1
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Maurizi L, Simon-Sánchez L, Vianello A, Nielsen AH, Vollertsen J. Every breath you take: High concentration of breathable microplastics in indoor environments. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142553. [PMID: 38851509 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142553] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in the air and their potential impact on human health underscore the pressing need to develop robust methods for quantifying their presence, particularly in the breathable fraction (<5 μm). In this study, Raman micro-spectroscopy (μRaman) was employed to assess the concentration of indoor airborne MPs >1 μm in four indoor environments (a meeting room, a workshop, and two apartments) under different levels of human activity. The indoor airborne MP concentration spanned between 58 and 684 MPs per cubic meter (MP m-3) (median 212 MP m-3, MPs/non-plastic ratio 0-1.6%), depending not only on the type and level of human activity, but also on the surface area and air circulation of the investigated locations. Additionally, we assessed in the same environments the filtration performance of a type IIR surgical facemask, which could overall retain 85.4 ± 3.9% of the MPs. We furthermore estimated a human MP intake from indoor air of 3415 ± 2881 MPs day-1 (mostly poly-amide MPs), which could be decreased to 283 ± 317 MPs day-1 using the surgical facemask. However, for the breathable fraction of MPs (1-5 μm), the efficiency of the surgical mask was reduced to 57.6%.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Maurizi
- Department of The Built Environment, Aalborg University, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - L Simon-Sánchez
- Department of The Built Environment, Aalborg University, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - A Vianello
- Department of The Built Environment, Aalborg University, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - A H Nielsen
- Department of The Built Environment, Aalborg University, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - J Vollertsen
- Department of The Built Environment, Aalborg University, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
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2
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Peries SD, Sewwandi M, Sandanayake S, Kwon HH, Vithanage M. Airborne transboundary microplastics-A Swirl around the globe. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 353:124080. [PMID: 38692389 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are persistent pollutants discovered and extensively researched in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems but have yet to receive attention in an atmospheric context. Although recent reports stated the presence of microplastics in the air, their global existence and distribution are not critically discussed to date. This review aimed to investigate the current status of research on atmospheric microplastics through bibliometric analysis and by comparing and summarising published research on global distribution. The review also provides a summary of methods that have been used to collect samples, identify microplastics, quantify their occurrence, and determine their transport mechanisms. The bibliometric analysis revealed that atmospheric microplastic studies predominantly originated in China. Clothing, vehicle, and tire materials were the major primary sources while house furniture, construction materials, landfills, urban dust, plastic recycling processes, and agricultural sludge were precursor secondary sources. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate microfibres have most frequently found in indoor and outdoor atmospheres. Level of urbanization and temporal or spatial distributions governs the fate of airborne microplastics, however, the knowledge gap in the retention and circulation of microplastics through the atmosphere is still large. Many challenges and limitations were identified in the methods used, presentation of data, aerodynamic processes facilitating atmospheric transport, and scarcity of research in spatially and temporally diverse contexts. The review concluded that there was a greater need for globalization of research, methods and data standardization, and emphasizes the potential for future research with atmospheric transportation modelling and thermochemical analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayuri Dimanthi Peries
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia
| | - Madushika Sewwandi
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Sandun Sandanayake
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Hyun-Han Kwon
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia; Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka.
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3
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Abad-López AP, Orozco-Pérez KK, Arana VA, Grande-Tovar CD. Microplastics suspended in dust from different indoor environments in Barranquilla, Colombia: Predominant microparticles? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 350:124023. [PMID: 38663508 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Considering that microplastics (MPs) are classified as ubiquitous pollutants, that air quality affects human health, and that people remain indoors most of the time, the need has arisen to evaluate the exposure to MPs within the suspended dust in indoor environments. With this objective, the present study carried out passive sampling to analyze the precipitation of microparticles in some indoor residential environments (2 apartments) and workplaces (an office, a pastry shop, a gift shop, and a paint shop) in Barranquilla, Colombia. The quantification and physical characterization of microparticles were carried out under a stereomicroscope, and the chemical characterization was carried out by infrared microspectroscopy (μFTIR). The highest average concentration of MPs in the apartments was found in the air-conditioned rooms (1.1 × 104 MP/m2/day), and concerning the workplaces, the gift shop and the paint shop were the spaces with a higher proportion of MPs (6.0-6.1 × 103 MP/m2/day), with polyesters being the main synthetic polymers, but being semi-synthetic particles the predominant among the samples. Regarding its morphology, fibers were the most abundant shape (>90%), grouping mainly in the 1000-5000 μm range, while the few fragments found were mostly grouped below 50 μm. Exposure by inhalation of MPs in adults was estimated between 1.7 × 102-1.6 × 103 MP/kg/day, while by ingestion it ranged between 2.7 × 102-2.4 × 103 MPs/kg/day. On the other hand, within our research, a significant presence of non-plastic microparticles was found, which reached up to 69% in analyzed samples, corresponding mainly to cotton and cellulose, so we suggest that these should also be included in future studies that aim to estimate potential health implications from exposure to suspended micropollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Patricia Abad-López
- Grupo de Investigación de Fotoquímica y Fotobiología, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Número 8-49, Puerto Colombia, 081001, Colombia
| | - Karollayn Karina Orozco-Pérez
- Grupo de Investigación de Fotoquímica y Fotobiología, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Número 8-49, Puerto Colombia, 081001, Colombia; Grupo de Investigación Ciencias, Educación y Tecnología-CETIC, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Número 8-49, Puerto Colombia, 081001, Colombia
| | - Victoria A Arana
- Grupo de Investigación Ciencias, Educación y Tecnología-CETIC, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Número 8-49, Puerto Colombia, 081001, Colombia
| | - Carlos David Grande-Tovar
- Grupo de Investigación de Fotoquímica y Fotobiología, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Número 8-49, Puerto Colombia, 081001, Colombia.
