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Yang J, Peng Z, Sun J, Chen Z, Niu X, Xu H, Ho KF, Cao J, Shen Z. A review on advancements in atmospheric microplastics research: The pivotal role of machine learning. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:173966. [PMID: 38897457 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), recognized as emerging pollutants, pose significant potential impacts on the environment and human health. The investigation into atmospheric MPs is nascent due to the absence of effective characterization methods, leaving their concentration, distribution, sources, and impacts on human health largely undefined with evidence still emerging. This review compiles the latest literature on the sources, distribution, environmental behaviors, and toxicological effects of atmospheric MPs. It delves into the methodologies for source identification, distribution patterns, and the contemporary approaches to assess the toxicological effects of atmospheric MPs. Significantly, this review emphasizes the role of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies as novel and promising tools in enhancing the precision and depth of research into atmospheric MPs, including but not limited to the spatiotemporal dynamics, source apportionment, and potential health impacts of atmospheric MPs. The integration of these advanced technologies facilitates a more nuanced understanding of MPs' behavior and effects, marking a pivotal advancement in the field. This review aims to deliver an in-depth view of atmospheric MPs, enhancing knowledge and awareness of their environmental and human health impacts. It calls upon scholars to focus on the research of atmospheric MPs based on new technologies of ML and AI, improving the database as well as offering fresh perspectives on this critical issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaer Yang
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Zezhi Peng
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Zhiwen Chen
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Xinyi Niu
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Hongmei Xu
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Kin-Fai Ho
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Junji Cao
- Key Lab of Aerosol Chemistry & Physics, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Zhenxing Shen
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
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2
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Chen Y, Meng Y, Liu G, Huang X, Chai G. Probabilistic Estimation of Airborne Micro- and Nanoplastic Intake in Humans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:9071-9081. [PMID: 38748887 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Little research exists on the magnitude, variability, and uncertainty of human exposure to airborne micro- and nanoplastics (AMNPs), despite their critical role in human exposure to MNPs. We probabilistically estimate the global intake of AMNPs through three main pathways: indoor inhalation, outdoor inhalation, and ingestion during indoor meals, for both children and adults. The median inhalation of AMPs is 1,207.7 (90% CI, 42.5-8.48 × 104) and 1,354.7 (90% CI, 47.4-9.55 × 104) N/capita/day for children and adults, respectively. The annual intake of AMPs is 13.18 mg/capita/a for children and 19.10 mg/capita/a for adults, which is approximately one-fifth and one-third of the mass of a standard stamp, assuming a consistent daily intake of medians. The majority of AMP number intake occurs through inhalation, while the ingestion of deposited AMPs during meals contributes the most in terms of mass. Furthermore, the median ANP intake through outdoor inhalation is 9,638.1 N/day (8.23 × 10-6 μg/d) and 5,410.6 N/day (4.62 × 10-6 μg/d) for children and adults, respectively, compared to 5.30 × 105 N/day (5.79 × 10-4 μg/d) and 6.00 × 105 N/day (6.55 × 10-4 μg/d) via indoor inhalation. Considering the increased toxicity of smaller MNPs, the significant number of ANPs inhaled warrants great attention. Collaborative efforts are imperative to further elucidate and combat the current MPN risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yuchuan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Guodong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Xiaohua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Guangming Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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3
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Kwabena Danso I, Woo JH, Hoon Baek S, Kim K, Lee K. Pulmonary toxicity assessment of polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene microplastic fragments in mice. Toxicol Res 2024; 40:313-323. [PMID: 38525136 PMCID: PMC10959865 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-023-00224-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene (PE) plastics are commonly used in household items such as electronic housings, food packaging, bottles, bags, toys, and roofing membranes. The presence of inhalable microplastics in indoor air has become a topic of concern as many people spent extended periods of time indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions, however, the toxic effects on the respiratory system are not properly understood. We examined the toxicity of PP, PS, and PE microplastic fragments in the pulmonary system of C57BL/6 mice. For 14 days, mice were intratracheally instilled 5 mg/kg PP, PS, and PE daily. The number of inflammatory cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, and eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of PS-instilled mice was significantly higher than that in the vehicle control (VC). The levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in BALF of PS-instilled mice increased compared to the VC. However, the inflammatory responses in PP- and PE-stimulated mice were not significantly different from those in the VC group. We observed elevated protein levels of toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 in the lung tissue of PP-instilled mice and TLR4 in the lung tissue of PS-instilled mice compared with those to the VC, while TLR1, TLR5, and TLR6 protein levels remained unchanged. Phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and IĸB-α increased significantly in PS-instilled mice compared with that in VC. Furthermore, Nucleotide‑binding oligomerization domain‑like receptor family pyrin domain‑containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome components including NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), and Caspase-1 in the lung tissue of PS-instilled mice increased compared with that in the VC, but not in PP- and PE-instilled mice. These results suggest that PS microplastic fragment stimulation induces pulmonary inflammation due to NF-ĸB and NLRP3 inflammasome activation by the TLR4 pathway. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-023-00224-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Kwabena Danso
