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Mboglen D, Gong Y, Guo Z, Ngo Nola D, Li Y. First report of plastic and non-plastic microparticles in stomach of slandertail lanternshark and shortspine spurdog from the edge of East China Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 204:116531. [PMID: 38823373 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the presence of plastic and non-plastic microparticles in the gastrointestinal tracts of two deep-sea sharks, Etmopterus molleri (n = 118) and Squalus mitsukurii (n = 6), bycatch from the East China Sea continental shelf. We found a total of 117 microparticles, predominantly fibres (67.52 %), with blue (31.62 %) and black (23.94 %) being the most prevalent colours. E. molleri contained 70 microparticles (0.63 ± 0.93 items/shark), 61.42 % non-plastics like viscose and cotton, while plastics included polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and acrylic. Despite S. mitsukurii's limited sample size, the results show that it takes in a lot of microparticles (47 microparticles, 7.83 ± 2.64 items/shark), 57.44 % non-plastics (viscose, cotton, and ethyl cellulose), and 42.56 % plastics. A positive correlation between microparticle presence and total length was observed for E. molleri. These results provide initial data on microparticle ingestion by these species, highlighting potential ecological risks and trophic transfer implications in deep-sea ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mboglen
- College of Marine Living Resources and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Rd., Shanghai, China; Institute of Research for Agriculture and Development (IRAD), Specialized Research Station on Marine Ecosystems, Antenne d'Ebodjé, 219 Kribi, Cameroon
| | - Yi Gong
- College of Marine Living Resources and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Rd., Shanghai, China; The key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, 999 Huchenghuan Rd., Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zehao Guo
- College of Marine Living Resources and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Rd., Shanghai, China
| | - Dorine Ngo Nola
- College of Marine Living Resources and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Rd., Shanghai, China
| | - Yunkai Li
- College of Marine Living Resources and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Rd., Shanghai, China; The key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, 999 Huchenghuan Rd., Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.
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2
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Mukhopadhyay P, Valsalan SA. Seasonal variation, spatial distribution and risk assessment of microplastics in surface waters of Periyar River, Kerala, India. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:679. [PMID: 38951273 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12820-x] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, an emerging contaminant, are widespread in oceans around the world, and rivers are the key conveyors of these pollutants into the oceans. There exists a dearth of available data pertaining to seasonal fluctuation, spatial distribution and risk assessment of microplastics in rivers extending from upper reaches to the lower reaches. The collection of such data is of utmost importance for the purpose of formulating beneficial management strategies for riverine microplastics. In order to bridge this research gap, an investigation was made in the Periyar River in Kerala, India, which is exposed to anthropogenic stress and is at risk of microplastic pollution. A total of eighteen sites (six sites each from downstream, midstream and upstream) along the 244 km of the river were investigated across three seasons in a year. The study revealed a discernible pattern in the spatial distribution of microplastic concentrations, wherein there was a rise in abundance from the upstream to midstream and then a sudden increase of abundance along the downstream regions towards the lower reaches. The highest mean microplastic abundance of 124.95 items/L was obtained during the monsoon season followed by post-monsoon season i.e. 123.21 items/L and pre-monsoon i.e. 120.50 items/L. The predominant forms of microplastics were found to be fibres, fragments and filaments. Most prevalent polymer types acquired were polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Pollution hazard index (PHI) and pollution load index (PLI) were also evaluated to assess the water quality of this river. The findings of this study conclude that the Periyar River is polluted with microplastics throughout its course and offer significant insights into the detection of microplastic origins in river systems and lend support to the implementation of potential measures aimed at mitigating their impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patralika Mukhopadhyay
- School of Industrial Fisheries, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Lakeside Campus, Kochi, Kerala, India.
| | - Shibu Arkkakadavil Valsalan
- School of Industrial Fisheries, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Lakeside Campus, Kochi, Kerala, India
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3
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Ma M, Huo M, Coulon F, Ali M, Tang Z, Liu X, Ying Z, Wang B, Song X. Understanding microplastic presence in different wastewater treatment processes: Removal efficiency and source identification. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172680. [PMID: 38663631 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Municipal effluents discharged from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a considerable source of microplastics in the environment. The dynamic profiles of microplastics in treatment units in WWTPs with different treatment processes remain unclear. This study quantitatively analyzed microplastics in wastewater samples collected from different treatment units in two tertiary treatment plants with distinct processes. The influents contained an average of 15.5 ± 3.5 particles/L and 38.5 ± 2.5 particles/L in the two WWTPs with in the oxidation ditch process and the integrated fixed-film activated sludge process, respectively. Interestingly, microplastic concentrations in the influent were more influenced by the population density in the served area than sewage volume or served population equivalent. Throughout the treatment process, concentrations were reduced to 1.5 ± 0.5 particles/L and 1.0 ± 1.0 particles/L in the final effluents, representing an overall decrease of 90% and 97%, in WWTPs with the oxidation ditch process and integrated fixed-film activated sludge process, respectively. A significant proportion of the microplastics were removed during the primary treatment stage in both WWTPs, with better performance for foam, film, line-shaped and large-sized microplastics. Most microplastics were accumulated in activated sludge, indicating its key role as the primary sink in WWTPs. The multiple correspondence analysis identified laundry washing and daily necessities such as packaging and containers as the major contributors to microplastics in WWTPs. The study proposed recommendations for upgrading WWTPs, modifying designs, and implementing strategies to reduce microplastic sources, aiming to minimize the release of microplastics into the environment. These findings can shed lights on the sources of microplastics in WWTPs, and advance our understanding of the mechanisms for more effective microplastic removals in wastewater treatment technologies in future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ma
- Engineering Research Center of Low-Carbon Treatment and Green Development of Polluted Water in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Mingxin Huo
- Engineering Research Center of Low-Carbon Treatment and Green Development of Polluted Water in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China.
| | - Frederic Coulon
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Mukhtiar Ali
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhiwen Tang
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhian Ying
- Engineering Research Center of Low-Carbon Treatment and Green Development of Polluted Water in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Judicial Expertise Center, Dalian Public Security Bureau, Dalian 116031, China
| | - Xin Song
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
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Zhang Y, Xu X, Xu J, Li Z, Cheng L, Fu J, Sun W, Dang C. When antibiotics encounter microplastics in aquatic environments: Interaction, combined toxicity, and risk assessments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172455. [PMID: 38636871 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172455] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotics and microplastics (MPs), known as emerging pollutants, are bound to coexist in aquatic environments due to their widespread distribution and prolonged persistence. To date, few systematic summaries are available for the interaction between MPs and antibiotics in aquatic ecosystems, and a comprehensive reanalysis of their combined toxicity is also needed. Based on the collected published data, we have analyzed the source and distribution of MPs and antibiotics in global aquatic environments, finding their coexistence occurs in a lot of study sites. Accordingly, the presence of MPs can directly alter the environmental behavior of antibiotics. The main influencing factors of interaction between antibiotics and MPs have been summarized in terms of the characteristics of MPs and antibiotics, as well as the environmental factors. Then, we have conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the combined toxicity of antibiotics and MPs on aquatic organisms and the related toxicity indicators, suggesting a significant adverse effect on algae, and inapparent on fish and daphnia. Finally, the environmental risk assessments for antibiotics and MPs were discussed, but unfortunately the standardized methodology for the risk assessment of MPs is still challenging, let alone assessment for their combined toxicity. This review provides insights into the interactions and environment risks of antibiotics and MPs in the aquatic environment, and suggests perspectives for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Dezhou Eco-environment Monitoring Center of Shandong Province, Dezhou, 253000, China
| | - Zhang Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Long Cheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Jie Fu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Weiling Sun
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chenyuan Dang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China.
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5
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Parrella F, Brizzolara S, Holzner M, Mitrano DM. Impact of heteroaggregation between microplastics and algae on particle vertical transport. NATURE WATER 2024; 2:541-552. [PMID: 38912368 PMCID: PMC11192633 DOI: 10.1038/s44221-024-00248-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the impacts of microplastics (MPs) on aqueous environments requires understanding their transport dynamics and how their presence affects other natural processes and cycles. In this context, one aspect to consider is how MPs interact with freshwater snow (FWS), a mixture of algae and natural particles. FWS is one of the primary drivers of the flux of organic matter from the water surface to the bottom sediment, where zooplankton, diurnal migration, fish faecal pellets settling and turbulent mixing can also play prominent roles. Understanding how MPs and FWS heteroaggregation affects their respective settling velocities is important to assess not only MPs fate and transport but also their ecological impacts by altering FWS deposition and thereby nutrient cycling. In this present study, we obtained a mechanistic understanding of the processes controlling MPs settling dynamics and heteroaggregation with FWS and the subsequent impacts on the settling rates of both MPs and ballasted FWS. Here we used a plexiglass column equipped with a stereoscopic camera system to track the settling velocities of (1) MPs of various compositions, densities and morphologies, (2) FWS flocs and (3) MP-FWS agglomerates. For each experimental set, thousands of particles were tracked over a series of image sequences. We found that agglomerates with high-density MPs settled at least twofold faster than FWS alone, implying a much smaller residence time in the water column, except for cases with MP fibres or low-density plastics. These findings will help to refine MP fate models and, while contingent on MPs number, may impact biogeochemical cycles by changing the flux of nutrients contained in FWS to the sediment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Parrella
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Brizzolara
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Markus Holzner
- Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Environmental Microbiology, EAWAG, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and River Research (IWA), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Denise M. Mitrano
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
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6
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Eitzen L, Ruhl AS, Jekel M. Impact of natural organic matter and inorganic ions on the stabilization of polystyrene micro-particles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172043. [PMID: 38552984 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The orthokinetic coagulation of irregularly shaped polystyrene micro-particles (PS-MP) was investigated in solutions of inorganic cations with different valence (NaCl, CaCl2, LaCl3) using a coagulation jar test set-up combined with light extinction particle counting. The stabilizing effect of model natural organic matter (NOM from reverse-osmosis (RO-NOM), humic (HA) & fulvic acid (FA)) and of surface water components (SW-NOM) was studied. Collision efficiencies were calculated from the decrease in particle concentration applying first order reaction kinetics. The coagulation of PS-MP followed Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory with regard to ionic charge in solution. Highest collision efficiencies were obtained close to the suspected critical coagulation concentrations for CaCl2 (12 mM) and LaCl3 (5.5 mM) whereas for NaCl no CCC was found within the applied concentration range (10-1000 mM). The addition of NOM effectively stabilized PS-MP at low ionic strength (10 mM NaCl) in the order HA > RO-NOM > FA > SW-NOM at concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) as low as 0.2-0.5 mg/L DOC through electrostatic repulsion. PS-MP were effectively stabilized in 6.1 mg DOC/L of SW-NOM even at high ionic strength (100 mM MgCl2). Coagulation at intermediate ionic strength (10 mM MgCl2) was only observed for SW-NOM concentrations below 0.6 mg/L DOC. The results showed that even low NOM concentrations prevent PS-MP from orthokinetic coagulation in the presence of high ion concentrations. The study provides further insight in the orthokinetic coagulation behavior of PS-MP in the presence of NOM and highlights the importance of NOM for the stabilization of microplastics in aquatic suspensions. Further research is needed to elucidate the behavior of MP in turbulent systems to predict the mobility MP in aquatic systems such as rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Eitzen
- Technische Universität Berlin, Sekr. KF 4, Straße des 17, Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Aki Sebastian Ruhl
- Technische Universität Berlin, Sekr. KF 4, Straße des 17, Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany; German Environment Agency (UBA), Section II 3.1, Schichauweg 58, D-12307 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Jekel
- Technische Universität Berlin, Sekr. KF 4, Straße des 17, Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany; Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Berlin gGmbH, Cicerostr. 24, 10709 Berlin, Germany
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7
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Di Cesare A, Sathicq MB, Sbaffi T, Sabatino R, Manca D, Breider F, Coudret S, Pinnell LJ, Turner JW, Corno G. Parity in bacterial communities and resistomes: Microplastic and natural organic particles in the Tyrrhenian Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 203:116495. [PMID: 38759465 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116495] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Petroleum-based microplastic particles (MPs) are carriers of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic environments, influencing the selection and spread of antimicrobial resistance. This research characterized MP and natural organic particle (NOP) bacterial communities and resistomes in the Tyrrhenian Sea, a region impacted by plastic pollution and climate change. MP and NOP bacterial communities were similar but different from the free-living planktonic communities. Likewise, MP and NOP ARG abundances were similar but different (higher) from the planktonic communities. MP and NOP metagenome-assembled genomes contained ARGs associated with mobile genetic elements and exhibited co-occurrence with metal resistance genes. Overall, these findings show that MPs and NOPs harbor potential pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria, which can aid in the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Further, petroleum-based MPs do not represent novel ecological niches for allochthonous bacteria; rather, they synergize with NOPs, collectively facilitating the spread of antimicrobial resistance in marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Cesare
- National Research Council of Italy - Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA) Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Verbania, Italy
| | - Maria Belen Sathicq
- Instituto de Limnología "Dr. Raúl A. Ringuelet" (ILPLA) CONICET-UNLP, Bv. 120 y 62 n1437, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tomasa Sbaffi
- National Research Council of Italy - Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA) Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Verbania, Italy
| | - Raffaella Sabatino
- National Research Council of Italy - Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA) Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Verbania, Italy
| | - Dario Manca
- National Research Council of Italy - Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA) Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Verbania, Italy
| | - Florian Breider
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne EPFL, Central Environmental Laboratory, IIE, ENAC, Station 2, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Coudret
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne EPFL, Central Environmental Laboratory, IIE, ENAC, Station 2, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lee J Pinnell
- Veterinary Education, Research, and Outreach Program, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Turner
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | - Gianluca Corno
- National Research Council of Italy - Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA) Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Verbania, Italy.