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4
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Chen Y, Meng Y, Liu G, Huang X, Chai G. Probabilistic Estimation of Airborne Micro- and Nanoplastic Intake in Humans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:9071-9081. [PMID: 38748887 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Little research exists on the magnitude, variability, and uncertainty of human exposure to airborne micro- and nanoplastics (AMNPs), despite their critical role in human exposure to MNPs. We probabilistically estimate the global intake of AMNPs through three main pathways: indoor inhalation, outdoor inhalation, and ingestion during indoor meals, for both children and adults. The median inhalation of AMPs is 1,207.7 (90% CI, 42.5-8.48 × 104) and 1,354.7 (90% CI, 47.4-9.55 × 104) N/capita/day for children and adults, respectively. The annual intake of AMPs is 13.18 mg/capita/a for children and 19.10 mg/capita/a for adults, which is approximately one-fifth and one-third of the mass of a standard stamp, assuming a consistent daily intake of medians. The majority of AMP number intake occurs through inhalation, while the ingestion of deposited AMPs during meals contributes the most in terms of mass. Furthermore, the median ANP intake through outdoor inhalation is 9,638.1 N/day (8.23 × 10-6 μg/d) and 5,410.6 N/day (4.62 × 10-6 μg/d) for children and adults, respectively, compared to 5.30 × 105 N/day (5.79 × 10-4 μg/d) and 6.00 × 105 N/day (6.55 × 10-4 μg/d) via indoor inhalation. Considering the increased toxicity of smaller MNPs, the significant number of ANPs inhaled warrants great attention. Collaborative efforts are imperative to further elucidate and combat the current MPN risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yuchuan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Guodong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Xiaohua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Guangming Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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5
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Vojnits K, de León A, Rathore H, Liao S, Zhao M, Gibon J, Pakpour S. ROS-dependent degeneration of human neurons induced by environmentally relevant levels of micro- and nanoplastics of diverse shapes and forms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134017. [PMID: 38518696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Our study explores the pressing issue of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) inhalation and their subsequent penetration into the brain, highlighting a significant environmental health concern. We demonstrate that MNPs can indeed penetrate murine brain, warranting further investigation into their neurotoxic effects in humans. We then proceed to test the impact of MNPs at environmentally relevant concentrations, with focusing on variations in size and shape. Our findings reveal that these MNPs induce oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and neurodegeneration in human neurons, with cortical neurons being more susceptible than nociceptors. Furthermore, we examine the role of biofilms on MNPs, demonstrating that MNPs can serve as a vehicle for pathogenic biofilms that significantly exacerbate these neurotoxic effects. This sequence of investigations reveals that minimal MNPs accumulation can cause oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in human neurons, significantly risking brain health and highlights the need to understand the neurological consequences of inhaling MNPs. Overall, our developed in vitro testing battery has significance in elucidating the effects of environmental factors and their associated pathological mechanisms in human neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Vojnits
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Andrés de León
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada; Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Harneet Rathore
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Sophia Liao
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Zhao
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Julien Gibon
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada; Office of Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sepideh Pakpour
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.
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Chandra S, Walsh KB. Microplastics in water: Occurrence, fate and removal. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 264:104360. [PMID: 38729026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104360] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
A global study on tap water samples has found that up to 83% of these contained microplastic fibres. These findings raise concerns about their potential health risks. Ingested microplastic particles have already been associated with harmful effects in animals, which raise concerns about similar outcomes in humans. Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, commonly found disposed in landfills and waste sites. Within indoor environments, the common sources are synthetic textiles, plastic bottles, and packaging. From the various point sources, they are globally distributed through air and water and can enter humans through various pathways. The finding of microplastics in fresh snow in the Antarctic highlights just how widely they are dispersed. The behaviour and health risks from microplastic particles are strongly influenced by their physicochemical properties, which is why their surfaces are important. Surface interactions are also important in pollutant transport via adsorption onto the microplastic particles. Our review covers the latest findings in microplastics research including the latest statistics in their abundance, their occurrence and fate in the environment, the methods of reducing microplastics exposure and their removal. We conclude by proposing future research directions into more effective remediation methods including new technologies and sustainable green remediation methods that need to be explored to achieve success in microplastics removal from waters at large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaneel Chandra
- College of Science and Sustainability, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton North, QLD 4702, Australia; Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre, Central Queensland University, Gladstone Marina Campus, Bryan Jordan Drive, Gladstone, QLD 4680, Australia.
| | - Kerry B Walsh
- College of Science and Sustainability, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton North, QLD 4702, Australia
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7
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Iordachescu L, Rullander G, Lykkemark J, Dalahmeh S, Vollertsen J. An integrative analysis of microplastics in spider webs and road dust in an urban environment-webbed routes and asphalt Trails. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 359:121064. [PMID: 38703647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucian Iordachescu
- Aalborg University, Section of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of the Built Environment, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220, Aalborg Øst, Denmark.
