastics in the air was the most significant, with the most prominent oxidation in BPs. The accumulation of carbonyl groups leads to a significant increase in the micromechanical properties and surface brittleness of the plastic, further exacerbating the formation of MPs. It was also verified by the FTIR, 2D-COS, AFM, and Raman spectroscopy analyses. Furthermore, the increased adhesion and roughness caused by oxygen-containing functional groups suggest that the environmental risks of BPs cannot be ignored. Our findings suggest that the testing of micromechanical properties can predicate the formation of the MPs at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Guoqiang Jiang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lidan Xie
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xueqin Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Runzhe Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaoyun Fan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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31
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Egea LG, Brun FG, Jiménez-Ramos R. Dissolved organic carbon leaching from microplastics and bioavailability in coastal ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 909:168673. [PMID: 37981166 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168673] [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: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) leached from two types of microplastics (polyethylene and polypropylene) frequently found in coastal areas were evaluated in situ. Subsequently, the bioavailability of leached DOC was assessed for microbial inocula from different coastal communities (i.e., estuarine and open-coastal waters, river-mouth waters and seagrass beds). Leached DOC was largely biodegradable (as much as 85 %). However, seagrass beds and river-mouth waters exhibited lower DOC utilization efficiency than estuarine and open-coastal waters, probably because of differences in their microbial communities. The labile/recalcitrant ratio of DOC leached from plastic was similar under illuminated and dark conditions, whereas DOC leached from polyethylene, rather than DOC leached from polypropylene, was preferentially used by microbial communities. We estimated that as many as 21,000 metric tons of DOC leached from plastics may be released into ocean annually. Our results support the need to consider the potential impacts of coastal plastic pollution on microbial communities, including consideration of the trophic webs and coastal carbon cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- L G Egea
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales Universidad de Cádiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real., 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - F G Brun
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales Universidad de Cádiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real., 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - R Jiménez-Ramos
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales Universidad de Cádiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real., 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.
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32
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Gorule PA, Šmejkal M, Tapkir S, Stepanyshyna Y, Stejskal V, Follesa MC, Cau A. Long-term sublethal exposure to polyethylene and tire wear particles: Effects on risk-taking behaviour in invasive and native fish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168233. [PMID: 37923265 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168233] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic polymeric particles pollute even the most remote ecosystems and may compromise organisms' behaviour and movement skills. It is expected that invasive species cope better with pollutants than native species (i.e., pollution resistance hypothesis). In this study, invasive gibel carp (Carassius gibelio) and native crucian carp (Carassius carassius) were used as model organisms. Specimens were fed daily with food pellets (1 % body weight) added with 0.1 % polyethylene (PE), tire wear particles (TWPs) and control. Their behavioural parameters were compared before and after 14 and 60 days of exposure. Additionally, we evaluated burst swimming capacity after 60 days of exposure to the treatments. The fishes exposed to the PE and TWPs treatments showed significant trends toward increased boldness scores and, in the PE treatment, higher utilization of the open field, and both behavioural changes are associated with higher risk-taking. Invasive gibel carp had substantially better swimming performance than crucian carp, but the expected trend in relation to the treatments was not found. Fish exposed to sublethal doses of PE and TWPs showed signs of behavioural changes after two months of exposure that may affect risk-taking behaviour, which might impact species interactions with predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj A Gorule
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marek Šmejkal
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Sádkách 7, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Sandip Tapkir
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Sádkách 7, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Yevdokiia Stepanyshyna
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Sádkách 7, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Vlastimil Stejskal
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Institute of Aquaculture and Protection of Waters, Na Sádkách 1780, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Cristina Follesa
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cau
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy; ConISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Rome, Italy
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33
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Zhang Z, Zou S, Li P. Aging of plastics in aquatic environments: Pathways, environmental behavior, ecological impacts, analyses and quantifications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122926. [PMID: 37963513 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122926] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquity of plastics in our environment has brought about pressing concerns, with their aging processes, photo-oxidation, mechanical abrasion, and biodegradation, being at the forefront. Microplastics (MPs), whether originating from plastic degradation or direct anthropogenic sources, further complicate this landscape. This review delves into the intricate aging dynamics of plastics in aquatic environments under various influential factors. We discuss the physicochemical changes that occur in aged plastics and the release of oxidation products during their degradation. Particular attention is given to their evolving environmental interactions and the resulting ecotoxicological implications. A rigorous evaluation is also conducted for methodologies in the analysis and quantification of plastics aging, identifying their merits and limitations and suggesting potential avenues for future research. This comprehensive review is able to illuminate the complexities of plastics aging, charting a path for future research and aiding in the formulation of informed policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Shichun Zou
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Pu Li
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai 519082, China.
