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Li L, Ma R, Yuan Y, Yao Q, Han Y, Cao H, Qi J. Neurotoxicity induced by aged microplastics from plastic bowls: Abnormal neurotransmission in Caenorhabditis elegans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 952:175939. [PMID: 39218100 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The use of plastic bowls (PB) has garnered increasing scrutiny due to the inevitable generation of microplastics (MPs) throughout their lifecycle. Despite this concern, there exists a limited understanding of the behaviors, toxicological effects, and mechanisms associated with aged PB (A-PB). This research investigated the photoaging properties of A-PB following ultraviolet irradiation and evaluated the neurotoxic impact of exposure to A-PB at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.001-1 mg/L) on Caenorhabditis elegans. Significant alterations in the crystallinity, elemental composition, and functional groups of A-PB were observed compared to virgin PB (V-PB), along with the emergence of environmentally persistent free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Toxicity assessments revealed that exposure to 0.1-1 mg/L A-PB induced greater neurotoxicity on locomotion behaviors compared to V-PB, as evidenced by marked reductions in head thrashes, body bends, wavelength, and mean amplitude. Exposure to A-PB also altered the fluorescence intensities and neurodegeneration percentage of dopaminergic, serotonergic, and GABAergic neurons, suggesting neuronal damage in the nematodes. Correspondingly, decreases in the levels of dopamine, serotonin, and GABA were noted together with significant drops in the expression of neurotransmitter-related genes (e.g., dat-1, tph-1, and unc-47). Correlation analyses established a significant positive relationship between these genes and locomotion behaviors. Further exploration showed the absence of locomotion behaviors in dat-1 (ok157), tph-1 (mg280), and unc-47 (e307) mutants, underscoring the pivotal roles of the dat-1, tph-1, and unc-47 genes in mediating neurotoxicity in C. elegans. This study sheds light on the photoaging characteristics and heightened toxicity of A-PB, elucidating the mechanisms driving A-PB-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangzhong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High-Quality Recycling of End-of-Life New Energy Devices, Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Ruixue Ma
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Chengdu Research Academy of Environmental Protection Science, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Qian Yao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High-Quality Recycling of End-of-Life New Energy Devices, Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yajing Han
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China.
| | - Hanlin Cao
- Technical Centre for Soil, Agriculture and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Jianying Qi
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
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2
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Zhang Q, Xu X, Song C, Zhang D, Kong Y, Cui X. Effect of UV exposure and natural aging on the in vitro PAHs bioaccessibility associated with tire wear particles in soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175751. [PMID: 39197782 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
Tire wear particles (TWP), as an emerging type of microplastics, are a significant source of contaminants in roadside soils due to their high concentration of pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This study explored the impact of ultraviolet (UV) exposure and natural aging on the in vitro bioaccessibility of PAHs associated with TWP in soil on a China-wide scale. Our findings suggested that UV exposure amplified the negative charge of TWP by 75 % and increased the hydrophobic groups on the particle surface. The bioaccessibility of 3- and 4-ring PAHs in TWP was significantly (p < 0.05) heightened by UV exposure. After 20 types of soils containing 2 % UV-exposed TWP underwent natural aging, the bioaccessibility of PAHs saw a significant decrease (p < 0.05) to 16-48 %, compared to 28-96 % in the unaged group. Soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were the two primary soil properties positively influencing the reduction of in vitro PAHs concentration and PAHs bioaccessibility. According to the prediction results, soils in southern China presented the highest potential region for the release of bioaccessible PAHs from TWP, highlighting the regional specificity of environmental impact. Our study provides valuable insights into the biological impact of PAHs associated with TWP on a regional scale, and offers scientific evidence for targeted soil risk management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xinyan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chenzhuo Song
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Dengke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yi Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xinyi Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Zhang Y, Zhao T, Zhang Y, Song Q, Meng Q, Zhou S, Wei L, Qi Y, Guo Y, Cong J. Accumulation and depuration of tire wear particles in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and toxic effects on gill, liver, and gut. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175625. [PMID: 39163933 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
The toxic effects of tire wear particles (TWPs) in the environment are a growing concern for a variety of aquatic organisms. However, studies about TWPs toxicity on aquatic organisms are limited. This study investigated the accumulation and depuration of TWPs in zebrafish at three different concentrations (5 mg/L, 10 mg/L, and 20 mg/L), as well as the toxic effects on the gill, liver, and gut. We found that TWPs could accumulate in the gill and gut for a long time, and the number of TWPs at the high-concentration (20 mg/L) was higher than at the low-concentration (5 mg/L). TWPs induced oxidative stress in the gill and liver. The liver transcriptome profiles indicated that the high concentration of TWPs tended to up-regulate metabolic processes, whereas the low concentration of TWPs was inclined to down-regulate cellular processes. The high-concentration treatment significantly increased xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism, and lipid metabolism-related pathways, whereas the low-concentration treatment distinctly altered amino acid metabolism-related pathways. The expression of gstt1b, ugt1a1, mgst3b, miox, hsd17b3, and cyp8b1 gene was up-regulated in all TWPs treatments. In addition, Gemmobacter and Shinella enriched in the high-concentration treatment were closely correlated with the degradation of TWPs. These findings provided objective evidence for the toxicity evaluation of TWPs on zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Tianyu Zhao
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Hospital), Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Qianqian Song
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Qingxuan Meng
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Siyu Zhou
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Lijuan Wei
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Yinuo Qi
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Yinyuan Guo
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Jing Cong
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China.
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4
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Li H, Jiang Y, Gu Y, Chen C, Yu J, Wang C, Shi C, Pan R, Chen H. Environmentally persistent free radicals on photoaging microplastics shortens longevity via inducing oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142560. [PMID: 38851504 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142560] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that exert multiple toxicological effects. Current studies have mainly focused on modeled or unaged MPs, which lack environmental relevance. The generation and toxicity of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) on photoaging polystyrene (PS) have not been well studied, and the role of EPFRs on the toxic effects of photoaged PS is easily ignored. Photoaging primarily produces EPFRs, followed by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and oxidative potential, which alter the physicochemical properties of photoaged PS. The mean lifespan and lipofuscin content were significantly altered after acute exposure to photoaged PS for 45 d (PS-45) and 60 d (PS-60) in Caenorhabditis elegans. Intestinal ROS and gst-4::GFP expression were enhanced, concomitant with the upregulation of associated genes. Treatment with N-acetyl-l-cysteine by radical quenching test significantly decreased EPFRs levels on the aged PS and inhibited the acceleration of the aging and oxidative stress response in nematodes. Pearson's correlation analysis also indicated that the EPFRs levels were significantly associated with these factors. Thus, the EPFRs generated on photoaged PS contribute to the acceleration of aging by oxidative stress. This study provides new insights into the potential toxicity and highlights the need to consider the role of EPFRs in the toxicity assessment of photoaged PS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yongqi Jiang
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yulun Gu
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Chongli Shi
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Ruolin Pan
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Haibo Chen
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
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Bouredji A, Muresan B, Truong XT, Lumière L, Pourchez J, Forest V. An in vitro comparison of the toxicological profiles of ground tire particles (TP) and actual tire and road wear particles (TRWP) emissions. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108885. [PMID: 39024828 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
There is currently limited data on the potential effects of tire and road wear particles (TRWP) on human health. TRWP include tire fragments, but also road wear materials, dust, adsorbed gaseous pollutants and different types of inclusions that could affect their hazard profiles. Due to their availability and lower complexity, ground tire particles (TP) are often used in toxicological studies. However, this makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the potential hazard of actual TRWP. Here, we compared the in vitro toxicological profile of ground TP and actual TRWP emissions of similar size collected from road traffic. For this purpose, TP and TRWP were separately incubated with alveolar macrophages for 24 h, and the cellular response was evaluated in terms of cytotoxicity, proinflammatory response and oxidative stress. Both TP and TRWP induced neither significant cytotoxicity nor oxidative stress, but triggered a concentration-dependent proinflammatory response, as evidenced by increased TNF-α production. The level of TNF-α production was slightly higher with TRWP than with TP, independent of the particle dose. All in all, the pulmonary toxicity of TRWP could be due primarily to the tire tread inclusions and only marginally to other particle components (i.e. road wear materials, dust …). Although these preliminary results need to be confirmed by further analysis, they could be useful for tire manufacturers in the production of safer-by-design tires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abderrahmane Bouredji
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Univ Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, Saint-Etienne F-42023, France
| | - Bogdan Muresan
- Université Gustave Eiffel, AME-EASE, Bouguenais F-44344, France
| | | | | | - Jérémie Pourchez
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Univ Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, Saint-Etienne F-42023, France
| | - Valérie Forest
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Univ Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, Saint-Etienne F-42023, France.