- Inhalation Toxicology Center for Airborne Risk Factor, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 30 Baehak1-Gil, Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do 56212 Republic of Korea
- Department of Human and Environmental Toxicology, Korea National University of Science & Technology, Daejeon, 34113 Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Hwan Woo
- Inhalation Toxicology Center for Airborne Risk Factor, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 30 Baehak1-Gil, Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do 56212 Republic of Korea
- Biosafety Research Institute and Laboratory of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Jeollabuk do, Iksan-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hoon Baek
- Inhalation Toxicology Center for Airborne Risk Factor, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 30 Baehak1-Gil, Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do 56212 Republic of Korea
- Department of Human and Environmental Toxicology, Korea National University of Science & Technology, Daejeon, 34113 Republic of Korea
| | - Kilsoo Kim
- Preclinical Research Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu, 41061 Republic of Korea
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Buk-Gu, Daegu, 41566 Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuhong Lee
- Inhalation Toxicology Center for Airborne Risk Factor, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 30 Baehak1-Gil, Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do 56212 Republic of Korea
- Department of Human and Environmental Toxicology, Korea National University of Science & Technology, Daejeon, 34113 Republic of Korea
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Chen Y, Jing S, Wang Y, Song Z, Xie L, Shang X, Fu H, Yang X, Wang H, Wu M, Chen Y, Li Q, Zhang Y, Wang W, Zhang L, Wang R, Fang M, Zhang Y, Li W, Zhao D, Li C, Rudich Y, Wang L, Zhang R, Liu W, Wanger TC, Yu S, Chen J. Quantification and Characterization of Fine Plastic Particles as Considerable Components in Atmospheric Fine Particles. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4691-4703. [PMID: 38323401 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06832] [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: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The negative effects of air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5, particles with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm), on human health, climate, and ecosystems are causing significant concern. Nevertheless, little is known about the contributions of emerging pollutants such as plastic particles to PM2.5 due to the lack of continuous measurements and characterization methods for atmospheric plastic particles. Here, we investigated the levels of fine plastic particles (FPPs) in PM2.5 collected in urban Shanghai at a 2 h resolution by using a novel versatile aerosol concentration enrichment system that concentrates ambient aerosols up to 10-fold. The FPPs were analyzed offline using the combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques that distinguished FPPs from other carbon-containing particles. The average FPP concentrations of 5.6 μg/m3 were observed, and the ratio of FPPs to PM2.5 was 13.2% in this study. The FPP sources were closely related to anthropogenic activities, which pose a potential threat to ecosystems and human health. Given the dramatic increase in plastic production over the past 70 years, this study calls for better quantification and control of FPP pollution in the atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqian Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Siyuan Jing
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Sustainable Agricultural Systems & Engineering Laboratory, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yanting Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhe Song
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lifang Xie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiaona Shang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China
| | - Hongbo Fu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiaodong Yang
- Thermo Fisher Scientific China, No. 2517 Jinke Road 27, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Huimin Wang
- Thermo Fisher Scientific China, No. 2517 Jinke Road 27, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Minghuo Wu
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Yinjuan Chen
- Instrumentation and Service Center for Molecular Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Qing Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Liwu Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Mingliang Fang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yuzhong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Weijun Li
- School of Earth Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Defeng Zhao
- IRDR International Center of Excellence on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Chunlin Li
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Yinon Rudich
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Lin Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Renhe Zhang
- IRDR International Center of Excellence on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Weiping Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Thomas C Wanger
- Sustainable Agricultural Systems & Engineering Laboratory, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China
- China Rice Network, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Global Agroforestry Network, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Shaocai Yu
- School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Jianmin Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- IRDR International Center of Excellence on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Institute of Eco-Chongming (IEC), 3663 N. Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
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5