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34
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Born MP, Junge LV, Brüll C, Waldschläger K, Schüttrumpf H. Terminal settling and rising velocity prediction of macroplastics: Medical face masks as newly emerged objects of concern. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:167922. [PMID: 37914107 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167922] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of medical face masks during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has significantly increased plastic waste, with a considerable proportion of these masks ending up in the environment. As these masks are transported through wind and surface runoff, they accumulate in water bodies, leading to pollution and potential environmental risks. Understanding the transport behavior of these macroplastic items is crucial for addressing the pollution problem effectively. This study focuses on predicting the terminal settling and rising velocities of medical face masks, considering their unique shape and composition, aiding upcoming research with base data for, e.g., numerical transport simulations. Three different mask types, including surgical face masks, FFP2-standard face masks, and non-medical reusable face masks, were investigated in various shapes, and modified transport formulas that take into account the shape factor and sphere-equivalent radius of the masks to accurately predict their terminal settling and rising velocities were tested for applicability. The results reveal that the unique shapes of masks influence the terminal settling and rising velocity to a greater extent than their density difference to water. The absolute mean terminal velocities ranged from 0.05 to 0.3 m/s. Understanding the transport behavior of the studied face masks provides valuable insights for managing and mitigating the pollution caused by discarded face masks in water bodies and helps to develop effective strategies for environmental protection. Furthermore, the findings highlight the need for comprehensive laboratory studies to investigate the rising and settling velocities of common macroplastic items, as they are expected to vary in their hydrodynamic behavior significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian P Born
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management (IWW), RWTH-Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe-Straße 17, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Lara-Victoria Junge
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management (IWW), RWTH-Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe-Straße 17, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Catrina Brüll
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management (IWW), RWTH-Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe-Straße 17, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Kryss Waldschläger
- Hydrology and Quantitative Water Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Holger Schüttrumpf
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management (IWW), RWTH-Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe-Straße 17, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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35
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Zendehboudi A, Mohammadi A, Dobaradaran S, De-la-Torre GE, Ramavandi B, Hashemi SE, Saeedi R, Tayebi EM, Vafaee A, Darabi A. Analysis of microplastics in ships ballast water and its ecological risk assessment studies from the Persian Gulf. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115825. [PMID: 38029669 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115825] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Transport of ballast water is considered a significant vector for dispersion of different pollutants, including microplastics (MPs), throughout the world's oceans. However, there is limited information on MPs in ballast water. Size distribution, polymer type, and ecological risks of MPs in ballast water were investigated for the first time in this study. The mean levels of MPs in ballast water and seawater samples were 12.53 and 11.80 items/L, respectively. MPs with a size category of 50-300 μm was the most abundant. Fiber, black, and polycarbonate (PC) were the predominant shape, color, and polymer type of identified MPs in ballast water and seawater, respectively. The pollution load index (PLI), hazard index (HI), and risk quotient (RQ) indicated high levels of MP pollution, potentially indicating an ecological risk. These findings increase our understanding of the major sources (such as ballast water), transportation routes, and related ecological risks of MPs to marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Zendehboudi
- Student Research Committee, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Azam Mohammadi
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Sina Dobaradaran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Instrumental Analytical Chemistry and Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, Essen, 45141, Germany.