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Wan S, Xu G, Xiong P, Qiao H, Chen X, Gu L, Xiong H, Wang B, Gu F. Microplastic pollution characteristics and ecological risk assessment in the Wuding River Basin, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124228. [PMID: 38801879 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), as a new type of environmental pollutant, have attracted extensive attention in recent years. However, there has been relatively little research specifically focusing on MPs in the Yellow River Basin, China, particularly regarding MP migration patterns. Based on surface water and sediment samples from 19 sampling sites in the Wuding River (WDR), the abundances and characteristic distributions of MPs were analyzed, and the environmental factors affecting their distribution and potential ecological risks were evaluated. The results showed that the MP abundances in surface water and sediments of the WDR were significantly different (P < 0.05), with mean values of 2.98 ± 0.69 items/L and 419.47 ± 75.61 items/kg, respectively. In terms of MP characteristics, the most common size class was 0.1-0.5 mm in surface water. Polyethylene (PE, 32.50%) and polypropylene (PP, 27.50%) were the main polymer types of MPs in surface water. Although similar MP characteristics were observed in sediments, there were significantly more particles in the <0.1 mm particle size (P < 0.05), which was 15.0% higher than in surface water. Also, more high-density MP fragments were observed in sediment samples. The retention of MPs in sediments was influenced by the MP characteristics (density, shape, particle size) and sediment particle size. In contrast, the MP abundance in surface water was more closely related to the presence of other environmental pollutants, such as total phosphorus (WTP) and ammonia nitrogen (WAN). Temperature (T), agricultural land (AGR), and residential land (RES) only had significant effects on the distribution of MPs in surface water (P < 0.05). Potential ecological risk assessments revealed that MP pollution in sediments was more serious than in surface water, especially in the middle and lower reaches. The results of this study are important for understanding MP transport in a sandy river and for eliminating potential sources of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi' an, 710048, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guoce Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi' an, 710048, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Ping Xiong
- Shaanxi Forestry Survey and Planning Institute, Xi'an, 710082, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hailiang Qiao
- Shaanxi Forestry Survey and Planning Institute, Xi'an, 710082, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi' an, 710048, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liuyang Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi' an, 710048, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haijing Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi' an, 710048, Shaanxi, China
| | - Bin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi' an, 710048, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fengyou Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi' an, 710048, Shaanxi, China
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9
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De-la-Torre GE, Santillán L, Dioses-Salinas DC, Yenney E, Toapanta T, Okoffo ED, Kannan G, Madadi R, Dobaradaran S. Assessing the current state of plastic pollution research in Antarctica: Knowledge gaps and recommendations. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141870. [PMID: 38570048 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141870] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Antarctica stands as one of the most isolated and pristine regions on our planet. Regardless, recent studies have evidenced the presence of plastic pollution in Antarctic environments and biota. While these findings are alarming and put into perspective the reach of plastic pollution, it is necessary to assess the current knowledge of plastic pollution in Antarctica. In the present review, an updated literature review of plastic pollution in multiple Antarctic environmental compartments and biota was conducted. Studies were cataloged based on environmental compartments (e.g., sediments, seawater, soil, atmosphere) and biota from different ecological niches. A detailed analysis of the main findings, as well as the flaws and shortcomings across studies, was conducted. In general terms, several studies have shown a lack of adequate sampling and analytical procedures for plastic research (particularly in the case of microplastics) and standard procedures; thus, compromising the reliability of the data reported and comparability across studies. Aiming to guide future studies and highlight research needs, a list of knowledge gaps and recommendations were provided based on the analysis and discussion of the literature and following standardized procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru.
| | - Luis Santillán
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Emma Yenney
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), Landau, Germany
| | - Tania Toapanta
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Elvis D Okoffo
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Gunasekaran Kannan
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Reyhane Madadi
- Environmental Research Laboratory, School of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Dobaradaran
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Instrumental Analytical Chemistry and Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, Essen, Germany
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10
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Sfriso AA, Juhmani AS, Tomio Y, Sfriso A, Rizzolio F, Adeel M, Wahsha M, Munari C, Mistri M. Microplastic accumulation and ecological impacts on benthic invertebrates: Insights from a microcosm experiment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116231. [PMID: 38554685 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116231] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution poses a global concern, especially for benthic invertebrates. This one-month study investigated the accumulation of small MP polymers (polypropylene and polyester resin, 3-500 μm, 250 μg L-1) in benthic invertebrates and on one alga species. Results revealed species-specific preferences for MP size and type, driven by ingestion, adhesion, or avoidance behaviours. Polyester resin accumulated in Mytilus galloprovincialis, Chamelea gallina, Hexaplex trunculus, and Paranemonia cinerea, while polypropylene accumulated on Ulva rigida. Over time, MP accumulation decreased in count but not size, averaging 6.2 ± 5.0 particles per individual after a month. MP were mainly found inside of the organisms, especially in the gut, gills, and gonads and externally adherent MP ranged from 11 to 35 % of the total. Biochemical energy assessments after two weeks of MP exposure indicated energy gains for water column species but energy loss for sediment-associated species, highlighting the susceptibility of infaunal benthic communities to MP contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Augusto Sfriso
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Abdul-Salam Juhmani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan
| | - Yari Tomio
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca'Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30170 Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Adriano Sfriso
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca'Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30170 Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Flavio Rizzolio
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca'Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30170 Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Muhammed Adeel
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca'Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30170 Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Mohammad Wahsha
- Marine Science Station, The University of Jordan, Aqaba Branch, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Cristina Munari
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Mistri
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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11
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Park B, Cho B, Cho J, Kim T. Microplastic Contamination of a Benthic Ecosystem in a Hydrothermal Vent. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:7636-7642. [PMID: 38629715 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02811] [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: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Plastic contamination is a global pervasive issue, extending from coastal areas and open oceans to polar regions and even the deep sea. Microplastic (MP) contamination in hydrothermal vents, which are known for their high biodiversity even under extreme conditions, has remained largely unexplored. Here, we present, for the first time, MP pollution in a deep-sea hydrothermal vent at one of the biodiversity hotspots─the Central Indian Ridge. Not only the environment (seawater: 2.08 ± 1.04 MPs/L, surface sediments: 0.57 ± 0.19 MP/g) but also all six major benthic species investigated were polluted by MPs. MPs mainly consisted of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene fragments ≤100 μm and were characterized as being either transparent or white in color. Remarkably, bioaccumulation and even biomagnification of microplastics were observed in the top predators of the ecosystem, such as squat lobsters (14.25 ± 4.65 MPs/individual) and vent crabs (14.00 ± 2.16 MPs/individual), since they contained more MPs than animals at lower trophic levels (e.g., mussels and snails, 1.75-6.00 average MPs/individuals). These findings reveal MP contamination of an ecosystem in a hydrothermal vent, thereby suggesting that their accumulation and magnification can occur in top-level animals, even within remote and extreme environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byeongyong Park
- Program in Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Boongho Cho
- Program in Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaemin Cho
- Program in Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Taewon Kim
- Program in Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
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12
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Erni-Cassola G, Dolf R, Burkhardt-Holm P. Microplastics in the Water Column of the Rhine River Near Basel: 22 Months of Sampling. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5491-5499. [PMID: 38478875 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08364] [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: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Measured microplastic concentrations in river surface waters fluctuate greatly. This variability is affected by season and is codriven by factors, such as sampling methodologies, sampling site, or sampling position within site. Unfortunately, most studies comprise single-instance measurements, whereas extended sampling periods are better suited to assessing the relevance of such factors. Moreover, microplastic concentrations in riverine water column remain underexplored. Similar to the oceans, however, this compartment likely holds significant amounts of microplastics. By representatively sampling the entire Rhine River cross-section near Basel through five sampling points over 22 months, we found a median microplastic (50-3000 μm) concentration of 4.48 n m-3, and estimated a widely ranging load between 4.04 × 102 n s-1 and 3.57 × 105 n s-1. We also show that the microplastic concentration in the water column was not well explained by river discharge. This suggests that although high discharge events as observed here can over short time periods lead to peak microplastic concentrations (e.g., 1.23 × 102 n m-3), microplastic load variance was not dominated by discharge in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Erni-Cassola
- Man-Society-Environment (Programme MGU), Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, Basel CH-4051, Switzerland
| | - Reto Dolf
- Abteilung Umweltlabor, Amt für Umwelt und Energie, Department für Wirtschaft, Soziales und Umwelt des Kantons Basel-Stadt, Spiegelgasse 15, Basel CH-4001, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Burkhardt-Holm
- Man-Society-Environment (Programme MGU), Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, Basel CH-4051, Switzerland
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13
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Summers S, Bin-Hudari MS, Magill C, Henry T, Gutierrez T. Identification of the bacterial community that degrades phenanthrene sorbed to polystyrene nanoplastics using DNA-based stable isotope probing. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5229. [PMID: 38433255 PMCID: PMC10909871 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55825-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In the Anthropocene, plastic pollution has become a new environmental biotope, the so-called plastisphere. In the oceans, nano- and micro-sized plastics are omnipresent and found in huge quantities throughout the water column and sediment, and their large surface area-to-volume ratio offers an excellent surface to which hydrophobic chemical pollutants (e.g. petrochemicals and POPs) can readily sorb to. Our understanding of the microbial communities that breakdown plastic-sorbed chemical pollutants, however, remains poor. Here, we investigated the formation of 500 nm and 1000 nm polystyrene (PS) agglomerations in natural seawater from a coastal environment, and we applied DNA-based stable isotope probing (DNA-SIP) with the 500 nm PS sorbed with isotopically-labelled phenanthrene to identify the bacterial members in the seawater community capable of degrading the hydrocarbon. Whilst we observed no significant impact of nanoplastic size on the microbial communities associated with agglomerates that formed in these experiments, these communities were, however, significantly different to those in the surrounding seawater. By DNA-SIP, we identified Arcobacteraceae, Brevundimonas, Comamonas, uncultured Comamonadaceae, Delftia, Sphingomonas and Staphylococcus, as well as the first member of the genera Acidiphilum and Pelomonas to degrade phenanthrene, and of the genera Aquabacterium, Paracoccus and Polymorphobacter to degrade a hydrocarbon. This work provides new information that feeds into our growing understanding on the fate of co-pollutants associated with nano- and microplastics in the ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Summers
- Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore
- St John's Island National Marine Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 098634, Singapore
| | - Mohammad Sufian Bin-Hudari
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Clayton Magill
- Institute for GeoEnergy Engineering, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, The Lyell Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Theodore Henry
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS), Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
- Department of Forestry Wildlife and Fisheries, Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 36849, USA
| | - Tony Gutierrez
- Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
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14
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Frias J, Joyce H, Brozzetti L, Pagter E, Švonja M, Kavangh F, Nash R. Spatial monitoring of microplastics in environmental matrices from Galway Bay, Ireland. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116153. [PMID: 38354591 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116153] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic concentrations have been reported in a variety of environmental matrices and organisms across the world. Assessments of environmental concentrations are essential to understand trends and ensure decision-making processes that reduce environmental pressure. In this study, a combined sampling approach to surface waters, benthic sediments and biota in Galway Bay, Ireland, was carried out. Average concentrations of microplastics in surface waters were 1.42 ± 0.33 MPs m-3, in biota were 4.46 ± 0.36 MPs ind-1 and in benthic sediments were 5.60 ± 1.54 MPs kg-1. The diversity of polymers, microplastic types and colours were more abundant in surface waters and biota, when compared to benthic sediments. Integrated assessments of microplastics that follow existing monitoring programmes are essential to understand environmental trends. This work contributes to provide valuable information to descriptor 10 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive in Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Frias
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Old Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland.
| | - Haleigh Joyce
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Old Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland.
| | - Loann Brozzetti
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Old Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland.
| | - Elena Pagter
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Old Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland; Marine Institute, Fisheries and Ecosystems Advisory, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway H91 R673, Ireland.
| | - Mateja Švonja
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Old Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland.
| | - Fiona Kavangh
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Old Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland.
| | - Róisín Nash
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Old Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland.