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Wei Y, Yu Y, Cao X, Wang B, Yu D, Wang J, Liu Z. Remote Mountainous Area Inevitably Becomes Temporal Sink for Microplastics Driven by Atmospheric Transport. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39012186 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Atmospheric transport drives the widespread distribution of microplastic (MP) in various ecosystems, posing a growing potential threat to environmental safety and human health. Understanding the source and fate of atmospheric MPs is thus crucial to constrain MP's widespread exposure. However, the source-sink dynamics of atmospheric MPs, especially in remote areas, are uncertain, and their transport routes have yet to be identified. Here, we conducted a 13-month monitoring of the atmospheric MPs in the uninhabited area of Mount Taibai, estimated the potential risk of MP exposure to the environment, and modeled the MP trajectory to analyze their transportation. We first found that as many as 15 polymer types of MPs, whose shapes mainly include fiber, fragments, films, and granules, maintained abundance (0.7 and 0.3 particle/m3 for PM10 and PM2.5, respectively) in the mountain atmosphere at respirable sizes. It is worth noting that the risk assessment results that comprehensively consider the influences of abundance and morphological characteristics suggest that the exposure level of MPs exhibits a risk even in this remote mountainous area that is not disturbed by frequent human activities. Backward trajectories revealed the likely source of MPs in the sparsely populated Liupan Mountains and Qinling Mountains of short-range transport. Further, polymer characteristics of MPs and airflow-based source analysis indicated the emission source of MPs in southern Xianyang in a longer-range transport. MPs were directionally transported to Mount Taibai through atmospheric transport under the premise of stable climate and geographical conditions. These suggest that MPs inevitably occur in remote mountainous areas driven by atmospheric transport, and the mountainous areas are persistently bearing the environmental impact of MP exposure. This study reveals the risk impacts of MP exposure and the transport dynamics of atmospheric MPs in a mountain ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Wei
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive and Highly Efficient Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Geology and Environment of Salt Lakes, Xining 810008, China
| | - Yong Yu
- Institute of Eco-Environmental Forensics, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, Shandong, China
| | - Xuewen Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive and Highly Efficient Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Geology and Environment of Salt Lakes, Xining 810008, China
| | - Dongmei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive and Highly Efficient Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Geology and Environment of Salt Lakes, Xining 810008, China
| | - Jianping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive and Highly Efficient Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Geology and Environment of Salt Lakes, Xining 810008, China
| | - Ze Liu
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive and Highly Efficient Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Geology and Environment of Salt Lakes, Xining 810008, China
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7
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Zhang Y, Frimpong AJ, Tang J, Olayode IO, Kyei SK, Owusu-Ansah P, Agyeman PK, Fayzullayevich JV, Tan G. An explicit review and proposal of an integrated framework system to mitigate the baffling complexities induced by road dust-associated contaminants. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 349:123957. [PMID: 38631446 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123957] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Road dust-associated contaminants (RD-AC) are gradually becoming a much thornier problem, as their monotonous correlations render them carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic. While many studies have examined the harmful effects of road dust on both humans and the environment, few studies have considered the co-exposure risk and gradient outcomes given the spatial extent of RD-AC. In this spirit, this paper presents in-depth elucidation into the baffling complexities induced by both major and emerging contaminants of road dust through a panorama-to-profile up-to-date review of diverse studies unified by the goal of advancing innovative methods to mitigate these contaminants. The paper thoroughly explores the correlations between RD-AC and provides insights to understand their potential in dispersing saprotrophic microorganisms. It also explores emerging challenges and proposes a novel integrated framework system aimed at thermally inactivating viruses and other pathogenic micro-organisms commingled with RD-AC. The main findings are: (i) the co-exposure risk of both major and emerging contaminants add another layer of complexity, highlighting the need for more holistic framework strategies, given the geospatial morphology of these contaminants; (ii) road dust contaminants show great potential for extended prevalence and severity of viral particles pollution; (iii) increasing trend of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) in road dust, with studies conducted solely in China thus far; and (iv) substantial hurdle exists in acquiring data concerning acute procedural distress and long-term co-exposure risk to RD-ACs. Given the baffling complexities of RD-ACs, co-exposure risk and the need for innovative mitigation strategies, the study underscore the significance of establishing robust systems for deep road dust contaminants control and future research efforts while recognizing the interconnectivity within the contaminants associated with road dust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Zhang
- School of Automotive Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China; Suizhou-WUT Industrial Research Institute, Suizhou Economic Development Zone, Zengdu District, Suizhou City, Hubei Province, China
| | - Alex Justice Frimpong
- School of Automotive Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China; Suizhou-WUT Industrial Research Institute, Suizhou Economic Development Zone, Zengdu District, Suizhou City, Hubei Province, China; Department of Automotive and Agricultural Mechanization Engineering, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Jingning Tang
- National Special Purpose Vehicle Product Quality Inspection and Testing Center, Suizhou City, Hubei Province, China
| | - Isaac Oyeyemi Olayode
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, P. O. Box 2028, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sampson Kofi Kyei
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Prince Owusu-Ansah
- Department of Automotive and Agricultural Mechanization Engineering, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Philip Kwabena Agyeman
- School of Automotive Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China; Suizhou-WUT Industrial Research Institute, Suizhou Economic Development Zone, Zengdu District, Suizhou City, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jamshid Valiev Fayzullayevich
- School of Automotive Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China; Suizhou-WUT Industrial Research Institute, Suizhou Economic Development Zone, Zengdu District, Suizhou City, Hubei Province, China; School of Automobile and Automotive Economy, Tashkent State Transport University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Gangfeng Tan
- School of Automotive Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China; Suizhou-WUT Industrial Research Institute, Suizhou Economic Development Zone, Zengdu District, Suizhou City, Hubei Province, China.
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Zhang T, Wang M, Han Y, Liu J, Zhang Z, Wang M, Liu P, Gao S. Particle sizes crucially affected the release of additives from tire wear particles during UV irradiation and mechanical abrasion. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134106. [PMID: 38552399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
In the environment, tire wear particles (TWPs) could release various additives to induce potential risk, while the effects of particle size on the additive release behavior and ecological risk from TWPs remain unknown. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of particle sizes (>2 mm, 0.71-1 mm, and <0.1 mm) on the release behavior of TWPs additives under mechanical abrasion and UV irradiation in water. Compared to mechanical abrasion, UV irradiation significantly increased the level of additives released from TWPs. Especially, the additive releasing characteristics were critically affected by the particle sizes of TWPs, manifested as the higher release in the smaller-size ones. After 60 d of UV irradiation, the concentration of antioxidant N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) reached 10.79 mg/L in the leachate of small-sized TWPs, 2.78 and 5.36 times higher than that of medium-sized and large-sized TWPs. The leachate of the small-sized TWPs also showed higher cytotoxicity. •OH and O2•- were identified as the main reactive oxygen species (ROS), which exhibited higher concentrations and dramatic attack on small-sized TWPs to cause pronounced fragmentation and oxidation, finally inducing the higher release of additives. This paper sheds light on the crucial effects and mechanism of particle sizes in the release behavior of TWPs additives, provides useful information to assess the ecological risk of TWPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taishuo Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Mingjun Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yingxuan Han
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jingxuan Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Zixuan Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Mengjie Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Management and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210046, China.
| | - Peng Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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Guo Z, Wang M, Pan Y, Lu H, Pan S. Ecological assessment of stream water polluted by phosphorus chemical plant: Physiological, biochemical, and molecular effects on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 247:118173. [PMID: 38224935 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118173] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The rapid development of the phosphorus chemical industry has caused serious pollution problems in the regional eco-environment. However, understanding of their ecotoxic effects remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the developmental toxicity of a stream polluted by a phosphorus chemical plant (PCP) on zebrafish embryos. For this, zebrafish embryos were exposed to stream water (0, 25, 50, and 100% v/v) for 96 h, and developmental toxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and DNA damage were assessed. Stream water-treated embryos exhibited decreased hatching rates, heart rates, and body lengths, as well as increased mortality and malformation rates. The general morphology score system indicated that the swim bladder and pigmentation were the main abnormal morphological endpoints. Stream water promoted antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage. It also triggered apoptosis in the embryos' heads, hearts, and spines by activating apoptotic enzymes (Caspase-3 and Caspase-9). Additionally, stream water influenced growth, oxidative stress, and apoptosis-related 19 gene expression. Notably, tyr, sod (Mn), and caspase9 were the most sensitive indicators of growth, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, respectively. The current trial concluded that PCP-polluted stream water exhibited significant developmental toxicity to zebrafish embryos, which was regulated by the oxidative stress-mediated activation of endogenous apoptotic signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Guo
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 561113, China.
| | - Min Wang
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 561113, China.
| | - Yuwei Pan
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Hongliang Lu
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 561113, China.
| | - Sha Pan
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 561113, China.