| | - Gabriel E De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Bahman Ramavandi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Seyed Enayat Hashemi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Reza Saeedi
- Workplace Health Promotion Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Health and Safety, and Environment (HSE), School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ahmad Vafaee
- Department of Bushehr Ports & Maritime Authority, Iran
| | - AmirHossein Darabi
- The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
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36
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Vinod LA, Rajendran D, Shivashankar M, Chandrasekaran N. Surface interaction of vancomycin with polystyrene microplastics and its effect on human serum albumin. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 256:128491. [PMID: 38043666 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128491] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have a well-documented ability to adsorb various chemicals and contaminants found in the environment. By similar mechanisms, when medicines are stored in plastic packaging, the leaching of plastics into the contents poses the risk of possible toxicity and decreased drug efficacy. The work thus examines the presence of two categories of anthropogenic materials - microplastics (MPs) and medications - with their possible combined effects and fate in biological systems. A study on the kinetics and isotherm of the adsorption of vancomycin hydrochloride on the surface of polystyrene microspheres is performed, and the best-fitting models are obtained respectively as the pseudo-second-order model and the Temkin isotherm. Further, the interaction of each of, the drug, MPs and drug-adsorbed MPs with human serum albumin (HSA), the model protein chosen to validate the potential toxicity in humans, is determined by fluorescence spectroscopy. A thermodynamic analysis of this protein-ligand interaction shows that the process is spontaneous, endothermic and entropically favoured, and that hydrophobic forces operate between the interacting species. An unfolding of HSA is observed, disrupting its functions like the esterase activity. Competitive binding experiments with Warfarin and Ibuprofen as specific site markers on HSA reveal that all the studied ligands bind non-specifically to HSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Ann Vinod
- Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Durgalakshmi Rajendran
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Murugesh Shivashankar
- Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Natarajan Chandrasekaran
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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37
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Caprise MA, Quevedo AC, Riley KR. Quantitative separation of polystyrene nanoparticles in environmental matrices with picogram detection limits using capillary electrophoresis. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 60:63-66. [PMID: 38018288 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc04588a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
We developed a capillary electrophoresis method to separate polystyrene particles (PSPs) with different sizes or different surface functionalities. Separations were performed in buffer and 100 mg L-1 clay or 100 mg L-1 Suwanee River humic acid. In all solutions, PSPs were baseline or near-baseline resolved in less than 15 minutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Caprise
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave, Swarthmore, PA 19081, USA.
| | - Ana C Quevedo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A0C5, Canada
| | - Kathryn R Riley
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave, Swarthmore, PA 19081, USA.
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38
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You H, Cao C, Sun X, Huang B, Qian Q, Chen Q. Microplastics as an emerging vector of Cr(VI) in water: Correlation of aging properties and adsorption behavior. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166480. [PMID: 37611697 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants with growing concerns due to their potential adverse effects on the environment. However, understanding the aging properties and adsorption behavior of MPs is still limited. In this study, we investigated the correlation between the adsorption capacity, aging stages, and aging properties of polyethylene MPs using a correlation equation. Our results revealed that the trends of O/C ratio and contact angle of polyethylene MPs with aging time were fitted to be linear under xenon lamp accelerated aging conditions. Conversely, the trends of other properties such as particle size, crystallinity, and molecular weight with time were fitted to conform to the Boltzmann equation. Moreover, the aging curve data for carbonyl index and molecular weight (Mw) perfectly matched, confirming Mw play a crucial role in verifying the aging process. Additionally, the adsorption amount of polyethylene MPs increased sharply with the increase of aging ages, reaching up to 1.850 mg/g. The adsorption data fit well to the pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir model, suggesting that the adsorption process is dominated by chemisorption. The low pH and low salt concentration is beneficial to the adsorption capacity of MPs onto Cr(VI). Further, a relationship equation was established to predict adsorption risk at different aging stages. These findings provide new insights into the impact of aging on pollutants transport and the fate of MPs, enabling the prediction of adsorption risk of MPs at different aging stages in water environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin You
- College of Environmental and Ecology, College of Coastal and Ocean Management Institute, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; College of Environmental and Resource Sciences; College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry; Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, Engineering Research Center of Polymer Green Recycling of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Changlin Cao
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences; College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry; Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, Engineering Research Center of Polymer Green Recycling of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Xiaoli Sun
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences; College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry; Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, Engineering Research Center of Polymer Green Recycling of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Baoquan Huang
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences; College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry; Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, Engineering Research Center of Polymer Green Recycling of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China.
