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Chen Z, Ma T, Liu W, Yuan G, Pan X, Zhang M, Luan X, Cui Z, Xin J. Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) in China Over the Past Half-Century: Stocks, Flows, Fates, and Ecological Risks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:13613-13623. [PMID: 39051121 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c00183] [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: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
China is a significant producer and consumer of various brominated flame retardants (BFRs), raising environmental concerns due to their widespread presence and potential threats to ecosystems and organisms. This study adopts a life cycle perspective, combining material flow analysis, multimedia environmental modeling, and ecological risk assessment to systematically analyze the substance metabolism and ecological risks of six BFR types in China from 1970 to 2021. The findings reveal that China's cumulative BFR consumption reached 3.3 Mt, with the electronics sector being the predominant contributor at 52.1%. Consequently, 1.5 kt of BFRs were released into the environment, with 24.9%, 31.5%, and 43.6% being discharged into the air, water, and soil, respectively. Notably, the proportion of novel BFRs in emissions has steadily increased over the years, exemplified by the increase in decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) from 21.3% in 2010 to 30.1% in 2021. Geographically, BFR concentrations are higher in the eastern and southwestern regions compared to those in the northwest. Presently, certain BFRs like tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and DBDPE exhibit moderate to high ecological risks, primarily concentrated in the Shandong and Sichuan provinces. A combination of efficient recycling, emission control, and substitution with novel flame-retardant can minimize the exposure of BFRs to the environment and organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Tengyun Ma
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Gang Yuan
- Jiaozhou Branch, Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment, Qingdao 266300, China
| | - Xin Pan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Mingyue Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xiaoyu Luan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Zhaojie Cui
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Jia Xin
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
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2
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Lv M, Meng F, Man M, Lu S, Ren S, Yang X, Wang Q, Chen L, Ding J. Aging increases the particulate- and leachate-induced toxicity of tire wear particles to microalgae. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 256:121653. [PMID: 38678723 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121653] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The toxic effects of tire wear particles (TWPs) on organisms have attracted widespread concerns over the past decade. However, the underlying toxicity mechanism of TWPs, especially aged TWPs to marine microalgae remains poorly understood. This study investigated the physiological and metabolic responses of Phaeodactylum tricornutum to different concentrations of TWPs (Experiment 1), virgin and differently aged TWPs (Experiment 2) as well as their leachates and leached particles (Experiment 3). Results demonstrated that TWPs promoted the growth of microalgae at low concentrations (0.6 and 3 mg L-1) and inhibited their growth at high concentrations (15 and 75 mg L-1). Moreover, aged TWPs induced more profound physiological effects on microalgae than virgin TWPs, including inhibiting microalgae growth, decreasing the content of Chla, promoting photosynthetic efficiency, and causing oxidative damage to algal cells. Untargeted metabolomics analysis confirmed that aged TWPs induced more pronounced metabolic changes than virgin TWPs. This study represented the first to demonstrate that both particulate- and leachate-induced toxicity of TWPs was increased after aging processes, which was confirmed by the changes in the surface morphology of TWPs and enhanced release of additives. Through the significant correlations between the additives and the microalgal metabolites, key additives responsible for the shift of microalgal metabolites were identified. These results broaden the understanding of the toxicity mechanism of aged TWPs to microalgae at the physiological and metabolic levels and appeal for considering the effects of long-term aging on TWP toxicity in risk assessment of TWPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lv
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Fanyu Meng
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Mingsan Man
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Shuang Lu
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Suyu Ren
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Xiaoyong Yang
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Qiaoning Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Lingxin Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Jing Ding
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