| | - Gabriella Rullander
- Uppsala University, Department of Earth Sciences, Villavägen 16, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jeanette Lykkemark
- Aalborg University, Section of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of the Built Environment, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220, Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Sahar Dalahmeh
- Uppsala University, Department of Earth Sciences, Villavägen 16, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - 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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8
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Perera K, Ziajahromi S, Nash SB, Leusch FDL. Evaluating the retention of airborne microplastics on plant leaf: Influence of leaf morphology. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123673. [PMID: 38423270 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123673] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Airborne microplastics (AMPs) have been identified in both indoor and outdoor environments and account for a large portion of an individual's daily exposure to microplastics. Thus, it is crucial to find effective methods to capture and control the levels of AMPs and ultimately reduce human exposure. While terrestrial plants have been recognized for their effectiveness in capturing airborne particles, little is known about their ability to capture AMPs. This study investigated the ability of 8 natural plant species and 2 artificial plants to capture AMPs, as well as the influence of leaf morphology on this retention. Plant leaves were exposed to AMPs for two weeks, and deposited AMPs were characterized using a Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared (μ-FTIR)spectroscopy. Selected cleaned leaves were further digested, and the presence of subsurface AMPs was confirmed using μ-Raman spectroscopy. Results revealed that AMPs were retained on the leaves of all selected plant species at concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 0.87 n/cm2. The highest average concentration was observed on an artificial plant with fenestrated leaves, followed by natural plant species with trichomes and leaflets. The lowest concentration was observed on a natural plant with smooth leaves. The majority (90%) of retained AMPs were fibres, and the remaining were fragments. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the prominent polymer type. Additionally, AMP fragments were observed in the leaf subsurface in one selected species, likely retained within the leaf cuticles. The results suggest that plant leaves can indiscriminately retain AMPs on their surfaces and act as temporary sinks for AMPs. Additionally, indoor plants may provide a useful functional role in reducing indoor AMP concentrations, although longer-term studies are needed to ascertain their retention capacity more accurately over time and to evaluate the capability of indoor plants to act as a suitable, cost-effective candidate for reducing AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kushani Perera
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld, 4222, Australia.
| | - Shima Ziajahromi
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld, 4222, Australia
| | - Susan Bengtson Nash
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld, 4222, Australia
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld, 4222, Australia
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Tan H, Othman MHD, Chong WT, Kek HY, Wong SL, Nyakuma BB, Mong GR, Wahab RA, Wong KY. Turning plastics/microplastics into valuable resources? Current and potential research for future applications. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 356:120644. [PMID: 38522274 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120644] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials, mainly consisting of polymers. The use of plastics has increased to over 300 million metric tonnes in recent years, and by 2050, it is expected to grow to 800 million. Presently, a mere 10% of plastic waste is recycled, with approximately 75% ended up in landfills. Inappropriate disposal of plastic waste into the environment poses a threat to human lives and marine species. Therefore, this review article highlights potential routes for converting plastic/microplastic waste into valuable resources to promote a greener and more sustainable environment. The literature review revealed that plastics/microplastics (P/MP) could be recycled or upcycled into various products or materials via several innovative processes. For example, P/MP are recycled and utilized as anodes in lithium-ion (Li-ion) and sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries. The anode in Na-ion batteries comprising PP carbon powder exhibits a high reversible capacity of ∼340 mAh/g at 0.01 A/g current state. In contrast, integrating Fe3O4 and PE into a Li-ion battery yielded an excellent capacity of 1123 mAh/g at 0.5 A/g current state. Additionally, recycled Nylon displayed high physical and mechanical properties necessary for excellent application as 3D printing material. Induction heating is considered a revolutionary pyrolysis technique with improved yield, efficiency, and lower energy utilization. Overall, P/MPs are highlighted as abundant resources for the sustainable production of valuable products and materials such as batteries, nanomaterials, graphene, and membranes for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyi Tan
- Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, University Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknlogi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Wen Tong Chong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hong Yee Kek
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Syie Luing Wong
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Bemgba Bevan Nyakuma
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Computing, Pen Resource University, P. M. B. 08, Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria
| | - Guo Ren Mong
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia, 43900, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Keng Yinn Wong
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia; Process Systems Engineering Centre (PROSPECT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
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Tuttle E, Wiman C, Muñoz S, Law KL, Stubbins A. Sunlight-Driven Photochemical Removal of Polypropylene Microplastics from Surface Waters Follows Linear Kinetics and Does Not Result in Fragmentation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5461-5471. [PMID: 38489752 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Floating microplastics are susceptible to sunlight-driven photodegradation, which can convert plastic carbon to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and can facilitate microplastic fragmentation by mechanical forces. To understand the photochemical fate of sub-millimeter buoyant plastics, ∼0.6 mm polypropylene microplastics were photodegraded while tracking plastic mass, carbon, and particle size distributions. Plastic mass loss and carbon loss followed linear kinetics. At most time points DOC accumulation accounted for under 50% of the total plastic carbon lost. DOC accumulation followed sigmoidal kinetics, not the exponential kinetics previously reported for shorter irradiations. Thus, we suggest that estimates of plastic lifespan based on exponential DOC accumulation are inaccurate. Instead, linear plastic-C mass and plastic mass loss kinetics should be used, and these methods result in longer estimates of photochemical lifetimes for plastics in surface waters. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that photoirradiation produced two distinct patterns of cracking on the particles. However, size distribution analyses indicated that fragmentation was minimal. Instead, the initial population of microplastics shrank in size during irradiations, indicating photoirradiation in tranquil waters (i.e., without mechanical forcing) dissolved sub-millimeter plastics without fragmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Tuttle
- Department of Biological and Physical Sciences, Assumption University, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609, United States
| | - Charlotte Wiman
- Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Samuel Muñoz
- Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Kara Lavender Law
- Sea Education Association, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02540, United States
| | - Aron Stubbins
- Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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11