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10
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Gu Y, Jiang Y, Chen X, Li L, Chen H, Chen J, Wang C, Yu J, Chen C, Li H. Generation of environmentally persistent free radicals on photoaged tire wear particles and their neurotoxic effects on neurotransmission in Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108640. [PMID: 38608385 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Tire wear particles (TWP) are a prevalent form of microplastics (MPs) extensively distributed in the environment, raising concerns about their environmental behaviors and risks. However, knowledge regarding the properties and toxicity of these particles at environmentally relevant concentrations, specifically regarding the role of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) generated during TWP photoaging, remains limited. In this study, the evolution of EPFRs on TWP under different photoaging times and their adverse effects on Caenorhabditis elegans were systematically investigated. The photoaging process primarily resulted in the formation of EPFRs and reactive oxygen species (O2•-, ⋅OH, and 1O2), altering the physicochemical properties of TWP. The exposure of nematodes to 100 μg/L of TWP-50 (TWP with a photoaging time of 50 d) led to a significant decrease in locomotory behaviors (e.g., head thrashes, body bends, and wavelength) and neurotransmitter contents (e.g., dopamine, glutamate, and serotonin). Similarly, the expression of neurotransmission-related genes was reduced in nematodes exposed to TWP-50. Furthermore, the addition of free-radical inhibitors significantly suppressed TWP-induced neurotoxicity. Notably, correlation analysis revealed a significantly negative correlation between EPFRs levels and the locomotory behaviors and neurotransmitter contents of nematodes. Thus, it was concluded that EPFRs on photoaged TWP induce neurotoxicity by affecting neurotransmission. These findings elucidate the toxicity effects and mechanisms of EPFRs, emphasizing the importance of considering their contributions when evaluating the environmental risks associated with TWP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulun Gu
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yongqi Jiang
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Liangzhong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Renewable Energy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New and Renewable Energy Research and Development, Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Haibo Chen
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Jinyu Chen
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Hui Li
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
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Chen L, Liu Z, Yang T, Zhao W, Yao Y, Liu P, Jia H. Photoaged Tire Wear Particles Leading to the Oxidative Damage on Earthworms ( Eisenia fetida) by Disrupting the Antioxidant Defense System: The Definitive Role of Environmental Free Radicals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4500-4509. [PMID: 38415582 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07878] [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: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Tire wear particles (TWPs) have caused increasing concerns due to their detrimental effects on the soil ecosystem. However, the role of weathering in altering the toxicity of TWP to soil organisms is poorly understood. In this study, the toxicity of original and photoaged TWP was compared using earthworms (Eisenia fetida) as soil model organisms. The obtained results indicated that photoaging of TWP resulted in an increase of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) from 3.69 × 1017 to 5.20 × 1017 spin/g. Meanwhile, photoaged TWP induced the changes of toxic endpoint in E. fetide, i.e., the increase of the weight loss and death ratio from 0.0425 to 0.0756 g/worm and 23.3 to 50% compared to original TWP under a 10% concentration, respectively. Analyses of transcriptomics, antioxidant enzyme activity, and histopathology demonstrated that the enhanced toxicity was mainly due to oxidative damage, which was induced by disruption in the antioxidant defense system. Free-radical quenching and correlation analysis further suggested that the excessive production of ex vivo reactive oxygen species, induced by EPFRs, led to the exhaustion of the antioxidant defense system. Overall, this work provides new insights into the potential hazard of the weathered TWP in a soil environment and has significant implications for the recycling and proper disposal of spent tire particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Chen
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Nature Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, 3# Taicheng Road, Yangling 712100, P. R. China
| | - Ze Liu
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Nature Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, 3# Taicheng Road, Yangling 712100, P. R. China
| | - Tianhuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Nature Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, 3# Taicheng Road, Yangling 712100, P. R. China
| | - Weijie Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Nature Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, 3# Taicheng Road, Yangling 712100, P. R. China
| | - Youzhi Yao
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Nature Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, 3# Taicheng Road, Yangling 712100, P. R. China
| | - Peng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Nature Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, 3# Taicheng Road, Yangling 712100, P. R. China
| | - Hanzhong Jia
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Nature Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, 3# Taicheng Road, Yangling 712100, P. R. China
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Qiu X, Wang X, Pan J, Ding L, Liang X, Guo X. Significant contribution of different sources of particulate organic matter to the photoaging of microplastics. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 251:121173. [PMID: 38281334 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Particulate organic matter (POM), as an important component of organic matter, can act as a redox mediator and thus intervene in the environmental behavior of microplastics (MPs). However, quantitative information on the role of POM in the photoaging of MPs under ultraviolet (UV) light is still lacking. To raise the knowledge gap, through environmental simulation experiments and qualitative/quantitative experiments of active substances, we found that POM from peat soil has stronger oxidation capacity than POM from sediment, and the involvement of POM at high water content makes the aging of MPs more obvious. This is because the persistent radicals and electron-absorbing groups on the surface of POM indirectly generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) by promoting electron transfer, and the dissolved organic matter (DOM) released from POM under UV light (POM-DOM) is further excited to generate triplet-state photochemistry of DOM (3DOM*) to promote the aging of MPs. Theoretical calculations revealed that the benzene ring, mainly C = C, and C = O in the main chain in the plastic macromolecule structure are more susceptible to ROS attack, and the differences in the vulnerable sites contained in different plastic structures as well as the differences in the energy band gaps lead to differences in their aging processes. This study firstly elucidates the key role and intrinsic mechanism of POM in the photoaging of MPs, providing a theoretical basis for a comprehensive assessment of the effect of POM on MPs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinran Qiu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Jianrui Pan
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Ling Ding
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xujun Liang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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Cao H, Ding P, Li X, Huang C, Li X, Chen X, Zhang L, Qi J. Environmentally persistent free radicals on photoaged microplastics from disposable plastic cups induce the oxidative stress-associated toxicity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 464:132990. [PMID: 37976855 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that exerting multiple toxicological effects. Most studies have focused primarily on the models of unaged MPs and lack environmental relevance. The generation and toxicity of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) on photoaging MPs from disposable plastic cups (DPC-MPs) have not been well studied. Here, the formation of EPFRs on photoaged DPC-MPs and their toxic effects in nematodes were investigated. UV irradiation generated EPFRs, which influenced the characterization of DPC-MPs. Exposure to photoaged DPC-MPs at environmentally relevant concentrations (100-1000 μg/L) reduced the locomotion behavior, body length, and brood size. The Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, lipofuscin accumulation, malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were increased along with the downregulation of the expression levels of associated genes, such as clk-1, clt-1, and gst-4,in nematodes. Moreover, the toxicity and oxidative stress response of nematodes were significantly inhibited due to N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC). Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that the oxidative stress was significantly associated with adverse physiological effects. Therefore, EPFRs on photoaged DPC-MPs cause toxicity in nematodes, and oxidative stress is important for regulating toxicity. This study offers novel insights into the potential risks of DPC-MPs under UV irradiation, highlighting the need to consider the role of EPFRs in toxicity assessments of DPC-MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanling Cao
- Technical Centre for Soil, Agriculture and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Ping Ding
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Xintong Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Chushan Huang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Xin Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China.
| | - Jianying Qi
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China.
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Li K, Hao W, Liu C. Risk implications induced by behaviors of artificial and pavement-generated TWPs in river water: Role of particle-self properties and incubation aging. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123277. [PMID: 38163629 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Here, we investigated the pristine properties of three typical tire wear particles (TWPs) and their aging properties after incubation in runoff (primary aging) and sewage (further aging), and captured the differences in the behavioral characteristics of nine TWPs in river water, with a view to paving the way for revealing the intrinsic mechanism of the hydroecological effects of TWPs. Our results highlight that the generation modes of three pristine tire wear particles (TWPs), stemming from typical tire and road wear processes-specifically, rolling friction (R-TWPs) and sliding friction (S-TWPs), alongside cryogenically milled tire treads (C-TWPs)-significantly impact their pristine physicochemical properties. This impact encompasses surface structure, particle size (D [4,3]: 8.5-121.3 μm), surface potential (-10.4 ∼ -1.8 mV), contact angle (95.2-129.8°), density (1.09-1.75 kg/m3), etc., consequently, these differences significantly influence their migration capability and sorption capacity during the incubation and aging in runoff and sewage. Interestingly, after incubation and aging in the migrating aqueous phase, particularly with additional aging in sewage, not only do distinctions in the aforementioned physicochemical properties (namely, particle size (5.6-6.6 μm), surface potential (-18.4 ∼ -18.1 mV), contact angle (124.5-125.4°), density (1.05-1.16 kg/m3)) among various types of TWPs diminish, but the environmental behaviors (encompassing, desorption capacity, aggregation kinetics, photochemical activity-formation of persistent free radicals, and exudation-derivative (6PPD-Quinone) of N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine: 6PPD) exhibited by this array of TWPs demonstrate a remarkable coherence within the downstream river water. Concerningly, the aforementioned features of aquatic system behaviors appear to be predisposed towards exacerbating the heightened toxicity of TWPs, for example, the leaching concentration of 6PPD-Q increased by two to three times after aging, aligning with established precedents regarding the toxicological causes associated with the quinone derivatives of antioxidants in rubber contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, China.
| | - Wanqi Hao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, China
| | - Chi Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, China
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15
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Zhang X, Wang Y, Yao K, Zheng H, Guo H. Oxidative potential, environmentally persistent free radicals and reactive oxygen species of size-resolved ambient particles near highways. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122858. [PMID: 37967708 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) is a group of atmospheric pollutants with an uncertain toxicity, particularly when collected near highways. This study examined the oxidative potential (OP) of, as well as the environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) present in PM samples collected near highways in Xiamen, China. Our findings revealed that PM had a relatively high OP, ranging from 3.8 to 18.5 nmol/min/μg, surpassing values reported in previous research. The oxidative potential of the water-insoluble fraction (OPWIS), which accounted for 68% of the total oxidative potential (OPTotal), demonstrated rapid toxicity, whereas the oxidative potential of the water-soluble fraction (OPWS) displayed a steadier toxicity release pattern. The primary free radicals detected in PM were oxygen-centered. The measured concentration of EPFRs was 6.073 × 1014 spins/m3, which is lower than that reported in previous studies, possibly because of the high relative humidity of the road environment in Xiamen. We also investigated the interaction between PM and water near highways and observed the generation of R and OH radicals. Additionally, we analysed the sample composition and evaluated the contributions of the different components to OPTotal. Transition metals (Fe, Cu, and Zn) were identified as the major contributors, accounting for 33.2% of the OPTotal. The positive correlation observed between EPFRs and ROS suggests that EPFRs may be involved in ROS generation. The correlation analysis indicated that the oxidative potential measured using the DTT method (OPDTT) could serve as an indicator of ROS generation. Finally, based on the relationship between OPDTT, EPFRs, and ROS, we propose that reducing the emission of transition metals, particularly Fe, represents an effective control measure for mitigating PM toxicity near highways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinji Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen, 361024, China
| | - Yidan Wang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen, 361024, China
| | - Kaixing Yao
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen, 361024, China
| | - Han Zheng
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen, 361024, China
| | - Huibin Guo
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen, 361024, China.