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15
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Vibhatabandhu P, Prachayakul T, Tang-Siri J, Benmas P, Srithongouthai S, Kanokkantapong V. Effect of tidal current on the settling and accumulation of microplastics in the Chao Phraya River estuary, Thailand. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116068. [PMID: 38290367 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116068] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The deposition of MPs in a water column and surface sediment during a mixed spring tidal cycle of the Chao Phraya River estuary was investigated. The settling MPs during flood and ebb tides were collected by deploying traps at 3 m below the surface, while the settled MPs throughout the tidal cycle were collected by deploying traps at 1 m above the bottom. The settling rate of MPs was 2168 pieces/m2/h during highest to low tide, and 639 pieces/m2/h during high to lowest tide. The deposition rate of MPs after the end of the tidal cycle was 3172 pieces/m2/day, while the accumulation rate of MPs in the surface sediment was 1515 pieces/m2/day. The settling MPs tended to decrease inversely to the suspended solids and salinity. The major types of the deposited MPs were polyethylene (36 %) and polyamide (33 %), while that of the surface sediment was epoxy resin (80 %).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pathompong Vibhatabandhu
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Teerapat Prachayakul
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Jiradet Tang-Siri
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Graduate Program in Industrial Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Patsharaporn Benmas
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sarawut Srithongouthai
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Research Unit (RU) of Waste Utilization and Ecological Risk Assessment, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Vorapot Kanokkantapong
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Research Unit (RU) of Waste Utilization and Ecological Risk Assessment, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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16
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Mrokowska MM, Krztoń-Maziopa A. Settling of microplastics in mucus-rich water column: The role of biologically modified rheology of seawater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168767. [PMID: 38008323 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Non-buoyant microplastics (MPs) sink through the marine water column, adversely affecting the ecosystem. The manner in which MPs influence the water environment depends to a large extent on their settling dynamics, driven by their properties and the physio-chemical characteristics of water column. However, some properties of seawater remain elusive, limiting our ability to fully explain the sinking processes of MPs. One of the gaps in our understanding relates to the elevated content of exopolymers (EPSs) secreted by algae and bacteria, which locally transform seawater into a non-Newtonian liquid, altering the hydrodynamics of particle transport. In this study, we present a series of lab-scale experiments on the dynamics of isometric (spheres and irregular particles) and anisometric (disks, rods, and blades) MPs settling in artificial seawater with the addition of polysaccharides. We find that upon the appearance of EPSs in seawater, the sinking velocity of MPs diminishes and may fluctuate, the orientation pattern changes in a non-intuitive way, and MPs may tumble. As measured in rheological tests, these consequences result from seawater gaining viscoelastic and shear-thinning properties. Our findings raise concerns that mucus-rich seawater may favor the aggregation of MPs with organic matter, interaction with biota, and biofouling, which can affect the biogeochemistry of the marine ecosystem. Based on these findings, we recommend that seawater rheology, modified by excessive amounts of EPSs during algal blooms, should be considered in biogeochemical and microplastic transport models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena M Mrokowska
- Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Ks. Janusza 64, 01-452 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Anna Krztoń-Maziopa
- Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Noakowskiego St. 3, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland
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17
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Meng L, Sun X, Li Q, Zheng S, Liang J, Zhao C. Quantification of the vertical transport of microplastics by biodeposition of typical mariculture filter-feeding organisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168226. [PMID: 37923264 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The tremendous loss of microplastics from the sea surface and the low density of microplastics found in the water column and sediments indicate that the oceans have mechanisms capable of transporting microplastics from the surface to the seafloor. These include physicochemical processes and biological influences from marine organisms that drive the vertical migration of microplastics. Little is known, however, about the biological processes involved in the deposition of plastics in the marine environment. A considerable number of mariculture filter-feeding organisms can consume substantial amounts of suspended substances in the water column, and these organisms are ideal candidates for depositing microplastics. In this study, we analyzed microplastic abundance in typical mariculture filter feeders, i.e., ascidians (Halocynthia roretzi), oysters (Crassostrea gigas), scallops (Chlamys farreri) and clams (Ruditapes philippinarum), quantified the number and characteristics of the microplastics they deposited in situ, and further compared microplastic biodeposition rates. Microplastics were present in feces and pseudofeces and sank to form biodeposits rather than accumulating to significant levels in organisms. Microplastics were found in significantly higher numbers in the biodeposits of mariculture organisms than in the control deposits (p < 0.01). The shape and color of the microplastics in the sediments were not impacted by the presence of organisms (p > 0.05), but the deposition of <1000 μm and positive-buoyancy (less dense than seawater) microplastics was significantly increased in the biodeposits (p < 0.05). The highest microplastic biodeposition rate was found in scallops (1.14 ± 0.07 items·ind-1·d-1 or 0.5 ± 0.03 items·g-1·d-1). These results suggest that mariculture filter-feeding organisms have important biodepositional functions that influence the fate of microplastics through the transfer of microplastics from the surface to the seafloor. This study could contribute to a better understanding of the biological plastic pump mechanisms in oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liujiang Meng
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoxia Sun
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, 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.
| | - Qingjie Li
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Shan Zheng
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Junhua Liang
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Chenhao Zhao
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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18
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Cheng S, Jessica, Yoshikawa K, Cross JS. Influence of synthetic and natural microfibers on the growth, substance exchange, energy accumulation, and oxidative stress of field-collected microalgae compared with microplastic fragment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:167936. [PMID: 37875192 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic microfibers (MFs), which are Microplastics (MPs), have not received attention commensurate with their abundance in the environment. Currently, limited studies on MFs have focused on their effects on marine organisms. It is therefore necessary to conduct exposure experiments of MFs on freshwater organisms to provide reference data for the ecological risk assessment of MFs. As a primary producer in freshwater ecosystems, microalgae have an ecological niche that is highly overlapping with that of MFs. In this study, we examined the effects of MFs on the growth of Chlorella and indicators of oxidative stress to examine their potential risk on the microalgae population. The results showed that inhibition rate of microalgae increased with MF concentration in the range of 0.01-100 mg/L. Compared with natural fibers such as cotton and wool, PET and PP fibers showed significant growth inhibition, but less so when in fragment form with the same material and concentration. PP and PET particles, whether fibers or fragments, increased the total antioxidant capacity of microalgal cells and caused oxidative damage. To determine the influence of MFs on the interaction of cells in the environment, the exchanged substances and accumulated energy of microalgae cells were also detected. The results indicated that PP and PET fibers, as well as fragments, increased the diameter and membrane permeability of microalgae cell, thus interfering with the cell division and substance exchange processes. PET fibers and fragments showed different interactions at the level of individual cells and populations. This suggests that the evaluation of MPs should consider examinations from cells to population and even community levels in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Cheng
- Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Jessica
- Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunio Yoshikawa
- Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jeffrey S Cross
- Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
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19
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Wang Y, Zhong Z, Chen X, Sokolova I, Ma L, Yang Q, Qiu K, Khan FU, Tu Z, Guo B, Huang W. Microplastic pollution and ecological risk assessment of Yueqing Bay affected by intensive human activities. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132603. [PMID: 37778312 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are a widespread environmental problem posing ecological risks in the ocean. We investigated the abundance, spatial distribution, characteristics and ecological risks of MPs in surface seawater, sediments and organisms in Yueqing Bay, China. MPs were detected in both environmental media and organisms. The overall abundance (0.24 items/m3 seawater, 6.13 items/kg dry sediment, 0.77 items/individual in organisms) was low to medium compared with other coastal areas. The MPs were mainly derived from the high-intensity mariculture and shipping in the bay, as well as industrial and human activities along the surrounding coast. The abundance of MPs in water of the left (western) bay (0.39 items/m3) was considerably higher than that of the right (north-eastern) bay (0.07 items/m3) due to the different levels of population and economic development on the left and right coasts. The ecological risk assessment showed generally low to medium risk from MPs pollution in Yueqing Bay, with higher ecological risk index (H) and potential ecological hazards (RI) of MPs polymers in water samples. These data emphasize the need for timely and effective action to reduce the contribution of intensive human activities to MPs pollution and provide information for further ecotoxicological studies, pollution control, and policy development of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youji Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Zhen Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Bureau of Hydrology (Information Center) of Huaihe River Commission, Ministry of Water Resources, Bengbu 233001, China
| | - Inna Sokolova
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute for Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Lukuo Ma
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Qikun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Kecheng Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Fahim Ullah Khan
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Zhihan Tu
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Baoying Guo
- National Engineering Research Center for Marine Aquaculture, Marine Science and Technology College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China.
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20
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Gunaalan K, Almeda R, Vianello A, Lorenz C, Iordachescu L, Papacharalampos K, Nielsen TG, Vollertsen J. Does water column stratification influence the vertical distribution of microplastics? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 340:122865. [PMID: 37926412 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has been confirmed in all marine compartments. However, information on the sub-surface microplastics (MPs) abundance is still limited. The vertical distribution of MPs can be influenced by water column stratification due to water masses of contrasting density. In this study, we investigated the vertical distribution of MPs in relation to the water column structure at nine sites in the Kattegat/Skagerrak (Denmark) in October 2020.A CTD was used to determine the stratification and pycnocline depth before sampling. Plastic-free pump-filter sampling devices were used to collect MPs from water samples (1-3 m3) at different depths. MPs concentration (MPs m-3) ranged from 18 to 87 MP m-3 (Median: 40 MP m-3; n = 9) in surface waters. In the mid waters, concentrations ranged from 16 to 157 MP m-3 (Median: 31 MP m-3; n = 6), while at deeper depths, concentrations ranged from 13 to 95 MP m-3 (Median: 34 MP m-3; n = 9). There was no significant difference in the concentration of MPs between depths. Regardless of the depth, polyester (47%), polypropylene (24%), polyethylene (10%), and polystyrene (9%) were the dominating polymers. Approximately 94% of the MPs fell within the size range of 11-300 μm across all depths. High-density polymers accounted for 68% of the MPs, while low-density polymers accounted for 32% at all depths. Overall, our results show that MPs are ubiquitous in the water column from surface to deep waters; we did not find any impact of water density on the depth distribution of MPs despite the strong water stratification in the Kattegat/Skagerrak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuddithamby Gunaalan
- National Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark.
| | - Rodrigo Almeda
- National Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; EOMAR, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Alvise Vianello
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark; Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark
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21
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Talukdar A, Kundu P, Bhattacharjee S, Dey S, Dey A, Biswas JK, Chaudhuri P, Bhattacharya S. Microplastics in mangroves with special reference to Asia: Occurrence, distribution, bioaccumulation and remediation options. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166165. [PMID: 37574065 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are a new and lesser-known pollutant that has intrigued the interest of scientists all over the world in recent decades. MP (<5mm in size) can enter marine environments such as mangrove forests in a variety of ways, interfering with the health of the environment and organisms. Mangroves are now getting increasingly exposed to microplastic contamination due to their proximity to human activities and their position as critical transitional zones between land and sea. The present study reviews the status of MPs contamination specifically in mangrove ecosystems situated in Asia. Different sources and characteristics of MPs, subsequent deposition of MPs in mangrove water and sediments, bioaccumulation in different organisms are discussed in this context. MP concentrations in sediments and organisms were higher in mangrove forests exposed to fishing, coastal tourism, urban, and industrial wastewater than in pristine areas. The distribution of MPs varies from organism to organism in mangrove ecosystems, and is significantly influenced by their morphometric characteristics, feeding habits, dwelling environment etc. Mangrove plants can accumulate microplastics in their roots, stem and leaves through absorption, adsorption and entrapment helping in reducing abundance of microplastic in the surrounding environment. Several bacterial and fungal species are reported from these mangrove ecosystems, which are capable of degrading MPs. The bioremediation potential of mangrove plants offers an innovative and sustainable approach to mitigate microplastic pollution. Diverse mechanisms of MP biodegradation by mangrove dwelling organisms are discussed in this context. Biotechnological applications can be utilized to explore the genetic potential of the floral and faunal species found in the Asian mangroves. Detailed studies are required to monitor, control, and evaluate MP pollution in sediments and various organisms in mangrove ecosystems in Asia as well as in other parts of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pritha Kundu
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar 803116, India
| | - Shrayan Bhattacharjee
- Ecosystem and Ecology Laboratory, Post-graduate Department of Zoology, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara, Kolkata 700118, India
| | - Satarupa Dey
- Department of Botany, Shyampur Siddheswari Mahavidyalaya, Howrah 711301, West Bengal, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata 700073, West Bengal, India
| | - Jayanta Kumar Biswas
- Enviromicrobiology, Ecotoxicology & Ecotechnology Research Laboratory (3E-MicroToxTech Lab), Department of Ecological Studies, and International Centre for Ecological Engineering, University of Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal 741235, India
| | - Punarbasu Chaudhuri
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Sayan Bhattacharya
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar 803116, India.
