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Kang M, Bai X, Liu Y, Weng Y, Wang H, Ye Z. Driving Role of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles with Different Sizes and Hydrophobicity in Metabolic Response and Eco-Corona Formation in Sprouts ( Vigna radiata). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:9875-9886. [PMID: 38722770 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c01731] [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: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) cause biotoxicity and pose a potential ecological threat; however, their effects on plant metabolism and eco-corona evolution between NPs and organisms remain unclear. This study clarified the molecular mechanisms underlying physiological and metabolic responses induced by three different ZnO NPs with different sizes and hydrophobicity in sprouts (Vigna radiata) and explored the critical regulation of eco-corona formation in root-nano systems. Results indicated that smaller-sized ZnO inhibited root elongation by up to 37.14% and triggered oxidative burst and apoptosis. Metabolomics confirmed that physiological maintenance after n-ZnO exposure was mainly attributed to the effective stabilization of nitrogen fixation and defense systems by biotransformation of the flavonoid pathway. Larger-sized or hydrophobic group-modified ZnO exhibited low toxicity in sprouts, with 0.89-fold upregulation of citrate in central carbon metabolism. This contributed to providing energy for resistance to NP stress through amino acid and carbon/nitrogen metabolism, accompanied by changes in membrane properties. Notably, smaller-sized and hydrophobic NPs intensely stimulated the release of root metabolites, forming corona complexes with exudates. The hydrogen-bonded wrapping mechanism in protein secondary structure and hydrophobic interactions of heterogeneous functional groups drove eco-corona formation, along with the corona evolution intensity of n-ZnO > s-ZnO > b-ZnO based on higher (α-helix + 3-turn helix)/β-sheet ratios. This study provides crucial insight into metabolic and eco-corona evolution in bionano fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengen Kang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
- Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Yuzhu Weng
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Haoke Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Zhengfang Ye
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China
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Ling X, Lu G, Zhang L, Zhang J, Fu H, Yan Z. Cotransport of nanoplastics and plastic additive bisphenol AF (BPAF) in unsaturated hyporheic zone: Coupling effects of surface functionalization and protein corona. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 256:121574. [PMID: 38593606 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121574] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The ecological risk of combined pollution from microplastics (MPs) and associated contaminants usually depends on their interactions and environmental behavior, which was also disturbed by varying surface modifications of MPs. In this study, the significance of surface functionalization and protein-corona on the cotransport of nanoplastics (NPs; 100 nm) and the related additive bisphenol AF (BPAF) was examined in simulated unsaturated hyporheic zone (quartz sand; 250-425 μm). The electronegative bovine serum albumin (BSA) and electropositive trypsin were chosen as representative proteins, while pristine (PNPs), amino-modified (ANPs), and carboxyl-modified NPs (CNPs) were representative NPs with different charges. The presence of BPAF inhibited the mobility of PNPs/CNPs, but enhanced the release of ANPs in hyporheic zone, which was mainly related to their hydrophobicity changes and electrostatic interactions. Meanwhile, the NPs with high mobility and strong affinity to BPAF became effective carriers, promoting the cotransport of BPAF by 16.4 %-26.4 %. The formation of protein-coronas altered the mobility of NPs alone and their cotransport with BPAF, exhibiting a coupling effect with functional groups. BSA-corona promoted the transport of PNPs/CNPs, but this promoting effect was weakened by the presence of BPAF via increasing particle aggregation and hydrophobicity. Inversely, trypsin-corona aggravated the deposition of PNPs/CNPs, but competition deposition sites and increased energy barrier caused by coexisting BPAF reversed this effect, facilitating the cotransport of trypsin-PNPs/CNPs in hyporheic zone. However, BPAF and protein-coronas synergistically promoted the mobility of ANPs, owing to competition deposition sites and decreased electrostatic attraction. Although all of the NPs with two protein-coronas reduced dissolved BPAF in the effluents via providing deposition sites, the cotransport of total BPAF was improved by the NPs with high mobility (BSA-PNPs/CNPs) or high affinity to BPAF (BSA/trypsin-ANPs). However, the trypsin-PNPs/CNPs inhibited the transport of BPAF due to their weak mobility and adsorption with BPAF. The results provide new insights into the role of varying surface modifications on NPs in the vertical cotransport of NPs and associated contaminants in unsaturated hyporheic zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ling
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Guanghua Lu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Leibo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Heyun Fu
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Zhenhua Yan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China.