| | - Qingrong Qian
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences; College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry; Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, Engineering Research Center of Polymer Green Recycling of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China.
| | - Qinghua Chen
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences; College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry; Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, Engineering Research Center of Polymer Green Recycling of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
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39
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Anandhan K, Thangal SH, Yogeshwaran A, Kaaran S, Ajith Kumar TT, Muralisankar T. Microplastics Contamination in the Edible Fish Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) from the Selvampathy Wetland of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 112:7. [PMID: 38063899 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-023-03839-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the microplastics (MPs) contamination in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, gills and muscle of the Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus sampled from the Selvampathy Lake of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. MPs abundance was found in 10 to 28, 8 to 27, and 4 to 12 particles and their size ranged between 4.4 and 210, 4.6 to 180, and 4.5 to 194 μm in the GI tract, gills and muscle, respectively. MPs were dominantly shaped as fibres (95%) and fragments (5%) with the following colour pattern of blue > black > pink > transparent > and others. Extracted MPs polymer nature were polyethylene (54%), polyamide (38%) and polypropylene (8%). The present study reveals that the edible fish O. mossambicus had MPs that can be transferred to consumers. Moreover, urban discharges, including domestic wastes, agricultural and rainwater runoff, might be possible MPs sources to the studied wetland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnan Anandhan
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Bharathiar University, 641 046, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Said Hamid Thangal
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Bharathiar University, 641 046, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arumugam Yogeshwaran
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Bharathiar University, 641 046, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Saravanan Kaaran
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Bharathiar University, 641 046, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Thirunavukkarasu Muralisankar
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Bharathiar University, 641 046, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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40
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Lincoln S, Chowdhury P, Posen PE, Robin RS, Ramachandran P, Ajith N, Harrod O, Hoehn D, Harrod R, Townhill BL. Interaction of climate change and marine pollution in Southern India: Implications for coastal zone management practices and policies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166061. [PMID: 37543339 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Climate change and marine litter are inextricably linked, and their interaction manifests differently depending on the specific environmental and biological characteristics, and other human activities taking place. The negative impacts resulting from those synergistic interactions are threatening coastal and marine ecosystems and the many goods and services they provide. This is particularly pervasive in the coastal zone of the Indian subcontinent. India is already experiencing severe climate change impacts, which are projected to worsen in the future. At the same time, the country is gripped by a litter crisis that is overwhelming authorities and communities and hindering the country's sustainable development goals. The coastal environment and communities of the southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. While these state governments and authorities are stepping up efforts to improve the management of their coastal zones, the scale and severity of these issues are mounting. Here we review the combined effects of climate change and marine litter pollution in Southern India, focusing on the Gulf of Mannar Reserve in Tamil Nadu and the Malabar Coast in Kerala. Finally, we discuss effective management options that could help improve resilience and sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Lincoln
- International Marine Climate Change Centre, The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Cefas Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom.
