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Ruiz-Fernández AC, Pérez-Bernal LH, Sanchez-Cabeza JA, Valencia-Castañeda G, Ontiveros-Cuadras JF, Alonso-Hernández CM. Accelerating microplastic contamination in 210Pb dated sediment cores from an urbanized coastal lagoon (NW Mexico) since the 1990s. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175613. [PMID: 39168330 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquity of microplastics (MP) across all ecosystems raises concerns about their potential harm to the environment and living organisms. Sediments are a MP sink, reflecting long-term accumulation and historical anthropogenic impacts. Three 210Pb-dated sediment cores were used to understand the temporal variations of MP abundances (particles kg-1) and fluxes (particles m-2 year-1) within the past century in Estero de Urías Lagoon, an urbanized coastal lagoon in the Mexican Pacific. MP particles, extracted from sediments by density separation (saturated NaCl solution) were counted using a stereomicroscope, under visible and ultraviolet light on Nile red (NR) stained filters. The polymer composition was determined in ∼10 % of the suspected MP particles using Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry. Fibers (66 to 89 % of the total particles) predominated over fragments (11 to 34 %). Before 1950, no MP particles were detected. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the prevalent synthetic polymer (up to 50 % of the particles), while semisynthetic cellulosic fibers were predominant, underscoring the broader scope of anthropogenic contamination. Suspected MP abundances (NR stained filters) were highest in the core collected at the innermost area, which was attributed to the lagoon's hydrodynamics, since current velocities decrease from the proximal to the distal area to the sea. From the regression between MP fluxes and time elapsed since sediments deposited, the cores showed consistent accelerated increases of MP burial since mid-20th century, most likely because of the increasing availability of plastic products and population growth, with the consequent increment in plastic waste and wastewater releases. Our findings emphasize the growing MP pollution challenges at EUL, which may directly impact subsistence fishing and shrimp aquaculture activities, threatening local livelihoods and food sources; and also highlight the need for improved waste management and pollution control strategies in rapidly industrializing regions, to protect both aquatic ecosystems and human populations dependent on fishing products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Ruiz-Fernández
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico.
| | - Libia Hascibe Pérez-Bernal
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico.
| | - Joan-Albert Sanchez-Cabeza
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico.
| | - Gladys Valencia-Castañeda
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Jorge Feliciano Ontiveros-Cuadras
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, UAPOC-Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico.
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2
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Simon-Sánchez L, Vianello A, Kirstein IV, Molazadeh MS, Lorenz C, Vollertsen J. Assessment of microplastic pollution and polymer risk in the sediment compartment of the Limfjord, Denmark. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 950:175017. [PMID: 39059658 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Estuarine sediments intercept and temporarily retain microplastics before they reach the marine seafloor, impacting various organisms, including key commercial species. This highlights the critical need for research on microplastic exposure in these transitional environments. This study provides a detailed assessment of microplastic pollution in the sediment compartment of the Limfjord, a 1500 km2 large Danish fjord, and introduces the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) as a tool for evaluating polymer-specific risks. Thirteen sediment samples were collected, covering an anthropogenic gradient along the fjord. State-of-the-art methods were applied for extracting and identifying (FPA-μFT-IR imaging) microplastics (10-5000 μm). Our results indicate that microplastic contamination is pervasive across all sampled locations with concentrations ranging from 273 to 4288 particles kg-1, with a predominance of small microplastics (<100 μm). The estimated mass-based concentrations ranged between 2.60 × 104-1.11 × 106 ng kg-1. Overall, we estimated a microplastic stock of 3.8 × 103-1.65 × 105 kg in the surface sediments of the Limfjord, i.e., some 2.5-110 kg km-2. The application of the PHI revealed significant risks associated with specific polymers, such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), underscoring the importance of considering polymer-specific hazards in environmental assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alvise Vianello
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Inga V Kirstein
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar-und Meeresforschung, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Helgoland 27498, Germany
| | | | - Claudia Lorenz
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Denmark
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark
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3
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Gerigny O, Blanco G, Lips U, Buhhalko N, Chouteau L, Georges E, Meyers N, Vanavermaete D, Galgani F, Ourgaud M, Papillon L, Sempéré R, De Witte B. Comparative analysis of microplastics detection methods applied to marine sediments: A case study in the Bay of Marseille. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 207:116787. [PMID: 39146714 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116787] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
An intercomparison exercise on "microplastics in sediment" was carried out by five laboratories using samples collected in the Bay of Marseille in September 2021. The results from different extraction and identification methods varied depending on the type and size classes of MPs, and was better than 80 % for the size class >300 μm and for the fragments. The variability in recovery rates can be attributed to the choice of reagents and extraction protocols. Recovery rates per laboratory were between 47 % and 113 % and the use of ZnCl2 and NaI increased recovery rates by an average of 70 %. The lowest recovery rates (47 and 53 %) were attributed to the reference methods (FTIR and LDIR), conversely the highest (80 and 87 %) were attributed to identification by Nile Red. The average ranged between 23 and 53 items /50 g d.w. with decreases offshore and at greater depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Gerigny
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Laboratoire Environnement Ressource - Provence Azure Corse (LER-PAC). Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer, France.
| | - Gustavo Blanco
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), CSIC, Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390, Vigo, Spain.
| | - Urmas Lips
- Tallinn University of Technology, Department of Marine Systems, Akadeemia 15a, 12618 Tallinn, Estonia.
| | - Natalja Buhhalko
- Tallinn University of Technology, Department of Marine Systems, Akadeemia 15a, 12618 Tallinn, Estonia.
| | - Leelou Chouteau
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Laboratoire Environnement Ressource - Provence Azure Corse (LER-PAC). Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer, France.
| | - Elise Georges
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Laboratoire Environnement Ressource - Provence Azure Corse (LER-PAC). Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer, France.
| | - Nelle Meyers
- Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium; Aquatic Environment and Quality, Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium; Ghent University, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - David Vanavermaete
- Aquatic Environment and Quality, Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium.
| | - François Galgani
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Laboratoire Environnement Ressource - Provence Azure Corse (LER-PAC). Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer, France.
| | - Melanie Ourgaud
- Aix Marseille University, Toulon University, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, Marseille, France; University of Perpignan Via Domitia (UPVD), CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens (CEFREM) UMR 5110, 52 avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan, Cedex 09, France.
| | - Laure Papillon
- Aix Marseille University, Toulon University, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, Marseille, France.
| | - Richard Sempéré
- Aix Marseille University, Toulon University, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille Univ., CNRS, LCE, UMR 7376, Ocean Sciences Institute, Marseille, France.
| | - Bavo De Witte
- Aquatic Environment and Quality, Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium.