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Ompala C, Renault JP, Taché O, Cournède É, Devineau S, Chivas-Joly C. Stability and dispersibility of microplastics in experimental exposure medium and their dimensional characterization by SMLS, SAXS, Raman microscopy, and SEM. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134083. [PMID: 38513443 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The plastic production that contributes to the global plastic reservoir presents a major challenge for society in managing plastic waste and mitigating the environmental damage of microplastic (MP) pollution. In the environment, the formation of biomolecular corona around MPs enhance the stability of MP suspensions, influencing the bioavailability and toxicity of MPs. Essential physical properties including MP stability, dispersibility, agglomeration, and dimensional size must be precisely defined and measured in complex media taking into account the formation of a protein corona. Using static multiple light scattering (SMLS), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), Raman microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we measured the particle size, density, stability, and agglomeration state of polyethylene and polypropylene MPs stabilized in aqueous suspension by BSA. SEM analysis revealed the formation of nanoplastic debris as MP suspensions aged. Our results suggest that protein adsorption favors the formation of secondary nanoplastics, potentially posing an additional threat to ecosystems. This approach provides analytical methodologies by integrating SEM, SMLS, and SAXS, for characterizing MP suspensions and highlights the effect of the protein corona on size measurements of micro/nanoplastics. Our analysis demonstrates the detectability of secondary nanoplastics by SEM, paving the way for monitoring and controlling human exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chardel Ompala
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, NIMBE, 91191 Gif Sur Yvette, France; Laboratoire National de métrologie et d'Essais, Nanometrology, CARMEN Platform, 29 avenue Roger Hennequin, 78197 Trappes Cedex, France
| | | | - Olivier Taché
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, NIMBE, 91191 Gif Sur Yvette, France
| | - Émeline Cournède
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, NIMBE, 91191 Gif Sur Yvette, France
| | - Stéphanie Devineau
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, NIMBE, 91191 Gif Sur Yvette, France; Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, 75013 Paris, France.
| | - Carine Chivas-Joly
- Laboratoire National de métrologie et d'Essais, Nanometrology, CARMEN Platform, 29 avenue Roger Hennequin, 78197 Trappes Cedex, France.
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Shi K, Zhang H, Yang Y, Huang Y, Gao J, Zhang J, Kan G, Jiang Y, Jiang J. Efficient Extraction and Analysis of Nanoplastics by Ionic Liquid-Assisted Cloud-Point Extraction Coupled with Electromagnetic Heating Pyrolysis Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2024; 96:4514-4520. [PMID: 38447135 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c05208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics have attracted much attention due to their potential hazards. However, analysis of nanoplastics remains challenging. In this study, ionic liquid-assisted cloud-point extraction (IL-assisted CPE) was developed to enrich nanoplastics in the aqueous environment and further coupled with electromagnetic heating pyrolysis mass spectrometry. The use of trace ILs improves the extraction efficiency of CPE for nanoplastics. The effects of ILs (types, contents), nanoplastic properties (type, size), and environmental factors (aging time, humic acid content) were systematically investigated to evaluate the applicability. The limits of detection of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) were determined to be 1.78 and 2.67 μg/L, respectively. Real environmental samples including lake water, rainwater, and influent and effluent from wastewater treatment plant were analyzed with good accuracy (79.58-116.87%) and satisfactory precision (RSD ≤ 11.99%). A possible mechanism for ILs being absorbed into the ordered surfactant micellar and generating larger micelles to synergically enclose hydrophobic nanoplastics was proposed. This work provides a simple and efficient approach to the extraction and analysis of nanoplastics in aqueous environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Shi
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, PR China
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, PR China
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, PR China
| | | | - Yuelin Huang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China
| | - Jikun Gao
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China
| | - Jiaqian Zhang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, PR China
| | - Guangfeng Kan
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, PR China
| | - Yanxiao Jiang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, PR China
| | - Jie Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, PR China
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, PR China
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Zhang M, Hou J, Xia J, Wu J, You G, Miao L. Statuses, shortcomings, and outlooks in studying the fate of nanoplastics and engineered nanoparticles in porous media respectively and borrowable sections from engineered nanoparticles for nanoplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 915:169638. [PMID: 38181944 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