| | - Piyali Chowdhury
- International Marine Climate Change Centre, The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Cefas Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Paulette E Posen
- International Marine Climate Change Centre, The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Cefas Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - R S Robin
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - Purvaja Ramachandran
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - Nithin Ajith
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - Olivia Harrod
- International Marine Climate Change Centre, The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Cefas Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Danja Hoehn
- International Marine Climate Change Centre, The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Cefas Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Harrod
- International Marine Climate Change Centre, The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Cefas Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Bryony L Townhill
- International Marine Climate Change Centre, The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Cefas Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
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41
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Abdel Ghani SA, Shobier AH, El-Sayed AAM, Shreadah MA, Shabaka S. Quantifying microplastics pollution in the Red Sea and Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba: Insights from chemical analysis and pollution load assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:166031. [PMID: 37541508 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) constitute the majority of marine plastic litter. The pollution caused by MPs has been categorized as a gradual and persistent crisis, but little is known about its extent along the shores of the Red Sea, particularly on the Egyptian side. The Red Sea is a rapidly developing region and home to critical ecosystems with high levels of endemism. This study represents the first comprehensive survey investigating the extent of MP pollution along the Egyptian shores of the Red Sea, including the Gulf of Suez and Aqaba. Mean concentrations ranged from 23.3 ± 15.28 to 930.0 ± 181.9 MPs/kg DW. Out of 17 beaches surveyed, 12 had mean concentrations of <200 items/kg, indicating a low occurrence of MPs compared to the shores of the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt. The pollution load index varied from low to medium levels in most locations. Ras Mohamed, a marine protected area, showed high vulnerability to MP pollution. All the investigated particles were fragments of secondary MPs. The sources of pollution mainly come from maritime activities, including cargo shipping and intense recreational activities. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy identified four plastic polymers, with polyethylene and polypropylene being the most common. The surface morphology of plastic particles was examined using scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. All the particles exhibited signs of degradation, which could generate countless plastic pieces with possible deleterious impacts. This work has highlighted the importance of conducting region-specific assessments of mismanaged plastic waste, focusing on the role of tourism and recreational navigation as contributors to plastic litter, to estimate plastic waste inputs into the waters of the Red Sea Coast of Egypt. Efforts are needed to develop strategic plans to reduce the disposal of plastic waste in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aida H Shobier
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Niof, Egypt
| | | | - M A Shreadah
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Niof, Egypt
| | - Soha Shabaka
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Niof, Egypt.
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42
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Weis JS, Alava JJ. (Micro)Plastics Are Toxic Pollutants. TOXICS 2023; 11:935. [PMID: 37999586 PMCID: PMC10675727 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11110935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Plastics, including microplastics, have generally been regarded as harmful to organisms because of their physical characteristics. There has recently been a call to understand and regard them as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. This review elaborates on the reasons that microplastics in particular should be considered as "toxic pollutants". This view is supported by research demonstrating that they contain toxic chemicals within their structure and also adsorb additional chemicals, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), from the environment. Furthermore, these chemicals can be released into tissues of animals that consume microplastics and can be responsible for the harmful effects observed on biological processes such as development, physiology, gene expression, and behavior. Leachates, weathering, and biofilm play important roles in the interactions between microplastics and biota. Global policy efforts by the United Nations Environmental Assembly via the international legally binding treaty to address global plastic pollution should consider the designation of harmful plastics (e.g., microplastics) with associated hazardous chemicals as toxic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith S. Weis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Juan José Alava
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit & Nippon Foundation-Ocean Litter Project, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z4, Canada;
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43
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Zadjelovic V, Wright RJ, Borsetto C, Quartey J, Cairns TN, Langille MGI, Wellington EMH, Christie-Oleza JA. Microbial hitchhikers harbouring antimicrobial-resistance genes in the riverine plastisphere. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:225. [PMID: 37908022 PMCID: PMC10619285 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01662-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The widespread nature of plastic pollution has given rise to wide scientific and social concern regarding the capacity of these materials to serve as vectors for pathogenic bacteria and reservoirs for Antimicrobial Resistance Genes (ARG). In- and ex-situ incubations were used to characterise the riverine plastisphere taxonomically and functionally in order to determine whether antibiotics within the water influenced the ARG profiles in these microbiomes and how these compared to those on natural surfaces such as wood and their planktonic counterparts. RESULTS We show that plastics support a taxonomically distinct microbiome containing potential pathogens and ARGs. While the plastisphere was similar to those biofilms that grew on wood, they were distinct from the surrounding water microbiome. Hence, whilst potential opportunistic pathogens (i.e. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter and Aeromonas) and ARG subtypes (i.e. those that confer resistance to macrolides/lincosamides, rifamycin, sulfonamides, disinfecting agents and glycopeptides) were predominant in all surface-related microbiomes, especially on weathered plastics, a completely different set of potential pathogens (i.e. Escherichia, Salmonella, Klebsiella and Streptococcus) and ARGs (i.e. aminoglycosides, tetracycline, aminocoumarin, fluoroquinolones, nitroimidazole, oxazolidinone and fosfomycin) dominated in the planktonic compartment. Our genome-centric analysis allowed the assembly of 215 Metagenome Assembled Genomes (MAGs), linking ARGs and other virulence-related genes to their host. Interestingly, a MAG belonging to Escherichia -that clearly predominated in water- harboured more ARGs and virulence factors than any other MAG, emphasising the potential virulent nature of these pathogenic-related groups. Finally, ex-situ incubations using environmentally-relevant concentrations of antibiotics increased the prevalence of their corresponding ARGs, but different riverine compartments -including plastispheres- were affected differently by each antibiotic. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide insights into the capacity of the riverine plastisphere to harbour a distinct set of potentially pathogenic bacteria and function as a reservoir of ARGs. The environmental impact that plastics pose if they act as a reservoir for either pathogenic bacteria or ARGs is aggravated by the persistence of plastics in the environment due to their recalcitrance and buoyancy. Nevertheless, the high similarities with microbiomes growing on natural co-occurring materials and even more worrisome microbiome observed in the surrounding water highlights the urgent need to integrate the analysis of all environmental compartments when assessing risks and exposure to pathogens and ARGs in anthropogenically-impacted ecosystems. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinko Zadjelovic
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
- Present address: Centro de Bioinnovación de Antofagasta (CBIA), Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos Biológicos, Universidad de Antofagasta, 1271155, Antofagasta, Chile.
| | - Robyn J Wright
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Chiara Borsetto
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Jeannelle Quartey
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Tyler N Cairns
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Morgan G I Langille
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | | | - Joseph A Christie-Oleza
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
- Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122, Palma, Spain.
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44
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Wu H, He B, Chen B, Liu A. Toxicity of polyvinyl chloride microplastics on Brassica rapa. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122435. [PMID: 37625773 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) can pose high risk to living organisms due to their very small sizes. This study selected polyvinyl chloride MPs (PVC-MPs) which experienced up to 1000 h UV light radiation to investigate the influence of PVC-MPs on Brassica rapa growth. The outcomes showed the presence of PVC-MPs inhibited the plants' growth. The stem length, root length, fresh weight and dry weight of plants exposed to PVC-MPs after 30 days reduced by 45.9%, 35.2%, 26.1% and 5.2%, respectively. The chlorophyll, soluble sugar, malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) concentrations for plants exposed to PVC-MPs after 30 days increased by 25.9%, 135.7%, 88.7% and 47.1% respectively. It was also observed that PVC-MPs blocked the plants' leaf stomata and even entered plants' bodies. This might lead to PVC-MPs movement within the plants and influence plants' growth. The transcriptomic analysis results indicated that exposure to PVC-MPs up-regulated metabolic pathway of plant hormone signal transduction of the plants and down-regulated pathway network of ribosome. However, the research outcomes also showed that the PVC-MPs' locations in soil (located at the upper layers or at lower layers) and the UV light radiation time did not exert significantly different influences on inhibiting plants' growth. This can be attributed to PVC-MPs' small sizes and not much decomposition under light radiation. These imply that longer light radiation time and different particle sizes should be included into future research in order to further explore photodegraded MPs' toxicity effects on plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Beibei He
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Bocheng Chen
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - An Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
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Chen L, Fan T, Yang M, Si D, Wu H, Wu S, Xu J, Zhou D. Sulfurization alters phenol-formaldehyde resin microplastics redox property and their efficiency in mediating arsenite oxidation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 897:166048. [PMID: 37572922 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics weathering by various types of oxidants in the oxic environment and their interaction with environmental contaminants have drawn numerous scientific attention. However, the environmental fate of microplastics under a reducing environment has been largely unresolved. Herein, the change of physicochemical and redox properties of microplastics during the weathering under a sulfate-reducing environment and the interaction with arsenite were addressed. The sulfurization of phenol-formaldehyde resin microplastics under a sulfate-reducing environment generated smooth and porous particles with the induction of organic S species. Multiple spectroscopic results demonstrated thioether and thiophene groups formed by the substitute removal of O-containing functional groups. Moreover, the sulfurization process induced the reduction of carbonyl groups and oxidation of phenolic hydroxyl groups and resulted in the formation of semiquinone radicals. The O-containing functional groups contributed to microplastics redox property and As(III) oxidation while S-containing functional groups showed no obvious effect. The sulfurized microplastics had lower efficiency in mediating arsenite oxidation than the unsulfurized counterparts due to the decreased electron donating capacity. Producing hydrogen peroxides by electron-donating phenol groups and semiquinone radicals and the direct semiquinone radicals oxidation could mediate arsenite oxidation. The findings of this study help us understand the fate of microplastics in redox fluctuation interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Nanjing 210042, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Tingting Fan
- Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Min Yang
- Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Nanjing 210042, China.