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Kek HY, Tan H, Othman MHD, Nyakuma BB, Ho WS, Sheng DDCV, Kang HS, Chan YT, Lim NHAS, Leng PC, Wahab NHA, Wong KY. Critical review on airborne microplastics: An indoor air contaminant of emerging concern. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 245:118055. [PMID: 38154562 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.118055] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Airborne Microplastics (MPs), an emerging environmental issue, have gained recent attention due to their newfound presence in indoor environments. Utilizing the Web of Science database for literature collection, the paper presents a comprehensive review of airborne MPs including emission sources, assessment methods, exposure risks, and mitigation strategies. This review delves into the diverse sources and mechanisms influencing indoor airborne MP pollution, underscoring the complex interplay between human activities, ventilation systems, and the characteristics of indoor environments. Major sources include the abrasion of synthetic textiles and the deterioration of flooring materials, with factors like carpeting, airflow, and ventilation significantly impacting MP levels. Human activities, such as increased movement in indoor spaces and the intensive use of plastic-based personal protective equipment (PPE) post-pandemic, notably elevate indoor MP concentrations. The potential health impacts of airborne MPs are increasingly concerning, with evidence suggesting their role in respiratory, immune, and nervous system diseases. Despite this, there is a scarcity of information on MPs in diverse indoor environments and the inhalation risks associated with the frequent use of PPE. This review also stresses the importance of developing effective strategies to reduce MP emissions, such as employing HEPA-filtered vacuums, minimizing the use of synthetic textiles, and enhancing indoor ventilation. Several future research directions were proposed, including detailed temporal analyses of indoor MP levels, interactions of MP with other atmospheric pollutants, the transport dynamics of inhalable MPs (≤10 μm), and comprehensive human exposure risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yee Kek
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Huiyi Tan
- Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Bemgba Bevan Nyakuma
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Computing, Pen Resource University, P. M. B. 086, Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria
| | - Wai Shin Ho
- Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | | | - Hooi Siang Kang
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia; Marine Technology Centre, Institute for Vehicle System & Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Yoon Tung Chan
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | | | - Pau Chung Leng
- Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | | | - Keng Yinn Wong
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
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12
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Chen Y, Jing S, Wang Y, Song Z, Xie L, Shang X, Fu H, Yang X, Wang H, Wu M, Chen Y, Li Q, Zhang Y, Wang W, Zhang L, Wang R, Fang M, Zhang Y, Li W, Zhao D, Li C, Rudich Y, Wang L, Zhang R, Liu W, Wanger TC, Yu S, Chen J. Quantification and Characterization of Fine Plastic Particles as Considerable Components in Atmospheric Fine Particles. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4691-4703. [PMID: 38323401 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The negative effects of air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5, particles with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm), on human health, climate, and ecosystems are causing significant concern. Nevertheless, little is known about the contributions of emerging pollutants such as plastic particles to PM2.5 due to the lack of continuous measurements and characterization methods for atmospheric plastic particles. Here, we investigated the levels of fine plastic particles (FPPs) in PM2.5 collected in urban Shanghai at a 2 h resolution by using a novel versatile aerosol concentration enrichment system that concentrates ambient aerosols up to 10-fold. The FPPs were analyzed offline using the combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques that distinguished FPPs from other carbon-containing particles. The average FPP concentrations of 5.6 μg/m3 were observed, and the ratio of FPPs to PM2.5 was 13.2% in this study. The FPP sources were closely related to anthropogenic activities, which pose a potential threat to ecosystems and human health. Given the dramatic increase in plastic production over the past 70 years, this study calls for better quantification and control of FPP pollution in the atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqian Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Siyuan Jing
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Sustainable Agricultural Systems & Engineering Laboratory, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yanting Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhe Song
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lifang Xie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiaona Shang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China
| | - Hongbo Fu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiaodong Yang
- Thermo Fisher Scientific China, No. 2517 Jinke Road 27, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Huimin Wang
- Thermo Fisher Scientific China, No. 2517 Jinke Road 27, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Minghuo Wu
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Yinjuan Chen
- Instrumentation and Service Center for Molecular Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Qing Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Liwu Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Mingliang Fang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yuzhong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Weijun Li
- School of Earth Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Defeng Zhao
- IRDR International Center of Excellence on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Chunlin Li
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Yinon Rudich
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Lin Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Renhe Zhang
- IRDR International Center of Excellence on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Weiping Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Thomas C Wanger
- Sustainable Agricultural Systems & Engineering Laboratory, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China
- China Rice Network, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Global Agroforestry Network, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Shaocai Yu
- School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Jianmin Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- IRDR International Center of Excellence on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Institute of Eco-Chongming (IEC), 3663 N. Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
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13
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Luo D, Chu X, Wu Y, Wang Z, Liao Z, Ji X, Ju J, Yang B, Chen Z, Dahlgren R, Zhang M, Shang X. Micro- and nano-plastics in the atmosphere: A review of occurrence, properties and human health risks. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133412. [PMID: 38218034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133412] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitous occurrence of micro/nano plastics (MNPs) poses potential threats to ecosystem and human health that have attracted broad concerns in recent decades. Detection of MNPs in several remote regions has implicated atmospheric transport as an important pathway for global dissemination of MNPs and hence as a global health risk. In this review, the latest research progress on (1) sampling and detection; (2) origin and characteristics; and (3) transport and fate of atmospheric MNPs was summarized. Further, the current status of exposure risks and toxicological effects from inhaled atmospheric MNPs on human health is examined. Due to limitations in sampling and identification methodologies, the study of atmospheric nanoplastics is very limited today. The large spatial variation of atmospheric MNP concentrations reported worldwide makes it difficult to compare the overall indoor and outdoor exposure risks. Several in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological studies demonstrate adverse effects of immune response, apoptosis and oxidative stress caused by MNP inhalation that may induce cardiovascular diseases and reproductive and developmental abnormalities. Given the emerging importance of atmospheric MNPs, the establishment of standardized sampling-pretreatment-detection protocols and comprehensive toxicological studies are critical to advance environmental and health risk assessments of atmospheric MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Luo
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xinyun Chu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhenfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhonglu Liao
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xiaoliang Ji
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jingjuan Ju
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Pingyang County Health Inspection Center, Wenzhou 325405, China.
| | - Zheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Randy Dahlgren
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Minghua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Xu Shang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
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14
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Kaushik A, Gupta P, Kumar A, Saha M, Varghese E, Shukla G, Suresh K, Gunthe SS. Identification and physico-chemical characterization of microplastics in marine aerosols over the northeast Arabian Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168705. [PMID: 38000750 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the atmosphere can undergo long-range transport from emission regions to pristine terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems. Due to their inherent toxic and hazardous characteristics, MPs pose serious risks to both human well-being and the equilibrium of ecosystem. The present study outlines the comprehensive characterization, spanning physical and chemical attributes of MPs associated with atmospheric aerosols. Total suspended particulates (TSPs) were collected on a quartz fibre filter by operating a high-volume sampler for 24 h during distinct years (March, 2016 and November, 2020) at a coastal location in the northeast Arabian Sea. Subsequent to the sampling, a series of techniques were applied including density separation. The assessment and scrutiny of the MPs was carried out using stereo-zoom microscopy with supplementary validation using advanced fluorescence microscopy for enhanced precision in identification. Our comparative assessment suggests peroxide treatment followed by density separation could be a robust procedure for the definitive identification and characterization of MPs in the atmosphere. Average total abundance of MPs was found to be 1.30 ± 0.14 n/m3 in 2016 and 1.46 ± 0.12 n/m3 in 2020 with fibres, fragments and films having similar relative contributions (41 %, 31 %, 28 % in 2016 and 40 %, 35 %, 25 % in 2020). Fibres were found to be dominant morphotype followed by fragments and films over the coastal region of the Arabian Sea. In order to unravel the detailed chemical nature of these MPs, spectral analysis using μ-FTIR was carried out. The outcome of the analysis showed prevailing polymers as polyvinyl chloride and polymethyl methacrylate (50545 %) as dominant polymers followed by polyester (15 %), styrene butyl methacrylate (11 %), and polyacetal (9 %). MPs present in the vicinity of the Arabian Sea have potential to supply nutrients and toxicants, consequently can contribute to the modulation of the surface water biogeochemical processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankush Kaushik
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India
| | - Priyansha Gupta
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Ashwini Kumar
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Mahua Saha
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Emil Varghese
- Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India; Centre for Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Garima Shukla
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - K Suresh
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Physical Research Laboratory, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380 009, India
| | - Sachin S Gunthe
- Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India; Centre for Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
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15
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Ziajahromi S, Slynkova N, Dwyer J, Griffith M, Fernandes M, Jaeger JE, Leusch FDL. Comprehensive assessment of microplastics in Australian biosolids: Abundance, seasonal variation and potential transport to agroecosystems. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 250:121071. [PMID: 38171181 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.121071] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Striving towards a circular economy, the application of treated sewage sludge (biosolids) to land is an opportunity to improve the condition of the soil and add essential nutrients, in turn reducing the need for fertilisers. However, there is an increasing concern about microplastic (MP) contamination of biosolids and their transport to terrestrial ecosystems. In Australia, agriculture is the largest biosolids end-user, however, there is limited understanding of MPs in Australian biosolids. Also, while the method to isolate MPs from biosolid is established, a need to extract and analyse MPs more efficiently is still pressing. In this study, we comprehensively quantified and characterised MPs in 146 biosolids samples collected from thirteen wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) including different seasons. We have optimised an oxidative-enzymatic purification method to overcome current limitations for MP identification in complex samples and accurately report MPs in biosolids. This method enabled removal of >93 % of dry weight of organic material and greatly facilitated the MPs instrumental analysis. The concentration of MPs (>20 µm) in all biosolids samples ranged from 11 to 150 MPs/g dry weight. Abundance of MPs was affected by seasons with higher abundance of MPs usually found during cold and wet seasons. Despite seasonal variations, polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane and polymethyl methacrylate were the most abundant polymers. Smaller MPs (20 to 200 µm) comprised >70 % of all detected MPs with a clear negative linear relationship observed between MP size and abundance. Per capita concentration of MPs in biosolids across all studied WWTPs was 0.7 to 21 g MPs per person per year. Therefore, biosolids are an important sink and source of MPs to agroecosystems, emphasising the need to more comprehensively understand the fate, impact and risks associated with MPs on agricultural soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Ziajahromi
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport QLD 4222, Australia.