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Li H, Gu Y, Jiang Y, Ding P, Chen X, Chen C, Pan R, Shi C, Wang S, Chen H. Environmentally persistent free radicals on photoaged nanopolystyrene induce neurotoxicity by affecting dopamine, glutamate, serotonin and GABA in Caenorhabditis elegans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167684. [PMID: 37820818 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167684] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are widely detected in the environment and induce toxic effects in various organisms. However, the properties and toxicity associated with environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) in photoaged nanopolystyrene (NPS) remain largely unknown. We investigated the generation of EPFRs on photoaged NPS and their neurotoxicity and underlying mechanism in Caenorhabditis elegans. The results suggested that photoaging induces the generation of EPFRs and reactive oxygen species (O2•-, •OH, and 1O2), which altered the physicochemical properties (morphology, crystallinity, and functional groups) of NPS. Acute exposure to 1 μg/L of NPS-60 (NPS with light irradiation time of 60 d) significantly decreased locomotion behaviors and neurotransmitter contents (e.g., glutamate, serotonin, dopamine, and γ-aminobutyric acid). Treatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) by radical quenching test significantly reduced EPFRs levels on the aged NPS, and the toxicity of NAC-quenching NPS was decreased in nematodes compared to those in photoaged NPS. EPFRs also caused dysfunction of neurotransmission-related gene expression in C. elegans. Thus, EPFRs generated on photoaged NPS contributed to neurotoxicity by affecting dopamine, glutamate, serotonin, and γ-aminobutyric acid neurotransmission. The study highlights the potential risks of photoaged NPS and the contributions of EPFRs to toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yulun Gu
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yongqi Jiang
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Ping Ding
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Ruolin Pan
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chongli Shi
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Susu Wang
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Haibo Chen
- Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
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Huang Q, Wang J, Wang J, Yu D, Zhan Y, Liu Z. Emerging Health Risks of Crumb Rubber: Inhalation of Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals via Saliva During Artificial Turf Activities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:21005-21015. [PMID: 38048287 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03278] [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: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Crumb rubber (CR) is a commonly used infill material in artificial turf worldwide. However, the potential health risk associated with exposure to CR containing environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) remains under investigation. Herein, we observed the widespread presence of CR particles in the range of 2.8-51.4 μg/m3 and EPFRs exceeding 6 × 1015 spins/g in the ambient air surrounding artificial turf fields. Notably, the abundance of these particles tended to increase with the number of operating years of the playing fields. Furthermore, by analyzing saliva samples from 200 participants, we established for the first time that EPFR-carrying CR could be found in saliva specimens, suggesting the potential for inhaling them through the oral cavity and their exposure to the human body. After 40 min of exercise on the turf, we detected a substantial presence of EPFRs, reaching as high as (1.15 ± 1.00) × 1016 spins of EPFR per 10 mL of saliva. Moreover, the presence of EPFRs considerably increased the oxidative potential of CR, leading to the inactivation of Ca2+, redox reactions, and changes in spatial binding of the α-1,4-chain of salivary amylase to Ca2+, all of which could influence human saliva health. Our study provides insights into a new pathway of human exposure to CR with EPFRs in artificial turf infill, indicating an increased human health risk of CR exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian'en Huang
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive and Highly Efficient Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Geology and Environment of Salt Lakes, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China
- Faculty of Agriculture, Life, and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jianqun Wang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Jianping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive and Highly Efficient Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Geology and Environment of Salt Lakes, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China
| | - Dongmei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive and Highly Efficient Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Geology and Environment of Salt Lakes, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China
| | - Yuanbo Zhan
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Ze Liu
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive and Highly Efficient Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Geology and Environment of Salt Lakes, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China
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Yang H, Chen N, Wang Z, Liu J, Qin J, Zhu K, Jia H. Biochar-Associated Free Radicals Reduce Soil Bacterial Diversity: New Insight into Ecoenzymatic Stoichiometry. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:20238-20248. [PMID: 37976412 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06864] [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: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The toxicity of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs), often generated during biochar production, on soil bacteria is still not truly reflected when considering the conditions in real soil. Herein, the influence of free radicals within biochar on soil bacteria was investigated from the perspectives of enzyme activity, community structure, and ecoenzymatic stoichiometry. Biochar addition enhanced the contents of EPFRs and derived hydroxyl radicals (•OH) in the soil, while it reduced bacterial alpha diversity by 5.06-35.44%. The results of redundancy analysis and inhibition experiments collectively demonstrated the key role of EPFRs and •OH in reducing the bacterial alpha diversity. Specifically, EPFRs and •OH increased the stoichiometric imbalance by promoting the release of dissolved organic carbon and ammonium N, thus aggravating the P limitation in soil. This was further confirmed by increased alkaline phosphatase activity from 702 to 874 nmol g-1 h-1. The P limitation induced by EPFRs and •OH decreased the bacterial alpha diversity, as evidenced by the negative correlation between P limitation and bacterial alpha diversity (r2 = -0.931 to -0.979, P < 0.01) and the structural equation model. The obtained results demonstrate a ubiquitous but previously overlooked mechanism for bacterial toxicity of biochar-associated free radicals, providing scientific guidance for safe utilization of biochar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqiang Yang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Na Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jinbo Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jianjun Qin
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Kecheng Zhu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Hanzhong Jia
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling 712100, China
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Chen H, Gu Y, Jiang Y, Yu J, Chen C, Shi C, Li H. Photoaged Polystyrene Nanoplastics Result in Transgenerational Reproductive Toxicity Associated with the Methylation of Histone H3K4 and H3K9 in Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19341-19351. [PMID: 37934861 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05861] [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: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) are emerging environmental contaminants that are ubiquitously detected in various environments and have toxic effects on various organisms. Nevertheless, the transgenerational reproductive toxicity and underlying mechanisms of PS-NPs remain largely unknown, especially for photoaged PS-NPs under ultraviolet irradiation. In this study, only the parental generation (P0) was exposed to virgin and aged PS-NPs at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1-100 μg/L), and subsequent generations (F1-F4) were cultured under normal conditions. Ultraviolet irradiation induced the generation of environmentally persistent free radicals and reactive oxygen species, which altered the physical and chemical characteristics of PS-NPs. The results of toxicity testing suggested that exposure to aged PS-NPs caused a more severe decrease in brood size, egg ejection rate, number of fertilized eggs, and hatchability than did the virgin PS-NPs in the P0, F1, and F2 generations. Additionally, a single maternal exposure to aged PS-NPs resulted in transgenerational effects on fertility in the F1 and F2 generations. Increased levels of H3K4 and H3K9 methylation were observed in the F1 and F2 generations, which were concomitant with the transgenerational downregulation of the expression of associated genes, such as spr-5, set-17, and met-2. On the basis of correlation analyses, the levels of histone methylation and the expression of these genes were significantly correlated to transgenerational reproductive effects. Further research showed that transgenerational effects on fertility were not observed in spr-5(by134), met-2(n4256), and set-17(n5017) mutants. Overall, maternal exposure to aged PS-NPs induced transgenerational reproductive effects via H3K4 and H3K9 methylation, and the spr-5, met-2, and set-17 genes were involved in the regulation of transgenerational toxicity. This study provides new insights into the potential risks of photoaging PS-NPs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Chen
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yulun Gu
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yongqi Jiang
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chongli Shi
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Hui Li
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
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20
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Li K, Yu J, Kong D, Chen X, Peng Y, Wang L. Differential cytotoxicity to human cells in vitro of tire wear particles emitted from typical road friction patterns: The dominant role of environmental persistent free radicals. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 343:140256. [PMID: 37742763 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140256] [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] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Tire wear particles (TWPs) have been recognized as one of the major sources of microplastics (MPs), however, effects of initial properties and photochemical behavior of TWPs on cytotoxicity to human cells in vitro have not been reported. Therefore, here, three TWPs generated from typical wear of tires and pavements (i.e., rolling friction (R-TWPs) and sliding friction (S-TWPs)) and cryogenically milled tire tread (C-TWPs), respectively, and their photoaging counterparts were used to study the reasons for their differential cytotoxicity to 16HBE cells in vitro. Results showed in addition to changes of surface structure and morphology, different preparation methods could also induce formation of different concentration levels of environmental persistent free radicals (EPFRs) (from 1.24 to 3.06 × 1017 spins/g with g-factors ranging 2.00307-2.00310) on surfaces of TWPs, which contained 7.3%-65.8% of reactive EPFRs (r-EPFRs). Meanwhile, photoaging for 90 d could strengthen formation of EPFRs (from 4.03 to 4.61 × 1017 spins/g) with containing 74.7%-78.1% r-EPFRs on surfaces of TWPs and improve their g-factor indexes (ranging 2.00309-2.00313). At 100 μg mL-1 level, compared to C-TWPs, both R-TWPs and S-TWPs (whether photoaging or not) carried higher intensity EPFRs could significantly inhibit 16HBE cells proliferation activity, cause more cells oxidative stress and induce more cell apoptosis/necrosis and secretion of inflammatory factor (P < 0.05). However, regardless of how TWPs were prepared, photoaged or not, exposure at a concentration of 1 μg mL-1 appeared to be non-acute cytotoxic. Correlation analysis suggested dominant toxicity of TWPs was attributed to the formation of r-EPFRs on their surfaces, which could promote accumulation of excess reactive oxygen species in cells and the massive deposition of intracellular particles. This study provides direct evidence of TWPs cytotoxicity, and underlining the need for a better understanding of the influences of initial properties and photochemical characteristics on risk assessment of TWPs released into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China.
| | - Jianghua Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China.
| | - Deyue Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Xingyue Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Yonghong Peng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Liangliang Wang
- School of Applied Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
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Olubusoye BS, Cizdziel JV, Bee M, Moore MT, Pineda M, Yargeau V, Bennett ER. Toxic Tire Wear Compounds (6PPD-Q and 4-ADPA) Detected in Airborne Particulate Matter Along a Highway in Mississippi, USA. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 111:68. [PMID: 37940736 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-023-03820-7] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Tire wear particles (TWPs) are a major category of microplastic pollution produced by friction between tires and road surfaces. This non-exhaust particulate matter (PM) containing leachable toxic compounds is transported through the air and with stormwater runoff, leading to environmental pollution and human health concerns. In the present study, we collected airborne PM at varying distances (5, 15 and 30 m) along US Highway 278 in Oxford, Mississippi, USA, for ten consecutive days using Sigma-2 passive samplers. Particles (~ 1-80 μm) were passively collected directly into small (60 mL) wide-mouth separatory funnels placed inside the samplers. Particles were subsequently subjected to solvent extraction, and extracts were analyzed for TWP compounds by high resolution orbitrap mass spectrometry. This pilot study was focused solely on qualitative analyses to determine whether TWP compounds were present in this fraction of airborne PM. The abundance of airborne TWPs increased with proximity to the road with deposition rates (TWPs cm-2 day-1) of 23, 47, and 63 at 30 m, 15 m, and 5 m from the highway, respectively. Two common TWP compounds (6PPD-Q and 4-ADPA) were detected in all samples, except the field blank, at levels above their limits of detection, estimated at 2.90 and 1.14 ng L-1, respectively. Overall, this work suggests airborne TWPs may be a potential inhalation hazard, particularly for individuals and wildlife who spend extended periods outdoors along busy roadways. Research on the bioavailability of TWP compounds from inhaled TWPs is needed to address exposure risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boluwatife S Olubusoye
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, 38677, USA
| | - James V Cizdziel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, 38677, USA.
| | - Matthew Bee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Matthew T Moore
- Water Quality and Ecology Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Oxford, MS, 38655, USA
| | - Marco Pineda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Viviane Yargeau
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Erin R Bennett
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
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22
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Li K, Kong D, Xiu X, Hao W, Xu D. Toxic effects of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) on the surface of tire wear particles on freshwater biofilms: The alleviating role after sewage-incubation-aging. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 342:140179. [PMID: 37714474 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The aquatic ecological risks posed by the surface-active components of tire wear particles (TWPs) are not fully understood. This study aimed to determine the acute (24 h exposure) aquatic toxicity effects of TWPs on freshwater biofilms in terms of total organic carbon (TOC), chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) abundance, quantum yield (ФM), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Three types of TWP were tested: TWPs produced via the typical wear of tires and roads (i.e., rolling friction (R-TWPs) and sliding friction (S-TWPs)) and cryogenically milled tire treads (C-TWPs). The results showed that the surface structural properties of the three TWPs differed significantly in morphology, bare composition, functional groups, and surface-active components (environmental persistent free radicals). The exposure of biofilms to the TWPs increased TOC and ATP at low concentrations (1 mg L-1) but inhibited them at high concentrations (50 mg L-1). All TWP types inhibited biofilm photosynthesis (reduced Chl-a and ФM) and altered the community structure of algae to varying degrees; in addition, the toxicity mechanisms of the TWPs contributed to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and cell membrane (or cell-wall) fragmentation, leading to lactate dehydrogenase release. S-TWPs were the most toxic because their surface carried the highest environmental persistent free radicals. R-TWPs were the second most toxic, which was attributed to their smaller particle size. The toxicity of all TWPs was tested after sewage incubation aging. The results showed that the toxicity of all TWPs reduced as the sewage covered their surface components and active sites. This process also reduced the differences in toxicity among the TWPs. This study filled a research gap in our understanding of aquatic toxicity caused by the surface structural properties of tire microplastics and has implications for the study of microplastic biotoxicity mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, China
| | - Deyue Kong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, China
| | - Xiaojia Xiu
- Changwang School of Honors, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Wanqi Hao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, China
| | - Defu Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, China.