| | - Dunfeng Si
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Haotian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Song Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Dongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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46
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Fries E, Sühring R. The unusual suspects: Screening for persistent, mobile, and toxic plastic additives in plastic leachates. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122263. [PMID: 37499969 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122263] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Plastic additives are a diverse group of chemical compounds added to plastic products to give them their unique physical-chemical properties. Persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) plastic additives are a highly polar, environmentally stable sub-group of plastic additives with a variety of uses in plastic products. Due to their mobility into water, they can pose a significant long-term risk to the aquatic environment. Despite the potential threat, PMT plastic additives remain largely unregulated and under-studied. Notably, there is a need for dedicated analytical methodology and leaching studies to determine their potential emission from plastic products. Here we present an optimized leaching protocol and novel instrumental analysis method for the screening of 124 PMT plastic additives registered for use in Canada using high performance liquid chromatography with quantitative time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QToF-MS). The analytical method covered a log Kow/Dow range between 0.21 and 6.02, which covered 72% of the PMT plastic additives used in Canada. A total of 52 PMT plastic additive suspects were leached in the optimization experiments, 44 of which were unique based on accurate mass and retention time. The conditions that resulted in the greatest numbers of PMT plastic additives leached were lake water, UV light exposure, and a timeframe of approximately 30 days. The analytical and leaching methods presented here offer new tools to study PMT plastic additives and assess their leaching in an environmentally relevant matrix, which can inform monitoring, threat assessment, and regulatory efforts moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Fries
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Roxana Sühring
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada.
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47
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Quade J, López-Ibáñez S, Beiras R. UV Dosage Unveils Toxic Properties of Weathered Commercial Bioplastic Bags. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14807-14816. [PMID: 37750591 PMCID: PMC10569051 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies indicated that weathered conventional plastics and bioplastics pose ecotoxicological risks. Here, the effects of artificial and natural weathering on the ecotoxicity of three compostable bags and a conventional polyethylene (PE) bag are investigated. With that aim, a 21-day artificial indoor weathering experiment featuring UV light, UV-filtered light, and darkness was run simultaneously to a 120-day outdoor littoral mesocosm exposure featuring natural light, UV-filtered light, and shaded conditions. Acute toxicity of so-weathered plastic specimens was tested in vivo using the sensitive Paracentrotus lividus sea-urchin embryo test. PE was nontoxic from the beginning and did not gain toxicity due to UV weathering. In contrast, for bioplastics, dry artificial UV weathering increased toxicity in comparison to the dark control. Weathering in outdoor mesocosm led to a rapid loss of toxic properties due to leaching in rainwater. With a higher UV dosage, a plastic-type-dependent regain of toxicity was observed, most likely driven by enhanced availability or transformation of functional additives or due to bioplastic degradation products. PE showed moderate UV absorbance, while bioplastics showed high UV absorbance. This study highlights the potential of biodegradable plastics to pose enhanced ecotoxicological risk due to weathering under environmentally relevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Quade
- ECIMAT-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Illa de Toralla, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Sara López-Ibáñez
- ECIMAT-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Illa de Toralla, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Ricardo Beiras
- ECIMAT-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Illa de Toralla, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
- Facultade
de Ciencias do Mar, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
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48
