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Wu Y, Li Z, Deng Y, Bian B, Xie L, Lu X, Tian J, Zhang Y, Wang L. Mangrove mud clam as an effective sentinel species for monitoring changes in coastal microplastic pollution. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134617. [PMID: 38749247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The worldwide mangrove shorelines are experiencing considerable contamination from microplastics (MPs). Finding an effective sentinel species in the mangrove ecosystem is crucial for early warning of ecological and human health risks posed by coastal microplastic pollution. This study collected 186 specimens of the widely distributed mangrove clam (Geloina expansa, Solander, 1786) from 18 stations along the Leizhou Peninsula, the largest mangrove coast in Southern China. This study discovered that mangrove mud clams accumulated a relatively high abundance of MPs (2.96 [1.61 - 6.03] items·g-1) in their soft tissue, wet weight, as compared to previously reported levels in bivalves. MPs abundance is significantly (p < 0.05 or 0.0001) influenced by coastal urban development, aquaculture, and shell size. Furthermore, the aggregated MPs exhibit a significantly high polymer risk index (Level III, H = 353.83). The estimated annual intake risk (EAI) from resident consumption, as calculated via a specific questionnaire survey, was at a moderate level (990 - 2475, items·g -1·Capita -1). However, the EAI based on suggested nutritional standards is very high, reaching 113,990 (79,298 - 148,681), items·g -1·Capita -1. We recommend utilizing the mangrove mud clam as sentinel species for the monitoring of MPs pollution changing across global coastlines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinglin Wu
- Western Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood Resource Sustainable Utilization, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zitong Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanxia Deng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingbing Bian
- School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Xie
- School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianye Lu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingqiu Tian
- School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, People's Republic of China
| | - Liyun Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, People's Republic of China
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2
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He YQ, McDonough LK, Zainab SM, Guo ZF, Chen C, Xu YY. Microplastic accumulation in groundwater: Data-scaled insights and future research. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 258:121808. [PMID: 38796912 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Given that microplastics (MPs) in groundwater have been concerned for risks to humans and ecosystems with increased publications, a Contrasting Analysis of Scales (CAS) approach is developed by this study to synthesize all existing data into a hierarchical understanding of MP accumulation in groundwater. Within the full data of 386 compiled samples, the median abundance of MPs in Open Groundwater (OG) and Closed Groundwater (CG) were 4.4 and 2.5 items/L respectively, with OG exhibiting a greater diversity of MP colors and larger particle sizes. The different pathways of MP entry (i.e., surface runoff and rock interstices) into OG and CG led to this difference. At the regional scale, median MP abundance in nature reserves and landfills were 17.5 and 13.4 items/L, respectively, all the sampling points showed high pollution load risk. MPs in agricultural areas exhibited a high coefficient of variation (716.7%), and a median abundance of 1.0 items/L. Anthropogenic activities at the regional scale are the drivers behind the differentiation in the morphological characteristics of MPs, where groundwater in residential areas with highly toxic polymers (e.g., polyvinylchloride) deserves prolonged attention. At the local scale, the transport of MPs is controlled by groundwater flow paths, with a higher abundance of MP particles downstream than upstream, and MPs with regular surfaces and lower resistance (e.g., pellets) are more likely to be transported over long distances. From the data-scaled insight this study provides on the accumulation of MPs, future research should be directed towards network-based observation for groundwater-rich regions covered with landfills, residences, and agricultural land.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qin He
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liza K McDonough
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), New Illawarra Rd, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - Syeda Maria Zainab
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China
| | - Zhao-Feng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China
| | - Cai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yao-Yang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China.
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Xie Y, Irshad S, Jiang Y, Sun Y, Rui Y, Zhang P. Microplastic-mediated environmental behavior of metal contaminants: mechanism and implication. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-34042-x. [PMID: 38904875 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34042-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and metals are currently two of the most concerning environmental pollutants due to their persistent nature and potential threats to ecosystems and human health. This review examines the intricate interactions between MPs and metals in diverse environmental compartments, including aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments by focusing on the complex processes of adsorption and desorption and the mechanisms that govern these interactions. MPs act as carriers and concentrators of metals in aquatic and terrestrial environments, affecting the bioavailability and toxicity of these contaminants to aquatic and terrestrial organisms. This review highlights the existing challenges and constraints associated with current analytical methods, including microscopy, spectroscopy, and isotherm models in studying microplastic-heavy metal interactions. Moreover, we identified the knowledge gaps and future research directions that can enhance our understanding of the dynamic interplay between MPs and metals in various environmental settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xie
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Samina Irshad
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Yaqi Jiang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Yukui Rui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
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4
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Carnevale Miino M, Galafassi S, Zullo R, Torretta V, Rada EC. Microplastics removal in wastewater treatment plants: A review of the different approaches to limit their release in the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 930:172675. [PMID: 38670366 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
In last 10 years, the interest about the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment has strongly grown. Wastewaters function as a carrier for MPs contamination from source to the aquatic environment, so the knowledge of the fate of this emerging contaminant in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is a priority. This work aims to review the presence of MPs in the influent wastewater (WW) and the effectiveness of the treatments of conventional WWTPs. Moreover, the negative impacts of MPs on the management of the processes have been also discussed. The work also focuses on the possible approaches to tackle MPs contamination enhancing the effectiveness of the WWTPs. Based on literature results, despite WWTPs are not designed for MPs removal from WW, they can effectively remove the MPs (up to 99 % in some references). Nevertheless, they normally act as "hotspots" of MPs contamination considering the remaining concentration of MPs in WWTPs' effluents can be several orders of magnitude higher than receiving waters. Moreover, MPs removed from WW are concentrated in sewage sludge (potentially >65 % of MPs entering the WWTP) posing a concern in case of the potential reuse as a soil improver. This work aims to present a paradigm shift intending WWTPs as key barriers for environmental protection. Approaches for increasing effectiveness against MPs have been discussed in order to define the optimal point(s) of the WWTP in which these technologies should be located. The need of a future legislation about MPs in water and sludge is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Carnevale Miino
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy.
| | - Silvia Galafassi
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Largo Tonolli 50, 28920 Verbania, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90133, Italy.
| | - Rosa Zullo
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Largo Tonolli 50, 28920 Verbania, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Torretta
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy.
| | - Elena Cristina Rada
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy.
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5
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Meng L, Liang L, Shi Y, Yin H, Li L, Xiao J, Huang N, Zhao A, Xia Y, Hou J. Biofilms in plastisphere from freshwater wetlands: Biofilm formation, bacterial community assembly, and biogeochemical cycles. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:134930. [PMID: 38901258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Microorganisms can colonize to the surface of microplastics (MPs) to form biofilms, termed "plastisphere", which could significantly change their physiochemical properties and ecological roles. However, the biofilm characteristics and the deep mechanisms (interaction, assembly, and biogeochemical cycles) underlying plastisphere in wetlands currently lack a comprehensive perspective. In this study, in situ biofilm formation experiments were performed in a park with different types of wetlands to examine the plastisphere by extrinsic addition of PVC MPs in summer and winter, respectively. Results from the spectroscopic and microscopic analyses revealed that biofilms attached to the MPs in constructed forest wetlands contained the most abundant biomass and extracellular polymeric substances. Meanwhile, data from the high-throughput sequencing showed lower diversity in plastisphere compared with soil bacterial communities. Network analysis suggested a simple and unstable co-occurrence pattern in plastisphere, and the null model indicated increased deterministic process of heterogeneous selection for its community assembly. Based on the quantification of biogeochemical cycling genes by high-throughput qPCR, the relative abundances of genes involving in carbon degradation, carbon fixation, and denitrification were significantly higher in plastisphere than those of soil communities. This study greatly enhanced our understanding of biofilm formation and ecological effects of MPs in freshwater wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Meng
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China; Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Zhejiang University, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou 310058, China; Yangtze River Delta Urban Wetland Ecosystem National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Shanghai 201722, China
| | - Longrui Liang
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Yansong Shi
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Haitao Yin
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Li Li
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Jiamu Xiao
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Nannan Huang
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Angang Zhao
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Yangrongchang Xia
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Jingwen Hou
- Instrumental Analysis Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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6
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Zeng G, Dai M, Liu P, Chen T, Hu L, Luo H, Zhou Q, Du M, Pan X. Phthalocyanine blue leaching and exposure effects on Microcystis aeruginosa (cyanobacteria) of photoaged microplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133984. [PMID: 38460263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133984] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Light-stabilizing additives may contribute to the overall pollution load of microplastics (MPs) and potentially enter the food chain, severely threatening aquatic life and human health. This study investigated the variation between polystyrene (PS) MPs and phthalocyanine blue (CuPC)-containing MPs before and after photoaging, as well as their effects on Microcystis aeruginosa. The presence of PS-MPs increased cell mortality, antioxidant enzyme activity, and the variation in extracellular components, while the presence of CuPC exacerbated these variations. CuPC-containing MPs caused different increasing trends in superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde activities due to electron transfer across the membrane. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the MPs and CuPC affected various cellular processes, with the greatest impact being on cell membranes. Compared with MPs, CuPC negatively affected ribosome and polysaccharide formation. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the cellular response to MPs and their associated light-stabilizer pollution and imply the necessity for mitigating the pollution of both MPs and light-stabilizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganning Zeng
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, MNR, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Mengzheng Dai
- College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Peirui Liu
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Tiansheng Chen
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Lingling Hu
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Hongwei Luo
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Mingming Du
- College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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7
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Garrard SL, Clark JR, Martin N, Nelms SE, Botterell ZLR, Cole M, Coppock RL, Galloway TS, Green DS, Jones M, Lindeque PK, Tillin HM, Beaumont NJ. Identifying potential high-risk zones for land-derived plastic litter to marine megafauna and key habitats within the North Atlantic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171282. [PMID: 38412875 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171282] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive use of plastic in modern society has led to plastic litter becoming ubiquitous within the ocean. Land-based sources of plastic litter are thought to account for the majority of plastic pollution in the marine environment, with plastic bags, bottles, wrappers, food containers and cutlery among the most common items found. In the marine environment, plastic is a transboundary pollutant, with the potential to cause damage far beyond the political borders from where it originated, making the management of this global pollutant particularly complex. In this study, the risks of land-derived plastic litter (LDPL) to major groups of marine megafauna - seabirds, cetaceans, pinnipeds, elasmobranchs, turtles, sirenians, tuna and billfish - and a selection of productive and biodiverse biogenic habitats - coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, saltmarsh and kelp beds - were analysed using a Spatial Risk Assessment approach. The approach combines metrics for vulnerability (mechanism of harm for megafauna group or habitat), hazard (plastic abundance) and exposure (distribution of group or habitat). Several potential high-risk zones (HRZs) across the North Atlantic were highlighted, including the Azores, the UK, the French and US Atlantic coasts, and the US Gulf of Mexico. Whilst much of the modelled LDPL driving risk in the UK originated from domestic sources, in other HRZs, such as the Azores archipelago and the US Gulf of Mexico, plastic originated almost exclusively from external (non-domestic) sources. LDPL from Caribbean islands - some of the largest generators of marine plastic pollution in the dataset of river plastic emissions used in the study - was noted as a significant input to HRZs across both sides of the Atlantic. These findings highlight the potential of Spatial Risk Assessment analyses to determine the location of HRZs and understand where plastic debris monitoring and management should be prioritised, enabling more efficient deployment of interventions and mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Garrard
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom.