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Rao W, Fan Y, Li H, Qian X, Liu T. New insights into the long-term dynamics and deposition-suspension distribution of atmospheric microplastics in an urban area. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132860. [PMID: 37918068 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric microplastics (AMPs) transmitted through the atmosphere are critical to global microplastic pollution. However, little is known about the long-term dynamics and distribution patterns of deposited (DAMPs) and suspended (SAMPs) AMPs. In this study, simultaneous sampling was conducted over one year to examine the deposition-suspension distribution of AMPs. Monthly and seasonal variations in abundance were evident, with an annual average of 302.31 ± 107.40 items/m2/day for DAMPs and 1.31 ± 0.62 items/m3 for SAMPs. The dynamics of DAMP and SAMP abundance demonstrated the dynamic distribution of AMPs between deposition and suspension. Both meteorological factors and particle features were found to influence the AMP distribution, manifesting as morphological differences and abundance variations. AMPs were most likely derived from traffic, industry, construction, and synthetic textiles, with diverse source areas up to 1750 km away. The estimated deposition flux of 7.28 × 1014 items per year and inhalation exposure of up to 12,777 items per year highlight the potential ecological and health risks of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yifan Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Huiming Li
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Xin Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology (CICAEET), Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China.
| | - Tong Liu
- Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
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6
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Feng Y, Tu C, Li R, Wu D, Yang J, Xia Y, Peijnenburg WJ, Luo Y. A systematic review of the impacts of exposure to micro- and nano-plastics on human tissue accumulation and health. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (ONLINE) 2023; 2:195-207. [PMID: 38435355 PMCID: PMC10902512 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) pollution has become a pressing global environmental issue, with growing concerns regarding its impact on human health. However, evidence on the effects of MNPs on human health remains limited. This paper reviews the three routes of human exposure to MNPs, which include ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. It further discusses the potential routes of translocation of MNPs in human lungs, intestines, and skin, analyses the potential impact of MNPs on the homeostasis of human organ systems, and provides an outlook on future research priorities for MNPs in human health. There is growing evidence that MNPs are present in human tissues or fluids. Lab studies, including in vivo animal models and in vitro human-derived cell cultures, revealed that MNPs exposure could negatively affect human health. MNPs exposure could cause oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, disruption of internal barriers like the intestinal, the air-blood and the placental barrier, tissue damage, as well as immune homeostasis imbalance, endocrine disruption, and reproductive and developmental toxicity. Limitedly available epidemiological studies suggest that disorders like lung nodules, asthma, and blood thrombus might be caused or exacerbated by MNPs exposure. However, direct evidence for the effects of MNPs on human health is still scarce, and future research in this area is needed to provide quantitative support for assessing the risk of MNPs to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Feng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chen Tu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ruijie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Di Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jie Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Willie J.G.M. Peijnenburg
- National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Center for Safety of Substances and Products, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Yongming Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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7
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Yuan Z, Pei CL, Li HX, Lin L, Hou R, Liu S, Zhang K, Cai MG, Xu XR. Vertical distribution and transport of microplastics in the urban atmosphere: New insights from field observations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165190. [PMID: 37385506 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The distribution and transport of atmospheric microplastics (AMPs) have raised concerns regarding their potential effects on the environment and human health. Although previous studies have reported the presence of AMPs at ground level, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of their vertical distribution in urban environments. To gain insight into the vertical profile of AMPs, field observations were conducted at four different heights (ground level, 118 m, 168 m and 488 m) of the Canton Tower in Guangzhou, China. Results showed that the profiles of AMPs and other air pollutants had similar layer distribution patterns, although their concentrations differed. The majority of AMPs were composed of polyethylene terephthalate and rayon fibers ranging from 30 to 50 μm. As a result of atmospheric thermodynamics, AMPs generated at ground level were only partially transported upward, leading to a decrease in their abundance with increasing altitude. The study found that the stable atmospheric stability and lower wind speed between 118 m and 168 m resulted in the formation of a fine layer where AMPs tended to accumulate instead of being transported upward. This study for the first time delineated the vertical profile of AMPs within the atmospheric boundary layer, providing valuable data for understanding the environmental fate of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Cheng-Lei Pei
- Guangzhou Sub-branch of Guangdong Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Heng-Xiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Sanya 572100, China
| | - Lang Lin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Sanya 572100, China
| | - Rui Hou
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Sanya 572100, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Sanya 572100, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- National Observation and Research Station of Coastal Ecological Environments in Macao, Macao Environmental Research Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao SAR, China
| | - Ming-Gang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xiang-Rong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Sanya 572100, China.