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22
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Stubbins A, Zhu L, Zhao S, Spencer RGM, Podgorski DC. Molecular Signatures of Dissolved Organic Matter Generated from the Photodissolution of Microplastics in Sunlit Seawater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:20097-20106. [PMID: 37955971 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are accumulating on Earth, including at sea. The photodegradation of microplastics floating in seawater produces dissolved organic matter (DOM), indicating that sunlight can photodissolve microplastics at the sea surface. To characterize the chemistry of DOM produced as microplastics photodissolve, three microplastics that occur in surface waters, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and expanded polystyrene (EPS), were incubated floating on seawater in both the light and the dark. We present the molecular signatures of the DOM produced during these incubations, as determined via ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry. Zero to 12 products were identified in the dark, whereas 319-705 photoproducts were identified in the light. Photoproduced DOM included oxygen atoms, indicating that soluble, oxygen-containing organics were formed as plastics photodegrade. PP and PE plastics have hydrogen-to-carbon (H/C) ratios of 2 and generated DOM with average H/C values of 1.7 ± 0.1 to 1.8 ± 0.1, whereas EPS, which has an H/C of 1, generated DOM with an average H/C of 0.9 ± 0.2, indicating the stoichiometry of photoproduced DOM was related to the stoichiometry of the photodegrading polymer. The photodissolution of plastics produced hundreds of photoproducts with varying elemental stoichiometries, indicating that a single abiotic process (photochemistry) can generate hundreds of different chemicals from stoichiometrically monotonous polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aron Stubbins
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, Hurtig 102, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Hurtig 102, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Lixin Zhu
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, Hurtig 102, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Shiye Zhao
- Research Institute for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan
| | - Robert G M Spencer
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, United States
| | - David C Podgorski
- Pontchartrain Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Chemical Analysis & Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana 70148, United States
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23
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Porter A, Godbold JA, Lewis CN, Savage G, Solan M, Galloway TS. Microplastic burden in marine benthic invertebrates depends on species traits and feeding ecology within biogeographical provinces. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8023. [PMID: 38049431 PMCID: PMC10696022 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43788-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The microplastic body burden of marine animals is often assumed to reflect levels of environmental contamination, yet variations in feeding ecology and regional trait expression could also affect a species' risk of contaminant uptake. Here, we explore the global inventory of individual microplastic body burden for invertebrate species inhabiting marine sediments across 16 biogeographic provinces. We show that individual microplastic body burden in benthic invertebrates cannot be fully explained by absolute levels of microplastic contamination in the environment, because interspecific differences in behaviour and feeding ecology strongly determine microplastic uptake. Our analyses also indicate a degree of species-specific particle selectivity; likely associated with feeding biology. Highest microplastic burden occurs in the Yellow and Mediterranean Seas and, contrary to expectation, amongst omnivores, predators, and deposit feeders rather than suspension feeding species. Our findings highlight the inadequacy of microplastic uptake risk assessments based on inventories of environmental contamination alone, and the need to understand how species behaviour and trait expression covary with microplastic contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Porter
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Jasmin A Godbold
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Ceri N Lewis
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Georgie Savage
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Martin Solan
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
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24
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Ge Z, Lu X. Impacts of extracellular polymeric substances on the behaviors of micro/nanoplastics in the water environment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 338:122691. [PMID: 37797922 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Increasing pollution of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) has caused widespread concern worldwide. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are natural organic polymers mainly produced by microorganisms, the major components of which are polysaccharides and proteins. This review focuses on the interactions that occur between EPS and MPs/NPs in the water environment and evaluates the effects of these interactions on the behaviors of MPs/NPs. EPS-driven formation of eco-corona, biofilm, and "marine snow" can incorporate MPs and NPs into sinking aggregates, resulting in the export of MPs/NPs from the upper water column. EPS coating greatly enhances the adsorption of metals and organic pollutants by MPs due to the larger specific surface area and the abundance of functional groups such as carboxyl, hydroxyl and amide groups. EPS can weaken the physical properties of MPs. Through the synergistic action of different extracellular enzymes, MPs may be decomposed into oligomers and monomers that can enter microbial cells for further mineralization. This review contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of MPs and NPs in the water environment and the associated ecological risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaiming Ge
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xiaoxia Lu
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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25
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Carlotti F, Gérigny O, Bienvenu D, Ravel C, Fierro-González P, Guilloux L, Makhlouf N, Onrubia JT, Pagano M. Microplastics in the maximum chlorophyll layer along a north-south transect in the Mediterranean Sea in comparison with zooplankton concentrations. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115614. [PMID: 37837786 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize and quantify microplastics (MPs) at the chlorophyll maximum layer (CML), around 30 to 60 m depth, during a cruise dedicated to the study of contaminants in plankton, the MERITE-HIPPOCAMPE project, along a north-south transect in the western Mediterranean Sea (Tedetti et al., 2023). Plankton were collected by horizontal net tows in this layer using a multinet Hydrobios Midi equipped with 60 μm mesh-size nets. The collected plankton were fractionated through a sieve column for various later contaminant measurements and for zooplankton analysis (Fierro-González et al., 2023). For all stations, samples were also fully examined for microplastics (MPs) for fractions >300 μm. MPs were found at all stations in the CML layer (mean: 42.9 ± 45.4 MPs m-3), of which 96 ± 4 % were fibers. The ratios of mesozooplankton/MPs and detritus/MPs in this CML were respectively 223 ± 315 and 2544 ± 2268. These data are analyzed together with MPs concentrations from sea- surface sampled with a 300 μm net-size Manta net at the same stations. Overall, our observations highlight the very high density of fibers at the CML, mainly associated with aggregates, raising the hypothesis of their interactions with marine snow. Therefore, the importance of marine snow and vertical layering will have to be considered in future MP distribution modelling efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Carlotti
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France.
| | - Olivia Gérigny
- Ifremer, Unité Littoral, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources Provence Azur Corse, Zone portuaire de Brégaillon, CS 20330, 83507 La Seyne-sur-Mer Cedex, France
| | - Dorian Bienvenu
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Ravel
- Ifremer, Unité Littoral, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources Provence Azur Corse, Zone portuaire de Brégaillon, CS 20330, 83507 La Seyne-sur-Mer Cedex, France
| | - Pamela Fierro-González
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Loïc Guilloux
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Nouha Makhlouf
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France; Université de Carthage, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Bizerte, Tunisia; Université de Tunis El Manar, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement, Biologie et Physiologie des Organismes Aquatiques, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Javier Tesán Onrubia
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Marc Pagano
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France
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26
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Amesho KTT, Chinglenthoiba C, Samsudin MSAB, Lani MN, Pandey A, Desa MNM, Suresh V. Microplastics in the environment: An urgent need for coordinated waste management policies and strategies. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118713. [PMID: 37567004 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have become a prevalent environmental concern, exerting detrimental effects on marine and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as human health. Addressing this urgent issue necessitates the implementation of coordinated waste management policies and strategies. In this study, we present a comprehensive review focusing on key results and the underlying mechanisms associated with microplastics. We examine their sources and pathways, elucidate their ecological and human health impacts, and evaluate the current state of waste management policies. By drawing upon recent research and pertinent case studies, we propose a range of practical solutions, encompassing enhanced recycling and waste reduction measures, product redesign, and innovative technological interventions. Moreover, we emphasize the imperative for collaboration and cooperation across sectors and jurisdictions to effectively tackle this pressing environmental challenge. The findings of this study contribute to the broader understanding of microplastics and provide valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassian T T Amesho
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan; Center for Emerging Contaminants Research, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan; The International University of Management, Centre for Environmental Studies, Main Campus, Dorado Park Ext 1, Windhoek, Namibia; Destinies Biomass Energy and Farming Pty Ltd, P.O. Box 7387, Swakopmund, Namibia.
| | - Chingakham Chinglenthoiba
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode, India; Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, 117543, Singapore
| | - Mohd S A B Samsudin
- Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Nizam Lani
- Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Ashutosh Pandey
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, 19 Steve Biko Road, Durban 4000, South Africa; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, AKS University, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, 485001, India.
| | - Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa
- Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Valiyaveettil Suresh
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, 117543, Singapore.
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27
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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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28
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Ogonowski M, Wagner M, Rogell B, Haave M, Lusher A. Microplastics could be marginally more hazardous than natural suspended solids - A meta-analysis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 264:115406. [PMID: 37639826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are perceived as a threat to aquatic ecosystems but bear many similarities to suspended sediments which are often considered less harmful. It is, therefore pertinent to determine if and to what extent MP are different from other particles occurring in aquatic ecosystems in terms of their adverse effects. We applied meta-regressions to toxicity data extracted from the literature and harmonized the data to construct Species Sensitivity Distributions (SSDs) for both types of particles. The results were largely inconclusive due to high uncertainty but the central tendencies of our estimates still indicate that MP could be marginally more hazardous compared to suspended sediments. In part, the high uncertainty stems from the general lack of comparable experimental studies and dose-dependent point estimates. We therefore argue that until more comparable data is presented, risk assessors should act precautionary and treat MP in the 1-1000 µm size range as marginally more hazardous to aquatic organisms capable of ingesting such particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Ogonowski
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Freshwater Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Stångholmsvägen 2, SE-17893 Drottningholm, Sweden.