This review discussed the research statuses, shortcomings, and outlooks for the fate of nanoplastics (NPs) and engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in porous media and borrowable sections from ENPs for NPs. Firstly, the most important section was that we reviewed the research statuses on the fate of NPs in porous media and the main influencing factors, and explained the influencing mechanisms. Secondly, in order to give NPs a reference of research ideas and influence mechanisms, we also reviewed the research statuses on the fate of ENPs in porous media and the factors and mechanisms influencing the fate. The main mechanisms affecting the transport of ENPs were summarized (Retention or transport modes: advection, diffusion, dispersion, deposition, adsorption, blocking, ripening, and straining; Main forces and actions: Brownian motion, gravity, electrostatic forces, van der Waals forces, hydration, filtration, bridging; Affecting elements of the forces and actions: the ENP and media grain surface functional groups, size, shape, zeta potential, density, hydrophobicity, and roughness). Instead of using the findings of ENPs, thorough study on NPs was required because NPs and ENPs differed greatly. Based on the limited existing studies on the NP transport in porous media, we found that although the conclusions of ENPs could not be applied to NPs, most of the influencing mechanisms summarized from ENPs were applicable to NPs. Combining the research thoughts of ENPs, the research statuses of NPs, and some of our experiences and reflections, we reviewed the shortcomings of the current studies on the NP fate in porous media as well as the outlooks of future research. This review is very meaningful for clarifying the research statuses and influence mechanisms for the NP fate in porous media, as well as providing a great deal of inspiration for future research directions about the NP fate in porous media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Hou
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jun Xia
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoxiang You
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingzhan Miao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
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6
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Du T, Meng R, Qian L, Wang Z, Li T, Wu L. Formation of extracellular polymeric substances corona on TiO 2 nanoparticles: Roles of crystalline phase and exposed facets. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 249:120990. [PMID: 38086209 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120990] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) in the environment can interact with macromolecules in the surrounding environment to form eco-corona on their surfaces, which in turn affects the environmental fate and toxicity of nanoparticles. Wastewater treatment plants containing large amounts of microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are an important source of NPs into the environment, where the formation of EPS coronas on NPs is critical. However, it remains unclear how the crystalline phase and exposed facets, which are intrinsic properties of NPs, affect the formation of EPS coronas on NPs. This study investigated the formation of EPS corona on three TiO2 NPs (representing the most widely used engineered NPs) with different crystalline phases and exposed facets. The protein type and abundance in EPS coronas on TiO2 NPs varied depending on the crystalline phase and exposed facets. Anatase with {101} facets and {001} facets preferred to adsorb proteins with lower molecular weights and higher H-bonding relevant amino acids, respectively, while EPS corona on rutile with {110} facets had proteins with higher hydrophobicity. In addition, the selective adsorption of proteins was primarily determined by steric hindrance, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interaction between TiO2 NPs and proteins, which were affected by changes in aggregation state, surface hydroxyl density, and hydrophobicity of TiO2 NPs induced by crystalline phase and exposed facets. Moreover, crystalline phase and exposed facets-induced EPS corona changes altered the aggregation state and oxidation potential of TiO2-EPS corona complexes. These findings emphasize the important role of crystalline phase and exposed facets in the environmental behavior of nanoparticles and may provide insights into the safe design of nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Du
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Ru Meng
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Liwen Qian
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Ziyan Wang
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Tong Li
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Lijun Wu
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