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8
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Zuri G, Karanasiou A, Lacorte S. Microplastics: Human exposure assessment through air, water, and food. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 179:108150. [PMID: 37607425 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microplastics (MP) are plastic particles with dimension up to 5 mm. Due to their persistence, global spread across different ecosystems and potential human health effects, they have gained increasing attention during the last decade. However, the extent of human exposure to MP through different pathways and their intake have not been elucidated. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review is to provide an overview on the pathways of exposure to MP through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact considering data from the open bibliography on MP in air, dust, food, water and drinks. METHODS A bibliographic search on Scopus and PubMed was conducted using keywords on MP in outdoor and indoor air, indoor dust, food including beverages and water and human intake (n = 521). Articles were sorted by their title and abstract (n = 213), and only studies reporting MP identification and quantification techniques were further considered (n = 168). A total of 115 articles that include quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures are finally discussed in the present review. Based on MP concentration data available in literature, we estimated the potential inhaled dose (ID), dust intake (DI), the estimated daily intake (EDI) via food and beverages. Finally, the total daily intake (TDI) considering both inhalation and ingestion routes are provided for adults, infants and newborns. RESULTS The concentrations of MP in outdoor and indoor air, dust, and in food and water are provided according to the bibliography. Human exposure to MP through dust ingestion, inhalation of air and food/drinks consumption revealed that indoor air and drinking waters were the main sources of MP. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that humans are constantly exposed to MP, and that the indoor environment and the food and water we ingest decisively contribute to MP intake. Additionally, we highlight that infants and newborns are exposed to high MP concentrations and further studies are needed to evaluate the presence and risk of MP in this vulnerable age-population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Zuri
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research of the Spanish Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angeliki Karanasiou
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research of the Spanish Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sílvia Lacorte
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research of the Spanish Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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Yuan Z, Pei C, Li H, Lin L, Liu S, Hou R, Liao R, Xu X. Atmospheric microplastics at a southern China metropolis: Occurrence, deposition flux, exposure risk and washout effect of rainfall. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161839. [PMID: 36709905 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric microplastics (AMPs) have raised much concern for public health due to their potential for exposure. In this study, temporal distribution, characteristics and exposure risk of AMPs were studied in the urban area of Guangzhou, a metropolis in Southern China, and the washout effect of rainfall on AMPs was investigated. It was found that AMP abundances in Guangzhou were in a range of 0.01-0.44 items/m3, with higher abundance in the wet season (0.19 ± 0.01 items/m3) than in the dry season (0.15 ± 0.02 items/m3). The distribution of AMPs did not correspond to that of common air pollutants (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10), implying that their pollution sources might be distinct. In Guangzhou, a total of 1.26 × 1011 items AMPs are in the air every year, and annual inhalation exposure of adults was estimated to be in the range of 79.65-3.50 × 103 items. The annual deposition flux of AMPs is 65.94 ± 7.53 items/m2/d, and the deposition flux in the wet season (84.00 ± 6.95 items/m2/d) was much greater than that in the dry season (47.88 ± 8.35 items/m2/d). Furthermore, rainfall has an effective mechanism for removing AMPs from the atmosphere, with an average washout ratio of (19.39 ± 6.48) × 104 for rainfall washing AMPs out. Compared to moderate rain (2.5-10 mm/h) and heavy rain (10-50 mm/h), light rain (rainfall intensity <2.5 mm/h) had a better washout effect. This study contributes to the evaluation of AMP exposure risk and understanding of AMP environmental behavior and fate by providing long-term monitoring data on AMPs and quantifying the washout effect of rainfall on AMPs for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chenglei Pei
- Guangzhou Sub-branch of Guangdong Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hengxiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Lang Lin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Rui Hou
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Ran Liao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine IntelliSensing and Computation, Guangdong Research Center of Polarization Imaging and Measurement Engineering Technology, Institute for Ocean Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiangrong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China.