| | - James R Clark
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Martin
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Zara L R Botterell
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Cole
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel L Coppock
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Dannielle S Green
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, United Kingdom
| | - Megan Jones
- Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, United Kingdom
| | - Pennie K Lindeque
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Heidi M Tillin
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J Beaumont
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
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McIlwraith HK, Lindeque PK, Miliou A, Tolhurst TJ, Cole M. Microplastic shape influences fate in vegetated wetlands. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 345:123492. [PMID: 38311156 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123492] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Coastal areas are prone to plastic accumulation due to their proximity to land based sources. Coastal vegetated habitats (e.g., seagrasses, saltmarshes, mangroves) provide a myriad of ecosystem functions, such as erosion protection, habitat refuge, and carbon storage. The biological and physical factors that underlie these functions may provide an additional benefit: trapping of marine microplastics. While microplastics occurrence in coastal vegetated sediments is well documented, there is conflicting evidence on whether the presence of vegetation enhances microplastics trapping relative to bare sites and the factors that influence microplastic trapping remain understudied. We investigated how vegetation structure and microplastic type influences trapping in a simulated coastal wetland. Through a flume experiment, we measured the efficiency of microplastic trapping in the presence of branched and grassy vegetation and tested an array of microplastics that differ in shape, size, and polymer. We observed that the presence of vegetation did not affect the number of microplastics trapped but did affect location of deposition. Microplastic shape, rather than polymer, was the dominant factor in determining whether microplastics were retained in the sediment or adhered to the vegetation canopy. Across the canopy, microfibre concentrations decreased from the leading edge to the interior which suggests that even on a small-scale, vegetation has a filtering effect. The outcome of this study enriches our understanding of coastal vegetation as a microplastics sink and that differences among microplastics informs where they are most likely to accumulate within a biogenic canopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley K McIlwraith
- Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK; University of East Anglia, School of Environmental Sciences, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Penelope K Lindeque
- Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK
| | - Anastasia Miliou
- Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, Pythagorio, Samos, 83103, Greece
| | - Trevor J Tolhurst
- University of East Anglia, School of Environmental Sciences, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Matthew Cole
- Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK.
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Adomako MO, Wu J, Lu Y, Adu D, Seshie VI, Yu FH. Potential synergy of microplastics and nitrogen enrichment on plant holobionts in wetland ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 915:170160. [PMID: 38244627 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170160] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Wetland ecosystems are global hotspots for environmental contaminants, including microplastics (MPs) and nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). While MP and nutrient effects on host plants and their associated microbial communities at the individual level have been studied, their synergistic effects on a plant holobiont (i.e., a plant host plus its microbiota, such as bacteria and fungi) in wetland ecosystems are nearly unknown. As an ecological entity, plant holobionts play pivotal roles in biological nitrogen fixation, promote plant resilience and defense chemistry against pathogens, and enhance biogeochemical processes. We summarize evidence based on recent literature to elaborate on the potential synergy of MPs and nutrient enrichment on plant holobionts in wetland ecosystems. We provide a conceptual framework to explain the interplay of MPs, nutrients, and plant holobionts and discuss major pathways of MPs and nutrients into the wetland milieu. Moreover, we highlight the ecological consequences of loss of plant holobionts in wetland ecosystems and conclude with recommendations for pending questions that warrant urgent research. We found that nutrient enrichment promotes the recruitment of MPs-degraded microorganisms and accelerates microbially mediated degradation of MPs, modifying their distribution and toxicity impacts on plant holobionts in wetland ecosystems. Moreover, a loss of wetland plant holobionts via long-term MP-nutrient interactions may likely exacerbate the disruption of wetland ecosystems' capacity to offer nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation through soil organic C sequestration. In conclusion, MP and nutrient enrichment interactions represent a severe ecological risk that can disorganize plant holobionts and their taxonomic roles, leading to dysbiosis (i.e., the disintegration of a stable plant microbiome) and diminishing wetland ecosystems' integrity and multifunctionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Opoku Adomako
- Institute of Wetland Ecology & Clone Ecology/Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang, China; School of Life Science, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Institute of Wetland Ecology & Clone Ecology/Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang, China; School of Life Science, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China
| | - Ying Lu
- School of Life Science, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China
| | - Daniel Adu
- School of Management Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhejiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Vivian Isabella Seshie
- Department of Environmental and Safety Engineering, University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana
| | - Fei-Hai Yu
- Institute of Wetland Ecology & Clone Ecology/Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang, China; School of Life Science, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China.
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10
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Xu JY, Ding J, Du S, Zhu D. Tire particles and its leachates: Impact on antibiotic resistance genes in coastal sediments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133333. [PMID: 38147751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Tire particles (TPs), a significant group of microplastics, can be discharged into the coastal environments in various ways. However, our understanding of how TPs impact the antibiotic resistance and pathogenic risks of microorganisms in coastal sediments remains limited. In this study, we used metagenomics to investigate how TPs and their leachates could affect the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), virulence factor genes (VFGs), and their potential risks to the living creatures such as soil invertebrates and microorganisms in the coastal sediments. We discovered that TP addition significantly increased the abundance and diversity of ARGs and VFGs in coastal sediments, with raw TPs displayed higher impacts than TP leachates and TPs after leaching on ARGs and VFGs. With increasing TP exposure concentrations, the co-occurrence frequency of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in the same contig also increased, suggesting that TPs could enhance the dispersal risk of ARGs. Our metagenome-based binning analysis further revealed that exposure to TPs increased the abundance of potentially pathogenic antibiotic-resistant bacteria (PARB). In addition, chemical additives of TP leachates (e.g., Zn and N-cyclohexylformamide) significantly affected the changes of ARGs in the pore water. In summary, our study provides novel insights into the adverse effects of TP pollutions on aggravating the dissemination and pathogenic risks of ARGs and PARB in the coastal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yang 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, People' s Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People' s Republic of China
| | - Jing Ding
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, People' s Republic of China
| | - Shuai Du
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People' s Republic of China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People' s Republic of China.
| | - Dong 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, People' s Republic of China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People' s Republic of China.
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11
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Wang S, Zhou Q, Hu X, Tao Z. Polyethylene microplastic-induced microbial shifts affected greenhouse gas emissions during litter decomposition in coastal wetland sediments. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 251:121167. [PMID: 38301404 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121167] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination has become increasingly aggravated in coastal environments, further affecting biogeochemical processes involved with microbial community shifts. As a key biogeochemical process mainly driven by microbiota in coastal wetland sediments, litter decomposition contributes greatly to the global greenhouse gas (GHG) budget. However, under microplastic pollution, the relationship between microbial alterations and GHG emissions during litter decomposition in coastal wetlands remains largely unknown. Here, we explored the microbial mechanism by which polyethylene microplastic (PE-MP) influenced greenhouse gas (i.e., CH4, CO2 and N2O) emissions during litter decomposition in coastal sediments through a 75-day microcosm experiment. During litter decomposition, PE-MP exposure significantly decreased cumulative CH4 and CO2 emissions by 41.07% and 25.79%, respectively. However, there was no significant change in cumulative N2O emissions under PE-MP exposure. The bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities in sediments exhibited varied responses to PE-MP exposure over time, as reflected by the altered structure and changed functional groups of the microbiota. The altered microbial functional groups ascribed to PE-MP exposure and sediment property changes might contribute to suppressing CH4 and CO2 emissions during litter decomposition. This study yielded valuable information regarding the effects of PE-MP on GHG emissions during litter decomposition in coastal wetland sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Carbon Neutrality Interdisciplinary Science Centre/College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Qixing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Carbon Neutrality Interdisciplinary Science Centre/College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
| | - Xiangang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Carbon Neutrality Interdisciplinary Science Centre/College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Zongxin Tao
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Carbon Neutrality Interdisciplinary Science Centre/College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
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12
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Liang B, Gao S, Zhang S, Gao C. Distribution characteristics and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in intertidal sediments near coastal water. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 195:106353. [PMID: 38295611 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106353] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Plastic products are widely distributed worldwide and continue to have a negative impact on the environment and organisms. Intertidal regions, which interface between upland and marine ecosystems, are regions of high ecological importance and serve as repositories for a variety of plastic wastes. However, ecological risk assessments of microplastics (MPs) in these transitional environments are still scarce. In this study, the morphological characteristics and spatial distribution of MPs in the intertidal surface sediments of Haizhou Bay were analyzed, and an ecological risk assessment framework for MPs was developed. Overall, the average abundance of MPs in the sediments was 2.31 ± 1.35 pieces/g dw. The size of the MPs was mainly less than 1 mm, and the main shape, color and polymer type of the MPs were mainly fibrous (58%), blue (30%), and PVC (22%), respectively. Cluster analyses showed that the sites could be well distinguished by size and polymer type but not by MP shape and color. According to the hazard scores, most of the sites in this area belonged to a risk level of IV, while the pollution loading index (PLI) showed that most of the sites belonged to a risk level of II. The ecological toxicity risk from the species-sensitive distribution (SSD) model showed that one-third of the sites had ecological MPs toxicity risks to marine organisms. We believe that normalized and standardized assessment methods should be implemented to monitor and manage the risk of MPs in the intertidal sediments. Particularly, the multiple dimensions, standard abundance of MPs, as well as MPs ingestion in the intertidal organisms, should be fully considered in the next step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baogui Liang
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Shike Gao
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Joint Laboratory for Monitoring and Conservation of Aquatic Living Resources In the Yangtze Estuary, Shanghai, 200000, China.