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Okeke ES, Ezeorba TPC, Chen Y, Mao G, Feng W, Wu X. Association of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) with micro/nano-plastics: A review of recent findings on ecotoxicological and health impacts. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172308. [PMID: 38599396 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172308] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite the diverse research into the environmental impact of plastics, several stones have yet to be unraveled in terms of their ecotoxicological potential. Moreover, their detrimental impacts have become terrifying in recent years as the understanding of their tendency to associate and form cohorts with other emerging contaminants grew. Despite the hypothesis that microplastics may potentially adsorb organic pollutants, sequestering and making them not bioavailable for enhanced toxicity, evidence with pollutants such as Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) defers this assertion. TBBPA, one of the most widely used brominated flame retardants, has been enlisted as an emerging contaminant of serious environmental and human health concerns. Being also an additive to plasticware, it is not far to suspect that TBBPA could be found in association with micro/nanoplastics in our environment. Several pieces of evidence from recent studies have confirmed the micro/nanoplastics-TBBPA association and have exposed their compounded detrimental impacts on the environment and human health. This study, therefore, presents a comprehensive and up-to-date review of recent findings regarding their occurrence, factors that foster their association, including their sorption kinetics and isotherms, and their impacts on aquatic/agroecosystem and human health. The way forward and prospects for future studies were presented. This research is believed to be of significant interest to the readership due to its relevance to current environmental challenges posed by plastics and TBBPA. The study not only contributes valuable insights into the specific interaction between micro/nanoplastics and TBBPA but also suggests the way forward and prospects for future studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Sunday Okeke
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Emergency Management, School of the Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China; Natural Science Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria
| | - Timothy Prince Chidike Ezeorba
- Natural Science Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria; Department of Environmental Health and Risk Management, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Yao Chen
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Emergency Management, School of the Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guanghua Mao
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Emergency Management, School of the Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiwei Feng
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Emergency Management, School of the Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xiangyang Wu
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Emergency Management, School of the Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
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4
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Shi Y, Zheng L, Huang H, Shi L, Gong Z, Ye K, Chen X, Gao S. Interactions between methyl octabromo ether flame retardant and expanded polystyrene microplastics in the photoaging process. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 358:142165. [PMID: 38704048 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) plastic is widely used because of its low density and lightweight properties, enabling it to float on water and increase its exposure to sunlight. In this study, we simulated the photoaging process of flame retardant-added EPS (FR-EPS) and common original EPS (OR-EPS) microplastic (MP) particles with and without methyl octabromoether flame retardant (MOBE) in the laboratory to explore the effect of MOBE on the photodegradation of EPS. Results showed that MOBE accelerated size reduction and surface hole formation on the particles, hastening the shedding and replacement of particle surfaces. FR-EPS particles exhibited a weight loss exceeding that of OR-EPS, reaching 40.85 ± 3.72% after 36 days of irradiation. Moreover, rapid physical peeling of the FR-EPS surface was accompanied by continuous chemical oxidation and fluctuations of the carbonyl index and O/C ratio. A diffusion model based on Fick's second law fitted well for the concentration of MOBE remaining in FR-EPS particles. MOBE's sensitivity to direct photochemical reactions inhibited the early-stage photoaging of EPS MP particles by competing for photons. However, MOBE as chromophores could absorb photons and produce •OH to promote the aging of EPS. Moreover, the capacity of EPS to absorb light energy also accelerated MOBE degradation. These findings suggested that the photoaging behavior of commercial EPS products containing flame retardants in the environment is quite different from that of pure EPS, indicating that additive-plastic interactions significantly alter MP fate and environmental risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Lezhou Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Hexinyue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Linping Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Zhimin Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Kefu Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Xingqi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China.