| | | | | | | | - Milena Fernandes
- South Australian Water Corporation, SA 5000, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Julia E Jaeger
- Eurofins Environment Testing Australia, VIC 3175, Australia
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport QLD 4222, Australia
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16
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Li P, Liu J. Micro(nano)plastics in the Human Body: Sources, Occurrences, Fates, and Health Risks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38315819 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The increasing global attention on micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) is a result of their ubiquity in the water, air, soil, and biosphere, exposing humans to MNPs on a daily basis and threatening human health. However, crucial data on MNPs in the human body, including the sources, occurrences, behaviors, and health risks, are limited, which greatly impedes any systematic assessment of their impact on the human body. To further understand the effects of MNPs on the human body, we must identify existing knowledge gaps that need to be immediately addressed and provide potential solutions to these issues. Herein, we examined the current literature on the sources, occurrences, and behaviors of MNPs in the human body as well as their potential health risks. Furthermore, we identified key knowledge gaps that must be resolved to comprehensively assess the effects of MNPs on human health. Additionally, we addressed that the complexity of MNPs and the lack of efficient analytical methods are the main barriers impeding current investigations on MNPs in the human body, necessitating the development of a standard and unified analytical method. Finally, we highlighted the need for interdisciplinary studies from environmental, biological, medical, chemical, computer, and material scientists to fill these knowledge gaps and drive further research. Considering the inevitability and daily occurrence of human exposure to MNPs, more studies are urgently required to enhance our understanding of their potential negative effects on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jingfu Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
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17
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Jiang J, Ren H, Wang X, Liu B. Pollution characteristics and potential health effects of airborne microplastics and culturable microorganisms during urban haze in Harbin, China. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 393:130132. [PMID: 38040302 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.130132] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
In this study, active sampling technology was used to collect microplastics (MPs) and microorganisms simultaneously on haze days in Harbin, China. Airborne MPs concentrations in Junior high school (162.4 ± 44.6 particles/m3) with high vehicular and pedestrian traffic was higher than those in University (63.2 ± 21.8 particles/m3) and Park (12.8 ± 5.5 particles/m3). More airborne MPs were detected in the night samples than in the morning and noon samples. The majority (69.06 %) of airborne MPs measured less than 100 μm, with fibers (69.4 %) being the predominant form. Polyesters and polyethylene were the dominant polymers. In addition, airborne MPs concentrations were positively correlated with microorganisms and PM10 concentrations, and the health hazards associated with microorganisms and MPs exposure via inhalation far exceeded those associated with skin contact, which can serve as a theoretical foundation for considering MPs as indicators of air quality in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Huanghe Road 73, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Hongyu Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Huanghe Road 73, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Huanghe Road 73, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Bingfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Huanghe Road 73, Harbin 150090, China.
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18
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Sharaf Din K, Khokhar MF, Butt SI, Qadir A, Younas F. Exploration of microplastic concentration in indoor and outdoor air samples: Morphological, polymeric, and elemental analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168398. [PMID: 37952657 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitously pervasive throughout the environment, but unlike aquatic and terrestrial microplastics, airborne microplastics have received less scientific attention. This study is the first of its kind to explicitly examine microplastics in the indoor and outdoor air (PM2.5) samples collected using active air samplers in Islamabad, Pakistan. The suspected synthetic particles were analyzed using ATR-FTIR, μ-Raman and SEM-EDX to categorize them based on their morphological characteristics, polymeric composition, and elemental makeup. Microplastics were found in all indoor and outdoor air samples, with indoor air samples (4.34 ± 1.93 items/m3) being significantly more contaminated than outdoor air samples (0.93 ± 0.32 items/m3) (P < 0.001). Among all the indoor air samples, samples taken from classroom (6.12 ± 0.51 items/m3) were more contaminated than samples taken from hallway (4.94 ± 0.78 items/m3) and laboratory (1.96 ± 0.44 items/m3). Fibers were found to be the prevalent shape type in indoor and outdoor airborne microplastics followed by fragments. Transparent- and black colored microplastic particles were predominant in both indoor and outdoor air samples. According to ATR-FTIR analysis, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) were the most prevalent polymer types in both indoor and outdoor environments. Results from μ-Raman analysis corroborated the presence of the polymers identified by ATR-FTIR. Morphological analysis of particles by SEM indicated signs of weathering on particles' surface i.e., grooves, breaks, shredded edges, pits etc. SEM-EDX of randomly chosen particles unraveled the presence of C and O as core elements, along with the presence of heavy metals at some spots due to foreign material adhering to their surface. Correlation analysis of environmental factors i.e., PM2.5, relative humidity, temperature, and wind speed with MPs abundance revealed non-significant relationships. The findings of this study call for further research on airborne MPs to better comprehend their dispersion, toxicity, interactions with other air pollutants, and attributable health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadija Sharaf Din
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), SCEE, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Fahim Khokhar
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), SCEE, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Shahid Ikramullah Butt
- Department of design and manufacturing Engineering (DME), SMME, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Qadir
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Farhan Younas
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Science (CIRBS), Faculty of Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
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19
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Zhao C, Liang J, Zhu M, Zheng S, Zhao Y, Sun X. Occurrence, characteristics, and factors influencing the atmospheric microplastics around Jiaozhou Bay, the Yellow Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115568. [PMID: 37783164 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115568] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric microplastics are attracting increasing attention as an emerging pollutant. However, research on its characteristics and influencing factors is insufficient. This study examines the characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of atmospheric microplastics around Jiaozhou Bay, the Yellow Sea. The results showed that the dominant shapes of microplastic were fragments (61.9 %) and fibers (25.6 %), and the main types were polyethylene terephthalate (23.8 %), polyethylene (31.6 %) and cellulose (rayon, 34.9 %). The deposition rate of microplastic varied from 8.395 to 80.114 items·m-2·d-1, with a mean of 46.708 ± 21.316 items·m-2·d-1. The deposition rate was higher in the dry season than in the rainy season, indicating the influence of weather condition. The annual mass of atmospheric microplastics entering the bay was estimated to be 7.612 ± 3.474 tons. For the first time, this study reveals that atmospheric microplastics in Jiaozhou Bay change spatiotemporally due to monsoons, which pose a potential threat to marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhao Zhao
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junhua Liang
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Laoshan Laboratory, 266237, PR China
| | - Mingliang Zhu
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Laoshan Laboratory, 266237, PR China
| | - Shan Zheng