| | - Chunmei Gao
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
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13
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Gu YG, Jordan RW, Jiang SJ. Probabilistic risk assessment of microplastics on aquatic biota in coastal sediments. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141411. [PMID: 38350515 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141411] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
As an emerging form of pollution, microplastic contamination of the coastal ecosystems is one of the world's most pressing environmental concerns. Coastal sediments have been polluted to varying degrees by microplastics, and their ubiquitous presence in sediments poses a threat to marine organisms. However, there is currently no ecological risk assessment of microplastics on aquatic biota in sediments. This study, for the first time, established a new procedure to evaluate the toxicity of microplastics on aquatic biota in sediments, based on the probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) concept. The choice of Zhelin Bay as the case study site was based on its severe pollution status. The average content of microplastics in the sediments of Zhelin Bay was 2054.17 items kg-1 dry weight, and these microplastics consisted of 46 different species. Microplastics in sediments exist in five different forms, with the film form being the main composition, and the majority of microplastics have particle sizes ranging from 100 to 500 μm. Correlation analysis (CA) reveals significant negative correlations between microplastic abundance, and Al2O3 and SiO2. The toxicity of microplastics, based on the PRA concept, suggests that Zhelin Bay surface sediments had a low probability (3.43%) of toxic effects on aquatic biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Guang Gu
- South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510300, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519000, China; Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, 990-8560, Japan; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510300, 510300, China; Key Laboratory of Open-Sea Fishery Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510300, China; Sanya Tropical Fisheries Research Institute, Sanya, 572025, China.
| | - Richard W Jordan
- Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, 990-8560, Japan
| | - Shi-Jun Jiang
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519000, China; College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, 245700, China
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14
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Noman MA, Adyel TM, Macreadie PI, Trevathan-Tackett SM. Prioritising plastic pollution research in blue carbon ecosystems: A scientometric overview. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169868. [PMID: 38185172 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The Blue Carbon Ecosystems (BCEs), comprising mangroves, saltmarshes, and seagrasses, located at the land-ocean interface provide crucial ecosystem services. These ecosystems serve as a natural barrier against the transportation of plastic waste from land to the ocean, effectively intercepting and mitigating plastic pollution in the ocean. To gain insights into the current state of research, and uncover key research gaps related to plastic pollution in BCEs, this study conveyed a comprehensive overview using bibliometric, altmetric, and literature synthesis approaches. The bibliometric analysis revealed a significant increase in publications addressing plastic pollution in BCEs, particularly since 2018. Geographically, Chinese institutions have made substantial contributions to this research field compared to countries and regions with extensive BCEs and established blue carbon science programs. Furthermore, many studies have focused on mangrove ecosystems, while limited attention was given to exploring plastic pollution in saltmarsh, seagrass, and multiple ecosystems simultaneously. Through a systematic analysis, this study identified four major research themes in BCE-plastics research: a) plastic trapping by vegetated coastal ecosystems, b) microbial plastic degradation, c) ingestion of plastic by benthic organisms, and d) effects of plastic on blue carbon biogeochemistry. Upon synthesising the current knowledge in each theme, we employed a perspective lens to outline future research frameworks, specifically emphasising habitat characteristics and blue carbon biogeochemistry. Emphasising the importance of synergistic research between plastic pollution and blue carbon science, we underscore the opportunities to progress our understanding of plastic reservoirs across BCEs and their subsequent effects on blue carbon sequestration and mineralisation. Together, the outcomes of this review have overarching implications for managing plastic pollution and optimising climate mitigation outcomes through the blue carbon strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Abu Noman
- Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC 3125, Australia.
| | - Tanveer M Adyel
- Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC 3125, Australia; STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes campus, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Peter I Macreadie
- Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Stacey M Trevathan-Tackett
- Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC 3125, Australia.
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15
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Girones L, Adaro ME, Pozo K, Baini M, Panti C, Fossi MC, Marcovecchio JE, Ronda AC, Arias AH. Spatial distribution and characteristics of plastic pollution in the salt marshes of Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169199. [PMID: 38070560 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
This study delves into the magnitude and attributes of plastic pollution in the salt marshes of the Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina, with a specific focus on its spatial distribution. The investigation included the evaluation of microplastics (1-5 mm), mesoplastics (5-25 mm) and macroplastics (25-100 mm), discovering elevated levels along the high salt marsh strandline compared to low salt marsh and mudflat areas. Notably, the abundance of plastic reached staggering levels, reaching up to 20,060 items/m2 in the vicinity of an illegal dumpsite. Microplastics, particularly in the 2-4 mm range, were dominant, and the main plastic components were high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). Plastic films emerged as the predominant plastic type, while the presence of pellets hinted at potential sources such as illegal dumping and port-related activities. This contamination could be largely attributed to inappropriate waste management practices and urban runoff, which pose a substantial ecological threat to these ecosystems. Urgent remedial action is essential to protect these marshes, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive wetland management and educational initiatives to ensure their long-term sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lautaro Girones
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO - CONICET/UNS), Camino La Carrindanga km 7.5, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Av. Alem 1253, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
| | - Maria Eugenia Adaro
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO - CONICET/UNS), Camino La Carrindanga km 7.5, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Karla Pozo
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science (RECETOX), Kamenice 753/5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; Universidad San Sebastián, Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Lientur 1457, 4030000 Concepción, Chile.
| | - Matteo Baini
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Cristina Panti
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Jorge Eduardo Marcovecchio
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO - CONICET/UNS), Camino La Carrindanga km 7.5, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Universidad de la Fraternidad de Agrupaciones Santo Tomás de Aquino, Gascón 3145, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina; Universidad Tecnológica Nacional - FRBB, 11 de Abril 445, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Academia Nacional de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales (ANCEFN), Av. Alvear 1711, 1014 Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Ana Carolina Ronda
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO - CONICET/UNS), Camino La Carrindanga km 7.5, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Av. Alem 1253, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
| | - Andres Hugo Arias
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO - CONICET/UNS), Camino La Carrindanga km 7.5, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Av. Alem 1253, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
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16
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Ding S, Gu X, Sun S, He S. Optimization of microplastic removal based on the complementarity of constructed wetland and microalgal-based system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169081. [PMID: 38104829 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
As one of the emblematic emerging contaminants, microplastics (MPs) have aroused great public concern. Nevertheless, the global community still insufficiently acknowledges the ecological health risks and resolution strategies of MP pollution. As the nature-based biotechnologies, the constructed wetland (CW) and microalgal-based system (MBS) have been applied in exploring the removal of MPs recently. This review separately presents the removal research (mechanism, interactions, implications, and technical defects) of MPs by a single method of CWs or MBS. But one thing with certitude is that the exclusive usage of these techniques to combat MPs has non-negligible and formidable challenges. The negative impacts of MP accumulation on CWs involve toxicity to macrophytes, substrates blocking, and nitrogen-removing performance inhibition. While MPs restrict MBS practical application by making troubles for separation difficulties of microalgal-based aggregations from effluent. Hence the combined strategy of microalgal-assisted CWs is proposed based on the complementarity of biotechnologies, in an attempt to expand the removing size range of MPs, create more biodegradable conditions and improve the effluent quality. Our work evaluates and forecasts the potential of integrating combination for strengthening micro-polluted wastewater treatment, completing the synergistic removal of MP-based co-pollutants and achieving long-term stability and sustainability, which is expected to provide new insights into MP pollution regulation and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoxuan Ding
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Xushun Gu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Shanshan Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Shengbing He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Landscape Water Environment, Shanghai 200031, PR China.
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17
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Ren Y, Qi Y, Wang X, Duan X, Ye X. Effects of microplastics on litter decomposition in wetland soil. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123145. [PMID: 38097161 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123145] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) may interfere with the primary ecological processes of soil, which has become a growing global environmental issue. In terrestrial ecosystems, litter decomposition is the main process of nutrient cycling, particularly for carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). However, how microplastic pollution could alter wetland litter decomposition has barely been investigated. Therefore, a 100-day lab-scale litter decomposition experiment was conducted using Shengjin Lake wetland soil, which was treated with two types of MPs (polyethylene, PE and polyvinyl chloride, PVC) at three concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, and 2.5%, w/w), to explore if and how MPs accumulation could affect wetland litter decomposition processes. According to our research, the PE and PVC greatly slowed the decomposition rate of wetland litter. Compared with control treatments, the addition of MPs decreased litter quality (high C:N), reduced litter decomposition-related soil enzyme activity, decreased the diversity of bacteria, and altered microbial community structure and potential functional gene abundance linked to litter decomposition. These findings revealed that MPs could affect the main process of C and N cycling in wetland ecosystems, providing important cues for further research on the wetland ecosystem function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Ren
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Yueling Qi
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Xinyi Duan
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Xiaoxin Ye
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China.