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10
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Nicole W. An Ill Wind? Growing Recognition of Airborne Nano- and Microplastic Exposures. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:42001. [PMID: 37116008 PMCID: PMC10146709 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
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11
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Dong H, Wang X, Xu L, Ding J, Wania F. A Flow-through Passive Sampler for Microplastics in Air. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:2362-2370. [PMID: 36647623 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) in air have attracted increasing attention because of their ubiquitous presence. Accurate atmospheric concentrations of MP are essential for evaluating their capacity for long-range transport and for assessing human inhalation risk. In order to sample airborne MP in locations with limited power supply, we adapted a flow-through passive sampler by placing a glass fiber filter in the inner sampling tube. To test the new sampler's performance under field conditions, two sizes of the flow-through sampler (with diameters of 20 and 10 cm) and a conventionally pumped high-volume air sampler were co-deployed on the Lhasa campus of the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research. Accurate sampling volumes could be estimated from a relationship between wind speeds recorded outside and inside of the flow-through sampler. Atmospheric concentrations and compositions of MP that compared favorably with those obtained by active sampling indicate that the larger version of the flow-through passive sampler can provide reproducible and quantitative information on atmospheric MP at sites with limited or unreliable power supply. This capability should be useful in large-scale and high-temporal resolution air monitoring networks for MP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huike Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing100101, China
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing100101, China
- School of Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, Beijing100049, China
| | - Li Xu
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing100097, China
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Agriculture Environment Monitoring, Beijing100097, China
| | - Jiannan Ding
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi214122, China
| | - Frank Wania
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, OntarioM1C 1A4, Canada
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12
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Cao J, Yang Q, Jiang J, Dalu T, Kadushkin A, Singh J, Fakhrullin R, Wang F, Cai X, Li R. Coronas of micro/nano plastics: a key determinant in their risk assessments. Part Fibre Toxicol 2022; 19:55. [PMID: 35933442 PMCID: PMC9356472 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-022-00492-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As an emerging pollutant in the life cycle of plastic products, micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs) are increasingly being released into the natural environment. Substantial concerns have been raised regarding the environmental and health impacts of M/NPs. Although diverse M/NPs have been detected in natural environment, most of them display two similar features, i.e.,high surface area and strong binding affinity, which enable extensive interactions between M/NPs and surrounding substances. This results in the formation of coronas, including eco-coronas and bio-coronas, on the plastic surface in different media. In real exposure scenarios, corona formation on M/NPs is inevitable and often displays variable and complex structures. The surface coronas have been found to impact the transportation, uptake, distribution, biotransformation and toxicity of particulates. Different from conventional toxins, packages on M/NPs rather than bare particles are more dangerous. We, therefore, recommend seriously consideration of the role of surface coronas in safety assessments. This review summarizes recent progress on the eco-coronas and bio-coronas of M/NPs, and further discusses the analytical methods to interpret corona structures, highlights the impacts of the corona on toxicity and provides future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Cao
- School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing Yang
- School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tatenda Dalu
- School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, 1200, South Africa
| | - Aliaksei Kadushkin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Belarusian State Medical University, 220116, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Joginder Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Rawil Fakhrullin
- Kazan Federal University, Institute of Fundamental Medicine & Biology, Kreml Uramı 18, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation, 420008
| | - Fangjun Wang
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Dalian, 116023, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoming Cai
- School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Ruibin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
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13
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Evangeliou N, Tichý O, Eckhardt S, Zwaaftink CG, Brahney J. Sources and fate of atmospheric microplastics revealed from inverse and dispersion modelling: From global emissions to deposition. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 432:128585. [PMID: 35299104 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We combine observations from Western USA and inverse modelling to constrain global atmospheric emissions of microplastics (MPs) and microfibers (MFs). The latter are used further to model their global atmospheric dynamics. Global annual MP emissions were calculated as 9.6 ± 3.6 Tg and MF emissions as 6.5 ± 2.9 Tg. Global average monthly MP concentrations were 47 ng m-3 and 33 ng m-3 for MFs, at maximum. The largest deposition of agricultural MPs occurred close to the world's largest agricultural regions. Road MPs mostly deposited in the East Coast of USA, Central Europe, and Southeastern Asia; MPs resuspended with mineral dust near Sahara and Middle East. Only 1.8% of the emitted mass of oceanic MPs was transferred to land, and 1.4% of land MPs to ocean; the rest were deposited in the same environment. Previous studies reported that 0.74-1.9 Tg y-1 of land-based atmospheric MPs/MFs (< 5 mm) are transported to the ocean, while riverine transport is between 3.3 and 14 Tg y-1. We calculate that 0.418 ± 0.201 Tg y-1 MPs/MFs (size up to 250 and 2500 µm) were transported from the land to ocean (large particles were ignored). Model validation against observations showed that particle removal must be urgently updated in global models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Evangeliou
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Instituttveien 18, 2007 Kjeller, Norway.