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23
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Ye J, Cheng R, Chen Z, Fang C, Shi M, Yu R, Qian H, Xue X. Stress response mechanism of wastewater biological nitrogen removal systems to environmentally realistic concentrations of tire wear particles: Contribution of leachable additives. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 387:129610. [PMID: 37544547 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The study quantified the biological nitrogen removal performance, microbial metabolism, microbial community structure, and antioxidant system in a sequencing batch reactor under long-term exposure to 0.1 and 1 mg/L tire wear particles (TWPs), and determined the contribution of leachable additives to the biotoxicity of TWPs. The results showed that long-term exposure to 0.1 and 1 mg/L TWPs inhibited both the nitrification and denitrification processes, reducing ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) and total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency. The TWP leachate (TWPL) primarily contributed to the denitrification inhibition by TWPs, potentially due to the high concentration of zinc ions in the leachable additive. Furthermore, both TWP and TWPL inhibit nitrogen conversion, with TWP inhibiting the generation and transfer of electrons, while TWPL only negatively affects the electron transfer process. This study presents novel insights into the impact of TWPs on biological nitrogen removal, underscoring its broader implications for the geochemical nitrogen cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Ye
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310023, China
| | - Ruotong Cheng
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310023, China
| | - Zhoukai Chen
- Municipal Planning and Design Research Institute, Hangzhou City Planning and Design Academy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China
| | - Chengran Fang
- College of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310023, China
| | - Meng Shi
- Center for Energy Resources Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - Ran Yu
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China
| | - Hongchun Qian
- Hangzhou Chunnong Technology Co., Ltd. Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311423, China
| | - Xiangdong Xue
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310023, China.
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24
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Zhang X, Shi J, Yuan P, Li T, Cao Z, Zou W. Differential developmental and proinflammatory responses of zebrafish embryo to repetitive exposure of biodigested polyamide and polystyrene microplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132472. [PMID: 37683353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have attracted global concern and are at the forefront of current research on environmental pollution, whereas, little is known about the degradation of ingested MPs in the gastrointestinal environment and repetitive exposure-associated risk of egested MPs to organisms. The present study revealed that polyamide (PA) and polystyrene (PS) MPs exhibited remarkably differential biodegradations in the gastric and intestinal fluids of a model fish (Siniperca chuatsi). Significant disintegration of the skeleton structure, size reduction (from 27.62 to 9.17 µm), benzene ring scission, and subsequent biogenic corona coating and surface oxidation occurred during in vitro digestion, thus increasing the hydrophilicity and agglomeration of PS. Conversely, PA MPs exhibited high resistance to enzymolysis with slight surface erosions and protein adsorption. Relative to the pristine form, the bioaccumulation of digested PS elevated and the musculoskeletal deformity and mortality of juvenile zebrafish were obviously enhanced, but these changes were unobservable for PA. Lipopolysaccharide-triggered inflammation and apoptosis via Toll-like receptor signaling pathways and reduction of extracellular matrix secretions driven by oxidative stress contributed to the aggravated inhibitory effects of digested PS on larval development. These findings emphasize the necessity of concerning the biota digestion in MP risk assessments in natural waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingli Zhang
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Jing Shi
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Peng Yuan
- Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Health Effects and Intervention of Air Pollution, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Tengfei Li
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Zhiguo Cao
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Wei Zou
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
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25
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Yang Z, DeLoid GM, Zarbl H, Baw J, Demokritou P. Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and their potential toxicological outcomes: State of science, knowledge gaps and research needs. NANOIMPACT 2023; 32:100481. [PMID: 37717636 PMCID: PMC10841092 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2023.100481] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste has been produced at a rapidly growing rate over the past several decades. The environmental impacts of plastic waste on marine and terrestrial ecosystems have been recognized for years. Recently, researchers found that micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), micron (100 nm - 5 mm) and nanometer (1 - 100 nm) scale particles and fibers produced by degradation and fragmentation of plastic waste in the environment, have become an important emerging environmental and food chain contaminant with uncertain consequences for human health. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent findings from studies of potential toxicity and adverse health impacts of MNPs in terrestrial mammals, including studies in both in vitro cellular and in vivo mammalian models. Also reviewed here are recently released biomonitoring studies that have characterized the bioaccumulation, biodistribution, and excretion of MNPs in humans. The majority MNPs in the environment to which humans are most likely to be exposed, are of irregular shapes, varied sizes, and mixed compositions, and are defined as secondary MNPs. However, the MNPs used in most toxicity studies to date were commercially available primary MNPs of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other polymers. The emerging in vitro and in vivo evidence reviewed here suggests that MNP toxicity and bioactivity are largely determined by MNP particle physico-chemical characteristics, including size, shape, polymer type, and surface properties. For human exposure, MNPs have been identified in human blood, urine, feces, and placenta, which pose potential health risks. The evidence to date suggests that the mechanisms underlying MNP toxicity at the cellular level are primarily driven by oxidative stress. Nonetheless, large knowledge gaps in our understanding of MNP toxicity and the potential health impacts of MNP exposures still exist and much further study is needed to bridge those gaps. This includes human population exposure studies to determine the environmentally relevant MNP polymers and exposure concentrations and durations for toxicity studies, as well as toxicity studies employing environmentally relevant MNPs, with surface chemistries and other physico-chemical properties consistent with MNP particles in the environment. It is especially important to obtain comprehensive toxicological data for these MNPs to understand the range and extent of potential adverse impacts of microplastic pollutants on humans and other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenning Yang
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Glen M DeLoid
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Helmut Zarbl
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Joshua Baw
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Philip Demokritou
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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Li K, Su H, Xiu X, Liu C, Hao W. Tire wear particles in different water environments: occurrence, behavior, and biological effects-a review and perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:90574-90594. [PMID: 37481496 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28899-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
As an important source of microplastics, the water ecological risk of tire wear particles (TWPs) has attracted widespread attention worldwide. However, the occurrence and behavior of TWPs and their biological effects in water environments have not been clearly analyzed. For example, most contemporary studies have focused on the evaluation of the aquatic toxicity of TWPs leachate, and little attention has been paid to the behavior process and potential risks of its surface properties in water environments. In addition, most studies rely on preparing TWPs under laboratory conditions or purchasing commercial TWPs for studying their water environmental behavior or exposure. These obviously cannot meet the requirements of accurate assessment of water ecological risks of TWPs. As thus, in addition to describing the occurrence, distribution, and (aging) transformation of TWPs in different water environments, we further tried to explain the potential water environment behavior process and multiple pathways leading to potential adverse impacts of TWPs on aquatic organisms from the perspectives of particle self-toxicity and release toxicity, as well as synergistic effects of TWPs and other substances are also discussed. The existing data, such as studies on the self-characteristics of TWPs, environmental factors, and subjects, are insufficient to comprehensively evaluate the recent changes in essential water ecosystem services and multifunctions caused by TWPs, implying that the impact of TWPs on water environmental health needs to be further evaluated, and the corresponding countermeasures should be recommended. In this context, the current review provides an outlook on future research on TWPs in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing, China.
| | - Han Su
- Changwang School of Honors, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Xiaojia Xiu
- Changwang School of Honors, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Chi Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Wanqi Hao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing, China
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27
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Jiang JR, Chen ZF, Liao XL, Liu QY, Zhou JM, Ou SP, Cai Z. Identifying potential toxic organic substances in leachates from tire wear particles and their mechanisms of toxicity to Scenedesmus obliquus. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 458:132022. [PMID: 37453356 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Tire wear particles (TWPs) are increasingly being found in the aquatic environment. However, there is limited information available on the environmental consequences of TWP constituents that may be release into water. In this study, TWP leachate samples were obtained by immersing TWPs in ultrapure water. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry and toxicity identification, we identified potentially toxic organic substances in the TWP leachates. Additionally, we investigated their toxicity and underlying mechanisms. Through our established workflow, we structurally identified 13 substances using reference standards. The median effective concentration (EC50) of TWP leachates on Scenedesmus obliquus growth was comparable to that of simulated TWP leachates prepared with consistent concentrations of the 13 identified substances, indicating their dominance in the toxicity of TWP leachates. Among these substances, cyclic amines (EC50: 1.04-3.65 mg/L) were found to be toxic to S. obliquus. We observed significant differential metabolites in TWP leachate-exposed S. obliquus, primarily associated with linoleic acid metabolism and purine metabolism. Oxidative stress was identified as a crucial factor in algal growth inhibition. Our findings shed light on the risk posed by TWP leachable substances to aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Ru Jiang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhi-Feng Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Xiao-Liang Liao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qian-Yi Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jia-Ming Zhou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shi-Ping Ou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zongwei Cai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China.