| | - Martin Wagner
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Björn Rogell
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Freshwater Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Stångholmsvägen 2, SE-17893 Drottningholm, Sweden
| | - Marte Haave
- NORCE, Norwegian Research Centre AS, Climate & Environment, Nygårdsporten 112, NO-5008 Bergen, Norway; Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Amy Lusher
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway
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29
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Mitchell KB, James C, Gascooke J, Leterme SC. Modelling marine microplastics accumulation zones through freshwater discharge sources: Simulated release from the Onkaparinga River and Torrens River, South Australia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115334. [PMID: 37541141 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115334] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is fast becoming one of the most prominent contamination issues facing the marine environment. Microplastics are a major subset of plastic waste now present in all global oceans, with their numbers standing only to increase. This study applies a coupled hydrodynamic model and Lagrangian particle-tracking model to predict and simulate microplastic transport in South Australian waters. Virtual particles representing microplastics were released daily for 365 days from two major freshwater input sources along the coastline of Adelaide, Australia. These particles entered the Gulf St Vincent and were tracked over two model years using LTRANS software. The model identified general gulf circulation as circular, clockwise, with net southward particle transport from particle release sites. A potential accumulation zone associated with a local eddy was identified. Concentrations of particles that passed through local marine parks were also calculated in response to the potential concerns they pose in vulnerable protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle B Mitchell
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Charles James
- South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), West Beach 5024, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Jason Gascooke
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Sophie C Leterme
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
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30
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Gunaalan K, Nielsen TG, Rodríguez Torres R, Lorenz C, Vianello A, Andersen CA, Vollertsen J, Almeda R. Is Zooplankton an Entry Point of Microplastics into the Marine Food Web? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:11643-11655. [PMID: 37497822 PMCID: PMC10413952 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) overlap in size with phytoplankton and can be ingested by zooplankton, transferring them to higher trophic levels. Copepods are the most abundant metazoans among zooplankton and the main link between primary producers and higher trophic levels. Ingestion of MPs has been investigated in the laboratory, but we still know little about the ingestion of MPs by zooplankton in the natural environment. In this study, we determined the concentration and characteristics of MPs down to 10 μm in zooplankton samples, sorted calanoid copepods, and fecal pellets collected in the Kattegat/Skagerrak Sea (Denmark). We found a median concentration of 1.7 × 10-3 MPs ind-1 in the zooplankton samples, 2.9 × 10-3 MPs ind-1 in the sorted-copepods, and 3 × 10-3 MPs per fecal pellet. Most MPs in the zooplankton samples and fecal pellets were fragments smaller than 100 μm, whereas fibers dominated in the sorted copepods. Based on the collected data, we estimated a MP budget for the surface layer (0-18 m), where copepods contained only 3% of the MPs in the water, while 5% of the MPs were packed in fecal pellets. However, the number of MPs exported daily to the pycnocline via fecal pellets was estimated to be 1.4% of the total MPs in the surface layer. Our results indicate that zooplankton are an entry point of small MPs in the food web, but the number of MPs in zooplankton and their fecal pellets was low compared with the number of MPs found in the water column and the occurrence and/or ingestion of MPs reported for nekton. This suggests a low risk of MP transferring to higher trophic levels through zooplankton and a quantitatively low, but ecologically relevant, contribution of fecal pellets to the vertical exportation of MPs in the ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuddithamby Gunaalan
- National
Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical
University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 201, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
| | - Torkel Gissel Nielsen
- National
Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical
University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 201, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Rocío Rodríguez Torres
- National
Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical
University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 201, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Laboratoire
d’Océanographie de Villefranche sur mer (LOV), UPMC
Université Paris 06, CNRS UMR 7093, Sorbonne Université, 06230 Villefranche sur Mer, France
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
| | - Alvise Vianello
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
| | - Ceelin Aila Andersen
- National
Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical
University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 201, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
| | - Rodrigo Almeda
- National
Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical
University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 201, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- EOMAR-ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, 35017 Las Palmas
de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Rowlands E, Galloway T, Cole M, Peck VL, Posacka A, Thorpe S, Manno C. Vertical flux of microplastic, a case study in the Southern Ocean, South Georgia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115117. [PMID: 37331275 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Estimated plastic debris floating at the ocean surface varies depending on modelling approaches, with some suggesting unaccounted sinks for marine plastic debris due to mismatches between plastic predicted to enter the ocean and that accounted for at the surface. A major knowledge gap relates to the vertical sinking of oceanic plastic. We used an array of floating sediment traps combined with optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy to measure the microplastic flux between 50 and 150 m water depth over 24 h within a natural harbour of the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. This region is influenced by fishing, tourism, and research activity. We found a 69 % decrease in microplastic flux from 50 m (306 pieces/m2/day) to 150 m (94pieces/m2/day). Our study confirms the occurrence of a vertical flux of microplastic in the upper water column of the Southern Ocean, which may influence zooplankton microplastic consumption and the carbon cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Rowlands
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; University of Exeter, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Streatham Campus, Stocker Rd, Exeter EX4 4PY, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Tamara Galloway
- University of Exeter, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Streatham Campus, Stocker Rd, Exeter EX4 4PY, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Matthew Cole
- Plymouth marine laboratory, Prospect Pl, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Victoria L Peck
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Anna Posacka
- Ocean Diagnostics, Suite 1102, 4464 Markham Street, Victoria, BC V8Z 7X8, Canada
| | - Sally Thorpe
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Clara Manno
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
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32
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Karkanorachaki K, Syranidou E, Maravelaki PN, Kalogerakis N. Intertwined synergistic abiotic and biotic degradation of polypropylene pellets in marine mesocosms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 457:131710. [PMID: 37276696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of plastic waste in the oceans has caused growing concern for its effects on marine life. The interactions of plastics with environmental factors have been linked to fragmentation to micro- and nanoparticles with different properties and consequences, but the mechanism of fragmentation has not been fully understood yet. In this work, we investigate the combined effect of marine communities and ultraviolet (UV) radiation towards the degradation of virgin and artificially weathered polypropylene (PP) pellets after a long-term incubation period in marine mesocosms. The surface chemical alterations and deterioration of the polymer, in conjunction with the attachment and evolution of marine bacterial communities, the development of biofilm and exopolymeric substances (EPS), as well as the colloidal properties (zeta-potential and hydrodynamic diameter) of the mesocosms were studied. The surface area of both types of pellets decreased over time, despite no concrete weight change being observed. Cell growth, EPS production and colloid particle size were correlated to the loss of area. Therefore, we propose that surface area could be effectively monitored, instead of weight loss, as an alternative indicator of polymer degradation in biodegradation experiments. Changes in the chemical structure of the polymer, in addition to the evolution of the biological factors, implied that a complex degradation process alternated between two phases: an abiotic phase, when UV irradiation contributes to the deterioration of the polymer surface layers and a biotic phase, when marine communities degrade the weathered polymer surface to reveal the underlying layer of virgin polymer. Finally, microscopic particles, produced as a result of the decrease in pellet area, promoted the aggregation of colloidal particles. The role and impacts of these colloidal particles in marine ecosystems are yet as unidentified as that of micro- and nano-sized plastic particles and call for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Karkanorachaki
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece
| | - Evdokia Syranidou
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece
| | | | - Nicolas Kalogerakis
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece; Institute of GeoEnergy, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Chania, Greece.
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33
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Baudena A, Kiko R, Jalón-Rojas I, Pedrotti ML. Low-Density Plastic Debris Dispersion beneath the Mediterranean Sea Surface. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:7503-7515. [PMID: 37125732 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Plastic is a widespread marine pollutant, with most studies focusing on the distribution of floating plastic debris at the sea surface. Recent evidence, however, indicates a significant presence of such low density plastic in the water column and at the seafloor, but information on its origin and dispersion is lacking. Here, we studied the pathways and fate of sinking plastic debris in the Mediterranean Sea, one of the most polluted world seas. We used a recent Lagrangian plastic-tracking model, forced with realistic parameters, including a maximum estimated sinking speed of 7.8 m/d. Our simulations showed that the locations where particles left the surface differed significantly from those where they reached the seafloor, with lateral transport distances between 119 and 282 km. Furthermore, 60% of particles deposited on the bottom coastal strip (20 km wide) were released from vessels, 20% from the facing country, and 20% from other countries. Theoretical considerations furthermore suggested that biological activities potentially responsible for the sinking of low density plastic occur throughout the water column. Our findings indicate that the responsibility for seafloor plastic pollution is shared among Mediterranean countries, with potential impact on pelagic and benthic biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Baudena
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, UMR 7093 LOV, Villefranche-sur-Mer 06230, France
| | - Rainer Kiko
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, UMR 7093 LOV, Villefranche-sur-Mer 06230, France
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research 24148 Kiel, Germany
| | - Isabel Jalón-Rojas
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Maria Luiza Pedrotti
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, UMR 7093 LOV, Villefranche-sur-Mer 06230, France
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34
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Okubo R, Yamamoto A, Kurima A, Sakabe T, Ide Y, Isobe A. Estimation of the age of polyethylene microplastics collected from oceans: Application to the western North Pacific Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:114951. [PMID: 37172339 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The knowledge of microplastic (MP) age could aid the deduction of the origin and fate of a fragment carried by ocean currents over long time periods and distances. The present study developed a novel method to estimate the age of MPs (i.e., UV radiation exposure time) using the oxidation level of polyethylene (i.e., carbonyl index) from infrared spectrometry, ultraviolet erythemal radiation (UVER) data, and ambient seawater temperatures. Accelerated and outdoor exposure experiments were conducted to establish relationships among the temporally integrated UVER, ambient temperature, and carbonyl index. Thereafter, the age of MPs was computed, with Miyakojima Island serving as the reference location. The estimated ages of MPs collected from the western North Pacific Ocean ranged from 1 to 3 years, and those MPs from nearshore waters ranged from 0 to 5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Okubo
- Platform Laboratory for Science & Technology, Asahi Kasei Corporation, 2-1 Samejima, Fuji-shi, Shizuoka 416-8501, Japan.
| | - Aguru Yamamoto
- Platform Laboratory for Science & Technology, Asahi Kasei Corporation, 2-1 Samejima, Fuji-shi, Shizuoka 416-8501, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kurima
- Platform Laboratory for Science & Technology, Asahi Kasei Corporation, 2-1 Samejima, Fuji-shi, Shizuoka 416-8501, Japan
| | - Terumi Sakabe
- Platform Laboratory for Science & Technology, Asahi Kasei Corporation, 2-1 Samejima, Fuji-shi, Shizuoka 416-8501, Japan
| | - Youichiroh Ide
- Circular Economy Project, Emerging IT Dept. Informatics Initiative Digital Value Co-Creation, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Yurakucho, Chiyoda- Ku, Tokyo 100-0006, Japan
| | - Atsuhiko Isobe
- Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga-Koen, Kasuga 816-8580, Japan
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35
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Li Q, Han Z, Su G, Hou M, Liu X, Zhao X, Hua Y, Shi B, Meng J, Wang M. New insights into the distribution, potential source and risk of microplastics in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 175:107956. [PMID: 37178609 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) as emerging contaminants have become a major global concern, however, the distribution and origin of MPs in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and their impacts on ecosystem are poorly known. Hence, we systematically evaluated the profile of MPs on the representative metropolitan locations of Lhasa and Huangshui Rivers and the scenic sites of Namco and Qinghai Lake. The average abundance of MPs in the water samples was 7020 items/m3, which was 34 and 52 times higher than those for the sediment (206.7 items/m3) and soil samples (134.7 items/m3), respectively. Huangshui River had the highest levels, followed by Qinghai Lake, Lhasa River and Namco. Human activities rather than altitude and salinity impacted the distribution of MPs in those areas. Besides the consumption of plastic products by locals and tourists, laundry wastewater and exogenous tributary inputs, the unique prayer flag culture also contributed to the MPs emission in QTP. Notably, the stability and fragment of MPs were crucial for their fate. Multiple assessment models were employed to evaluate the risk of MPs. PERI model took MP concentration, background value and toxicity into account, comprehensively describing the risk differences of each site. The large PVC proportion in Qinghai Lake posed the highest risk. Furthermore, concerns should be raised about PVC, PE and PET in Lhasa and Huangshui Rivers, and PC in Namco Lake. Risk quotient suggested that aged MPs in sediments slowly released biotoxic DEHP and should be cleaned up promptly. The findings offer baseline data of MPs in QTP and ecological risks, providing important support for the prioritization of future control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, 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; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ziwei Han
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, 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; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guijin Su
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, 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; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Meifang Hou
- School of Ecological Technology and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China
| | - Xihui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, 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; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, 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; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yukang Hua
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, 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; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bin Shi
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, 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; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Meng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, 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; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mengjing Wang
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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36
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Feng S, Lu H, Xue Y, Yan P, Sun T. Fate, transport, and source of microplastics in the headwaters of the Yangtze River on the Tibetan Plateau. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 455:131526. [PMID: 37167873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the Yangtze River have been drawn increasing attention recently with most merely concentrating on the plain area. This research focuses on the source area of the Yangtze River on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), revealing the occurrence, drivers, sources, and exposure risks of riverine MPs in the Jinsha River (JSR) basin. The results showed that average MP abundances determined were higher in the tributaries than in the of mainstreams. According to the correlation analysis, MP abundance was consistently negatively related to pH and altitude both in water and sediment. However, MPs in two media showed a contrary relationship with river width, which could be explained by the special terrain of plateau rivers and hydrological conditions. After the tributary river flow into the mainstream, the concentration of MPs in the mainstream near the tributary side were significantly lower than that before confluence temporarily. Based on the conditional fragmentation-based model, the cumulative λ value of fibers in surface water along the river divided the JSR into three stages (upstream, midstream, and downstream). Under certain assumptions, the proportions of MPs sourced from three stages were eventually revealed, respectively. This is conducive to better understanding the plateau environmental impacts of MP distribution in the large river.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sansan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Process, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hongwei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Process, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yuxuan Xue
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Process, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Pengdong Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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37
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Li J, Shan E, Zhao J, Teng J, Wang Q. The factors influencing the vertical transport of microplastics in marine environment: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 870:161893. [PMID: 36731545 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
There have been numerous studies that have identified the presence of low-density microplastics (MPs) in the water column and sediments. The focus of current MPs research has shifted towards the interaction of MPs with marine organisms and their potential hazards, including the uptake characteristics, biological transport and toxicological effects of MPs, but the processes involved in the deposition behavior of MPs are still poorly understood. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on the vertical transport of MPs influenced by their physicochemical properties and marine organisms, and discuss their potential impact on MPs deposition. The physicochemical properties of MPs determine their initial distribution. The density, shape, and size of MPs influence their settling state in the marine environment. Marine biota play a key role in the transport of MPs to deep marine environment, mainly by changing the density and adsorption of MPs. Biofouling can alter the surface properties of MPs and increase the overall density, thus affecting the vertical flux of the plastic. Macroalgae may trap MPs particles by producing chemicals or by using electrostatic interactions. Marine swimming organisms ingest MPs and excrete them encapsulated in fecal particles, while the activity of marine benthic organisms may contribute to the transfer of MPs from surface sediments to deeper layers. In addition, MPs may be incorporated into organic particles produced by marine organisms such as marine snow or marine aggregates, increasing the vertical flux of MPs. However, due to the complexity of different sea areas and MPs properties, the deposition behavior of MPs may be the result of the interaction of multiple factors. Thus, the effects of MPs properties, marine organisms and the natural environment on MPs deposition in marine environment needs further research to fill this gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasen Li
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Encui Shan
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Jia Teng
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Qing Wang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China.