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18
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Guo F, Liu B, Zhao J, Hou Y, Wu J, Hu H, Zhou C, Hu H, Zhang T, Yang Z. Temperature-dependent effects of microplastics on sediment bacteriome and metabolome. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 350:141190. [PMID: 38215830 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of microplastics in the environment has become a concern for various ecosystems, including wetland ecosystems. Here, we investigated the effects of three popular microplastic types: polyethylene, polylactic acid, and tire particles at 5 °C and 25 °C on the sediment microbiome and metabolome at the 3% (w/w) level. Results indicated that temperature greatly influenced catalase and neutral phosphatase activities, whereas the type of microplastic had a more significant impact on urease and dehydrogenase activities. The addition of microplastic, especially tire particles, increased microbial diversity and significantly altered the microbial community structure and metabolic profile, leading to the formation of different clusters of microbial communities depending on the temperature. Nonetheless, the effect of temperature on the metabolite composition was less significant. Functional prediction showed that the abundance of functional genes related to metabolism and biogeochemical cycling increased with increasing temperature, especially the tire particles treatment group affected the nitrogen cycling by inhibiting ureolysis and nitrogen fixation. These observations emphasize the need to consider microplastic type and ambient temperature to fully understand the ecological impact of microplastics on microbial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Guo
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, 467036, PR China; School of Environment and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450011, PR China
| | - Biao Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, 467036, PR China.
| | - Jiaying Zhao
- School of Environment and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450011, PR China
| | - Yiran Hou
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, 467036, PR China
| | - Junfeng Wu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, 467036, PR China
| | - Hongwei Hu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, 467036, PR China
| | - Changrui Zhou
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, 467036, PR China
| | - Hui Hu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, 467036, PR China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, 467036, PR China
| | - Ziyan Yang
- School of Environment and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450011, PR China
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19
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Khedre AM, Ramadan SA, Ashry A, Alaraby M. Interactions between microplastics and Culex sp. larvae in wastewater. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2024; 96:e11003. [PMID: 38385906 DOI: 10.1002/wer.11003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are a growing issue because they endanger both aquatic organisms and humans. Studies have indicated that wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are one of the major contributors to MPs in the environment. However, studies on the abundance of MP contamination in WWTPs and its transmission into aquatic organisms are still scarce, especially in Egypt. The goal of this study was to examine the temporal fluctuations in the distribution of MPs in surface water and the dominant macroinvertebrate fauna (Culex sp. larvae) in a fixed wastewater basin in Sohag Governorate, Egypt. The average of MPs in the surface water was 3.01 ± 0.9 particles/L. The results indicated to seasonal variation of MP abundance in the wastewater basin that was significantly higher in winter than in the other seasons. The risk index for polymers (H), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (RI) were used to assess the degree of MP contamination. The basin has moderate H values (<1000) because of the presence of polymers with moderate hazard scores such as polyester (PES), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP). According to the PLI values, surface water is extremely contaminated with MPs (PLI: 88 to 120). The RI values of surface water showed higher ecological risk (level V). MPs in Culex sp. larvae were seasonally changed with an 85% detection rate, and an abundance average of 0.24 ± 0.65 particles/ind, MP concentration in Culex sp. larvae was influenced by the MP characters (shape, color, and polymer). The larvae of Culex sp. showed a greater preference for black and red fibrous polyester (PES) with sizes (<1000 μm) of MPs. These findings suggest that Culex sp. larvae prefer ingesting MPs that resemble their food. It is possible to overestimate Culex sp.'s preference for lower sizes because of their catabolism of MPs. To better understand the preferences of Culex sp. larvae for MPs, further controlled trials should be conducted. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Wastewater is highly contaminated with microplastics (MPs) in the different seasons. First report of detection of the seasonal abundance of MP in Culex sp. larvae. Culex sp. larvae showed a stronger feeding preference for MPs with specific characteristics. Smaller size and blue polyester fibers were the dominant characteristics of MPs in wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza M Khedre
- Group of Entomology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University (82524), Sohag, Egypt
| | - Somaia A Ramadan
- Group of Entomology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University (82524), Sohag, Egypt
| | - Ali Ashry
- Group of Entomology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University (82524), Sohag, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Alaraby
- Group of Entomology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University (82524), Sohag, Egypt
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20
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Zhang X, Lin L, Li H, Liu S, Tang S, Yuan B, Hong H, Su M, Liu J, Yan C, Lu H. Iron plaque formation and its influences on the properties of polyethylene plastic surfaces in coastal wetlands: Abiotic factors and bacterial community. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132585. [PMID: 37741204 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132585] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Iron (Fe) plaques in coastal wetlands are widely recognized because of their strong adsorption affinity for natural particles, but their interaction behaviors and mechanisms with plastics remain unknown. Through laboratory incubation experiments, paired with multiple characterization methods and microbial analysis, this work focused on the characteristics of Fe plaques on low-density polyethylene plastic surfaces and their relationship with environmental factors in coastal wetlands (Mangrove and Spartina alterniflora soil). The results showed that iron plaques increased the adhesive force of the plastic surface from 65.25 to 300 nN and promoted the oxidation of the plastic surface. Fe plaque formation was stimulated by salinity, anaerobic conditions, natural organic matter, and a weak alkaline scenario (pH 8.0-8.3). The Fe content showed a stable positive correlation with heavy metals loading (i.e., As, Mn, Co, Cr, Pb, and Zn). Furthermore, we revealed that Fe plaque was positively regulated by Nitrospirae through 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing analysis. Meanwhile, Verrucomicrobia and Kiritimatiellaeota. may act as depressants by consuming salt. This work illustrated that iron plaques could enhance the role of plastics in contaminant migration by altering their adsorption performance, providing new insights into plastic interface behavior and potential ecological effects in coastal wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Lujian Lin
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Hanyi Li
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Shanle Liu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Shuai Tang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Process and Eco-Restoration, Technology Innovation Center for Land Spatial Eco-restoration in Metropolitan Area, Ministry of Natural Resources, Institute of Eco-Chongming, and School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Bo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Hualong Hong
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Manlin Su
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Jingchun Liu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Chongling Yan
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Haoliang Lu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Coastal Pollution Prevention and Control, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China.
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21
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Abd Rahim NH, Cannicci S, Ibrahim YS, Not C, Idris I, Mohd Jani J, Dahdouh-Guebas F, Satyanarayana B. Commercially important mangrove crabs are more susceptible to microplastic contamination than other brachyuran species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166271. [PMID: 37586534 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Brachyuran crabs are ecologically and economically important macrofauna in mangrove habitats. However, they are exposed to various contaminants, including plastics, which bioaccumulate in relation to their feeding modes. Setiu Wetlands is a unique place on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia where different ecosystems such as mangroves, lagoon, beaches, etc., are duly connected and influencing each other. In recent years, the shifted river mouth has threatened these wetlands, causing severe hydrodynamic changes in the lagoon, especially in the core mangrove zone. The present study tested microplastics (MPs) contamination in the mangroves through brachyuran crabs as indicators. Three sampling sites, namely Pulau Layat, Kampung Pengkalan Gelap, and Pulau Sutung were chosen. The four abundant crab species Parasesarma eumolpe, Metaplax elegans, Austruca annulipes, and Scylla olivacea, which display different feeding behaviours were collected from all sites covering the dry (Feb-Mar 2021) and the wet (Dec 2021-Jan 2022) seasonal periods. There were significant differences in the seasonal abundance of MPs among crab species. The highest accumulation of MPs in the crab stomachs in the dry season could be linked to subdued water circulation and poor material dispersion. Besides the lower MPs in the wet period due to improved water exchange conditions, its significant presence in the stomachs of S. olivacea indicates the role of its feeding behaviour as a carnivore. In addition, the micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (micro-FTIR) revealed the widespread occurrence of polymers such as rayon and polyester in all species across the sites. Given the fact that crabs like S. olivacea are commercially important and the ones contaminated with MPs can cause detrimental effects on the local community's health, further managerial actions are needed to assure sustainable management of the Setiu Wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Hannah Abd Rahim
- Mangrove Research Unit (MARU), Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus 21300, Malaysia.
| | - Stefano Cannicci
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, 50019 Florence, Italy; Swire Institute for Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Mangrove Specialist Group (MSG), Species Survival Commission (SSC), International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), c/o Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yusof Shuaib Ibrahim
- Mangrove Research Unit (MARU), Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus 21300, Malaysia; Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus 21300, Malaysia
| | - Christelle Not
- Environmental Geochemistry & Oceanography Research Group, Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Izwandy Idris
- Mangrove Research Unit (MARU), Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus 21300, Malaysia; South China Sea Repository and Reference Centre, Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus 21300, Malaysia
| | - Jarina Mohd Jani
- Mangrove Research Unit (MARU), Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus 21300, Malaysia; Biodiversity Conservation and Management Program, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus 21300, Malaysia
| | - Farid Dahdouh-Guebas
- Mangrove Specialist Group (MSG), Species Survival Commission (SSC), International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), c/o Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom; Systems Ecology and Resource Management Research Unit (SERM), Université Libre de Bruxelles-ULB, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Ecology & Biodiversity Research Unit, Department of Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel-VUB, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Behara Satyanarayana
- Mangrove Research Unit (MARU), Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus 21300, Malaysia; Mangrove Specialist Group (MSG), Species Survival Commission (SSC), International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), c/o Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom; Systems Ecology and Resource Management Research Unit (SERM), Université Libre de Bruxelles-ULB, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
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22
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Li C, Zhu L, Li WT, Li D. Microplastics in the seagrass ecosystems: A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166152. [PMID: 37567296 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine microplastic (MP) pollution represents a global environmental issue that has ignited considerable apprehension within the international community. Seagrass beds, which serve as nearshore marine ecosystems, have emerged as focal points of plastic and MP contamination due to the pronounced density of anthropogenic activities and the hydrological mitigating effects of submerged vegetation. Nevertheless, our comprehension of MPs within seagrass ecosystems remains constrained. In this study, we employed bibliometric analyses and comprehensive data exploration to summarize the historical progression of the development, pivotal areas of interest, and research deficiencies, followed by proposing future research directions for MP pollution in seagrass beds. The 37 selected papers were sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection scientific database as of December 31st, 2022. Based on the current evaluation, MPs are ubiquitously discovered within seagrass canopies, sediments, and marine organisms, while less than 15 % of seagrass species worldwide have been investigated. Moreover, methodological inconsistencies in sampling, processing and visualization between studies hindered the fusion and comparison of data. MPs in upper sediments and seagrass blades were the most widely investigated, with an average abundance of 263.4 ± 309.2 n/kg and 0.09 ± 0.03 n/blade. In all environmental compartments, the prevalent forms of MPs comprise fibrous and fragmented particles, encompassing the dominant polymers such as polypropylene, polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate. However, the source of MPs in seagrass beds based on MP characteristics and local hydrodynamics has not been comprehensively analyzed in previous studies. The evidence for MPs acting as pollutants and contaminant carries impacting the growth and decline of seagrass is also weak. Currently, the precise implications of MPs on submerged vegetation, organisms, and the broader seagrass ecosystem remain inconclusive. However, considering the persistent accumulation of MPs, it is imperative to explore the ecological hazards they may pose within the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjun Li
- Ocean School, Yantai University, Yantai, China.