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Laoshan Laboratory, 266237, PR China
| | - Yongfang Zhao
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Laoshan Laboratory, 266237, PR China
| | - Xiaoxia Sun
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Laoshan Laboratory, 266237, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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20
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Zhou G, Wu Q, Wei XF, Chen C, Ma J, Crittenden JC, Liu B. Tracing microplastics in rural drinking water in Chongqing, China: Their presence and pathways from source to tap. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132206. [PMID: 37543018 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132206] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the significant attention given to microplastics in urban areas, our understanding of microplastics in rural drinking water systems is still limited. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the presence and pathways of microplastics in rural drinking water system, including reservoir, water treatment plant (WTP), and tap water of end-users. The results showed that the treatment processes in the WTP, including coagulation-sedimentation, sand-granular active carbon filtration, and ultrafiltration, completely removed microplastics from the influent. However, the microplastic abundance increased during pipe transport from WTP to residents' homes, resulting in the presence of 1.4 particles/L of microplastics in tap water. This microplastic increase was also observed during the transportation from the reservoir to the WTP, suggesting that the plastic pipe network is a key source of microplastics in the drinking water system. The main types of polymers were PET, PP, and PE, and plastic breakdown, atmospheric deposition, and surface runoff were considered as their potential sources. Furthermore, this study estimated that rural residents could ingest up to 1034 microplastics annually by drinking 2 L of tap water every day. Overall, these findings provide essential data and preliminary insights into the fate of microplastics in rural drinking water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanyu Zhou
- College of Architecture and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, PR China; Yibin Institute of Industrial Technology, Sichuan University Yibin Park, Yibin, Sichuan 644000, PR China
| | - Qidong Wu
- College of Architecture and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, PR China; Yibin Institute of Industrial Technology, Sichuan University Yibin Park, Yibin, Sichuan 644000, PR China
| | - Xin-Feng Wei
- Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chen Chen
- Litree Purifying Technology Co., Ltd, Haikou, Hainan 571126, PR China
| | - Jun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China
| | - John C Crittenden
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 332, USA
| | - Baicang Liu
- College of Architecture and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, PR China; Yibin Institute of Industrial Technology, Sichuan University Yibin Park, Yibin, Sichuan 644000, PR China.
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21
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He B, Shi C, Chen B, Wu H, Goonetilleke A, Liu A. Occurrence and risk associated with urban road-deposited microplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132012. [PMID: 37467610 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
An in-depth understanding of urban road-deposited MPs is important for the accurate prediction of the risk posed by MPs in different exposure scenarios. This study provides new insights into the intrinsic/extrinsic factors in terms of the variability of concentration and species in urban road-deposited MPs. The study results confirmed that a considerable abundance of road-deposited MPs can be identified with the average concentration ranging from 0.33 to 3.64 g m-2. Land use types and sediment particle size are the important factors that contribute to MPs abundance. The majority of detected MPs including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are mainly derived from anthropogenic activities in commercial and residential land uses while rubber MP particles in urban road surfaces are mainly derived from tyre wear. The significant correlation (p < 0.05) between MPs and fine dust particles (< 150 µm) indicated the high affinity of small dust particles for MPs. The risk scores from MPs varied greatly from 10 to 11,000 among the study sites, which indicated the significant spatial variation of potential environmental risks posed by road-deposited MPs. The hotspots of risks posed by MPs were in areas with a high fraction of industrial, commercial and residential land uses. Specifically, the highest risk from MPs was found in mixed industrial and residential areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei He
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Chenhao Shi
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Bocheng Chen
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Hao Wu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ashantha Goonetilleke
- Faculty of Engineering, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), P.O. Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia
| | - An Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
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22
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Wright S, Levermore J, Ishikawa Y. Application of Infrared and Near-Infrared Microspectroscopy to Microplastic Human Exposure Measurements. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2023; 77:1105-1128. [PMID: 37792505 PMCID: PMC10566227 DOI: 10.1177/00037028231199772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a global issue for the environment and human health. The potential for human exposure to microplastic through drinking water, dust, food, and air raises concern, since experimental in vitro and in vivo toxicology studies suggest there is a level of hazard associated with high microplastic concentrations. However, to infer the likelihood of hazards manifesting in the human population, a robust understanding of exposure concentrations is needed. Infrared and near-infrared microspectroscopies have routinely been used to analyze microplastic in different exposure matrices (air, dust, food, and water), with technological advances coupling multivariate and machine learning algorithms to spectral data. This focal point article will highlight the application of infrared and Raman modes of spectroscopy to detect, characterize, and quantify microplastic particles, with a focus on human exposure to microplastic. Methodologies and state-of-the-art approaches will be reported and potential confounding variables and challenges in microplastic analysis discussed. The article provides an up-to-date review of the literature on microplastic exposure measurement using (near) infrared spectroscopies as an analytical tool, highlighting the recent advances in this rapidly advancing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Wright
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London UK
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London UK
| | - Joseph Levermore
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London UK
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London UK
| | - Yukari Ishikawa
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London UK
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London UK
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23
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Chen C, Liu F, Quan S, Chen L, Shen A, Jiao A, Qi H, Yu G. Microplastics in the Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Chinese Children: Associations with Age, City Development, and Disease Features. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:12594-12601. [PMID: 37578997 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
This study characterized the occurrence patterns of microplastics (MPs) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of children with pulmonary diseases. MPs were detected in 89.6% of BALF samples with an average of 4.31 ± 2.77 items/10 mL, supporting the hypothesis that inhalation is a significant pathway of airborne MP exposure to pediatric lungs. Inhaled MPs were predominantly composed of 10 polymer types [e.g., polypropylene (41.9%), polyethylene (19.4%), and polyester (13.6%)], with the majority being smaller than 20 μm. MP levels in BALF exhibited a negative correlation with children's age, probably owing to the preferential crawling and tumbling actions in indoor environments and underdeveloped immune systems of young children. Participants living in urban areas suffered from higher pulmonary MP exposure, likely due to higher environmental levels, compared with suburban/rural residents (P < 0.05). Although no significant differences were found between MP levels in pediatric lungs with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and asthma (P > 0.05), the severe CAP group displayed significantly higher MP contamination than the nonsevere group (P < 0.05), indicating that some yet undiscovered relationship(s) between inhaled MPs and pediatric pulmonary diseases may exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunzhao Chen