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Hamman M, van Schyff V, Choong Kwet Yive RNS, Iordachescu L, Simon-Sánchez L, Bouwman H. Microplastics in coral from three Mascarene Islands, Western Indian Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 208:116951. [PMID: 39276623 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
Little is known about microplastics (MPs) in corals from the Indian Ocean. We compared MP concentrations, morphotypes, size, colours, and polymer compositions in six coral genera from three remote Mascarene islands (Rodrigues, St. Brandon's Atoll, and Agalega) of the Republic of Mauritius, on a 1200 km transect located in the South Equatorial Current (SEC). The mean MP concentration was 0.78 n/g (53 % fibres) with no significant differences between islands. Polymers were polypropylene (78 %) and polyethylene (18 %). We conclude that the SEC's MP concentrations and compositions have homogenized over thousands of kilometres across the Indian Ocean. We discuss the lack of hazardous polyurethane MPs in coral samples given obvious sources on St Brandon. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report on MPs in coral from the Western Indian Ocean and the Mascarene Islands providing a baseline for further research, monitoring, mitigation, and policy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Hamman
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Veronica van Schyff
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; RECETOX, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Lucian Iordachescu
- Department of the Built Environment, Division of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Laura Simon-Sánchez
- Department of the Built Environment, Division of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Hindrik Bouwman
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
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5
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Wu F, Zonneveld KAF, Wolschke H, von Elm R, Primpke S, Versteegh GJM, Gerdts G. Diving into the Depths: Uncovering Microplastics in Norwegian Coastal Sediment Cores. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39258578 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c04360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
High concentrations of microplastics (MPs) have been documented in the deep-sea surface sediments of the Arctic Ocean. However, studies investigating their high-resolution vertical distribution in sediments from the European waters to the Arctic remain limited. This study examines MPs in five sediment cores from the Norwegian Coastal Current (NCC), encompassing the water-sediment interface and sediment layers up to 19 cm depth. Advanced analytical methods for MP identification down to 11 μm in size were combined with radiometric dating and lithology observations. MPs were present across all sediment cores, including layers predating the introduction of plastics, with concentrations exhibiting significant variation (54-12,491 MP kg-1). The smallest size class (11 μm) predominated in most sediment layers (34-100%). A total of 18 different polymer types were identified across all sediment layers, with polymer diversity and depth correlations varying widely between stations. Our findings suggest that differences in seafloor topography and the impact of anthropogenic activities (e.g., fishing) lead to varying environmental conditions at the sampling sites, influencing the vertical distribution of MPs. This challenges the reliability of using environmental parameters to predict MP accumulation zones and questions the use of MPs in sediment cores as indicators of the Anthropocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhu Wu
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Karin A F Zonneveld
- MARUM - Centre for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- Department of Geosciences, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Hendrik Wolschke
- Environmental Radiochemistry, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Robin von Elm
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Gerard J M Versteegh
- MARUM - Centre for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, Constructor University, 28759 Bremen, Germany
| | - Gunnar Gerdts
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
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6
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Zhang C, Liu X, Zhang L, Chen Q, Xu Q. Assessing the aging and environmental implications of polyethylene mulch films in agricultural land. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:1310-1321. [PMID: 38818727 DOI: 10.1039/d4em00102h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene mulch films (MFs) are widely employed in agricultural land to enhance crop yield and quality, but the MF residue causes significant environmental concerns. To promote the sustainable application of MFs, it is essential to assess their fate throughout their service life and understand the underlying degradation mechanisms. In this study, surface-exposed and soil-buried MFs were separately collected from agricultural land in Inner Mongolia, China. The variations in aging performance and corresponding property alterations of MF were thoroughly examined. The results indicated that sunlight exposure considerably hastens MF degradation, whereas buried MFs experience a more moderate aging process due to the inhibitory effects of the dark and anaerobic environment on oxidation. Surface cracking was observed in MF-Light samples as a result of photodegradation, while chemical and moisture interactions with soil caused partial perforation in MF-Soil samples. Relative to the pristine MF, the oxidation, unsaturation, and hydroxylation levels of MF-Light increased to 0.88, 0.35, and 0.73, respectively, with corresponding values for MF-Soil at 0.44, 0.13, and 0.24. The generated oxygen-containing functional groups lead to a decrease in contact angles of MF-Light and MF-Soil, enhancing their hydrophilicity. The aging process of MFs led to a decline in mechanical properties, posing challenges for recycling. Moreover, nearly all phthalate esters (PAEs) were released from MFs, regardless of sunlight exposure or soil burial. The use of MFs also impacted the abundance of soil microbial communities. Specifically, the selected polyethylene MF enriched Actinobacteriota by 75%, while reducing Chloroflexi and Firmicutes by 27% and 45%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Eco-efficient Recycled Materials, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, University Town, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China.
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Eco-efficient Recycled Materials, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, University Town, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China.
| | - Li Zhang
- Bureau of Agriculture and Livestock, Wongniute, Inner Mongolia, 024500, P. R. China
| | - Qindong Chen
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Eco-efficient Recycled Materials, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, University Town, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China.
| | - Qiyong Xu
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Eco-efficient Recycled Materials, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, University Town, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China.