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38
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Kang W, Sun S, Hu X. Microplastics trigger the Matthew effect on nitrogen assimilation in marine diatoms at an environmentally relevant concentration. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 233:119762. [PMID: 36841163 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119762] [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: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs, diameter <5 mm) are widely distributed on Earth, especially in the oceans. Diatoms account for ∼40% of marine primary productivity and affect the global biogeochemical cycles of macroelements. However, the effects of MPs on marine nitrogen cycling remain poorly understood, particularly comparisons between nitrogen-replete and nitrogen-limited conditions. We found that MPs trigger the Matthew effect on nitrogen assimilation in diatoms, where MPs inhibited nitrogen assimilation under nitrogen-limited conditions while enhancing nitrogen metabolism under nitrogen-replete conditions in Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Nitrate reductase (NR) and nitrite reductase (NIR) are upregulated, but nitrate transporter (NRT) and glutamine synthetase (GS) are downregulated by MPs under nitrogen-limited conditions. In contrast, NR, NIR, and GS are all upregulated by MPs under nitrogen-replete conditions. MPs accelerate nitrogen anabolic processes with an increase in the accumulation of carbohydrates by 80.7 ± 7.9% and enhance the activities of key nitrogen-metabolizing enzymes (8.20-44.90%) under nitrogen-replete conditions. In contrast, the abundance of carbohydrates decreases by 22.0-34.4%, and NRT activity is inhibited by 79.0-86.5% in nitrogen-limited algae exposed to MPs. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses were performed to further explore the molecular mechanisms of reprogrammed nitrogen assimilation, including carbon metabolism, nitrogen transport and ammonia assimilation. The aforementioned spatial redistribution (e.g., the Matthew effect between nitrogen-replete and -limited conditions) of nitrogen assimilation highlights the potential risks of MP contamination in the ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilu Kang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Shan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiangang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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Ferreira GVB, Justino AKS, Eduardo LN, Schmidt N, Martins JR, Ménard F, Fauvelle V, Mincarone MM, Lucena-Frédou F. Influencing factors for microplastic intake in abundant deep-sea lanternfishes (Myctophidae). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161478. [PMID: 36634781 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris is ubiquitous in the hydrosphere. Yet, we lack an understanding of contamination among deep-sea species and primarily how each trait can influence microplastic intake. We investigated microplastic contamination in the digestive tract of hyper-abundant mesopelagic lanternfishes (n = 364 individuals) from the Southwestern Tropical Atlantic, captured from 90 to 1000 m depth. Overall, microplastics were detected in most individuals analysed (frequency of occurrence = 68 %). Large microplastics, mostly of a filamentous shape were the most frequent, followed by smaller fragments and foams. Microplastics made of high-density polymers (PET, PVC, PA, SBR rubber) were more prevalent than low-density ones (PE, EVA and PBD rubber), especially under deeper layers. Larger microplastics were detected in lanternfishes captured off the northeastern Brazilian coast (mean 0.88 ± SE 0.06 mm) compared to those from around the Rocas Atoll and Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (0.70 ± 0.07 mm; p≤ 0.05), ∼350 km from the continent. Moreover, lanternfishes that migrate from the upper mesopelagic (200-500 m) to the epipelagic layers (<200 m) had simultaneously the highest intake and the smallest particles (1.65 ± 0.17 particles individual-1 and 0.55 ± 0.07 mm; p≤ 0.05). Biological mediated transport of microplastics from the epipelagic to the mesopelagic waters was evinced, but fishes foraging in shallower layers had the lowest intake (1.11 ± 0.10 part. ind.-1; p≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the jaw length was positively associated with an increment in microplastic intake (Incidence Rate Ratio = 1.1; p≤ 0.05). The lanternfishes that preferably prey upon fish larvae are more prone to microplastic intake than their counterparts, which forage mostly on crustaceans and gelatinous zooplankton (p≤ 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme V B Ferreira
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil.
| | - Anne K S Justino
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil; Université de Toulon, Aix Marseille Univ., CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography, Toulon, France
| | - Leandro N Eduardo
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil; MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Sète, France
| | - Natascha Schmidt
- Aix Marseille Univ., Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography, Marseille, France
| | - Júlia R Martins
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade (NUPEM), Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Conservação (PPG-CiAC), Av. São José do Barreto, 764, Macaé, RJ 27965-045, Brazil
| | - Frédéric Ménard
- Aix Marseille Univ., Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography, Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Fauvelle
- Université de Toulouse, LEGOS (CNES/CNRS/IRD/UPS), Toulouse, France
| | - Michael M Mincarone
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade (NUPEM), Av. São José do Barreto, 764, Macaé, RJ 27965-045, Brazil; Chapman University, Schmid College of Science and Technology, 1 University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, USA
| | - Flávia Lucena-Frédou
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil
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Kreczak H, Baggaley AW, Willmott AJ. The dynamics of biofouled particles in vortical flows. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 189:114729. [PMID: 36848785 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114729] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
When using mathematical models to predict the pathways of biofouled microplastic in the ocean, it is necessary to parametrise the impact of turbulence on their motions. In this paper, statistics on particle motion have been computed from simulations of small, spherical particles with time-dependent mass in cellular flow fields. The cellular flows are a prototype for Langmuir circulation and flows dominated by vortical motion. Upwelling regions lead to particle suspension and particles fall out at different times. The uncertainty of fallout time and a particle's vertical position is quantified across a range of parameters. A slight increase in settling velocities, for short times, is observed for particles with inertia due to clustering in fast downwelling regions for steady, background flow. For particles in time-dependent, chaotic flows, uncertainty is significantly reduced and we observe no significant increase in the average settling rates due to inertial effects.
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Meng LJ, Hu X, Wen B, Liu YH, Luo GZ, Gao JZ, Chen ZZ. Microplastics inhibit biofloc formation and alter microbial community composition and nitrogen transformation function in aquaculture. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 866:161362. [PMID: 36610618 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161362] [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: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Biofloc technology, extensively used in intensive aquaculture systems, can prompt the formation of microbial aggregates. Microplastics (MPs) are detected abundantly in aquaculture waters. This study explored the effects of MPs on biofloc formation, microbial community composition and nitrogen transformation function in simulated biofloc aquaculture production systems. The formation process and settling performance of bioflocs were examined. High-throughput sequencing of 16S and 18S rRNA genes was used to investigate the microbial community compositions of bioflocs. Nitrogen dynamics were monitored and further explained from functional genes and microorganisms related to nitrogen transformation by metagenome sequencing. We found that the aggregates consisting of bioflocs and MPs were formed and the systems with MPs had relatively weak settling performance. No significant differences in bacterial diversity (p > 0.05) but significant differences in eukaryotic diversity (p < 0.05) were found between systems without and with MPs. Significant separations in the microbial communities of prokaryotes (p = 0.01) and eukaryotes (p = 0.01) between systems without and with MPs were observed. The peak concentration of nitrite nitrogen (NO2--N) in systems with MPs was lower than that in systems without MPs (pControl/MPs Low = 0.02 and pControl/MPs High = 0.03), probably due to the low abundance of hao and affiliated Alphaproteobacteria_bacterium_HGW-Alphaproteobacteria-1 and Alphaproteobacteria_bacterium, but the high abundance of nxrA and affiliated Alphaproteobacteria_bacterium_SYSU_XM001 and Hydrogenophaga_pseudoflava that related to nitrification. The low concentration of NO2--N in systems with MPs suggested that the presence of MPs might inhibit ammonia oxidation but promote nitrite oxidation by altering the microbial community structure and function. These results indicated that aggregates consisting of bioflocs and MPs could be formed in aquaculture water, and thus, inhibiting their settlement and altering nitrogen transformation function by affecting the microbial community composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu-Jiang Meng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xin Hu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Cultivating Elite Breeds and Green-culture of Aquaculture Animals, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Bin Wen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Cultivating Elite Breeds and Green-culture of Aquaculture Animals, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Yuan-Hao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Cultivating Elite Breeds and Green-culture of Aquaculture Animals, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Guo-Zhi Luo
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Cultivating Elite Breeds and Green-culture of Aquaculture Animals, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Jian-Zhong Gao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Cultivating Elite Breeds and Green-culture of Aquaculture Animals, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Zai-Zhong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Cultivating Elite Breeds and Green-culture of Aquaculture Animals, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
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Wang S, Zheng L, Shen M, Zhang L, Wu Y, Li G, Guo C, Hu C, Zhang M, Sui Y, Dong X, Lv L. Habitual feeding patterns impact polystyrene microplastic abundance and potential toxicity in edible benthic mollusks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 866:161341. [PMID: 36603620 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
That increasing microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) eventually end up in the sediment which may become a growing menace to diverse benthic lives is worthy of attention. In this experiment, three edible mollusks including one deposit-feeding gastropod (Bullacta exarate) and two filter-feeding bivalves (Cyclina sinensis and Mactra veneriformis) were exposed to polystyrene microplastic (PS-MP) for 7 days and depurated for 3 days. PS-MP numbers in the digestive system and non-digestive system, digestive enzymes, oxidative stress indexes, and a neurotoxicity index of three mollusks were determined at day 0, 3, 7, 8 and 10. After seven-day exposure, the PS-MP were found in all three mollusks' digestive and non-digestive systems. And PS-MP in M. veneriformis (9.57 ± 2.19 items/individual) was significantly higher than those in C. sinensis (3.00 ± 2.16 items/individual) and B. exarate (0.83 ± 1.07 items/individual) at day 7. Three-day depuration could remove most of the PS-MP in the mollusks, and higher PS-MP clearance rates were found in filter-feeding C. sinensis (77.78 %) and M. veneriformis (82.59 %) compared to surface deposit-feeding B. exarate (50.00 %). The digestive enzymes of B. exarate significantly reacted to PS-MP exposure, while oxidative responses were found in C. sinensis. After three-day depuration, the changes of digestive enzymes and the oxidative states were fixed, but neurotoxicity induced by PS-MP was not recoverable. Besides, it is noteworthy that changes of digestive enzymes and acetylcholinesterase are related to feeding patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senyang Wang
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224002, China; College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Liang Zheng
- East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengyan Shen
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224002, China
| | - Longsheng Zhang
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224002, China
| | - Yiting Wu
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224002, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chuanbo Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Cunzhi Hu
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224002, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224002, China
| | - Yanming Sui
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224002, China; Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Germany.
| | - Xuexing Dong
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224002, China.