| | - Lixin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China; Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wen-Tao Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Daoji Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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23
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Li T, Wang Y, Jiao M, Zhao Z, Li R, Qin C. Distinct microplastics abundance variation in root-associated sediments revealed the underestimation of mangrove microplastics pollution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165611. [PMID: 37478953 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165611] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Mangrove sediment is acknowledged as the critical sink of microplastics (MPs). However, the potential effect of mangrove root systems on the MPs migration in sediment remains largely unknown. Here, our study characterized the spatial distribution of MPs trapped in root hair, rhizosphere, and non-rhizosphere zones, and analyzed their correlations with physicochemical properties of sediments. The significantly increased MPs abundances toward root systems shed light on the distinct effect on the migration of MPs exerted by mangrove root systems. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) analysis revealed that pore water content and pH influenced the abundances of different MP characteristics (shape, color, size, and type) and further promoted the accumulation of MPs toward the root systems. In different mangrove areas from landward to seaward, other sediment properties (median grain size, clay content, and salinity) also controlled MP distribution. Additionally, smaller-sized MPs (<1000 μm) were more easily transported to the root systems. Our study emphasizes the importance of considering root systems effect when investigating the mechanisms of MPs distribution and migration in mangrove sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiezhu Li
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yijin Wang
- School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Meng Jiao
- School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Zhen Zhao
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Ruilong Li
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Chengrong Qin
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
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24
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Zhao W, Zhu KH, Ge ZM, Lv Q, Liu SX, Zhang W, Xin P. Effects of plastic contamination on carbon fluxes in a subtropical coastal wetland of East China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118654. [PMID: 37481882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Coastal wetlands are recognized as carbon sinks that play an important role in mitigating global climate change because of the strong carbon uptake by vegetation and high carbon sequestration in the soil. Over the last few decades, plastic waste pollution in coastal zones has become increasingly serious owing to high-intensity anthropogenic activities. However, the influence of plastic waste (including foam waste) accumulation in coastal wetlands on carbon flux remains unclear. In the Yangtze Estuary, we investigated the variabilities of vegetation growth, carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes, and soil properties in a clean Phragmites australis marsh and mudflat and a plastic-polluted marsh during summer and autumn. The clean marsh showed a strong CO2 uptake capacity (a carbon sink), and the clean mudflat showed a weak CO2 sink during the measurement period. However, polluted marshes are a significant source of CO2 emissions. Regardless of the season, the gross primary production and vegetation biomass of the polluted marshes were on average 9.5 and 1.1 times lower than those in the clean marshes, respectively. Ecosystem respiration and CH4 emissions in polluted marshes were significantly higher than those in clean marshes and mudflats. Generally, the soil bulk density and salinity in polluted marshes were lower, whereas the median particle size was higher at the polluted sites than at the clean sites. Increased soil porosity and decreased salinity may favor CO2 and CH4 emissions through gas diffusion pathways and microbiological behavior. Moreover, the concentrations of heavy metals in the soil of plastic-polluted marshes were 1.24-1.49 times higher than those in the clean marshes, which probably limited vegetation growth and CO2 uptake. Our study highlights the adverse effects of plastic pollution on the carbon sink functions of coastal ecosystems, which should receive global attention in coastal environmental management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke-Hua Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen-Ming Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China; Yangtze Delta Estuarine Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education & Shanghai Science and Technology Committee, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qing Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
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25
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Wu F, Wang T, Li X, Zhao R, He F. Microplastic contamination in the dominant crabs at the intertidal zone of Chongming Island, Yangtze Estuary. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165258. [PMID: 37400025 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165258] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Crabs are one of the most critical and dominant species of the intertidal zone. Their feeding, burrowing, and other bioturbation activities are common and intense. However, baseline data on microplastic contamination in wild intertidal crabs are still lacking. In this study, we investigated the contamination of microplastics in the dominant crabs, Chiromantes dehaani, of the intertidal zone in Chongming Island, Yangtze Estuary, and explored their probable relationship with the microplastic composition in sediments. A total of 592 microplastic particles were observed in the crab tissues, with an abundance of 1.90 ± 0.53 items·g-1 (1.48 ± 0.45 items·ind-1). The microplastic contamination in the tissues of C. dehaani varied significantly among different sampling sites, organs, and size groups, but not among different sexes. Microplastics in C. dehaani were mainly rayon fibers with small sizes (<1000 μm). Their colors were mostly dark, which is consistent with the sediments samples. A linear regression showed significant correlations between the composition of microplastics in the crabs and that in sediments, although they differed in various crab organs and sediment layers. The target group index identified the feeding preference of C. dehaani on the microplastics with specific shapes, colors, sizes, and polymer types. In general, the microplastic contamination in crabs is affected by both objective environmental conditions and subjective feeding habits of crabs. In the future, more potential sources should be considered to completely distinguish the relationship between the microplastic contamination in crabs and adjacent environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengrun Wu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen 361024, China.
| | - Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xueyan Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen 361024, China
| | - Ran Zhao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen 361024, China
| | - Fengdong He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen 361024, China
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26
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Vorsatz LD, So MWK, Not C, Cannicci S. Anthropogenic debris pollution in peri-urban mangroves of South China: Spatial, seasonal, and environmental drivers in Hong Kong. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115495. [PMID: 37708605 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Excessive mismanaged debris along tropical coasts pose a threat to vulnerable mangrove ecosystems. Here, we examined the spatial, seasonal and environmental drivers of anthropogenic debris abundance and its potential ecological impact in peri-urban mangroves across Hong Kong. Seasonal surveys were conducted in both landward and seaward zones, with identification, along belt transects, of macrodebris (>5 mm) based on material type and use. Our results indicate spatial variability in debris abundance and distribution, with plastic being the predominant material type identified. Both plastic and non-plastic domestic items covered the most surface area. Debris aggregation was highest at the landward zones, consistent with the literature. In the dry season, more debris accumulated and covered greater surface area in both seaward and landward zones. These results confirm that land-derived debris from mismanaged waste, rather than debris coming from the Pearl River, is the primary source of anthropogenic debris pollution threatening Hong Kong's mangroves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyle Dennis Vorsatz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa; The Swire Institute of Marine Science, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Mandy Wing Kwan So
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; School of Life Sciences & Earth and Environmental Sciences Programme, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Christelle Not
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Stefano Cannicci
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Biology, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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27
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Feng Q, An C, Chen Z, Lee K, Wang Z. Identification of the driving factors of microplastic load and morphology in estuaries for improving monitoring and management strategies: A global meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 333:122014. [PMID: 37336353 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries are one of the primary pathways for transferring microplastics (MPs) from the land to the ocean. A comprehensive understanding of the load, morphological characteristics, driving factors, and potential risks of MPs in estuaries is imperative to inform reliable management in this critical transboundary area. Extracted from 135 publications, a global meta-analysis comprising 1477 observations and 124 estuaries was conducted. MP abundance in estuaries was tremendously variable, reaching a mean of 21,342.43 ± 122,557.53 items/m3 in water and 1312.79 ± 6295.73 items/kg in sediment. Fibers and fragments take up a majority proportion in estuaries. Polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene are the most detected MP types. Around 68.73% and 85.51% of MPs detected in water and sediment are smaller than 1 μm. The redundancy analysis revealed that the explanatory factors influencing the morphological characteristics of MPs differed between water and sediment. Regression analysis shows that MP abundance in water is significantly inversely correlated with mesh/filter size, per capita plastic waste, and the Human Development Index, whereas it is significantly positively correlated with population density and share of global mismanaged plastic waste. MP abundance in sediment significantly positively correlated with aridity index and probability of plastic entering the ocean, while significantly negatively correlated with mesh/filter size. Analysis based on Geodector identified that the extraction method, density of flotation fluid, and sampling depth are the top three explanatory factors for MP abundance in water, while the share of global mismanaged plastic waste, the probability of plastic being emitted into the ocean, and population density are the top three explanatory factors for MP abundance in sediment. In the studied estuaries, 46.75% of the water and 2.74% of the sediment are categorized into extremely high levels of pollution, while 73.08% of the water and 43.48% of the sediment belong to class V of the potential ecological index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Feng
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, H3G 1M8, Canada.
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ecosystem Science, Ottawa, K1A 0E6, Canada
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, H3G 1M8, Canada
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28
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Shu R, Li Z, Gao S, Zhang S, Yu W. Occurrence and accumulation of microplastics in commercial fish in the coastal waters of the Lvsi fishing ground in China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115181. [PMID: 37542947 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an exponential increase in the research popularity of microplastics (MPs) in offshore marine environments. However, there is still a gap in the research on the accumulation of MPs in different tissues of aquatic organisms and the trophic transfer of MPs between aquatic organisms. The common occurrence of MPs in the gills and guts of 11 species of commercial fishes was examined in the coastal waters of the Lvsi fishing ground (LSFG). The obtained results showed that >85 % of MPs existed in the gills and guts of these fish, and the abundance was 2.39 ± 1.38 pieces/fish and 2.56 ± 1.42 pieces/fish, respectively. Fibrous and blue are the most common colors and shapes of MPs, and PET is the main polymer type. At the species level, the abundance of MPs in the gills and guts of a few fishes (e.g., Larimichthys polyactis, Setipinna tenuifilis, Collichthys lucidus) decreased with increasing body length and body weight (P < 0.05). At the community level, this situation was not significant (P > 0.05). With increasing trophic level (TL), MPs tended to decrease in the gills (trophic magnification factor, TMF = 0.86) but did not significantly vary in the gut. We believe that MPs are multidimensional pollutants, and their accumulation in tissues/organs of organisms has not been accurately and qualitatively determined. To establish the relationship of MP transport and trophic transfer among water, sediments and organisms, we suggest that more efforts should be made to investigate MPs in aquatic organisms in the coastal waters of LSFG and to increase the examination of MPs in the water column and sediments. This study will help us improve our understanding of MPs pollution, and provide a good reference and basis for the management, monitoring and implementation of pollutants in marine organism of coastal water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruilin Shu
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Zheng Li
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Shike Gao
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Joint Laboratory for Monitoring and Conservation of Aquatic Living Resources In the Yangtze Estuary, Shanghai 200000, China.
| | - Wenwen Yu
- Jiangsu Research Institute of Marine Fisheries, Nantong 226007, China.