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7
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Das N, Chowdhury GW, Siddique AB, Riya SC, Fazal MA, Sobhan F, Sarker S. The silent threat of plastics along the coastal frontiers of Bangladesh: Are we concerned enough? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116567. [PMID: 38875968 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116567] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Globally plastic pollution is posing a significant threat to the health and integrity of coastal ecosystems. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of plastic pollution in the coastal areas of Bangladesh by examining land-based macroplastic distribution, exploring microplastic (MP) contamination in the coastal aquatic ecosystem and enhancing our understanding of the potential risks associated with MP contamination. Citizen science based monitoring approach using the android application was applied to understand the land-based plastic pollution in the coastal area of Bangladesh. From December 2022 to December 2023, a total of about 3600 photographs of plastic items from 215 citizen scientists were received from the coastal area of Bangladesh covering 580 km long coast line. Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) and Pollution Load Index (PLI) were also calculated to understand the risk of plastic pollution in sediment, water, aquatic organism, dried fish and sea salt. A total of 43 land-based plastic items reported from the coastal area of Bangladesh. Among these plastic items single use items contributed 58.2 % while disposable plastic items contributed 41.8 %. A strong spatial variability in the distribution of these plastic items was observed. PHI and PLI values suggested hazard category-I for MP contamination in sediment, sea salt, water, commercial fishery resources and dry fish. This study highlighted that coastal land area, sea salt, dried fish, water, sediment and organisms are contaminated with plastics which might have the potential threats to human health. Findings from this study will serve as reference data and also baseline for future research to combat the plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabanita Das
- Department of Oceanography, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | | | - Abu Bokkar Siddique
- Department of Oceanography, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Shashowti Chowdhury Riya
- Department of Oceanography, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Md Azizul Fazal
- Department of Oceanography, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Faisal Sobhan
- Department of Oceanography, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Subrata Sarker
- Department of Oceanography, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh.
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Zhao P, Wang X, Jiang H, Zhang B, Chen L, Zhao J, Teng J, Wang Q. Vertical distribution of microplastics in sediment columns along the coastline of China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174685. [PMID: 38997042 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
At present, there has been relatively less coverage of microplastics (MPs) pollution in sediment columns, especially across a large geographical span. This study collected sediment columns across 11 provinces along the coastline of China for MPs pollution investigation. The study found higher MPs diversity (Simpson diversity index) in sediment columns than in surface sediments, mostly comprising fiber MPs with dominant transparent and blue colors. Lower MPs pollution was noted in mangrove reserves, while estuarine and coastal areas showed higher pollution levels. Spearman correlation analysis shows that vertical of MPs abundance significantly decreased with depth at 6 of 11 sites. Large-sized MPs with diverse colors in deeper sediments (>40 cm) suggests that burial processes may render MPs more resistant to degradation. Our research highlights varied MPs distribution in coastal sediment, aiding future marine MPs pollution prediction and assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhao
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China
| | - Xiaodan Wang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Hongyou Jiang
- Tianjin Marine Environment Monitoring Center, SOA, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Bin Zhang
- School of Architecture and Civil Engineering of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China
| | - Liang Chen
- School of Architecture and Civil Engineering of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Jia Teng
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Qing Wang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China.
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9
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Chand R, Iordachescu L, Bäckbom F, Andreasson A, Bertholds C, Pollack E, Molazadeh M, Lorenz C, Nielsen AH, Vollertsen J. Treating wastewater for microplastics to a level on par with nearby marine waters. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 256:121647. [PMID: 38657311 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121647] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Retention of microplastics (MPs) at the third largest wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Sweden was investigated. The plant is one of the most modern and advanced of its kind, with rapid sand filter for tertiary treatment in combination with mechanical, biological, and chemical treatment. It achieved a significantly high treatment efficiency, which brought the MP concentration in its discharge on par with concentrations measured in marine waters of the same region. This novel data shows that properly designed modern WWTPs can reduce the MP content of sewage down to background levels measured in the receiving aquatic environment. Opposite to current understanding of the retention of MP by WWTPs, a modern and well-designed WWTP does not have to be a significant point source for MP. MPs were quantified at all major treatment steps, including digester inlet and outlet sludge. MPs sized 10-500 µm were analyzed by a focal plane array based micro-Fourier transform infrared (FPA-µFTIR) microscopy, a hyperspectral imaging technique, while MPs above 500 µm were analyzed by Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Mass was estimated from the hyperspectral images for MPs <500 µm and from microscope images >500 µm. The overall treatment efficiency was in terms of MP counts 99.98 %, with a daily input of 6.42 × 1010 and output of 1.04 × 107 particles. The mass removal efficiency was 99.99 %. The mechanical part of the treatment, the pre-treatment, and primary stages, reduced both the MP counts and mass by approximately 71 %. The combined biological treatment, secondary settling, and final polishing with rapid sand filtration removed nearly all the remaining 29 %. MPs became successively smaller as they passed the different treatment steps. The digester inlet received 1.04 × 1011 MPs daily, while it discharged 9.96 × 1010 MPs, causing a small but not significant decrease in MP counts, with a corresponding MP mass reduction of 9.56 %.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupa Chand
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, Aalborg 9200, Denmark.