| | - Linlan Lv
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224002, China
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Landrigan PJ, Raps H, Cropper M, Bald C, Brunner M, Canonizado EM, Charles D, Chiles TC, Donohue MJ, Enck J, Fenichel P, Fleming LE, Ferrier-Pages C, Fordham R, Gozt A, Griffin C, Hahn ME, Haryanto B, Hixson R, Ianelli H, James BD, Kumar P, Laborde A, Law KL, Martin K, Mu J, Mulders Y, Mustapha A, Niu J, Pahl S, Park Y, Pedrotti ML, Pitt JA, Ruchirawat M, Seewoo BJ, Spring M, Stegeman JJ, Suk W, Symeonides C, Takada H, Thompson RC, Vicini A, Wang Z, Whitman E, Wirth D, Wolff M, Yousuf AK, Dunlop S. The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:23. [PMID: 36969097 PMCID: PMC10038118 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plastics have conveyed great benefits to humanity and made possible some of the most significant advances of modern civilization in fields as diverse as medicine, electronics, aerospace, construction, food packaging, and sports. It is now clear, however, that plastics are also responsible for significant harms to human health, the economy, and the earth's environment. These harms occur at every stage of the plastic life cycle, from extraction of the coal, oil, and gas that are its main feedstocks through to ultimate disposal into the environment. The extent of these harms not been systematically assessed, their magnitude not fully quantified, and their economic costs not comprehensively counted. Goals The goals of this Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health are to comprehensively examine plastics' impacts across their life cycle on: (1) human health and well-being; (2) the global environment, especially the ocean; (3) the economy; and (4) vulnerable populations-the poor, minorities, and the world's children. On the basis of this examination, the Commission offers science-based recommendations designed to support development of a Global Plastics Treaty, protect human health, and save lives. Report Structure This Commission report contains seven Sections. Following an Introduction, Section 2 presents a narrative review of the processes involved in plastic production, use, and disposal and notes the hazards to human health and the environment associated with each of these stages. Section 3 describes plastics' impacts on the ocean and notes the potential for plastic in the ocean to enter the marine food web and result in human exposure. Section 4 details plastics' impacts on human health. Section 5 presents a first-order estimate of plastics' health-related economic costs. Section 6 examines the intersection between plastic, social inequity, and environmental injustice. Section 7 presents the Commission's findings and recommendations. Plastics Plastics are complex, highly heterogeneous, synthetic chemical materials. Over 98% of plastics are produced from fossil carbon- coal, oil and gas. Plastics are comprised of a carbon-based polymer backbone and thousands of additional chemicals that are incorporated into polymers to convey specific properties such as color, flexibility, stability, water repellence, flame retardation, and ultraviolet resistance. Many of these added chemicals are highly toxic. They include carcinogens, neurotoxicants and endocrine disruptors such as phthalates, bisphenols, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), brominated flame retardants, and organophosphate flame retardants. They are integral components of plastic and are responsible for many of plastics' harms to human health and the environment.Global plastic production has increased almost exponentially since World War II, and in this time more than 8,300 megatons (Mt) of plastic have been manufactured. Annual production volume has grown from under 2 Mt in 1950 to 460 Mt in 2019, a 230-fold increase, and is on track to triple by 2060. More than half of all plastic ever made has been produced since 2002. Single-use plastics account for 35-40% of current plastic production and represent the most rapidly growing segment of plastic manufacture.Explosive recent growth in plastics production reflects a deliberate pivot by the integrated multinational fossil-carbon corporations that produce coal, oil and gas and that also manufacture plastics. These corporations are reducing their production of fossil fuels and increasing plastics manufacture. The two principal factors responsible for this pivot are decreasing global demand for carbon-based fuels due to increases in 'green' energy, and massive expansion of oil and gas production due to fracking.Plastic manufacture is energy-intensive and contributes significantly to climate change. At present, plastic production is responsible for an estimated 3.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the contribution of Brazil. This fraction is projected to increase to 4.5% by 2060 if current trends continue unchecked. Plastic Life Cycle The plastic life cycle has three phases: production, use, and disposal. In production, carbon feedstocks-coal, gas, and oil-are transformed through energy-intensive, catalytic processes into a vast array of products. Plastic use occurs in every aspect of modern life and results in widespread human exposure to the chemicals contained in plastic. Single-use plastics constitute the largest portion of current use, followed by synthetic fibers and construction.Plastic disposal is highly inefficient, with recovery and recycling rates below 10% globally. The result is that an estimated 22 Mt of plastic waste enters the environment each year, much of it single-use plastic and are added to the more than 6 gigatons of plastic waste that have accumulated since 1950. Strategies for disposal of plastic waste include controlled and uncontrolled landfilling, open burning, thermal conversion, and export. Vast quantities of plastic waste are exported each year from high-income to low-income countries, where it accumulates in landfills, pollutes air and water, degrades vital ecosystems, befouls beaches and estuaries, and harms human health-environmental injustice on a global scale. Plastic-laden e-waste is particularly problematic. Environmental Findings Plastics and plastic-associated chemicals are responsible for widespread pollution. They contaminate aquatic (marine and freshwater), terrestrial, and atmospheric environments globally. The ocean is the ultimate destination for much plastic, and plastics are found throughout the ocean, including coastal regions, the sea surface, the deep sea, and polar sea ice. Many plastics appear to resist breakdown in the ocean and could persist in the global environment for decades. Macro- and micro-plastic particles have been identified in hundreds of marine species in all major taxa, including species consumed by humans. Trophic transfer of microplastic particles and the chemicals within them has been demonstrated. Although microplastic particles themselves (>10 µm) appear not to undergo biomagnification, hydrophobic plastic-associated chemicals bioaccumulate in marine animals and biomagnify in marine food webs. The amounts and fates of smaller microplastic and nanoplastic particles (MNPs <10 µm) in aquatic environments are poorly understood, but the potential for harm is worrying given their mobility in biological systems. Adverse environmental impacts of plastic pollution occur at multiple levels from molecular and biochemical to population and ecosystem. MNP contamination of seafood results in direct, though not well quantified, human exposure to plastics and plastic-associated chemicals. Marine plastic pollution endangers the ocean ecosystems upon which all humanity depends for food, oxygen, livelihood, and well-being. Human Health Findings Coal miners, oil workers and gas field workers who extract fossil carbon feedstocks for plastic production suffer increased mortality from traumatic injury, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, silicosis, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Plastic production workers are at increased risk of leukemia, lymphoma, hepatic angiosarcoma, brain cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, neurotoxic injury, and decreased fertility. Workers producing plastic textiles die of bladder cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and interstitial lung disease at increased rates. Plastic recycling workers have increased rates of cardiovascular disease, toxic metal poisoning, neuropathy, and lung cancer. Residents of "fenceline" communities adjacent to plastic production and waste disposal sites experience increased risks of premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, childhood leukemia, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.During use and also in disposal, plastics release toxic chemicals including additives and residual monomers into the environment and into people. National biomonitoring surveys in the USA document population-wide exposures to these chemicals. Plastic additives disrupt endocrine function and increase risk for premature births, neurodevelopmental disorders, male reproductive birth defects, infertility, obesity, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and cancers. Chemical-laden MNPs formed through the environmental degradation of plastic waste can enter living organisms, including humans. Emerging, albeit still incomplete evidence indicates that MNPs may cause toxicity due to their physical and toxicological effects as well as by acting as vectors that transport toxic chemicals and bacterial pathogens into tissues and cells.Infants in the womb and young children are two populations at particularly high risk of plastic-related health effects. Because of the exquisite sensitivity of early development to hazardous chemicals and children's unique patterns of exposure, plastic-associated exposures are linked to increased risks of prematurity, stillbirth, low birth weight, birth defects of the reproductive organs, neurodevelopmental impairment, impaired lung growth, and childhood cancer. Early-life exposures to plastic-associated chemicals also increase the risk of multiple non-communicable diseases later in life. Economic Findings Plastic's harms to human health result in significant economic costs. We estimate that in 2015 the health-related costs of plastic production exceeded $250 billion (2015 Int$) globally, and that in the USA alone the health costs of disease and disability caused by the plastic-associated chemicals PBDE, BPA and DEHP exceeded $920 billion (2015 Int$). Plastic production results in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions equivalent to 1.96 gigatons of carbon dioxide (CO2e) annually. Using the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) social cost of carbon metric, we estimate the annual costs of these GHG emissions to be $341 billion (2015 Int$).These costs, large as they are, almost certainly underestimate the full economic losses resulting from plastics' negative impacts on human health and the global environment. All of plastics' economic costs-and also its social costs-are externalized by the petrochemical and plastic manufacturing industry and are borne by citizens, taxpayers, and governments in countries around the world without compensation. Social Justice Findings The adverse effects of plastics and plastic pollution on human health, the economy and the environment are not evenly distributed. They disproportionately affect poor, disempowered, and marginalized populations such as workers, racial and ethnic minorities, "fenceline" communities, Indigenous groups, women, and children, all of whom had little to do with creating the current plastics crisis and lack the political influence or the resources to address it. Plastics' harmful impacts across its life cycle are most keenly felt in the Global South, in small island states, and in disenfranchised areas in the Global North. Social and environmental justice (SEJ) principles require reversal of these inequitable burdens to ensure that no group bears a disproportionate share of plastics' negative impacts and that those who benefit economically from plastic bear their fair share of its currently externalized costs. Conclusions It is now clear that current patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal are not sustainable and are responsible for significant harms to human health, the environment, and the economy as well as for deep societal injustices.The main driver of these worsening harms is an almost exponential and still accelerating increase in global plastic production. Plastics' harms are further magnified by low rates of recovery and recycling and by the long persistence of plastic waste in the environment.The thousands of chemicals in plastics-monomers, additives, processing agents, and non-intentionally added substances-include amongst their number known human carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxicants, and persistent organic pollutants. These chemicals are responsible for many of plastics' known harms to human and planetary health. The chemicals leach out of plastics, enter the environment, cause pollution, and result in human exposure and disease. All efforts to reduce plastics' hazards must address the hazards of plastic-associated chemicals. Recommendations To protect human and planetary health, especially the health of vulnerable and at-risk populations, and put the world on track to end plastic pollution by 2040, this Commission supports urgent adoption by the world's nations of a strong and comprehensive Global Plastics Treaty in accord with the mandate set forth in the March 2022 resolution of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).International measures such as a Global Plastics Treaty are needed to curb plastic production and pollution, because the harms to human health and the environment caused by plastics, plastic-associated chemicals and plastic waste transcend national boundaries, are planetary in their scale, and have disproportionate impacts on the health and well-being of people in the world's poorest nations. Effective implementation of the Global Plastics Treaty will require that international action be coordinated and complemented by interventions at the national, regional, and local levels.This Commission urges that a cap on global plastic production with targets, timetables, and national contributions be a central provision of the Global Plastics Treaty. We recommend inclusion of the following additional provisions:The Treaty needs to extend beyond microplastics and marine litter to include all of the many thousands of chemicals incorporated into plastics.The Treaty needs to include a provision banning or severely restricting manufacture and use of unnecessary, avoidable, and problematic plastic items, especially single-use items such as manufactured plastic microbeads.The Treaty needs to include requirements on extended producer responsibility (EPR) that make fossil carbon producers, plastic producers, and the manufacturers of plastic products legally and financially responsible for the safety and end-of-life management of all the materials they produce and sell.The Treaty needs to mandate reductions in the chemical complexity of plastic products; health-protective standards for plastics and plastic additives; a requirement for use of sustainable non-toxic materials; full disclosure of all components; and traceability of components. International cooperation will be essential to implementing and enforcing these standards.The Treaty needs to include SEJ remedies at each stage of the plastic life cycle designed to fill gaps in community knowledge and advance both distributional and procedural equity.This Commission encourages inclusion in the Global Plastic Treaty of a provision calling for exploration of listing at least some plastic polymers as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.This Commission encourages a strong interface between the Global Plastics Treaty and the Basel and London Conventions to enhance management of hazardous plastic waste and slow current massive exports of plastic waste into the world's least-developed countries.This Commission recommends the creation of a Permanent Science Policy Advisory Body to guide the Treaty's implementation. The main priorities of this Body would be to guide Member States and other stakeholders in evaluating which solutions are most effective in reducing plastic consumption, enhancing plastic waste recovery and recycling, and curbing the generation of plastic waste. This Body could also assess trade-offs among these solutions and evaluate safer alternatives to current plastics. It could monitor the transnational export of plastic waste. It could coordinate robust oceanic-, land-, and air-based MNP monitoring programs.This Commission recommends urgent investment by national governments in research into solutions to the global plastic crisis. This research will need to determine which solutions are most effective and cost-effective in the context of particular countries and assess the risks and benefits of proposed solutions. Oceanographic and environmental research is needed to better measure concentrations and impacts of plastics <10 µm and understand their distribution and fate in the global environment. Biomedical research is needed to elucidate the human health impacts of plastics, especially MNPs. Summary This Commission finds that plastics are both a boon to humanity and a stealth threat to human and planetary health. Plastics convey enormous benefits, but current linear patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal that pay little attention to sustainable design or safe materials and a near absence of recovery, reuse, and recycling are responsible for grave harms to health, widespread environmental damage, great economic costs, and deep societal injustices. These harms are rapidly worsening.While there remain gaps in knowledge about plastics' harms and uncertainties about their full magnitude, the evidence available today demonstrates unequivocally that these impacts are great and that they will increase in severity in the absence of urgent and effective intervention at global scale. Manufacture and use of essential plastics may continue. However, reckless increases in plastic production, and especially increases in the manufacture of an ever-increasing array of unnecessary single-use plastic products, need to be curbed.Global intervention against the plastic crisis is needed now because the costs of failure to act will be immense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Landrigan