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Wang J, Zhang X, Li X, Wang Z. Exposure pathways, environmental processes and risks of micro (nano) plastics to crops and feasible control strategies in agricultural regions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132269. [PMID: 37607458 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) pollution may adversely impact agricultural ecosystems, threatening the sustainability and security of agricultural production. This drives an urgent need to comprehensively understand the environmental behavior and effects of MPs/NPs in soil and atmosphere in agricultural regions, and to seek relevant pollution prevention strategies. The rhizosphere and phyllosphere are the interfaces where crops are exposed to MPs/NPs. The environmental behavior of MPs/NPs in soil and atmosphere, especially in the rhizosphere and phyllosphere, determines their plant accessibility, bioavailability and ecotoxicity. This article comprehensively reviews the transformation and migration of MPs/NPs in soil, transportation and deposition in the atmosphere, environmental behavior and effects in the rhizosphere and phyllosphere, and plant uptake and transportation pathways. The article also summarizes the key factors controlling MPs/NPs environmental processes, including their properties, biotic and abiotic factors. Based on the sources, environmental processes and intake risks of MPs/NPs in agroecosystems, the article offers several feasible pollution prevention and risk management options. Finally, the review highlights the need for further research on MPs/NPs in agro-systems, including developing quantitative detection methods, exploring transformation and migration patterns in-situ soil, monitoring long-term field experiments, and establishing pollution prevention and control systems. This review can assist in improving our understanding of the biogeochemistry behavior of MPs/NPs in the soil-plant-atmosphere system and provide a roadmap for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaokai Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaona Li
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
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Duan L, Qin Y, Meng X, Liu Y, Zhang T, Chen W. Sulfide- and UV-induced aging differentially affect contaminant-binding properties of microplastics derived from commercial plastic products. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161800. [PMID: 36708829 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics in the environments can undergo various aging processes that alter their physicochemical properties and consequently their affinities for environmental contaminants. Here, we compare the effects of sulfide-induced aging (a common process in anoxic environments) and UV-induced aging on contaminant binding of polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics derived from commercial plastic products. The two aging processes differentially affect adsorption of pyrene (a model nonionic, nonpolar organic) and ciprofloxacin (CIP, a zwitterion under the conditions tested) by modulating the hydrophobicity, surface charges and polarity of the microplastics to different extents. The effects of the two treatments on Cd(II) adsorption correlate well with their modulation on ζ potential and surface (O + S)/C ratio of the microplastics. For all three microplastics sulfide treatment results in stronger adsorption of Cr(VI) and its subsequent conversion to Cr(III) than does UV treatment, as the thiol groups formed during sulfide treatment strongly regulate the complexation and reduction of Cr(VI). Notably, both sulfide and UV treatments result in the flattening of the PET microplastics, significantly enhancing the adsorption of all four contaminants, by increasing surface area for adsorption. The findings of this study further underline the importance of understanding environmental aging/weathering processes of microplastics, particularly, those readily occur in anoxic environments but were previously not well studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Duan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yiyuan Qin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xin Meng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yaqi Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Wei Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China.
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Zhao Z, Li H, Yao J, Lan J, Bao Y, Zhao L, Zong W, Zhang Q, Hollert H, Zhao X. Binding of Tetrabromobisphenol A and S to Human Serum Albumin Is Weakened by Coexisting Nanoplastics and Environmental Kosmotropes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:4464-4470. [PMID: 36893289 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Human serum albumin (HSA) was used as a model protein to explore the effects of brominated flame retardant (BFR) binding and the corona formation on polystyrene nanoplastics (PNs). Under physiological conditions, HSA helped to disperse PNs but promoted the formation of aggregates in the presence of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA, ΔDh = 135 nm) and S (TBBPS, ΔDh = 256 nm) at pH 7. At pH 4, these aggregates became larger with fewer electrostatic repulsion effects (ΔDh = 920 and 691 nm for TBBPA and TBBPS, respectively). However, such promotion effects as well as BFR binding are different due to structural differences of tetrabromobisphenol A and S. Environmental kosmotropes efficiently stabilized the structure of HSA and inhibited BFR binding, while the chaotropes favored bioconjugated aggregate formation. Such effects were also verified in natural seawater. The newly gained knowledge may help us anticipate the behavior and fate of plastic particles and small molecular pollutants in both physiological and natural aqueous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongshan Zhao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Haimei Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jiaqiang Yao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jing Lan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yan Bao
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China
| | - Lining Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Wansong Zong
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department for Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Xingchen Zhao
- Department for Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
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