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Qiu Y, Zhang T, Zhang P. Fate and environmental behaviors of microplastics through the lens of free radical. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 453:131401. [PMID: 37086675 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), as plastics with a size of less than 5 mm, are ubiquitously present in the environment and become an increasing environmental concern. The fate and environmental behavior of MPs are significantly influenced by the presence of free radicals. Free radicals can cause surface breakage, chemical release, change in crystallinity and hydrophilicity, and aggregation of MPs. On the other hand, the generation of free radicals with a high concentration and oxidation potential can effectively degrade MPs. There is a limited review article to bridge the fate and environmental behaviors of MP with free radicals and their reactions. This paper reviews the sources, types, detection methods, generation mechanisms, and influencing factors of free radicals affecting the environmental processes of MPs, the environmental effects of MPs controlled by free radicals, and the degradation strategies of MPs based on free radical-associated technologies. Moreover, this review elaborates on the limitations of the current research and provides ideas for future research on the interactions between MPs and free radicals to better explain their environmental impacts and control their risks. This article aims to keep the reader abreast of the latest development in the fate and environmental behaviors of MP with free radicals and their reactions and to bridge free radical chemistry with MP control methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Qiu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Tong Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China.
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Ding R, Ouyang Z, Zhang X, Dong Y, Guo X, Zhu L. Biofilm-Colonized versus Virgin Black Microplastics to Accelerate the Photodegradation of Tetracycline in Aquatic Environments: Analysis of Underneath Mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5714-5725. [PMID: 36995247 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Tire wear particles (TWPs) exposed to the aquatic environment are rapidly colonized by microorganisms and provide unique substrates for biofilm formation, which potentially serve as vectors for tetracycline (TC) to influence their behaviors and potential risks. To date, the photodegradation capacity of TWPs on contaminants due to biofilm formation has not been quantified. To accomplish this, we examined the ability of virgin TWPs (V-TWPs) and biofilm-developed TWPs (Bio-TWPs) to photodegrade TC when exposed to simulated sunlight irradiation. V-TWPs and Bio-TWPs accelerated the photodegradation of TC, with rates (kobs) of 0.0232 ± 0.0014 and 0.0152 ± 0.0010 h-1, respectively (kobs increased by 2.5-3.7 times compared to that for only TC solution). An important factor of increased TC photodegradation behavior was identified and linked to the changed reactive oxygen species (ROS) of different TWPs. The V-TWPs were exposed to light for 48 h, resulting in more ROS for attacking TC, with hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and superoxide anions (O2•-) playing a dominant role in TC photodegradation measured using scavenger/probe chemicals. This was primarily due to the greater photosensitization effects and higher electron-transfer capacity of V-TWPs in comparison to Bio-TWPs. In addition, this study first sheds light on the unique effect and intrinsic mechanism of the crucial role of Bio-TWPs in TC photodegradation, enhancing our holistic understanding of the environmental behavior of TWPs and the associated contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ding
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Zhuozhi Ouyang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yankai Dong
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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Xu Q, Li G, Fang L, Sun Q, Han R, Zhu Z, Zhu YG. Enhanced Formation of 6PPD-Q during the Aging of Tire Wear Particles in Anaerobic Flooded Soils: The Role of Iron Reduction and Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5978-5987. [PMID: 36992570 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Rapid urbanization drives increased emission of tire wear particles (TWPs) and the contamination of a transformation product derived from tire antioxidant, termed as N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine-quinone (6PPD-Q), with adverse implications for terrestrial ecosystems and human health. However, whether and how 6PPD-Q could be formed during the aging of TWPs in soils remains poorly understood. Here, we examine the accumulation and formation mechanisms of 6PPD-Q during the aging of TWPs in soils. Our results showed that biodegradation predominated the fate of 6PPD-Q in soils, whereas anaerobic flooded conditions were conducive to the 6PPD-Q formation and thus resulted in a ∼3.8-fold higher accumulation of 6PPD-Q in flooded soils than wet soils after aging of 60 days. The 6PPD-Q formation in flooded soils was enhanced by Fe reduction-coupled 6PPD oxidation in the first 30 days, while the transformation of TWP-harbored environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) to superoxide radicals (O2•-) under anaerobic flooded conditions further dominated the formation of 6PPD-Q in the next 30 days. This study provides significant insight into understanding the aging behavior of TWPs and highlights an urgent need to assess the ecological risk of 6PPD-Q in soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, P. R. China
| | - Gang Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, P. R. China
| | - Li Fang
- Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan Municipal District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan 316000, P. R. China
| | - Qian Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
| | - Ruixia Han
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, P. R. China
| | - Zhe Zhu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham, Ningbo 315100, P. R. China
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, P. R. China
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31
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Chen H, Jiang Y, Gu Y, Ding P, Wang C, Pan R, Shi C, Zeng L, Chen X, Li H. The generation of environmentally persistent free radicals on photoaged microbeads from cosmetics enhances the toxicity via oxidative stress. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 174:107875. [PMID: 36933305 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microbeads used in personal care products have been one of the important sources of microplastics (MPs), and little has been reported on their environmental behaviors and health risks. The characteristics of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) and the toxicity assessment of MPs (environmentally relevant concentrations) from cosmetics during photoaging remains largely unknown. In this study, the formation of EPFRs on polyethylene (PE) microbeads from facial scrubs under light irradiation and their toxicity were investigated using C. elegans as a model organism. The results suggested that light irradiation induced the generation of EPFRs, which accelerates the aging process and alters the physicochemical properties of PE microbeads. Acute exposure to PE (1 mg/L) at photoaged times of 45-60 d significantly decreased the physiological indicators (e.g., head thrashes, body bends, and brood size). The oxidative stress response and stress-related gene expression were also enhanced in nematodes. The addition of N-acetyl-l-cysteine induced significant inhibition of toxicity and oxidative stress in nematodes exposed to 45-60 d of photoaged PE. The Pearson correlation results showed that the concentration of EPFRs was significantly correlated with physiological indicators, oxidative stress, and related-genes expression in nematodes. The data confirmed that the generation of EPFRs combined with heavy metals and organics contributed to toxicity induced by photoaged PE, and oxidative stress might be involved in regulating adverse effects in C. elegans. The study provides new insight into the potential risks of microbeads released into the environment during photoaging. The findings also highlight the necessity for considering the role of EPFRs formation in evaluating the impacts of microbeads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Chen
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yongqi Jiang
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yulun Gu
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Ping Ding
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Ruolin Pan
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chongli Shi
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Lingjun Zeng
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Hui Li
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
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32
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Wang B, Tian L, Tian L, Wang X, He Y, Ji R. Insights into Health Risks of Face Paint Application to Opera Performers: The Release of Heavy Metals and Stage-Light-Induced Production of Reactive Oxygen Species. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:3703-3712. [PMID: 36820615 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03595] [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: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Face paints used by opera performers have been shown to contain high levels of heavy metals. However, whether frequent exposure, via dermal contact and inadvertent oral ingestion, results in occupational diseases is unknown, as is the potential exacerbation of toxicity by high-intensity irradiation from stage lights. In this study, we examined the release of Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn from 40 face paints and the consequent health risks posed by different practical scenarios involving their use. The results showed that the in vitro bioaccessibility (IVBA) of Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the tested products was, on average, 7.0, 5.5, 19.9, and 7.9% through oral ingestion and 1.1, 2.2, 1.6, and 1.2% through dermal contact, respectively. Stage light irradiation significantly increased the IVBA associated with dermal contact, to the average of 4.8, 34.9, 5.7, and 1.9% for Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn, respectively. The increase was mainly due to the light-induced generation of reactive oxygen species, particularly hydroxyl free radicals. The vitality and transcriptional response of 3D skin models as well as a quantitative risk assessment of skin sensitization indicated that dermal contact with face paints may induce predictable skin damage and potentially other skin diseases. Long-term exposure to face paints on stage may also pose a non-carcinogenic health risk. The demonstrated health risks to opera performers of face paint exposure should lead to strict regulations regarding the content of theatrical face paints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Liyan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lili Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xisheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yujie He
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Quanzhou Institute for Environment Protection Industry, Nanjing University, Quanzhou 362000, China
| | - Rong Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Quanzhou Institute for Environment Protection Industry, Nanjing University, Quanzhou 362000, China
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33
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Jiang N, Li X, Wang Q, Baihetiyaer B, Fan X, Li M, Sun H, Yin X, Wang J. Ecological risk assessment of environmentally relevant concentrations of propofol on zebrafish (Danio rerio) at early life stage: Insight into physiological, biochemical, and molecular aspects. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 316:137846. [PMID: 36646180 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic injection extensively used in clinic, which has been proved to be neurotoxic in humans. Improper use and disposal of propofol may lead to its release into the aquatic environment, but the potential ecological risk of propofol to aquatic organisms remains poorly understood. For this study, we comprehensively explored the ecotoxicological effects and potential mechanisms of propofol (0.04, 0.2 and 2 mg L-1) on 120 hpf zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos from physiological, biochemical, and molecular perspectives. The results showed that propofol has moderate toxicity on zebrafish embryos (96 h LC50 = 4.260 mg L-1), which could significantly reduce the hatchability and delay the development. Propofol can trigger reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde, MDA) and DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, 8-OHdG). The glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity of zebrafish embryos in 0.04 and 0.2 mg L-1 propofol treatment group was activated in response to oxidative damage, while activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and GPX in zebrafish treated with 2 mg L-1 was significant inhibited compared with the control group (p<0.05). Moreover, the expression of antioxidant genes and related pathways was inhibited. Apoptosis was investigated at genes level and histochemistry. Molecular docking confirmed that propofol could change in the secondary structure of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and competitively inhibited acetylcholine (ACh) binding to AChE, which may disturb the nervous system. These results described toxic response and molecular mechanism in zebrafish embryos, providing multiple aspects about ecological risk assessment of propofol in water environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Jiang
- College of Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271000, PR China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712000, PR China
| | - Xianxu Li
- College of Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271000, PR China
| | - Qian Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271000, PR China
| | - Baikerouzi Baihetiyaer
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712000, PR China
| | - Xiaoteng Fan
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712000, PR China
| | - Mingsheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tai'an City Central Hospital, Tai'an, 271000, PR China
| | - Huimin Sun
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712000, PR China
| | - Xianqiang Yin
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712000, PR China.
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271000, PR China.