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5
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Costa CQV, Afonso II, Cruz J, Teodósio MAA, Jockusch S, Ramamurthy V, Power DM, Da Silva JP. Environmental Markers of Plastics and Microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:8889-8898. [PMID: 38685194 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09662] [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: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The slow reaction rates to chemical and photochemical degradation are well-known properties of plastics. However, large plastic surfaces exposed to environmental conditions release particles and compounds that affect ecosystems and human health. The aim of this work was to identify compounds associated with the degradation of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics (markers) on silica and sand and evaluate their use to screen microplastics on natural sand. Products were identified by using targeted and untargeted LC-HRMS analysis. All polymers underwent chemical oxidation on silica. PE released dicarboxylic acids (HO2C-(CH2)n-CO2H (n = 4-30), while PS released cis/trans-chalcone, trans-dypnone, 3-phenylpropiophenone, and dibenzoylmethane. PVC released dicarboxylic acids and aromatic compounds. Upon irradiation, PE was stable while PS released the same compounds as under chemical oxidation but at lower yields. Under the above condition, PVC generated HO2C-[CH2-CHCl]n-CH2-CO2H and HO2C-[CH2-CHCl]n-CO2H (n = 2-19) dicarboxylic acids. The same products were detected on sand but at a lower concentration than on silica due to better retention within the pores. Detection of markers of PE and PS on natural sand allowed us to screen microplastics by following a targeted analysis. Markers of PVC were not detected before or after thermal/photo-oxidation due to the low release of compounds and limitations associated with surface exposure/penetration of radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Q V Costa
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Inês I Afonso
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Joana Cruz
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Maria Alexandra A Teodósio
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Steffen Jockusch
- Center for Photochemical Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403, United States
| | | | - Deborah M Power
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - José P Da Silva
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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6
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Albergamo V, Wohlleben W, Plata DL. Tracking Dynamic Chemical Reactivity Networks with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry: A Case of Microplastic-Derived Dissolved Organic Carbon. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4314-4325. [PMID: 38373233 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Chemical degradation testing often involves monitoring the loss of a chemical or the evolution of a single diagnostic product through time. Here, we demonstrate a novel approach to tracing complex degradation networks using mass-spectrometry-based methods and open cheminformatics tools. Ester- and ether-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU_Ester and TPU_Ether) microplastics (350 μm) and microplastics-derived dissolved organic carbon (MP-DOC) were photoweathered in a simulated marine environment and subsequently analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. We formula-annotated 1342 and 2344 unique features in the MP-DOC of TPU_Ester and TPU_Ether, respectively. From these, we extracted 199 and 568 plausible parent-transformation product pairs via matching of features (a) with complementary increasing and decreasing trends (Spearman's correlation coefficient between normalized intensity and time), (b) spectral similarities of at least three accurate mass MS2 fragments, and (c) at least 3 ppm agreement between the theoretical and measured change in m/z between the parent-transformation product formula. Molecular network analysis revealed that both chain scission and cross-linking reactions occur dynamically rather than degradation proceeding in a monotonic progression to smaller or more oxygenated structures. Network nodes with the highest degree of centrality were tentatively identified using in silico fragmentation and can be prioritized for toxicity screening or other physicochemical properties of interest. This work has important implications for chemical transformation tracking in complex mixtures and may someday enable improved elucidation of environmental transformation rules (i.e., structure-reactivity relationships) and fate modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Albergamo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Wendel Wohlleben
- Department of Analytical and Material Science, BASF SE, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Desirée L Plata
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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7
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Cai Z, Liu J, Zhao G, Jia B, Shang Y, Cheng P. Analysis and identification of degradation products in gas, particle, and liquid phases of polypropylene and polyethyleneterephthalate microplastics aging through non-thermal plasma simulation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:22847-22857. [PMID: 38411908 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32586-6] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Plastic aging can cause alterations in the physical and chemical characteristics of plastics, as well as their behavior in the environment. Due to the extremely slow natural aging process, laboratory simulated aging methods have to be used. In this study, non-thermal plasma (NTP) was adopted to investigate the aging process of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics. Various analytical instruments, including proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry and single-particle aerosol mass spectrometry, were employed to examine and identify the organic constituents of the gas, liquid, and particle phase degradation products, as well as to monitor the degradation process. The results showed that after 90 min of aging, both PP and PET surfaces showed yellowing, and the carbonyl index of PP increased while that of PET decreased, with an increase in crystallinity. The organic