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Ogonowski M, Wagner M, Rogell B, Haave M, Lusher A. Microplastics could be marginally more hazardous than natural suspended solids - A meta-analysis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 264:115406. [PMID: 37639826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115406] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are perceived as a threat to aquatic ecosystems but bear many similarities to suspended sediments which are often considered less harmful. It is, therefore pertinent to determine if and to what extent MP are different from other particles occurring in aquatic ecosystems in terms of their adverse effects. We applied meta-regressions to toxicity data extracted from the literature and harmonized the data to construct Species Sensitivity Distributions (SSDs) for both types of particles. The results were largely inconclusive due to high uncertainty but the central tendencies of our estimates still indicate that MP could be marginally more hazardous compared to suspended sediments. In part, the high uncertainty stems from the general lack of comparable experimental studies and dose-dependent point estimates. We therefore argue that until more comparable data is presented, risk assessors should act precautionary and treat MP in the 1-1000 µm size range as marginally more hazardous to aquatic organisms capable of ingesting such particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Ogonowski
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Freshwater Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Stångholmsvägen 2, SE-17893 Drottningholm, Sweden.
| | - Martin Wagner
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Björn Rogell
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Freshwater Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Stångholmsvägen 2, SE-17893 Drottningholm, Sweden
| | - Marte Haave
- NORCE, Norwegian Research Centre AS, Climate & Environment, Nygårdsporten 112, NO-5008 Bergen, Norway; Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Amy Lusher
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway
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49
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Das S, Mukherjee A. Combined effects of P25 TiO 2 nanoparticles and disposable face mask leachate on microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus: analysing the effects of heavy metals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:1428-1437. [PMID: 37534914 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00120b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Disposable surgical face masks extensively used during the COVID-19 outbreak would release microplastics into the aquatic environment. The increasing usage of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) in various consumer items has led to its ubiquitous presence in freshwater systems. This study determined the quantity and kind of microplastics discharged from disposable surgical face masks. The mask-leached microplastics were identified to be polypropylene of varying shapes and sizes, spanning from 1 μm to 15 μm. In addition, heavy metals like Cd, Cr, and Hg leached from the face masks were quantified. Four concentrations of nTiO2, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg L-1, were mixed with leached solution from the face masks to perform the combined toxicity test on freshwater algae, Scenedesmus obliquus. A dose-dependent decrease in algal cell viability was observed upon treatment with various concentrations of nTiO2 individually. The mixtures of nTiO2 and the leached solution from the face masks exhibited significantly more toxicity in the algal cells than in their pristine forms. nTiO2 promoted increased production of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities resulting in cellular damage and decreased photosynthesis. These impacts were elevated when the algal cells were treated with the binary mixture. Furthermore, the heavy metal ions leached from face masks also contributed to the toxic effects. Our study shows that the leachates from disposable surgical face masks, combined with nTiO2, may pose a severe environmental threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soupam Das
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India.
| | - Amitava Mukherjee
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India.
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50
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Abstract
Plastic pollution and climate change are two major environmental focuses. Having the forming potential due to ambient plastic pollution, the environmental fate of microplastics shall be inevitably impacted by global warming. This manuscript discusses the destiny of environmental microplastics and characterizes their fate considering the framework of the planetary boundary. The major routes for microplastic discharge include the release of microplastic stored in the ice into the sea when the ice melts as a result of global temperature increase, flushing of the plastic/microplastic debris from the shorelines into the adjacent water bodies as a result of increased rainfall, redistribution of the microplastics away from the source of plastic debris as a result of increased wind, and accumulation of microplastics in the soil as a result of drought. A perspective on the impact of climate change and microplastic pollution on aquatic and soil organisms was discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Haque
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chihhao Fan
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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