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34
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Li H, Chen Q, Wang C, Wang R, Sha T, Yang X, Ainur D. Pollution characteristics of environmental persistent free radicals (EPFRs) and their contribution to oxidation potential in road dust in a large city in northwest China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 442:130087. [PMID: 36206715 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Environmental persistent free radicals (EPFRs) are new environmental health risk substances in the atmosphere, and their oxidative toxicity (OT) has not been strongly confirmed. In this study, the fugitive characteristics of EPFRs in road dust in a metropolitan city located in northwest China, and their potential oxidative toxicity were investigated. The results showed that the road dust contains Carbon-centered EPFRs with the mean mass concentration of (6.6 ± 5.0) × 1017 spins/g. EPFRs in road dust are degradable and have a half-life of 4.5 years. The water insoluble (WIS) components contribute 71% to the oxidative toxicity of road dust and show a rapid toxicity generation process, while the oxidative toxicity generation rate of water-soluble dust is more stable. Based on the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, the contribution of EPFRs-dominated factors to Total-OT and WIS-OT is 17.3% and 33.3%, respectively. The PMF model results indicated that different types of EPFRs contributed differently to the oxidative toxicity of road dust and Carbon-centered EPFRs are more likely to participate in reactive oxygen species generation. Our results highlight that the EPFRs are an important contributor to the oxidative toxicity of atmospheric particulate matter, and their oxidative toxicity is dependent on the types of free radicals. It also provides an important insight into the influence of other potentially toxic substances on the oxidative toxicity of atmospheric PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering., Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Qingcai Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering., Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China.
| | - Chao Wang
- Beijing China Railway Construction Technology Co., LTD, Beijing 100040, China
| | - Ruihe Wang
- Beijing China Railway Construction Technology Co., LTD, Beijing 100040, China
| | - Tong Sha
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering., Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Xiqi Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering., Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Dyussenova Ainur
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering., Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
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35
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Guo H, Wang Y, Yao K, Zheng H, Zhang X, Li R, Wang N, Fu H. The overlooked formation of environmentally persistent free radicals on particulate matter collected from biomass burning under light irradiation. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 171:107668. [PMID: 36459822 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107668] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The illumination process may be an important contributor to environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) in atmospheric particles, but the ability of light to generate EPFRs in combustion products remains unclear. OBJECTIVE This paper studies the characteristics and formation mechanism of EPFRs in combustion particles after photoexcitation. METHOD The secondary photochemical processes and the generation and decay capability of EPFRs in size-resolved (<10 µm) biomass combustion particles were analysed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. RESULT Our results indicated that secondary EPFRs can be generated after illumination and the produced EPFRs have a lifetime of approximately 1 day. The content of secondary EPFRs after light exposure increased by 20 %-30 % compared to that of the original EPFRs. Through the analysis of components of different polarities, it was found that non-extractable substances were the main contributors to secondary EPFRs (75 %), followed by extractable organics. This study showed that metal species and quinones are important precursors for the formation of secondary EPFRs from non-extractable and extractable PM components, respectively. We found that O2 molecules are an important factor for the formation of secondary EPFRs from organic substances without oxygen functional groups. CONCLUSIONS This study presents information about the effects of light and O2 on the generation of EPFRs, and the unstable nature of secondary EPFRs has important implications for assessing the health risks of atmospheric particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huibin Guo
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen 361024, China.
| | - Yidan Wang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen 361024, China
| | - Kaixing Yao
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen 361024, China
| | - Han Zheng
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen 361024, China
| | - Xinji Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen 361024, China
| | - Rui Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modeling, Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Haiyan Fu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen 361024, China
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36
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Zhu L, Liu J, Zhou J, Wu X, Yang K, Ni Z, Liu Z, Jia H. The overlooked toxicity of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) induced by anthracene transformation to earthworms (Eisenia fetida). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 853:158571. [PMID: 36075414 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) as intermediate products exist widely in the PAHs-contaminated soils, but toxicity assessment associated with EPFRs for terrestrial invertebrates remains unclear. Using the model organism Eisenia fetida, we compared the adverse effects among anthracene (ANT), anthraquinone (ANQ), and EPFRs induced by ANT transformation on clay surfaces. Our results showed that EPFRs-exposed earthworms experienced histopathological damage, which was more severe than ANT and ANQ-exposed earthworms. The source of EPFRs damage was associated with the obvious dysbiosis of reactive oxygen species in earthworms. Specifically, EPFRs trigged more severe antioxidant responses and oxidative damages (e.g., membrane lipid and DNA injury) in comparison with ANT and ANQ exposure, as evidenced by the values of integrated biomarker response (IBR) following the order of EPFRs (14.5) > ANT (12.8) > ANQ (10.9). Moreover, high-throughput sequencing found that EPFRs induced dramatic changes in the composition and structure of earthworm gut microbiota, which may involve immune and metabolism dysfunction, in turn aggravated EPFRs toxicity. Overall, the obtained information highlights the more severe injury of EPFRs to terrestrial organisms, deserving more attentions for the assessment of potential risks associated with radical intermediates in PAHs-contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Zhu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jinbo Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jinyi Zhou
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xintong Wu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Kangjie Yang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Zheng Ni
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Ze Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Hanzhong Jia
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China.
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37
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Tian S, Yan S, Meng Z, Sun W, Yan J, Huang S, Wang Y, Zhou Z, Diao J, Li L, Zhu W. Widening the Lens on Prothioconazole and Its Metabolite Prothioconazole-Desthio: Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Mediated Reproductive Disorders through in Vivo, in Vitro, and in Silico Studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:17890-17901. [PMID: 36332113 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive disorders are a serious public health problem worldwide. Epidemiological data suggest that exposure to environmental pollutants is associated with the onset of reproductive disorders. However, the effects in reproductive health and exact mechanism of action of representative agricultural compounds prothioconazole (PTC) and its metabolite prothioconazole-desthio (dPTC) on mammals remain unclear. Here, we studied the physiological effects of the exposure to environmentally relevant doses of PTC and dPTC in mice reproductive systems. Combining in vivo, in vitro, and in silico studies, we observed that PTC and dPTC disrupt reproductive health by inducing metabolic perturbation, induction of apoptosis, and inflammation in gonadal tissue, which are achieved via activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Convincingly, the addition of alternate-day injections of CH223191 (an AhR inhibitor) to the 30-day exposure regimen ameliorated ovarian tissue damage, as evidenced by decreased TUNEL-positive cells and partially restored the inflammation and apoptotic factor levels. This study comprehensively reports the toxic effects of low-dose PTC and dPTC in the reproductive system in vivo and identifies AhR as a potential therapeutic target for the amelioration of reproductive disorders caused by similar endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinuo Tian
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Sen Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhiyuan Meng
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jin Yan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Municipal Sewage Resource Utilization Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Shiran Huang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhou
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jinling Diao
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Li Li
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan 030031, China
| | - Wentao Zhu
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Xu JL, Lin X, Wang JJ, Gowen AA. A review of potential human health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158111. [PMID: 35987230 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review aims to summarize the current knowledge on biological effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) on human health based on mammalian systems. An extensive search of the literature led to a total of 133 primary research articles on the health relevance of MNPs. Our findings revealed that although the study of MNP cytotoxicity and inflammatory response represents a major research theme, most studies (105 articles) focused on the effects of polystyrene MNPs due to their wide availability as a well characterised research material that can be manufactured with a large range of particle sizes, fluorescence labelling as well as various surface modifications. Among the 133 studies covered in this review, 117 articles reported adverse health effects after being exposed to MNPs. Mammalian in vitro studies identified multiple biological effects including cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, genotoxicity, embryotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, renal toxicity and even carcinogenicity, while rodent in vivo models confirmed the bioaccumulation of MNPs in the liver, spleen, kidney, brain, lung and gut, presenting adverse effects at different levels including reproductive toxic effects and trans-generational toxicity. In contrast, the remaining 16 studies indicated an insignificant impact of MNPs on humans. A few studies attempted to investigate the mechanisms or factors driving the toxicity of MNPs and identified several determining factors including size, concentration, shape, surface charge, attached pollutants and weathering process, which, however, were not benchmarked or considered by most studies. This review demonstrates that there are still many inconsistencies in the evaluation of the potential health effects of MNPs due to the lack of comparability between studies. Current limitations hindering the attainment of reproducible conclusions as well as recommendations for future research directions are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Li Xu
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College of Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Institute of Food and Health, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Xiaohui Lin
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College of Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Jing Jing Wang
- AMBER Research Centre and Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Aoife A Gowen
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College of Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Institute of Food and Health, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Yuan Q, Yu P, Cheng Y, Zuo P, Xu Y, Cui Y, Luo Y, Alvarez PJJ. Chlorination (but Not UV Disinfection) Generates Cell Debris that Increases Extracellular Antibiotic Resistance Gene Transfer via Proximal Adsorption to Recipients and Upregulated Transformation Genes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:17166-17176. [PMID: 36286344 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To advance the understanding of antibiotic resistance propagation from wastewater treatment plants, it is important to elucidate how different effluent disinfection processes affect the dissemination of predominantly extracellular antibiotic resistance genes (eARGs). Here, we show that, by facilitating proximal adsorption to recipient cells, bacterial debris generated by chlorination (but not by UV irradiation) increases the natural transformation frequency of their adsorbed eARG by 2.9 to 7.2-fold relative to free eARGs. This is because chlorination increases the bacterial surface roughness by 1.1 to 6.7-fold and the affinity toward eARGs by 1.6 to 5.8-fold, and 98% of the total eARGs released after chlorination were adsorbed to cell debris. In contrast, UV irradiation released predominantly free eARGs with 18% to 56% lower transformation frequency. The collision theory indicates that the ARG donor-recipient collision frequency increased by 35.1-fold for eARGs adsorbed onto chlorination-generated bacterial debris, and the xDLVO model infers a 29% lower donor-recipient contact energy barrier for these ARGs. Exposure to chlorination-generated bacterial debris also upregulated genes associated with natural transformation in Vibrio vulnificus (e.g., tfoX encoding the major activator of natural transformation) by 2.6 to 5.2-fold, likely due to the generation of chlorinated molecules (5.1-fold higher Cl content after chlorination) and persistent reactive species (e.g., carbon-centered radicals) on bacterial debris. Increased proximal eARG adsorption to bacterial debris was also observed in the secondary effluent after chlorination; this decreased eARG decay by 64% and increased the relative abundance of ARGs by 7.2-fold. Overall, this study highlights that different disinfection approaches can result in different physical states of eARGs that affect their resulting dissemination potential via transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingbin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing211816, China
| | - Pingfeng Yu
- College of Environment and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Yuan Cheng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing211816, China
| | - Pengxiao Zuo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston77005, Texas, United States
| | - Yisi Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing211816, China
| | - Yuxiao Cui
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin300071, China
| | - Yi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
| | - Pedro J J Alvarez
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston77005, Texas, United States
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Li K, Yu J, Chen X, Kong D, Peng Y, Xiu X, Su H, Yan L. Effects of tire wear particles with and without photoaging on anaerobic biofilm sulfide production in sewers and related mechanisms. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136185. [PMID: 36030941 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tire wear particles (TWPs) are considered to be one of the major sources of microplastics (MPs) in sewers; however, little has been reported on the surface properties and photochemical behavior of TWPs, especially in terms of their environmental persistent radicals, leachate type, and response after photoaging. It is also unknown how TWPs influence the production of common pollutants (e.g., sulfides) in anaerobic biofilms in sewers. In our study, the effects of cryogenically milled tire treads (C-TWPs) and their corresponding photoaging products (photoaging-TWPs, A-TWPs) on anaerobic biofilm sulfide production in sewers and related mechanisms were studied. The results showed that the two TWPs at a low concentration (0.1 mg L-1) exerted no significant (p > 0.05) effects on sulfide yield, whereas exposure to a high concentration of TWPs (100 mg L-1) inversely affected sulfide yield, with A-TWPs exerting a significant inhibitory effect on sulfide yield in the sewers (p < 0.01). The main reason was that A-TWPs carried higher concentrations of reactive environmental persistent radicals on their surfaces after photoaging than C-TWPs, which could induce the formation of oxygen radicals. In addition, A-TWPs were more uniformly distributed in the wastewater system and could penetrate the biofilm to damage bacterial cells, and their ability to leach polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals such as zinc additives enhanced their toxic effects. In contrast, C-TWPs contributed significantly to sulfide production (p < 0.01), primarily because of their low biotoxicity, ability to leach a considerable amount of sulfide, and stimulatory effect on anaerobic biofilm surface sulfate-reducing bacteria. Our study complements the toxicity studies of the TWPs particles themselves and provides insight on a new influencing factor for determining the changes in sulfide generation and control measures in sewers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Jianghua Yu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China.