| | - Lucian Iordachescu
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, Aalborg 9200, Denmark
| | - Frida Bäckbom
- Käppala, Södra Kungsvägen 315, Lidingö 18163, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Marziye Molazadeh
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, Aalborg 9200, Denmark
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, Aalborg 9200, Denmark; Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Asbjørn Haaning Nielsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, Aalborg 9200, Denmark
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, Aalborg 9200, Denmark
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10
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Chand R, Putna-Nīmane I, Vecmane E, Lykkemark J, Dencker J, Haaning Nielsen A, Vollertsen J, Liu F. Snow dumping station - A considerable source of tyre wear, microplastics, and heavy metal pollution. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108782. [PMID: 38821018 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108782] [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: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Snow dumping stations can be a hotspots for pollutants to water resources. However, little is known about the amount of microplastics including tyre wear particles transported this way. This study investigated microplastics and metals in snow from four snow dumping stations in Riga, Latvia, a remote site (Gauja National Park), and a roof top in Riga. Microplastics other than tyre wear particles were identified with Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) (>500 µm) and focal plane array based micro-Fourier Transform Infrared (FPA-µFTIR) imaging (10-500 µm), tyre wear particles by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (Py-GC-MS), and total metals by Inductively Coupled Plasma with Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Microplastics detected by FTIR were quantified by particle counts and their mass estimated, while tyre wear particles were quantified by mass. The concentrations varied substantially, with the highest levels in the urban areas. Microplastic concentrations measured by FTIR ranged between 26 and 2549 counts L-1 of melted snow with a corresponding estimated mass of 19-573 µg/L. Tyre wear particles were not detected at the two reference sites, while other sites held 44-3026 µg/L. Metal concentrations varied several orders of magnitude with for example sodium in the range 0.45-819.54 mg/L and cadmium in the range 0.05-0.94 µg/L. Correlating microplastic measured by FTIR to metal content showed a weak to moderate correlation. Tyre wear particles, however, correlated strongly to many of the metals. The study showed that snow can hold considerable amounts of these pollutants, which upon melting and release of the meltwater to the aquatic environment could impact receiving waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupa Chand
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9200 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Ieva Putna-Nīmane
- Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Voleru str. 4, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Elina Vecmane
- Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Voleru str. 4, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Jeanette Lykkemark
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9200 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jytte Dencker
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9200 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Asbjørn Haaning Nielsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9200 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9200 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Fan Liu
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9200 Aalborg, Denmark.
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11
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Wilkens JL, Calomeni-Eck AJ, Boyda J, Kennedy A, McQueen AD. Microplastic in Dredged Sediments: From Databases to Strategic Responses. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2024; 112:72. [PMID: 38689078 PMCID: PMC11061003 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-024-03878-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) accumulate in sediments, yet guidelines for evaluating MP risks in dredged sediments are lacking. The objective of this study was to review existing literature on MPs in sediments to improve fundamental knowledge of MP exposures and develop a publicly available database of MPs in sediments. Twelve percent of the reviewed papers (nine studies) included sediment core samples with MP concentrations generally decreasing with depth, peaking in the top 15 cm. The remaining papers evaluated surficial grab samples (0 to 15 cm depth) from various water bodies with MPs detected in almost every sample. Median MP concentrations (items/kg dry sediment) increased in this order: lakes and reservoirs (184), estuarine (263), Great Lakes nearshore areas and tributaries (290), riverine (410), nearshore marine areas (487), dredge activities (817), and harbors (948). Dredging of recurrent shoaling sediments could be expected to contain MPs at various depths with concentrations influenced by the time elapsed since the last dredging event. These results offer key insights into the presence and variability of MPs in dredged sediments, informing environmental monitoring and risk assessment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Wilkens
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Rd, Vicksburg, MS, 39180, USA.
| | - A J Calomeni-Eck
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Rd, Vicksburg, MS, 39180, USA
| | - J Boyda
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Rd, Vicksburg, MS, 39180, USA
| | - A Kennedy
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Rd, Vicksburg, MS, 39180, USA
| | - A D McQueen
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Rd, Vicksburg, MS, 39180, USA
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12
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Dhivert E, Pruvost J, Winiarski T, Gasperi J, Delor-Jestin F, Tassin B, Mourier B. Time-varying microplastic contributions of a large urban and industrial area to river sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123702. [PMID: 38432346 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123702] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The quantification of microplastic (MP) pollution in rivers is often constrained by a lack of historical data on a multi-decadal scale, which hinders the evaluation of public policies. In this study, MP contents and trends were analyzed in dated sediment cores sampled upstream and downstream of a large metropolis, in environmental deposits that exhibited consistent sedimentation patterns from the 1980s to 2021. After a thorough sedimentological analysis, MPs were quantified in samples by micro Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (μFTIR imaging) and a density separation and organic matter digestion procedure. Microplastics recorded in the upstream core are relatively ubiquitous all along the dated sequence. The results also confirmed a sever increase of microplastics levels in the downstream core, by one order of magnitude, and an increase of polymer types. Polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene represent ubiquitous contamination and were predominant at the two stations, whereas polyvinyl chloride and polytetrafluoroethylene were suspected to be abundant at the downstream station, but were not detected at the upstream station. Their presence could be linked to local contamination from specific industrial sources that manufactured and utilized these polymers. Surprisingly, in the downstream station sediment has recorded a relative improvement in polymers associated with industrial sources since the 2000s and, to a lesser extent, for ubiquitous ones since the 2010s. This trend of mitigation diverges from that of global assessments, that assume uncontrolled MP pollution, and suggest that European Union wastewater policy and regulation on industrial discharges have positively influenced water quality, and certainly also on MPs. However, the accumulation of microplastics remains high in recent deposits and raises the emerging concern of the long-term management of these reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dhivert
- University of Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69518, Vaulx-en-Velin, France; University of Tours, EA 6293 GeHCO, F-37200, Tours, France
| | - J Pruvost
- University of Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69518, Vaulx-en-Velin, France
| | - T Winiarski
- University of Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69518, Vaulx-en-Velin, France
| | - J Gasperi
- University Gustave Eiffel, GERS-LEE IFSTTAR, F-44344, Bouguenais, France
| | - F Delor-Jestin
- University of Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont Auvergne INP-Sigma Clermont, CNRS, ICCF, UMR 6296, F-63177, Aubière, France
| | - B Tassin
- École des Ponts ParisTech, LEESU, F-77455, Marne-la-Vallée, France
| | - B Mourier
- University of Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69518, Vaulx-en-Velin, France.