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29
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Zhou X, Xiao C, Li X, Chen T, Yang X. Microplastics in coastal blue carbon ecosystems: A global Meta-analysis of its distribution, driving mechanisms, and potential risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:163048. [PMID: 36990230 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics, as emerging pollutants, have become a global environmental concern. Blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs) are threatened by microplastics. Although substantial studies have explored the dynamics and threats of microplastics in BCEs, the fate and driving factors of microplastics in BCEs on a global scale remain largely unknown. Here, the occurrence, driving factors, and risks of microplastics in global BCEs were investigated by synthesizing a global meta-analysis. The results showed that the abundance of microplastics in BCEs has notable spatial differences worldwide, with the highest microplastic concentrations in Asia, especially in South and Southeast Asia. Microplastic abundance is influenced by the vegetation habitat, climate, coastal environment, and river runoff. The interaction of geographic location, ecosystem type, coastal environment, and climate enhanced the effects of microplastic distribution. In addition, we found that microplastic accumulation in organisms varied according to feeding habits and body weight. Significant accumulation was observed in large fish; however, growth dilution effects were also observed. The effect of microplastics on the organic carbon content of sediments from BCEs varies by ecosystem; microplastic concentrations do not necessarily increase organic carbon sequestration. Global BCEs are at a high risk of microplastic pollution, with high microplastic abundance and toxicity driving the high pollution risk. Finally, this review provides scientific evidence that will form the basis for future microplastic research, focusing on the transport of microplastics in BCEs; effects on the growth, development, and primary productivity of blue carbon plants; and soil biogeochemical cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Cunde Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xueying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Tao Chen
- School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Xiaofan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510006, China.
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30
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Feng Q, Chen Z, An C, Yang X, Wang Z. Tide-induced infiltration and resuspension of microplastics in shorelines: Insights from tidal tank experiments. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 236:119970. [PMID: 37084574 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119970] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the infiltration and resuspension of microplastics (MPs) in a slope substrate under the influence of repeated tidal forces were investigated using a tidal tank. In the scenario in which MPs were placed on the top of the slope, increasing numbers of particles were observed on the water surface with the increase in tidal cycles. More particles of smaller equivalent particle diameter (dMP) and low density floated to the water surface. The horizontal positions (positive toward the lower tide zone) of MPs showed significant positive correlation with the shortest length c of MPs, MP density, MP weight, dMP, and Corey shape factor, whereas they showed significant negative correlation with the rate of tidal level change and the longest length a of MPs. The vertical positions (positive in the downward direction) of MPs showed significant positive correlation with the shortest length c of MPs, MP density, MP weight, dMP, and Corey shape factor, while they demonstrated significant negative correlation with the largest cross-section area and surface tension of MPs. In the scenario in which MPs were placed at the bottom of the tank, the smaller and low-density particles had a higher possibility of moving upward to the water surface under repeated tidal forces. High-density particles also migrated to the water surface due to the surface tension force. Further, a lower rate of tidal level change contributed to more floating of particles. The horizontal positions of MPs showed significant positive correlation with MP density, while they demonstrated significant negative correlation with the largest cross-section area and surface tension of MPs. The vertical positions of MPs showed significant positive correlation with the longest length a of MPs, MP density, MP weight, and dMP. These results imply that large, high-density, and less flatty particles tend to be distributed in the lower tidal zone and deeper substrate layers. These findings can help understand the redistribution of MPs and assess their risk in the shoreline environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Feng
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal H3G 1M8, Canada.
| | - Xiaohan Yang
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal H3G 1M8, Canada
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31
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Yang Z, Arakawa H. A double sliding-window method for baseline correction and noise estimation for Raman spectra of microplastics. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 190:114887. [PMID: 37023548 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
When measuring microplastics of environmental samples, additives and attachment of biological materials may result in strong fluorescence in Raman spectra, which increases difficulty for imaging, identification, and quantification. Although there are several baseline correction methods available, user intervention is usually needed, which is not feasible for automated processes. In current study, a double sliding-window (DSW) method was proposed to estimate the baseline and standard deviation of noise. Simulated spectra and experimental spectra were used to evaluate the performance in comparison with two popular and widely used methods. Validation with simulated spectra and spectra of environmental samples showed that DSW method can accurately estimate the standard deviation of spectral noise. DSW method also showed better performance than compared methods when handling spectra of low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and elevated baselines. Therefore, DSW method is a useful approach for preprocessing Raman spectra of environmental samples and automated processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijiang Yang
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
| | - Hisayuki Arakawa
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
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32
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Chen S, Yang JL, Zhang YS, Wang HY, Lin XY, Xue RY, Li MY, Li SW, Juhasz AL, Ma LQ, Zhou DM, Li HB. Microplastics affect arsenic bioavailability by altering gut microbiota and metabolites in a mouse model. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 324:121376. [PMID: 36863442 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics exposure is a new human health crisis. Although progress in understanding health effects of microplastic exposure has been made, microplastic impacts on absorption of co-exposure toxic pollutants such as arsenic (As), i.e., oral bioavailability, remain unclear. Microplastic ingestion may interfere As biotransformation, gut microbiota, and/or gut metabolites, thereby affecting As oral bioavailability. Here, mice were exposed to arsenate (6 μg As g-1) alone and in combination with polyethylene particles of 30 and 200 μm (PE-30 and PE-200 having surface area of 2.17 × 103 and 3.23 × 102 cm2 g-1) in diet (2, 20, and 200 μg PE g-1) to determine the influence of microplastic co-ingestion on arsenic (As) oral bioavailability. By determining the percentage of cumulative As consumption recovered in urine of mice, As oral bioavailability increased significantly (P < 0.05) from 72.0 ± 5.41% to 89.7 ± 6.33% with PE-30 at 200 μg PE g-1 rather than with PE-200 at 2, 20, and 200 μg PE g-1 (58.5 ± 19.0%, 72.3 ± 6.28%, and 69.2 ± 17.8%). Both PE-30 and PE-200 exerted limited effects on pre- and post-absorption As biotransformation in intestinal content, intestine tissue, feces, and urine. They affected gut microbiota dose-dependently, with lower exposure concentrations having more pronounced effects. Consistent with the PE-30-specific As oral bioavailability increase, PE exposure significantly up-regulated gut metabolite expression, and PE-30 exerted greater effects than PE-200, suggesting that gut metabolite changes may contribute to As oral bioavailability increase. This was supported by 1.58-4.07-fold higher As solubility in the presence of up-regulated metabolites (e.g., amino acid derivatives, organic acids, and pyrimidines and purines) in the intestinal tract assessed by an in vitro assay. Our results suggested that microplastic exposure especially smaller particles may exacerbate the oral bioavailability of As, providing a new angle to understand health effects of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emissions Control, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jin-Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emissions Control, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yao-Sheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emissions Control, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hong-Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emissions Control, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xin-Ying Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emissions Control, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Rong-Yue Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emissions Control, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Meng-Ya Li
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Prevention and Control, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Environmental Science, Nanjing, 210036, China
| | - Shi-Wei Li
- School of Water Conservancy and Environment, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Albert L Juhasz
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, 5095, Australia
| | - Lena Q Ma
- Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Dong-Mei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emissions Control, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hong-Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emissions Control, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Morgado V, Palma C, Bettencourt da Silva RJN. Determination of microplastic contamination levels and trends in vast oceanic sediment areas with uncertainty. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 884:163612. [PMID: 37100132 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Small plastic particles, designated as microplastics, are known vehicles of several contaminants desorbed from their surface after being ingested by marine organisms. The monitoring of the levels and trends of microplastics in oceanic areas is essential to identify relevant threats and respective sources whose management should be improved to protect the environmental resources. However, the assessment of contamination trends in large oceanic areas is affected by contamination heterogeneity, sampling representativeness, and the uncertainty of collected sample analyses. Only contamination variations not justifiable by system heterogeneity and their characterisation uncertainty are meaningful and should be taken seriously by the authorities. This work describes a novel methodology for the objective identification of meaningful variation of microplastic contamination in vast oceanic areas by the Monte Carlo simulation of all uncertainty components. This tool was successfully applied to the monitoring of the levels and trends of microplastic contamination in sediments from a 700 km2 oceanic area from 3 km to 20 km offshore Sesimbra and Sines (Portugal). This work allowed concluding that contamination has not varied between 2018 and 2019 (difference of mean total microplastic contamination between -40 kg-1 and 34 kg-1) but that microparticles made of PET are the major type of studied microplastics (in 2019, mean contamination is between 36 kg-1 and 85 kg-1). All assessments were performed for a 99 % confidence level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Morgado
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto Hidrográfico, R. Trinas 49, 1249-093 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carla Palma
- Instituto Hidrográfico, R. Trinas 49, 1249-093 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ricardo J N Bettencourt da Silva
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Fang C, Zheng R, Hong F, Chen S, Chen G, Zhang M, Gao F, Chen J, Bo J. First evidence of meso- and microplastics on the mangrove leaves ingested by herbivorous snails and induced transcriptional responses. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 865:161240. [PMID: 36587672 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161240] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Although evidence suggests the ubiquity of meso- and microplastics (MMPs) in mangrove forests, our knowledge of their bioavailability and risk on mangrove leaves is scarce. Here, we investigated MMP contamination concerning submerged mangrove leaves and herbivorous snails that mainly feed on them from the four mangrove forests located in Beibu Gulf, Guangxi Province, China. Results showed that the MMP abundance on the mangrove leaves ranged from 0.01 ± 0.00 to 0.42 ± 0.15 items cm-2, while it ranged from 0.33 ± 0.21 to 6.20 ± 2.91 items individual-1 in the snails. There were significant positive correlations between snails and leaves regarding the abundance of total MMPs and the proportions of MMPs with the same characteristics. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) that mainly derived from aquaculture rafts, accounted for a major component both on the leaves and in the snails in Shi Jiao (SJ). Both the detection frequency and percentage of larger EPS (2.00-17.50 mm) on the leaves in SJ were higher than other sites. Meanwhile, the detection frequency, abundance and percentage of larger EPS on the leaves had significant positive correlations with those of micro-EPS in the snails. These findings suggested that mangrove leaves may represent a viable pathway for MMPs to enter the herbivorous snails. Larger EPS with higher frequency of occurrence on mangrove leaves were more likely to be encountered and ingested by snail considering its opportunistic feeding behavior. In addition, 11 sensitive genes involved in the processes of metabolism, intestinal mucosal immune systems, and cellular transduction in the snails were significantly suppressed by MMP exposure, which may be potentially used as early biomarkers to indicate the biological effects of MMPs under realistic environmental conditions. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the fate, sources, and biological effects of MMPs on mangrove leaves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Fang
- Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; Observation and Research Station of Coastal Wetland Ecosystem in Beibu Gulf, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beihai 536015, China
| | - Ronghui Zheng
- Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Fukun Hong
- Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Shunyang Chen
- Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; Observation and Research Station of Coastal Wetland Ecosystem in Beibu Gulf, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beihai 536015, China
| | - Guangcheng Chen
- Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; Observation and Research Station of Coastal Wetland Ecosystem in Beibu Gulf, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beihai 536015, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Fulong Gao
- Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jincan Chen
- Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jun Bo
- Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China.