| | - Xingyue Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Deyue Kong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Yonghong Peng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Xiaojia Xiu
- Changwang School of Honors, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Han Su
- Changwang School of Honors, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Liankang Yan
- School of Applied Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
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Xie L, Zhu K, Jiang W, Lu H, Yang H, Deng Y, Jiang Y, Jia H. Toxic effects and primary source of the aged micro-sized artificial turf fragments and rubber particles: Comparative studies on laboratory photoaging and actual field sampling. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 170:107663. [PMID: 36450210 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Numerous micro-sized artificial turf fragments (MATF) and rubber particles (MRP) are generated and accumulated during the use of the artificial playing field. However, attention has rarely been paid to the potential toxic effects of MATF and MRP on sportsmen. In this study, the active components and chemical composition of aged MATF and MRP derived from laboratory photoaging and actual field sampling were detected, and their effects on cytotoxicity were examined correspondingly. Laboratory photoaging significantly increased environmental persistent free radicals (EPFRs), reactive oxygen species (ROS) abundances and oxidative potential (OP) levels on MATF and MRP, but they have limited cytotoxicity. Unfortunately, in the actual field, aged MATF and MRP with higher heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contents exhibited markedly higher cytotoxicity with the survival rate of cells of 78 % and 26 % (p < 0.05), although they had lower EPFRs and ROS yields. Correlation analysis revealed that the cell viability was closely linked to heavy metals of MATF (p < 0.05), and to organic hydroperoxide (OHP), PAHs and heavy metals of MRP (p < 0.05). By systematically considering the above results, heavy metals and PAHs enriched on MATF and MRP from the surrounding environment played the important role in the cytotoxicity, which was different from conventional perspectives. Our findings demonstrate that MATF and MRP associated with an artificial turf field contain potent mixtures of pollutants and can, therefore, be relevant yet underestimated factors contributing to the health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Kecheng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China.
| | - Wenjun Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Haodong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Huiqiang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yongxi Deng
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yuanren Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Hanzhong Jia
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China.
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Yuan Z, Huang Q, Wang Z, Wang H, Luo J, Zhu N, Cao X, Lou Z. Medium-Low Temperature Conditions Induce the Formation of Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals in Microplastics with Conjugated Aromatic-Ring Structures during Sewage Sludge Pyrolysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:16209-16220. [PMID: 36165785 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Medium-low temperature pyrolysis is an effective method of retaining active components in sludge char. However, we found that incomplete cracking reactions resulted in residues of microplastics (MPs) remaining in the char; moreover, high levels of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) were detected in these MPs. Here, we investigated the temperature-dependent variations in the char-volatile products derived from sludge and MPs under different pyrolysis scenarios using multiple in situ probe coupling techniques and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, thereby identifying the sources of EPFRs and elucidating the corresponding formation-conversion mechanisms. The temperature was the key factor in the formation of EPFRs; in particular, in the 350-450 °C range, the abundance of EPFRs increased exponentially. Reactive EPFR readily formed in MPs with conjugated aromatic-ring structures (polyethylene terephthalate and polystyrene) at a temperature above 350 °C; EPFR concentrations were 5-17 times higher than those found in other types of polymers, and these radicals exhibited half-lives of more than 90 days. The EPFR formation mechanism could be summarized as solid-solid/solid-gas interfacial interactions between the polymers and the intermediate products from sludge pyrolysis (at 160-350 °C) and the homolytic cleavage-proton transfer occurring in the polymers themselves under the dual action of thermal induction and acid sites (at 350-450 °C). Based on the understanding of the evolution of EPFRs, temperature regulation and sludge components conditioning may be effective approaches to inhibit the formation of EPFRs in MPs, constituting reliable strategies to diminish the environmental risk associated with the byproducts of sludge pyrolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihang Yuan
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recovery, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qiujie Huang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recovery, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhuoqin Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recovery, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recovery, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jinming Luo
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recovery, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Nanwen Zhu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recovery, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xinde Cao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recovery, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ziyang Lou
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recovery, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
- China Institute for Urban Governance, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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Li H, Li H, Zuo N, Liu Y, Lang D, Steinberg C, Pan B, Xing B. Direct toxicity of environmentally persistent free radicals to nematode Caenorhabditis elegans after excluding the concomitant chemicals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 839:156226. [PMID: 35643143 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) have attracted extensive attention due to their potential toxicity. However, EPFRs-containing particles always coexist with their parent organic contaminants and intermediate degradation products (IM), which may have hindered the toxicity assessment of EPFRs. In this study, the toxicity of EFFRs was specifically verified after comparing the systems without EPFRs, such as the immediate mixture of catechol (CT) and particles, solutions of CT only, IM extracted from the particles, as well as particles after EPFRs quenching. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) were used as model organisms. Our results showed that EPFRs-containing particles (Si-Al-CT) exhibited significant toxicity to C. elegans, but not for the parent chemical CT and IM on the particles. Higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the Si-Al-CT system were attributed to the mediated generation of ·O2- and ·OH via EPFRs. EPFRs could increase gene expressions related not only to oxidative stress and biotransformation in C. elegans, but also to indications of disturbances in energy homeostasis, survival, proliferation, cell and embryonic development. Overall, these results confirmed the direct toxicity of EPFRs and highlighted the key role of EPFRs which may be neglected in assessing the environmental risks of organic contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijie Li
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Carbon Sequestration and Pollution Control, Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Hao Li
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Carbon Sequestration and Pollution Control, Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Ning Zuo
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Carbon Sequestration and Pollution Control, Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Carbon Sequestration and Pollution Control, Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Di Lang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Carbon Sequestration and Pollution Control, Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Christian Steinberg
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Carbon Sequestration and Pollution Control, Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming, 650500, China; Faculty of Life Sciences, Laboratory of Freshwater & Stress Ecology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Arboretum, Späthstr. 80/81, 12437 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bo Pan
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Carbon Sequestration and Pollution Control, Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
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Liu Z, Wang J, Yang X, Huang Q, Zhu K, Sun Y, Van Hulle S, Jia H. Generation of environmental persistent free radicals (EPFRs) enhances ecotoxicological effects of the disposable face mask waste with the COVID-19 pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 301:119019. [PMID: 35189297 PMCID: PMC8854206 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
A large amount of disposable plastic face masks (DPFs) is produced and used during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, which results in an inevitable consequence of the dramatic increase of DPFs waste. However, the impact of DPFs exposure to the environment on their toxicity is rarely considered. In this study, a range of 76-276 items/L microplastics (MPs) was detected in the DPFs leachates, and fibrous (> 80.3%) and polypropylene (PP, > 89.2%) MPs were dominant. Co, Cu, Ni, Sr, Ti and Zn, were commonly detected in all leachates of the tested DPFs. Organics, such as acetophenone, 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol, benzothiazole, bisphenol-A and phthalide, were found in the DPFs leachate, which were including organic solvents and plasticizer. Besides, we first found an emerging environmental risk substance, namely environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs), was generated in the DPFs leachates. The characteristic g-factors of the EPFRs was in a range of 2.003-2.004, identified as mixture of carbon- and oxygen-centered radicals. By means of in vitro toxicity assay, the DPFs leachate were confirmed to cause cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. Significantly, it is found that the formed EPFRs could contribute more toxic effects. Furthermore, when compared to N95 respirators, the tested surgical masks tend to release more MPs, leach more metals and organics, and generate more EPFRs. Surgical masks were thus showed higher risk than N95 respirators after exposure to water. This work highlights the importance of understanding the chemical complexity and possible toxicity of DPFs for their risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Jianqun Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xuetong Yang
- LIWET, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Campus Kortrijk, Graaf Karel De Goedelaan 5, B-8500, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Qian'en Huang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Kecheng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Yajiao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Stijn Van Hulle
- LIWET, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Campus Kortrijk, Graaf Karel De Goedelaan 5, B-8500, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Hanzhong Jia
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
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