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Hervé Raps
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Maureen Cropper
- Economics Department, University of Maryland, College Park, US
| | - Caroline Bald
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Fenichel
- Université Côte d’Azur
- Centre Hospitalier, Universitaire de Nice, FR
| | - Lora E. Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, UK
| | | | | | | | - Carly Griffin
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, US
| | - Budi Haryanto
- Department of Environmental Health, Universitas Indonesia, ID
- Research Center for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia, ID
| | - Richard Hixson
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Hannah Ianelli
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Bryan D. James
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | | | - Amalia Laborde
- Department of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of the Republic, UY
| | | | - Keith Martin
- Consortium of Universities for Global Health, US
| | - Jenna Mu
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | - Adetoun Mustapha
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
- Lead City University, NG
| | - Jia Niu
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, US
| | - Sabine Pahl
- University of Vienna, Austria
- University of Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Maria-Luiza Pedrotti
- Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche sur mer (LOV), Sorbonne Université, FR
| | | | | | - Bhedita Jaya Seewoo
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
| | | | - John J. Stegeman
- Biology Department and Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | - William Suk
- Superfund Research Program, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US
| | | | - Hideshige Takada
- Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry (LOG), Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, JP
| | | | | | - Zhanyun Wang
- Technology and Society Laboratory, WEmpa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials and Technology, CH
| | - Ella Whitman
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | - Aroub K. Yousuf
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Sarah Dunlop
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
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Zhao S, Mincer TJ, Lebreton L, Egger M. Pelagic microplastics in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre: A prevalent anthropogenic component of the particulate organic carbon pool. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad070. [PMID: 37007708 PMCID: PMC10062330 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
AbstractDue to its ever-increasing ocean inputs, fossil-based microplastics (MP) comprise a considerable constituent in the particulate organic carbon (POC) pool, which is instrumental in ocean biogeochemical cycling. Their distribution within the oceanic water column and the underpinning processes, however, remain unclear. Here we show that MP prevail throughout the water column of the eastern North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, comprising 334 #/m3 (84.5% of plastic particles <100 µm), with exponential relationships between concentrations and water depth in the upper 500-m layer and marked accumulation below this layer. Our results suggest that the biological carbon pump (BCP) strongly contributes to the water column MP redistribution in terms of polymer type, material density and particle size, which in turn could influence the efficiency of organic matter export to the deep sea. We further show that 14C-depleted plastic particles predictably are an emerging nonneglectable perturbation to radiocarbon signatures in the deep ocean through depletion of the 14C/C ratio in the POC pool. Our data provide insight into vertical MP flux and highlight the potential role of MP in alternating the marine particulate pool and interactions with the BCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiye Zhao
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: ;
| | | | - Laurent Lebreton
- The Ocean Cleanup, Rotterdam 3014 JH, The Netherlands
- The Modelling House, Raglan 3297, New Zealand
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Kye H, Kim J, Ju S, Lee J, Lim C, Yoon Y. Microplastics in water systems: A review of their impacts on the environment and their potential hazards. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14359. [PMID: 36950574 PMCID: PMC10025042 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics, the microscopic plastics, are fragments of any type of plastic that are being produced today as plastic waste originating from anthropogenic activities. Such microplastics are discharged into the environment, and they enter back into the human body through different means. The microplastics spread in the environment due to environmental factors and the inherent properties of microplastics, such as density, hydrophobicity, and recalcitrance, and then eventually enter the water environment. In this study, to better understand the behavior of microplastics in the water environment, an extensive literature review was conducted on the occurrence of microplastics in aquatic environments categorized by seawater, wastewater, and freshwater. We summarized the abundance and distribution of microplastics in the water environment and studied the environmental factors affecting them in detail. In addition, focusing on the sampling and pretreatment processes that can limit the analysis results of microplastics, we discussed in depth the sampling methods, density separation, and organic matter digestion methods for each water environment. Finally, the potential hazards posed by the behavior of aging microplastics, such as adsorption of pollutants or ingestion by aquatic organisms, due to exposure to the environment were also investigated.
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Zhang Z, Wu X, Liu H, Huang X, Chen Q, Guo X, Zhang J. A systematic review of microplastics in the environment: Sampling, separation, characterization and coexistence mechanisms with pollutants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:160151. [PMID: 36423843 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (<5 mm) (MPs) are widely distributed throughout the world, and their accumulation and migration in the environment have caused health and safety concerns. Currently, most of the reviewed literatures mainly focus on the distribution in various environmental media, adsorption mechanisms with different pollutants, and characterization of MPs. Therefore, the present review mainly highlights the characterization techniques of MPs and the underlying mechanisms of their combination with conventional coexisting substances (heavy metals, organic pollutants, and nutrients). We observed that massive MP pollution has been found in many areas, especially in Africa, Asia, India, South Africa, North America and Europe. The separation methods of MPs in different environmental media are basically similar, including sampling, pre-treatment, flotation, filtration and digestion. The combination of multiple characterization technologies can more precisely identify the shape, abundance, colour, and particle size of MPs. Notably, although recent reports have confirmed that MPs can act as carriers of heavy metals and carry them into organisms to cause harm, MPs have different adsorption and desorption characteristics for various heavy metals. The adsorption capacity of organic pollutants onto MPs is closely related to their hydrophobicity, specific surface area and functional group characteristics. The relative abundance of MPs in sediments and lakes had a significantly positive correlation with the mass concentration of total nitrogen in lake water, but this finding still needs to be further verified. Based on current research, we suggest that future MP research should focus on characterization technology, environmental migration, ecological effects, health risks and degradation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenming Zhang
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550003, China; Guizhou Institute of Biology, Guizhou Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550009, China
| | - Xianliang Wu
- Guizhou Institute of Biology, Guizhou Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550009, China
| | - Huijuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Xianfei Huang
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Environment, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, Guizhou, China
| | - Qina Chen
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Institutute of Karst wetland ecology, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, China.
| | - Jiachun Zhang
- Guizhou Botanical Garden, Guizhou Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, China.
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Ridall A, Farrar E, Dansby M, Ingels J. Influence of wastewater treatment plants and water input sources on size, shape, and polymer distributions of microplastics in St. Andrew Bay, Florida, USA. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114552. [PMID: 36621301 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114552] [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: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is an ongoing problem in coastal systems, where wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) deposit particles daily. This study examined MP characteristics at WWTP outflow and control sites in St. Andrew Bay in Northwestern Florida, USA. WWTP sites contained mostly polypropylene fragments (180.1 μm avg. size), while reference sites contained polypropylene fragments, and polyethylene and polyester fibers (315.3 μm avg. size). MP sizes were strongly linked to distance from the nearest WWTP, while shape and polymer compositions were more closely related to dissolved oxygen concentrations and distance to the nearest water input source. The prevalence of polypropylene fragments at WWTP sites suggests that extreme weather events during the study flushed land-based debris into the system, where it was buried in the sediments. Increased abundances of polyester and polyethylene terephthalate in the winter at WWTP sites are indicative of the role that laundering synthetic textiles plays in coastal MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Ridall
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, 3618 Coastal Highway 98, St Teresa, FL 32358, USA.
| | - Emily Farrar
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Morgan Dansby
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Jeroen Ingels
- Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, 3618 Coastal Highway 98, St Teresa, FL 32358, USA
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Reineccius J, Schönke M, Waniek JJ. Abiotic Long-Term Simulation of Microplastic Weathering Pathways under Different Aqueous Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:963-975. [PMID: 36584307 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are one of the most abundant and widespread anthropogenic pollutants worldwide. In addition to the global spread and threats of plastic to native species by carrying toxic substances, its slow degradation rate and resulting long retention time in the environment constitute a problem that is still poorly understood. In this study, five of the most manufactured plastic types were weathered under simulated beach conditions for 18 months in freshwater, brackish water, and seawater. Those included polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PP was the first polymer type that fragmented after 9 months of weathering and influenced the pH of the surrounding water. Molecular surface changes were detected for all polymers, just after the first week. Hydroxyl bonds were one of the first groups incorporated into the polymers, weakening 2-3 weeks later. Carbonyl groups were also measured early, but with significantly different developments with time between the polymer types. Differences in degradation rates were proven between the water media, with the fastest degradation in seawater compared to brackish water and freshwater for PE and PP. These results are consistent with previous findings on MPs aged under environmental conditions and provide initial long-term observations of MP degradation pathways under simulated environmental conditions. These findings are valuable for assessing the fate and hazards of MPs in aquatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janika Reineccius
- Leibniz Institute of Baltic Sea Research, Warnemünde, Seestraße 15, Rostock 18119, Germany
| | - Mischa Schönke
- Leibniz Institute of Baltic Sea Research, Warnemünde, Seestraße 15, Rostock 18119, Germany
| | - Joanna J Waniek
- Leibniz Institute of Baltic Sea Research, Warnemünde, Seestraße 15, Rostock 18119, Germany
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Xu Z, Bai X, Li Y, Weng Y, Li F. New insights into the decrease in Cd 2+ bioavailability in sediments by microplastics: Role of geochemical properties. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 442:130103. [PMID: 36303335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130103] [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] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are considered to influence the bioavailability of heavy metals through direct adsorption, but this neglects the distribution of heavy metal chemical speciation indirectly influenced by MPs by altering geochemical properties. The present study aims to explore the link between the fractionation distribution of cadmium (Cd2+) and changes in geochemical properties in sediments induced by polyethylene terephthalate microplastics (PET-MPs). The PET-MPs reduced the acid-soluble fraction of Cd2+ in sediments and increased its organically bound fraction. In addition, the concentration of bioavailable Cd2+ in the sediment decreased by 4.09-25.96 % with increasing PET-MPs doses and aging. Whereas the thermal aging of PET-MPs led to a decrease in the molar ratio of oxygen-containing functional groups and the BET surface area, which is not favorable for improving the adsorption capacity of PET-MPs. On the other hand, the correlation analysis demonstrated the key role of PET-MPs in increasing the content of sediment organic matter and its humification level, which indirectly led to a decrease in Cd2+ bioavailability. The microbial analysis demonstrated that PET-MPs increase the relative abundances of Chloroflexi, hexokinase, and 6-phosphofructose kinase in sediments, thereby increasing the humification level of sediment organic matter. The present study provides a new perspective for understanding the environmental risks of MPs-altered heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjia Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR 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, PR China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China.
| | - Yujian Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR 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, PR China
| | - Fengjie Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
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Li Y, Lu Q, Xing Y, Liu K, Ling W, Yang J, Yang Q, Wu T, Zhang J, Pei Z, Gao Z, Li X, Yang F, Ma H, Liu K, Zhao D. Review of research on migration, distribution, biological effects, and analytical methods of microfibers in the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158922. [PMID: 36155038 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been proven to be one of the critical environmental pollution issues. Moreover, microfibers, the most prominent form of microplastics in the environment, have likewise attracted the attention of various countries. With the increase in global population and industrialization, the production and use of fibers continue to increase yearly. As a result, a large number of microfibers are formed. If fiber products are not used or handled correctly, it will cause direct/indirect severe microfiber environmental pollution. Microfibers will be further broken into smaller fiber fragments when they enter the natural environment. Presently, researchers have conducted extensive research in the identification of microfibers, laying the foundation for further resourcefulness research. This work used bibliometric analysis to review the microfiber contamination researches systematically. First, the primary sources of microfibers and the influencing factors are analyzed. We aim to summarize the influence of the clothing fiber preparation and care processes on microfiber formation. Then, this work elaborated on the migration in/between water, atmosphere, and terrestrial environments. We also discussed the effects of microfiber on ecosystems. Finally, microfibers' current and foreseeable effective treatment, disposal, and resource utilization methods were explained. This paper will provide a structured reference for future microfiber research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Li
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China; School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qingbin Lu
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yi Xing
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Kai Liu
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Wei Ling
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Jian Yang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong, China.
| | - Qizhen Yang
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Tianqi Wu
- Human Resources Department, Yangquan Power Supply Company of State Grid Shanxi Electric Power Company, Yangquan 045000, Shanxi, China
| | - Jiafu Zhang
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zengxin Pei
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Ziyuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Iron and Steel Industry Environmental Protection, No. 33, Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Hongjie Ma
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Kehan Liu
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Ding Zhao
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
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