| | - Ondřej Tichý
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Information Theory and Automation, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sabine Eckhardt
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Instituttveien 18, 2007 Kjeller, Norway
| | | | - Janice Brahney
- Department of Watershed Sciences and Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
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14
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Mehmood T, Peng L. Polyethylene scaffold net and synthetic grass fragmentation: a source of microplastics in the atmosphere? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 429:128391. [PMID: 35236024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) implications in the atmosphere are of current global concern. Currently, there is a growing interest regarding source appointment, fate, level of toxicity, and exposure intensity of ambient air MPs. Recent data suggest that polyethylene (PE) dominates ambient MPs in China's megacities. Albeit understanding of PE sources is limited and restricted to typical sources polluting terrestrial and marine environments. However, the air is a distinct environmental component and may have some separate pollution sources as well as the relative contribution of different sources could also contrast in different environments. Urbanization and fast construction activity resulting from increased economic growth in these places might be a potential source of ambient PE. Recently, the use of scaffold netting on construction sites and synthetic grass as land covering sheets has been on the rise. Generally, these PE items are often inferior and composed of recycled material, making them more prone to degradation. Also, because these items were continually exposed to open air, there is a considerable risk of fragmentation and atmospheric mixing. Therefore, unchecked and excessive usage of these materials can be risky. Here, PE's physical and chemical characteristics, transport and health risks in urban air are discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Mehmood
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, PR China; College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province, PR China 570228
| | - Licheng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, PR China; College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province, PR China 570228.
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15
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Wright S, Borm PJA. Applying Existing Particle Paradigms to Inhaled Microplastic Particles. Front Public Health 2022; 10:868822. [PMID: 35712293 PMCID: PMC9197419 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.868822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ambient particulate pollution originating from plastic contaminates air, including indoor and urban environments. The recent discovery of ambient microplastic (MP) particles of a size capable of depositing in the thoracic region of the airway, if inhaled, has raised concern for public exposure and health impacts following lessons learned from other particle domains. Current microplastic exposure estimates are relatively low compared to total ambient particulate matter, but optimal analytical techniques and therefore data for risk and health impact assessments are lacking. In the absence of such an evidence base, this paper explores paradigms, metrics and dose-response curves developed in other particle domains as a starting point for predicting whether microplastic are of concern. Bio-persistence, presence of reactive sites and soluble toxicants are likely key properties in microplastic toxicity, but these are not measured in environmental studies and hence are challenging to interpret in exposure. Data from a MP inhalation study in rats is available but the study was conducted using conditions that do not replicate the known human health effects of PM2.5 or surrogate exposures: compromised, aged animal models are recommended to investigate potential parallels between MPs and PM2.5. One of these parallels is provided by tire wear particles (TWP), which form part of current ambient PM and are sometimes regarded as microplastic. A connection to epidemiological studies where PM filters are still available is recommended and consequently analytical advances are required. In summary, established particle domains and existing paradigms provide valuable insight and data that can be used to predict MP toxicity, and direct study design and key properties to consider in this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Wright
- Environmental Research Group, Medical Research Council Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Stephanie Wright
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