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35
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Xu N, Zhu Z, Gao W, Shao D, Li S, Zhu Q, Fan Z, Cai Y, Yang Z. Effects of waves, burial depth and material density on microplastic retention in coastal sediments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 864:161093. [PMID: 36566860 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Coastal sediments, recognized as a major sink for microplastics (MPs), are subject to frequent physical disturbances, such as wave disturbance and associated sediment dynamics. Yet it remains poorly understood how wave disturbance regulates MPs accumulation in such a dynamic environment. Here, we examined the effects of waves and their interactions with material density and burial depth on the retention of MPs in coastal sediments, through manipulative experiments in a mangrove habitat along the coast of South China. The results clearly revealed that stronger waves removed more buried MPs from the sediments. Moreover, storms can have disproportional effects on MPs retention by inducing large waves and strong sediment erosion. We also demonstrated that MPs retention generally increased linearly with growing material density and non-linearly with raised burial depth in the sediment. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of both external and internal factors in shaping MPs retention in coastal ecosystems like mangroves, which is essential to assess and predict MPs accumulation patterns as well as its impacts on ecosystem functioning of such blue carbon habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhao Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhenchang Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China.
| | - Weilun Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dongdong Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation and School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shaorui Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qin Zhu
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Zhongya Fan
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, No. 18 Ruihe Road, 510530 Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanpeng Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Zhifeng Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
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36
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Wang Y, Jiao M, Li T, Li R, Liu B. Role of mangrove forest in interception of microplastics (MPs): Challenges, progress, and prospects. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130636. [PMID: 37056008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Mangroves receive microplastics (MPs) from terrestrial, marine and atmospheric sources, acting as a huge filter for environmental MPs between land and sea. Due to the high primary production and complex hydrodynamic conditions in mangroves, MPs are extensively intercepted in various ways while flowing through mangroves, leading to a long-standing but fiercely increasing MPs accumulation. However, current researches mainly focused on the occurrence, source and fate of MPs pollution in mangroves, ignoring the role of mangrove forests in the interception of MPs. Our study firstly demonstrates that mangrove ecosystems have significantly greater MPs interception capacity than their surrounding environments. Then, the current status of studies related to the interception of MPs in mangrove ecosystems is comprehensively reviewed, with the main focus on the interception process and mechanisms. At last, the most pressing shortcomings of current research are highlighted regarding the intercepted flux, interception mechanisms, retention time and ecological risks of MPs in mangrove ecosystems and the relevant future perspectives are provided. This review is expected to emphasize the critical role of mangrove forests in the interception of MPs and provide the foundational knowledge for evaluating the MPs interception effect of mangrove forests globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijin Wang
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Meng Jiao
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Tiezhu Li
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Ruilong Li
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Beibei Liu
- Environmental and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China.
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37
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Su X, Liu M, Yuan J, Huang X, Lu Z, Xu J, He Y. Potential risk of co-occurrence of microplastics and chlorinated persistent organic pollutants to coastal wetlands: Evidence from a case study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 320:121087. [PMID: 36649883 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution in coastal wetlands is of a global concern. Little attention has been paid to the co-occurrence and corresponding risk of MPs with pollutants, especially refractory chlorinated persistent organic pollutants (CPOPs). A case study of Zhejiang, China was conducted to investigate the occurrence of MPs and targeted CPOPs in coastal wetlands. MPs were 100% detected, but with the lowest abundance in coastal wetlands (average: 666.1 ± 159.1 items kg-1), as compared to other 6 terrestrial ecosystems (average: 1293.9 ± 163.7 items kg-1) including paddy field, upland, facility vegetable field, forestland, urban soil, and grassland. A total of 35 kinds CPOPs were also detected in all studied coastal wetlands, with their concentration almost under 10 μg kg-1 (90.1%). Both enrichment of MPs and CPOPs was affected by sediment TOC, wetland vegetation and land use simultaneously. Interestingly, the occurrence of MPs was significantly correlated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) but not organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Results of co-occurrence pollution assessment of MPs and CPOPs further indicated only Hangzhou Bay showed the ecological risk among all tested wetlands. This would suggest a potential risk of co-occurrence of MPs and modern CPOPs in coastal wetland in economic development area. Possible reason may lie on strong MP vector effect to CPOPs. More attention should thus be paid to other wetlands polluted by MPs and MP-carrying CPOPs in area with relatively great environmental pressure induced by human activity. This study may provide reference for a better understanding with respect to the risk level posed by co-occurrence of MPs and CPOPs to global coastal wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Su
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Meng Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaowei Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhijiang Lu
- Department of Environmental Science and Geology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Jianming Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yan He
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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38
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Arshad K, Aqeel M, Noman A, Nazir A, Mahmood A, Rizvi ZF, Sarfraz W, Hyder S, Zaka S, Khalid N. Ecological health risk assessment of microplastics and heavy metals in sediments, water, hydrophytes (Alternanthera philoxeroides, Typha latifolia, and Ipomoea carnea), and fish (Labeo rohita) in Marala wetlands in Sialkot, Pakistan. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:41272-41285. [PMID: 36630039 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25142-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
For the ecological risk assessment of heavy metals and microplastics in Marala wetlands in Sialkot, Pakistan, samples of sediments, water, aquatic plants (Alternanthera philoxeroides, Typha latifolia, and Ipomoea carnea), and fish (Labeo rohita) were studied from five different locations. Pb, Cd, and Cr concentrations were above permissible limits devised by WHO in sediments and water at most of sites. High concentrations of Cd were recorded in water samples compared to sediments with maximum values recorded at Site-2 (52.08 ± 9.55 mg kg-1) and Site-5 (62.29 ± 10.12 mg kg-1). The maximum concentrations of Cr (7.23 ± 0.40 mg kg-1) and Pb (22.87 ± 0.83 mg kg-1) were found at Site-4 in water samples. The maximum abundance of microplastics (3047 pieces kg-1 of sediments) was at Site-1 with filaments in the highest proportion among the other types. Zn, Ni, and Cu remained generally low in concentrations in both sediments and waters. Plants showed accumulation of heavy metals, notably the amount of Cd (33.36 ± 0.26 mgkg-1) and Ni (163.3 ± 1.30 mgkg-1) absorbed by T. latifolia and A. philoxeroides, respectively were high. Also, photosynthetic pigments in plants seemed to be affected. However, estimated daily intake (EDI) and provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) calculations for the human population consuming fish from this wetland remained below the FAO/WHO limits. PCA analysis revealed the anthropogenic origin of metals that might be causing adverse effects on the biota which depend on this wetland for their food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Arshad
- Department of Botany, Government College Women University, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Aqeel
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ali Noman
- Department of Botany, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Atia Nazir
- Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Adeel Mahmood
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College Women University, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Zarrin Fatima Rizvi
- Department of Botany, Government College Women University, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Wajiha Sarfraz
- Department of Botany, Government College Women University, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Sajjad Hyder
- Department of Botany, Government College Women University, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Shanza Zaka
- Department of Botany, Government College Women University, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Noreen Khalid
- Department of Botany, Government College Women University, Sialkot, Pakistan.
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Xu N, Zhu Z, Li S, Ouyang X, Zhu Q, Gao W, Cai Y, Yang Z. The role of bio-geomorphic feedbacks in shaping microplastic burial in blue carbon habitats. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 861:160220. [PMID: 36427713 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160220] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Coastal sediments are considered as hotspots of microplastics (MPs), with substantial MPs stocks found in blue carbon habitats such as mangroves and tidal marshes, where wave-damping vegetation reduces sediment erosion and enhances accretion. Here, we examined the effects of such bio-geomorphic feedbacks in shaping MPs burial, through a year-round field study in a mangrove habitat along the coast of South China. The results revealed that MPs abundance decreased significantly with the increase of cumulative sediment erosion as the strength of bio-geomorphic feedbacks declined. More shapes and colors of MPs were found at locations with weaker waves and less sediment erosion, where the average particle size was also higher. Our findings highlight the importance of bio-geomorphic feedbacks in affecting both the abundance and characteristics of the buried MPs. Such knowledge extends our understanding of MPs transport and burial from the perspective of bio-geomorphology, which is essential to assess and predict MPs accumulation patterns as well as its impacts on ecosystem functioning of the blue carbon habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhao Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhenchang Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China.
| | - Shaorui Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaoguang Ouyang
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Qin Zhu
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Weilun Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yanpeng Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Zhifeng Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
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Jessieleena AA, Nambi IM. Distribution of microplastics in the catchment region of Pallikaranai marshland, a Ramsar site in Chennai, India. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 318:120890. [PMID: 36529343 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are persistent toxic pollutants, detected in different environmental compartments. Numerous studies on the characteristics and distribution of microplastics present in different environmental matrices are being carried out. However, limited studies have been performed in environmental systems like eco-sensitive freshwater marshlands. Therefore, to enrich the existing knowledge and understanding, this current study has analysed the distribution and characteristics of microplastics present in the catchment region of Pallikaranai marshland, Chennai, India. Both surface water and sediment samples were contaminated with microplastics in the range of 740-2826 items/m3and 700 to 5833 items/kg of dry sediment, respectively. Compared to other shapes, fibrous microplastics were predominant in most of the surface water (n = 11) and sediment (n = 8) samples. The abundant presence of smaller microplastics (<1 mm) in the surface water suggests elevated impacts on the aquatic species owing to their higher bioavailability. Elevated anthropogenic activities and frequent movement of people in urban and residential areas were noted to possibly influence the spatial distribution of microplastics. Furthermore, heavy metals' occurrence on microplastics was investigated using X-Ray Fluorescence Analyser (XRF) and Zn, Fe, Ti, and Ni are the commonly detected (>50% of the samples) elements. The estimated average pollution load index of 2.5 indicates the polluted state of Pallikaranai catchment region.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Angel Jessieleena
- Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 036, India.
| | - Indumathi M Nambi
- Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 036, India.