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13
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Chen H, Cheng Y, Wang Y, Ding Y, Wang C, Feng X, Fan Q, Yuan F, Fu G, Gao B, Liu K, Zou X. Microplastics: A potential proxy for tracing extreme flood events in estuarine environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170554. [PMID: 38309341 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The transport of microplastics (MPs) is susceptible to being influenced by catchment hydrology; however, there is a notable lack of research on their retention and responses to flood events in estuarine sedimentary records. Herein, we collected two cores in the Yangtze Estuary to explore their microplastic pollution, influencing factors and linkage to flood events. MP abundance exhibited a decreasing trend from the top to the bottom in both cores. Both plastic production and sediment mean grain size showed a significant positive correlation with MP abundance. The sedimentary record displayed a marked surge in MP abundance during the extreme flood period, suggesting a direct influence of flooding on MP deposition. The resuspension of upstream MPs and erosion of land-based MPs by heavy rain might be responsible for this increase. Furthermore, our study identified significant periodicities in MP abundance, closely aligned with the hydrological patterns of the Yangtze River. This study highlights the role of floods in fluvial MP distribution and proposes MPs as a proxy of extreme floods from the 20th century in estuarine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Chen
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yu Cheng
- Geological Survey of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210018, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yongcheng Ding
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Chenglong Wang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xuguang Feng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Geology and Metallogeny, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao 266061, China
| | - Qinya Fan
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Feng Yuan
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Guanghe Fu
- Nanjing Center, China Geological Survey, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Bingfei Gao
- Geological Survey of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210018, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Nanjing Center, China Geological Survey, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Xinqing Zou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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14
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Zhu Z, Xiao X, Wu R, Jin C, Li T, Liu W. Fifty-year pollution history of microplastics and influencing factors in offshore sediments: A case study of Ningbo, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 342:123137. [PMID: 38097157 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123137] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Sediment cores are optimal mediums for investigating the historical presence of offshore microplastics (MPs). In this study, two sediment cores were collected at varying water depths, i.e., XS2 (10 m) and XS3 (20 m), from the Xiangshan offshore (XSO) in Ningbo. We focused on the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of MPs within two sediment cores and explored the response differences of MPs abundance to natural factors and human activities. The results showed that the MPs abundance in sediments has gradually increased since the late 1960s, but with interannual fluctuations. MPs abundance in XS2 and XS3 were 1133-8700 and 633-11433 items/kg dry weight, respectively. The predominant polymers were PA, PU, PET and ACR, with fragmented particles being the most prevalent shape of MPs. The MPs abundance in XS2 and XS3 had a similar response to natural factors, mainly including (i) MPs abundance significantly correlated with the sediment load of the Qiantang River (p < 0.01), indicating that sediment load might be an important factor affecting the MPs abundance and that MPs transported by rivers had characteristics of near-source sedimentation; (ii) typhoons had the effect of weakening the MPs abundance; and (iii) geological activities might be potential contributing factors to variations in MPs' abundance in deep sediments. Correlation analyses demonstrated that MPs in XSO was the result of multiple sources, stemming from plastic production, sewage discharge, marine fisheries and shipping activities. Notably, XS3 exhibited higher sensitivity to human activities compared to XS2, owing to differences in sampling locations. This study underscores the significance of employing two sediment cores, rather than a single core, as it provides a more comprehensive insight into the overarching trends and disparities in the historical pollution of MPs. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the history of offshore MPs pollution, shedding new light on this critical environmental issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhong Zhu
- International Joint Research Center for Persistent Toxic Substances (IJRC-PTS), College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Zhejiang Zhongyi Testing Research Institute Co., Ltd, Ningbo, 315040, China.
| | - Xuexi Xiao
- Zhejiang Zhongyi Testing Research Institute Co., Ltd, Ningbo, 315040, China
| | - Rong Wu
- Zhejiang Zhongyi Testing Research Institute Co., Ltd, Ningbo, 315040, China
| | - Chong Jin
- Zhejiang Institute of Geology and Mineral Resource, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Tong Li
- Zhejiang Zhongyi Testing Research Institute Co., Ltd, Ningbo, 315040, China
| | - Weiping Liu
- International Joint Research Center for Persistent Toxic Substances (IJRC-PTS), College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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15
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Niu Z, Curto M, Le Gall M, Demeyer E, Asselman J, Janssen CR, Dhakal HN, Davies P, Catarino AI, Everaert G. Accelerated fragmentation of two thermoplastics (polylactic acid and polypropylene) into microplastics after UV radiation and seawater immersion. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115981. [PMID: 38242046 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115981] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
To better understand the fate and assess the ingestible fraction of microplastics (by aquatic organisms), it is essential to quantify and characterize of their released from larger items under environmental realistic conditions. However, the current information on the fragmentation and size-based characteristics of released microplastics, for example from bio-based thermoplastics, is largely unknown. The goal of our work was to assess the fragmentation and release of microplastics, under ultraviolet (UV) radiation and in seawater, from polylactic acid (PLA) items, a bio-based polymer, and from polypropylene (PP) items, a petroleum-based polymer. To do so, we exposed pristine items of PLA and PP, immersed in filtered natural seawater, to accelerated UV radiation for 57 and 76 days, simulating 18 and 24 months of mean natural solar irradiance in Europe. Our results indicated that 76-day UV radiation induced the fragmentation of parent plastic items and the microplastics (50 - 5000 µm) formation from both PP and PLA items. The PP samples (48 ± 26 microplastics / cm2) released up to nine times more microplastics than PLA samples (5 ± 2 microplastics / cm2) after a 76-day UV exposure, implying that the PLA tested items had a lower fragmentation rate than PP. The particles' length of released microplastics was parameterized using a power law exponent (α), to assess their size distribution. The obtained α values were 3.04 ± 0.11 and 2.54 ± 0.06 (-) for 76-day UV weathered PP and PLA, respectively, meaning that PLA microplastics had a larger sized microplastics fraction than PP particles. With respect to their two-dimensional shape, PLA microplastics also had lower width-to-length ratio (0.51 ± 0.17) and greater fiber-shaped fractions (16%) than PP microplastics (0.57 ± 0.17% and 11%, respectively). Overall, the bio-based PLA items under study were more resistant to fragmentation and release of microplastics than the petroleum-based PP tested items, and the parameterized characteristics of released microplastics were polymer-dependent. Our work indicates that even though bio-based plastics may have a slower release of fragmented particles under UV radiation compared to conventional polymer types, they still have the potential to act as a source of microplastics in the marine environment, with particles being available to biota within ingestible size fractions, if not removed before major fragmentation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyue Niu
- Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 Oostende, Belgium; Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge Building, Ostend Science Park 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium.