components of reaction products, such as ketones, esters, acids, and alcohols, increased with longer aging times. Gas products mainly contain aromatic hydrocarbons, while particles from aged PET contain compounds with benzene rings and metal elements. Liquid products from aged PP show a significant presence of branched alkanes. Based on this analysis, degradation mechanisms of PP and PET by NTP were proposed. This investigation represents the initial systematically exploration of the release of organic substances during the degradation of microplastics mediated by NTP. It provides significant insights into the detrimental organic compounds emitted during this process, thereby offering valuable information for understanding the environmental and human health implications of natural microplastic degradation. Furthermore, it addressed the requirements for increased attention to the potential environmental risks associated with these harmful components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaofeng Cai
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Jixing Liu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Gaosheng Zhao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Bin Jia
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yu Shang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Ping Cheng
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
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8
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Zhang R, Zhang X, Zhang Q, Li Y, Wang Y, Xu J, Cheng Z, Chen H, Yao Y, Sun H. Heterogeneous Photodegradation Behavior of Liquid Crystal Monomers in Dust: Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship and Product Identification. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:3908-3918. [PMID: 38329000 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The heterogeneous photodegradation behavior of liquid crystal monomers (LCMs) in standard dust (standard reference material, SRM 2583) and environmental dust was investigated. The measured photodegradation ratios for 23 LCMs in SRM and environmental dust in 12 h were 11.1 ± 1.8 to 23.2 ± 1.1% and 8.7 ± 0.5 to 24.0 ± 2.8%, respectively. The degradation behavior of different LCM compounds varied depending on their structural properties. A quantitative structure-activity relationship model for predicting the degradation ratio of LCMs in SRM dust was established, which revealed that the molecular descriptors related to molecular polarizability, electronegativity, and molecular mass were closely associated with LCMs' photodegradation. The photodegradation products of the LCM compound 4'-propoxy-4-biphenylcarbonitrile (PBIPHCN) in dust, including •OH oxidation, C-O bond cleavage, and ring-opening products, were identified by nontarget analysis, and the corresponding degradation pathways were suggested. Some of the identified products, such as 4'-hydroxyethoxy-4-biphenylcarbonitrile, showed predicted toxicity (with an oral rat lethal dose of 50%) comparable to that of PBIPHCN. The half-lives of the studied LCMs in SRM dust were estimated at 32.2-82.5 h by fitting an exponential decay curve to the observed photodegradation data. The photodegradation mechanisms of LCMs in dust were revealed for the first time, enhancing the understanding of LCMs' environmental behavior and risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Zhang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Qiuyue Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yongcheng Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yu Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiaping Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zhipeng Cheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hao Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
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9
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Chen H, Chen X, Ding P, Gu Y, Jiang Y, Li X, Hu G, Li L, Wang C, Yu J, Li H. Photoaging enhances combined toxicity of microplastics and tetrabromobisphenol A by inducing intestinal damage and oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169259. [PMID: 38128659 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169259] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants that often co-exist with tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) in the environment. However, the joint effect of TBBPA and photoaged MPs at ambient concentrations remains unknown largely. In this study, the combined toxicity of ultraviolet-aged polystyrene (UV-PS) and TBBPA was investigated in Caenorhabditis elegans. UV irradiation could change the physical and chemical characteristics of polystyrene (PS), and UV-PS (90.218 μg/g) showed a stronger adsorption capacity than PS of 79.424 μg/g. Toxicity testing showed that 1 μg/L UV-PS enhanced the toxic effect of 1 μg/L TBBPA by reducing body length, locomotion behavior, and brood size in nematodes. Using ROS production, lipofuscin accumulation, and expression of gst-4::GFP as endpoints, the combined exposure of UV-PS and TBBPA induced stronger oxidative stress than TBBPA alone. Joint exposure to UV-PS and TBBPA significantly increased of Nile red and blue food dye in its intestinal tract compared to that in the TBBPA exposure group, indicating that co-exposure enhanced intestinal permeability. After co-exposure to UV-PS and TBBPA, the expression of the associated genes detected increased significantly. Therefore, UV-PS enhances the adverse effects of TBBPA through intestinal damage and oxidative stress in nematodes. These findings suggest that the co-presence of photoaged PS and TBBPA results in high environmental risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Chen
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Ping Ding
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Yulun Gu
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yongqi Jiang
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xintong Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Guocheng Hu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Liangzhong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Renewable Energy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New and Renewable Energy Research and Development, Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Chen Wang
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Hui Li
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
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10