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Feng Q, An C, Chen Z, Wang Z. New Perspective on the Mobilization of Microplastics through Capillary Fringe Fluctuation in a Tidal Aquifer Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:929-938. [PMID: 36603902 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04686] [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: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The presence of plastic fragments in the environment is a growing global concern. In this study, we explored the effects of dynamic fluctuations of capillary fringe on the transport of microplastics (MPs) in the substrate combining various environmental and MP properties. Both experimental and Hydrus-2D modeling results confirmed that increasing cycles of water table fluctuation led to the rise of capillary fringe. An increase in the cycles of water table fluctuations did not significantly change the overall MP retention percentages in 0.5 mm substrate but altered the MP distribution along the column. In 1 and 2 mm substrate, the increase in cycle numbers enhanced the MP transport from substrate to the water below. In terms of the size of the MPs, more 20-25 μm polyethylene (PE2) were retained in the substrate compared to 4-6 μm polyethylene (PE1) under the same number of fluctuation cycles. High-density polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, 5-6 μm) exhibited higher retention percentages compared to PE1 particles. Ultraviolet aging for 60 days enhanced PE1 transport along the column, while 60 days of seawater aging did not affect PE1 transport greatly. For PTFE, ultraviolet and seawater aging enhanced its retention in the substrate. The retention percentages of both PE1 and PTFE in the column increased with the elevated ionic strength and the decrease of fluctuation velocity. This work highlights that capillary fringe fluctuation can serve as a pathway to relocate MPs to the tidal aquifer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Feng
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, MontrealQC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, MontrealQC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, MontrealQC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, MontrealQC H3G 1M8, Canada
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Plastic pollution of four understudied marine ecosystems: a review of mangroves, seagrass meadows, the Arctic Ocean and the deep seafloor. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:371-387. [PMID: 36214383 DOI: 10.1042/etls20220017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is now a worldwide phenomenon affecting all marine ecosystems, but some ecosystems and regions remain understudied. Here, we review the presence and impacts of macroplastics and microplastics for four such ecosystems: mangroves, seagrass meadows, the Arctic Ocean and the deep seafloor. Plastic production has grown steadily, and thus the impact on species and ecosystems has increased, too. The accumulated evidence also indicates that plastic pollution is an additional and increasing stressor to these already ecosystems and many of the species living in them. However, laboratory or field studies, which provide strong correlational or experimental evidence of ecological harm due to plastic pollution remain scarce or absent for these ecosystems. Based on these findings, we give some research recommendations for the future.
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Rizwan K, Bilal M. Developments in advanced oxidation processes for removal of microplastics from aqueous matrices. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:86933-86953. [PMID: 36279055 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23545-0] [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: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Continuous incorporation of microplastics (MPs) and their fragmented residues into the ecosystem has sparked significant scientific apprehensions about persistence, a multitude of sources, and toxicity impacts on human health and aquatic entities. Overcoming this multifaceted hazard necessitates the development of novel techniques with robust efficiencies to eliminate microplastics from the environmental compartments. Coagulation, flocculation, and membrane filtration are non-destructive techniques but necessitate extra steps for microplastic degradation, whereas biological means have been confirmed less efficient (less than 15% degradation). Recent reports have emphasized advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) as practical treatment alternatives, representing superior catalytic efficacy for microplastic degradation (≈30-95%). Nevertheless, additional investigations should be carried out to evaluate the performance of AOPs in degrading microplastics under real environmental matrices. Moreover, the detection of transformed metabolites, degradation mechanistic insights, and toxicity bioassays are required to substantiate AOP assumption as feasible remediation substitutes. This review focuses on the source, occurrence, discharge, transportation, and associated paramount health risks of microplastics. Advanced oxidation processes-assisted removal of microplastics from the aqueous matrices is thoroughly vetted with up-to-date findings. Factors affecting the degradation of MPs have been discussed in detail. In addition to the generalized mechanistic insights into photocatalytic degradation, the risk assessment of aging intermediates is also comprehended. Finally, the review was concluded by emphasizing current research gaps and incoming research tendencies to provide guidelines for efficiently addressing microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Rizwan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sahiwal, Sahiwal, 57000, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Bilal
- Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, Ponzan, PL-60695, Poland
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Lin L, Li H, Hong H, Yuan B, Sun X, He L, Xue C, Lu H, Liu J, Yan C. Enhanced heavy metal adsorption on microplastics by incorporating flame retardant hexabromocyclododecanes: Mechanisms and potential migration risks. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 225:119144. [PMID: 36194945 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119144] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are known to act as carriers of heavy metals; however, little is known about the intrinsic chemical additives of MPs, such as hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), in terms of the adsorption behaviors and migration risks of heavy metals on MPs. Here, we reported the potential mechanisms and risks of HBCD inherent in polystyrene (PS) MPs with Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) adsorption/desorption. A comparison of the adsorption capacity of the metals onto HBCD/PS composites (HBCD/PS) MPs (10.31-20.76 μmol/g), pure MPs (0-3.60 μmol/g), and natural minerals (0.11-13.88 μmol/g) showed that the addition of HBCD significantly promoted the metals adsorption onto the HBCD/PS MPs, and even exceeded that of natural particles. Isotherms and thermodynamic data suggested that the adsorption process of the metals onto the HBCD/PS MPs was spontaneous and endothermic, and that the adsorption was a mainly multi-ion process with an inclined direction. Furthermore, the results of SEM-EDS, FTIR, and XPS analyses, as well as density functional theory well explained that the metals were mainly adsorbed on the -O and -Br groups of the HBCD/PS MPs via electrostatic interactions and surface complexation. More importantly, by comparing the desorption activity with natural river water and seawater, HBCD inherent in MPs can enhance the long-range transfer of metals carried by the HBCD/PS MPs from contamination sources to potential sink like oceans. Thus, the HBCD/PS MPs with high loading of Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) could be potential secondary sources of these metals in seawater. Overall, these findings revealed the potential risks of flame retardant in MPs associated with metal migration, and advocated that flame retardant-related waste MPs should be included in coastal sustainable development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lujian Lin
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China
| | - Hanyi Li
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China
| | - Hualong Hong
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China.
| | - Bo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China
| | - Xuan Sun
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, 222005, PR China
| | - Le He
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China
| | - Chengwen Xue
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China
| | - Haoliang Lu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China
| | - Jingchun Liu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China
| | - Chongling Yan
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China.
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Liu Q, Hu H, Xiong X, Zhao E, Wang K, Wu C. Urban natural wetland as a sink for microplastics: A case from Lalu Wetland in Tibet, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 828:154399. [PMID: 35276170 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been reported in a wide range of aquatic habitats. The wetlands are considered to be important roles in microplastic migration in water bodies. Nevertheless, knowledge about the occurrence and fate of microplastics in urban natural wetland is still limited for us to better understand how they become a sink of microplastics. In this study, the distribution and characteristics of microplastics in surface water, surface sediments, and sediment cores of the Lalu Wetland watershed, China's highest urban wetland, were investigated in August 2020 and January 2021. The abundances of microplastics in the surface water were 0.06-3.05 MPs/L. Microplastic abundance in the surface sediment and sediment core was 0.01-1.10 MPs/g and 0-16.23 MPs/g, respectively. The abundance of microplastics in the water was significantly lower in the wetland than that in the channel in the watershed. Comparing the wetland inlet and outlet water, the microplastic interception rates were 53% in January and 95% in August. The characteristics and seasonal variation of microplastics in the Lalu Wetland implied that urban natural wetlands were good at intercepting microplastics, and vegetation growth might play an important role on the interception of microplastics by the wetland. The increasing of microplastics from bottom to top in the sediment cores of Lalu Wetland also indicated that the ecological risks of microplastics accumulation in sediments of urban natural wetland required further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- School of Science, Tibet University, Lhasa 850000, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hongjuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiong Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - E Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Kehuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
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Gerstenbacher CM, Finzi AC, Rotjan RD, Novak AB. A review of microplastic impacts on seagrasses, epiphytes, and associated sediment communities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 303:119108. [PMID: 35259472 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been discovered ubiquitously in marine environments. While their accumulation is noted in seagrass ecosystems, little attention has yet been given to microplastic impacts on seagrass plants and their associated epiphytic and sediment communities. We initiate this discussion by synthesizing the potential impacts microplastics have on relevant seagrass plant, epiphyte, and sediment processes and functions. We suggest that microplastics may harm epiphytes and seagrasses via impalement and light/gas blockage, and increase local concentrations of toxins, causing a disruption in metabolic processes. Further, microplastics may alter nutrient cycling by inhibiting dinitrogen fixation by diazotrophs, preventing microbial processes, and reducing root nutrient uptake. They may also harm seagrass sediment communities via sediment characteristic alteration and organism complications associated with ingestion. All impacts will be exacerbated by the high trapping efficiency of seagrasses. As microplastics become a permanent and increasing member of seagrass ecosystems it will be pertinent to direct future research towards understanding the extent microplastics impact seagrass ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrien C Finzi
- Department of Biology, Boston University, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Randi D Rotjan
- Department of Biology, Boston University, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Alyssa B Novak
- Department of Earth and Environment, Boston University, MA, 02215, USA.
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