| | - Marco Curto
- Advanced Polymers and Composites (APC) Research Group, School of mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 3DJ, UK
| | - Maelenn Le Gall
- Marine Structures Laboratory, IFREMER, Centre de Bretagne, 29280, France
| | - Elke Demeyer
- Functional Thermoplastic Textiles, Centexbel, Industriepark Zwijnaarde 70, 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | - Jana Asselman
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge Building, Ostend Science Park 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Colin R Janssen
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge Building, Ostend Science Park 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Hom Nath Dhakal
- Advanced Polymers and Composites (APC) Research Group, School of mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 3DJ, UK
| | - Peter Davies
- Marine Structures Laboratory, IFREMER, Centre de Bretagne, 29280, France
| | - Ana Isabel Catarino
- Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 Oostende, Belgium
| | - Gert Everaert
- Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 Oostende, Belgium
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16
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Zhang Z, Zou S, Li P. Aging of plastics in aquatic environments: Pathways, environmental behavior, ecological impacts, analyses and quantifications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122926. [PMID: 37963513 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquity of plastics in our environment has brought about pressing concerns, with their aging processes, photo-oxidation, mechanical abrasion, and biodegradation, being at the forefront. Microplastics (MPs), whether originating from plastic degradation or direct anthropogenic sources, further complicate this landscape. This review delves into the intricate aging dynamics of plastics in aquatic environments under various influential factors. We discuss the physicochemical changes that occur in aged plastics and the release of oxidation products during their degradation. Particular attention is given to their evolving environmental interactions and the resulting ecotoxicological implications. A rigorous evaluation is also conducted for methodologies in the analysis and quantification of plastics aging, identifying their merits and limitations and suggesting potential avenues for future research. This comprehensive review is able to illuminate the complexities of plastics aging, charting a path for future research and aiding in the formulation of informed policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Shichun Zou
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Pu Li
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai 519082, China.
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17
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Gunaalan K, Almeda R, Vianello A, Lorenz C, Iordachescu L, Papacharalampos K, Nielsen TG, Vollertsen J. Does water column stratification influence the vertical distribution of microplastics? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 340:122865. [PMID: 37926412 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122865] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has been confirmed in all marine compartments. However, information on the sub-surface microplastics (MPs) abundance is still limited. The vertical distribution of MPs can be influenced by water column stratification due to water masses of contrasting density. In this study, we investigated the vertical distribution of MPs in relation to the water column structure at nine sites in the Kattegat/Skagerrak (Denmark) in October 2020.A CTD was used to determine the stratification and pycnocline depth before sampling. Plastic-free pump-filter sampling devices were used to collect MPs from water samples (1-3 m3) at different depths. MPs concentration (MPs m-3) ranged from 18 to 87 MP m-3 (Median: 40 MP m-3; n = 9) in surface waters. In the mid waters, concentrations ranged from 16 to 157 MP m-3 (Median: 31 MP m-3; n = 6), while at deeper depths, concentrations ranged from 13 to 95 MP m-3 (Median: 34 MP m-3; n = 9). There was no significant difference in the concentration of MPs between depths. Regardless of the depth, polyester (47%), polypropylene (24%), polyethylene (10%), and polystyrene (9%) were the dominating polymers. Approximately 94% of the MPs fell within the size range of 11-300 μm across all depths. High-density polymers accounted for 68% of the MPs, while low-density polymers accounted for 32% at all depths. Overall, our results show that MPs are ubiquitous in the water column from surface to deep waters; we did not find any impact of water density on the depth distribution of MPs despite the strong water stratification in the Kattegat/Skagerrak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuddithamby Gunaalan
- National Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark.
| | - Rodrigo Almeda
- National Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; EOMAR, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Alvise Vianello
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark; Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark
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18
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Liu Y, Lüttjohann S, Vianello A, Lorenz C, Liu F, Vollertsen J. Detecting small microplastics down to 1.3 μm using large area ATR-FTIR. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115795. [PMID: 38006870 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115795] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Large area attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (LAATR-FTIR) is introduced as a novel technique for detecting small microplastics (MPs) down to 1.3 μm. Two different LAATR units, one with a zinc selenide (ZnSe) and one with a germanium (Ge) crystal, were used to detect reference MPs < 20 μm, and MPs in marine water samples, and compared with μ-FTIR in transmission mode. The LAATR units performed well in identifying small MPs down to 1.3 μm. However, they were poorly suited for large MPs as uneven particle thickness resulted in uneven contact between crystal and particle, misinterpreting large MPs as many small MPs. However, for more homogeneous matrices, the technique was promising. Further assessment indicated that there was little difference in spectra quality between transmission mode and LAATR mode. All in all, while LAATR units struggle to substitute transmission mode, it provides additional information and valuable information on small MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanli Liu
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; College of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Putian University, Putian 351100, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecology-Toxicological Effects and Control for Emerging Contaminants, Putian University, Putian 351100, China; Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Information Atlas, Fujian Provincial University, Putian 351100, Fujian, China.