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- School of Environment, Beijing Key Laboratory for Emerging Organic Contaminants Control, Beijing Laboratory of Environmental Frontier Technologies, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Interventional Pulmonology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Shuting Quan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Infection Diseases, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Lanqin Chen
- Respiratory Department, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, China National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Diseases, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Adong Shen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Infection Diseases, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Anxia Jiao
- Department of Interventional Pulmonology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Hui Qi
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Infection Diseases, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Gang Yu
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519000, China
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24
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Sheng XY, Lai YJ, Yu SJ, Li QC, Zhou QX, Liu JF. Quantitation of Atmospheric Suspended Polystyrene Nanoplastics by Active Sampling Prior to Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37428629 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic has been demonstrated to release nanoplastics (NPs) into the atmosphere under sunlight irradiation, posing a continuous health risk to the respiratory system. However, due to lack of reliable quantification methods, the occurrence and distribution of NPs in the atmosphere remain unclear. Polystyrene (PS) micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) represent a crucial component of atmospheric MNPs. In this study, we proposed a simple and robust method for determining the concentration of atmospheric PS NPs using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Following active sampling, the filter membrane is directly ground and introduced into the Py-GC/MS system to quantify PS NPs. The proposed method demonstrates excellent reproducibility and high sensitivity, with a detection limit as low as down to 15 pg/m3 for PS NPs. By using this method, the occurrence of PS NPs in both indoor and outdoor atmospheres has been confirmed. Furthermore, the results showed that the abundance of outdoor PS NPs was significantly higher than that of indoor samples, and there was no significant difference in NP vertical distribution within a height of 28.6 m. This method can be applied for the routine monitoring of atmospheric PS NPs and for evaluating their risk to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ying Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, College of Chemical Engineering and Environment, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing 102249, China
| | - Yu-Jian Lai
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Su-Juan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qing-Cun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qing-Xiang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, College of Chemical Engineering and Environment, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing 102249, China
| | - Jing-Fu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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25
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Choudhury A, Simnani FZ, Singh D, Patel P, Sinha A, Nandi A, Ghosh A, Saha U, Kumari K, Jaganathan SK, Kaushik NK, Panda PK, Suar M, Verma SK. Atmospheric microplastic and nanoplastic: The toxicological paradigm on the cellular system. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 259:115018. [PMID: 37216859 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The increasing demand for plastic in our daily lives has led to global plastic pollution. The improper disposal of plastic has resulted in a massive amount of atmospheric microplastics (MPs), which has further resulted in the production of atmospheric nanoplastics (NPs). Because of its intimate relationship with the environment and human health, microplastic and nanoplastic contamination is becoming a problem. Because microplastics and nanoplastics are microscopic and light, they may penetrate deep into the human lungs. Despite several studies demonstrating the abundance of microplastics and nanoplastics in the air, the potential risks of atmospheric microplastics and nanoplastics remain unknown. Because of its small size, atmospheric nanoplastic characterization has presented significant challenges. This paper describes sampling and characterization procedures for atmospheric microplastics and nanoplastics. This study also examines the numerous harmful effects of plastic particles on human health and other species. There is a significant void in research on the toxicity of airborne microplastics and nanoplastics upon inhalation, which has significant toxicological potential in the future. Further study is needed to determine the influence of microplastic and nanoplastic on pulmonary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anmol Choudhury
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | | | - Dibyangshee Singh
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Paritosh Patel
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India; Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, 01897 Seoul, South Korea
| | - Adrija Sinha
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Aditya Nandi
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Aishee Ghosh
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Utsa Saha
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Khushbu Kumari
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Saravana Kumar Jaganathan
- School of Engineering, College of Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Nagendra Kumar Kaushik
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, 01897 Seoul, South Korea
| | - Pritam Kumar Panda
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Box 516, SE-75120 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Mrutyunjay Suar
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India.
| | - Suresh K Verma
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India.
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26
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Leusch FD, Lu HC, Perera K, Neale PA, Ziajahromi S. Analysis of the literature shows a remarkably consistent relationship between size and abundance of microplastics across different environmental matrices. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 319:120984. [PMID: 36587782 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120984] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics come in a variety of shapes, polymer types and sizes. Due to the lack of a harmonised approach to analyse and quantify microplastics, there are huge disparities in size detection limits and size classifications used in the literature. This has caused large variations in reported microplastic data and has made comparing microplastic abundance between studies extremely challenging. Herein, we applied a simple mathematical approach that allows for a meaningful comparison between size and abundance (number of particles) of microplastics irrespective of the size classifications used. This method was validated using two separate datasets (microplastics in air and sediment) and applied to re-analyse 127 publications reporting microplastics in various environmental matrices. We demonstrate a strong negative linear relationship between microplastic concentrations and their sizes with comparable slopes across all matrices. Using this method, it is possible to compare the concentration of microplastics of various sizes between studies. It also allows estimation of the abundance of microplastics of a specific size where data are not available. This enables researchers to predict environmentally relevant concentrations of microplastics (particularly for smaller microplastics) and provide realistic exposure scenarios in future toxicity studies, which will greatly improve our understanding of the risks that microplastics pose to living organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Dl Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, Qld, 4222, Australia.
| | - Hsuan-Cheng Lu
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, Qld, 4222, Australia
| | - Kushani Perera
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, Qld, 4222, Australia
| | - Peta A Neale
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, Qld, 4222, Australia
| | - Shima Ziajahromi
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, Qld, 4222, Australia
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