| | - Stephan Lüttjohann
- Bruker Optics GmbH & Co. KG, Rudolf-Plank-Straße 27, 76275 Ettlingen, Germany
| | - Alvise Vianello
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Fan Liu
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
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19
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Molazadeh MS, Liu F, Lykkemark J, Lordachescu L, Nielsen AH, Vollertsen J. What is hiding below the surface - MPs including TWP in an urban lake. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 182:108282. [PMID: 37952413 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Inland lakes play an important role as habitats for local species and are often essential drinking water reservoirs. However, there is limited information about the presence of microplastics (MPs) in these water bodies. Thirteen sediment samples were collected across a Danish urban lake to map MPs, including tyre wear particles (TWP). The lower size detection limit was 10 µm. MPs were quantified as counts, size, and polymer type by Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy (µFTIR) and mass estimated from the 2D projections of the MPs. As TWP cannot be determined by µFTIR, counts and sizes could not be quantified by this technique. Instead, TWP mass was determined by pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The average MP abundance was 279 mg kg-1 (µFTIR), of which 19 mg kg-1 (Py-GC/MS) were TWP. For MPs other than tyre wear, the average MP count concentration was 11,312 counts kg-1. Urban runoff from combined sewer overflows and separate stormwater outlets combined with outflow from a wastewater treatment plant were potential point sources. The spatial variation was substantial, with concentrations varying several orders of magnitude. There was no pattern in concentration across the lake, and the distribution of high and low values seemed random. This indicates that large sampling campaigns encompassing the entire lake are key to an accurate quantification. No preferential spatial trend in polymer characteristics was identified. For MPs other than TWP, the size of buoyant and non-buoyant polymers showed no significant difference across the lake, suggesting that the same processes brought them to the sediment, regardless of their density. Moreover, MP abundance was not correlated to sediment properties, further indicating a random occurrence of MPs in the lake sediments. These findings shed light on the occurrence and distribution of MPs, including TWP, in an inland lake, improving the basis for making mitigation decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marziye Shabnam Molazadeh
- Aalborg University, Section of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of the Built Environment, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg Øst, Denmark.
| | - Fan Liu
- Aalborg University, Section of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of the Built Environment, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Jeanette Lykkemark
- Aalborg University, Section of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of the Built Environment, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Lucian Lordachescu
- Aalborg University, Section of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of the Built Environment, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Asbjørn Haaning Nielsen
- Aalborg University, Section of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of the Built Environment, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Aalborg University, Section of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of the Built Environment, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg Øst, Denmark
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20
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Cordova MR, Ulumuddin YI, Lubis AA, Kaisupy MT, Wibowo SPA, Subandi R, Yogaswara D, Purbonegoro T, Renyaan J, Nurdiansah D, Sugiharto U, Shintianata D, Meiliastri SS, Andini FP, Suratno, Ilman M, Anggoro AW, Basir, Cragg SM. Microplastics leaving a trace in mangrove sediments ever since they were first manufactured: A study from Indonesia mangroves. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115517. [PMID: 37690405 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Mangrove environments have been well recognized as marine litter traps. However, it is unclear whether mangrove sediments sink microplastics more effectively than other marine sediments due to active sedimentation. Furthermore, microplastics archives in mangrove sediments may provide quantitative data on the impact of human activities on environmental pollution throughout history. Microplastic abundance varied markedly between high and low anthropogenic activities. Both mangrove and adjacent mudflats sediments act as microplastic sequesters, despite having similar microplastic abundances and depth profiles. The decreasing trend of microplastics was observed until the sediment layers dated to the first-time plastic was manufactured in Indonesia, in the early 1950s, but microplastics remained present beneath those layers, indicating the downward movements. This discovery highlighted the significance of mangrove sediments as microplastic sinks. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms of microplastic deposition in sediments, as well as their fate and potential impact on mangrove sediment dwellers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Reza Cordova
- Research Center for Oceanography, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency, BRIN Kawasan Ancol Jl Pasir Putih 1, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia.
| | - Yaya Ihya Ulumuddin
- Research Center for Oceanography, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency, BRIN Kawasan Ancol Jl Pasir Putih 1, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia
| | - Ali Arman Lubis
- Research Center for Radiation Process Technology, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency, Jl. Lebak Bulus Raya No.49, Jakarta 12630, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Taufik Kaisupy
- Research Center for Oceanography, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency, BRIN Kawasan Ancol Jl Pasir Putih 1, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia
| | - Singgih Prasetyo Adi Wibowo
- Research Center for Oceanography, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency, BRIN Kawasan Ancol Jl Pasir Putih 1, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia
| | - Riyana Subandi
- Research Center for Oceanography, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency, BRIN Kawasan Ancol Jl Pasir Putih 1, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia
| | - Deny Yogaswara
- Research Center for Oceanography, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency, BRIN Kawasan Ancol Jl Pasir Putih 1, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia
| | - Triyoni Purbonegoro
- Research Center for Oceanography, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency, BRIN Kawasan Ancol Jl Pasir Putih 1, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia
| | - Jeverson Renyaan
- Research Center for Oceanography, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency, BRIN Kawasan Ancol Jl Pasir Putih 1, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia
| | - Doni Nurdiansah
- Research Center for Oceanography, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency, BRIN Kawasan Ancol Jl Pasir Putih 1, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia
| | - Untung Sugiharto
- Research Center for Radiation Process Technology, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency, Jl. Lebak Bulus Raya No.49, Jakarta 12630, Indonesia
| | - Dienda Shintianata
- Research Center for Radiation Process Technology, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency, Jl. Lebak Bulus Raya No.49, Jakarta 12630, Indonesia
| | - Sonia Saraswati Meiliastri
- Research Center for Radiation Process Technology, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency, Jl. Lebak Bulus Raya No.49, Jakarta 12630, Indonesia
| | - Faza Putri Andini
- Research Center for Radiation Process Technology, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency, Jl. Lebak Bulus Raya No.49, Jakarta 12630, Indonesia
| | - Suratno
- Research Center for Food Technology and Processing, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency, Gading IV Playen Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta 55861, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Ilman
- Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara, Jl. Iskandarsyah Raya No.66C, Jakarta 12160, Indonesia
| | - Aji Wahyu Anggoro
- Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara, Jl. Iskandarsyah Raya No.66C, Jakarta 12160, Indonesia
| | - Basir
- Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara, Jl. Iskandarsyah Raya No.66C, Jakarta 12160, Indonesia
| | - Simon M Cragg
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom; Centre for Blue Governance, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
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21
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Liu F, Rasmussen LA, Klemmensen NDR, Zhao G, Nielsen R, Vianello A, Rist S, Vollertsen J. Shapes of Hyperspectral Imaged Microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:12431-12441. [PMID: 37561646 PMCID: PMC10448723 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Shape matters for microplastics, but its definition, particularly for hyperspectral imaged microplastics, remains ambiguous and inexplicit, leading to incomparability across data. Hyperspectral imaging is a common approach for quantification, yet no unambiguous microplastic shape classification exists. We conducted an expert-based survey and proposed a set of clear and concise shapes (fiber, rod, ellipse, oval, sphere, quadrilateral, triangle, free-form, and unidentifiable). The categories were validated on images of 11,042 microplastics from four environmental compartments (seven matrices: indoor air; wastewater influent, effluent, and sludge; marine water; stormwater; and stormwater pond sediments), by inviting five experts to score each shape. We found that the proposed shapes were well defined, representative, and distinguishable to the human eye, especially for fiber and sphere. Ellipse, oval, and rod were though less distinguishable but dominated in all water and solid matrices. Indoor air held more unidentifiable, an abstract shape that appeared mostly for particles below 30 μm. This study highlights the need for assessing the recognizability of chosen shape categories prior to reporting data. Shapes with a clear and stringent definition would increase comparability and reproducibility across data and promote harmonization in microplastic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Liu
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg Ø, Denmark
| | - Lasse A. Rasmussen
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg Ø, Denmark
| | | | - Guohan Zhao
- Research
Centre for Built Environment, Energy, Water and Climate, VIA University College, 8700 Horsens, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Nielsen
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg Ø, Denmark
| | - Alvise Vianello
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg Ø, Denmark
| | - Sinja Rist
- National
Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical
University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg Ø, Denmark
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22
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Dewika M, Markandan K, Irfan NA, Mohd Abdah MAA, Ruwaida JN, Sara YY, Khalid M. Review of microplastics in the indoor environment: Distribution, human exposure and potential health impacts. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 324:138270. [PMID: 36878370 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of microplastics (MPs) pollution as a global environmental concern has attracted significant attention in the last decade. The majority of the human population spends most of their time indoors, leading to increased exposure to MPs contamination through various sources such as settled dust, air, drinking water and food. Although research on indoor MPs has intensified significantly in recent years, comprehensive reviews on this topic remain limited. Therefore, this review comprehensively analyses the occurrence, distribution, human exposure, potential health impact and mitigation strategies of MPs in the indoor air environment. Specifically, we focus on the risks associated with finer MPs that can translocate into the circulatory system and other organs, emphasizing the need for continued research to develop effective strategies to mitigate the risks associated with MPs exposure. Our findings suggest that indoor MPs impose potential risk to human health, and strategies for mitigating exposure should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dewika
- Centre of American Education, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Kalaimani Markandan
- Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N Ahmad Irfan
- Centre of American Education, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Amirul Aizat Mohd Abdah
- Graphene & Advanced 2D Materials Research Group (GAMRG), School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia; Sunway Materials Smart Science & Engineering (SMS2E) Research Cluster, Sunway University, No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia
| | - J Nor Ruwaida
- Air Resources Research Laboratory, Malaysia Japan International Institute of Technology, 54100, UTM, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Y Y Sara
- Faculty of Civil Engineering & Technology, University Malaysia Perlis, Kompleks Pusat Pengajian Jejawi 3, 02600, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Khalid
- Graphene & Advanced 2D Materials Research Group (GAMRG), School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia; Sunway Materials Smart Science & Engineering (SMS2E) Research Cluster, Sunway University, No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia; Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, 248007, Uttarakhand, India.
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23
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Liu Y, Lorenz C, Vianello A, Syberg K, Nielsen AH, Nielsen TG, Vollertsen J. Exploration of occurrence and sources of microplastics (>10 μm) in Danish marine waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 865:161255. [PMID: 36596418 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) were quantified in Danish marine waters of the Kattegat and the southernmost part of Skagerrak bordering to it. Kattegat is a waterbody between Denmark and Sweden that receives inflow from the Baltic Sea and direct urban runoff from the metropolitan area of Copenhagen and Malmö. MPs were measured in 14 continuous transects while steaming between monitoring stations. MP levels tended to be highest close to the Copenhagen-Malmö area, albeit this was more obvious from the abundance of particles rather than mass. The outcome of the measurements allowed a rough MP budget in the Danish Straits region, suggesting that urban waste- and stormwater discharges could not be neglected as potential MP source in these waters. The marine samples were collected by pumping and filtering water over 10 μm steel filters, hereby sampling a total of 19.3 m3. They were prepared and analyzed by FPA-μFTIR imaging, and the scans interpreted to yield MP size, shape, polymer type, and estimated mass. The average concentration was 103 ± 86 items m-3, corresponding to 23.3 ± 28.3 μg m-3 (17-286 items m-3; 0.6-84.1 μg m-3). Most MPs were smaller than 100 μm and fragments dominated the samples. The carbonyl index was assessed for polyolefins, showing that oxidation increased with decreasing MP size, but did not correlate with distance to urban areas. A rough budget of MP in the Danish Straits region suggested that MPs discharged from urban waste- and stormwaters were an import source of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanli Liu
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Alvise Vianello
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Kristian Syberg
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Asbjørn Haaning Nielsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Torkel Gissel Nielsen
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
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