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Tatsii D, Bucci S, Bhowmick T, Guettler J, Bakels L, Bagheri G, Stohl A. Shape Matters: Long-Range Transport of Microplastic Fibers in the Atmosphere. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:671-682. [PMID: 38150408 PMCID: PMC10785798 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08209] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The deposition of airborne microplastic particles, including those exceeding 1000 μm in the longest dimension, has been observed in the most remote places on earth. However, their deposition patterns are difficult to reproduce using current atmospheric transport models. These models usually treat particles as perfect spheres, whereas the real shapes of microplastic particles are often far from spherical. Such particles experience lower settling velocities compared to volume equivalent spheres, leading to longer atmospheric transport. Here, we present novel laboratory experiments on the gravitational settling of microplastic fibers in air and find that their settling velocities are reduced by up to 76% compared to those of the spheres of the same volume. An atmospheric transport model constrained with the experimental data shows that shape-corrected settling velocities significantly increase the horizontal and vertical transport of particles. Our model results show that microplastic fibers of about 1 mm length emitted in populated areas are more likely to reach extremely remote regions of the globe, including the high Arctic, which is not the case for spheres of equivalent volume. We also calculate that fibers with lengths of up to 100 μm settle slowly enough to be lifted high into the stratosphere, where degradation by ultraviolet radiation may release chlorine and bromine, thus potentially damaging the stratospheric ozone layer. These findings suggest that the growing environmental burden and still increasing emissions of plastic pose multiple threats to life on earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Tatsii
- Department
of Meteorology and Geophysics, University
of Vienna, Universitätsring 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Silvia Bucci
- Department
of Meteorology and Geophysics, University
of Vienna, Universitätsring 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Taraprasad Bhowmick
- Laboratory
for Fluid Physics, Pattern Formation and Biocomplexity, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organisation, Am Faßberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Institute
for the Dynamics of Complex Systems, University
of Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Guettler
- Laboratory
for Fluid Physics, Pattern Formation and Biocomplexity, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organisation, Am Faßberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lucie Bakels
- Department
of Meteorology and Geophysics, University
of Vienna, Universitätsring 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gholamhossein Bagheri
- Laboratory
for Fluid Physics, Pattern Formation and Biocomplexity, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organisation, Am Faßberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Stohl
- Department
of Meteorology and Geophysics, University
of Vienna, Universitätsring 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria
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11
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Ibrahim IA, Rawindran H, Alam MM, Leong WH, Sahrin NT, Ng HS, Chan YJ, Abdelfattah EA, Lim JW, Aliyu US, Khoo KS. Mitigating persistent organic pollutants from marine plastics through enhanced recycling: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117533. [DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
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12
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Oumeddour H, Aldoori H, Bouberka Z, Mundlapati VR, Madhur V, Foissac C, Supiot P, Carpentier Y, Ziskind M, Focsa C, Maschke U. Degradation processes of brominated flame retardants dispersed in high impact polystyrene under UV-visible radiation. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2023:734242X231219626. [PMID: 38158834 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x231219626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
In order to protect human health and the environment, several regulations have been introduced in recent years to reduce or even eliminate the use of some brominated flame retardants (BFRs) due to their toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation. Dispersions of these BFRs in polymers are widely used for various applications. In this report, four different brominated molecules, decabromodiphenyl ether (DBDE), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) and tris(tribromophenoxy)triazine (TTBPT), were dispersed in the solid matrix of an industrial polymer, high impact polystyrene (HIPS). The possibility of degradation of these BFRs within HIPS under UV-visible irradiation in ambient air was investigated. The degradation kinetics of DBDE and HBCDD were followed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and high-resolution two-step laser mass spectrometry (L2MS). The thermal properties of the pristine and irradiated polymer matrix were monitored by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which showed that these properties were globally preserved. Volatile photoproducts from the degradation of DBDE, DBDPE and TTBPT were identified by headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. Under the chosen experimental conditions, BFRs underwent rapid degradation after a few seconds of irradiation, with conversions exceeding 50% for HIPS/DBDE and HIPS/HBCDD systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanene Oumeddour
- University Lille, CNRS, INRAE, Centrale Lille, UMR 8207 - UMET - Materials and Transformations Unit, Lille, France
| | - Hussam Aldoori
- University Lille, CNRS, INRAE, Centrale Lille, UMR 8207 - UMET - Materials and Transformations Unit, Lille, France
- Physical Chemistry of Materials-Catalysis and Environment Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of Oran, Oran, Algeria
| | - Zohra Bouberka
- Physical Chemistry of Materials-Catalysis and Environment Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of Oran, Oran, Algeria
| | | | - Vikas Madhur
- University Lille, CNRS, UMR 8523 - Physique des Lasers Atomes et Molécules, Lille, France
| | - Corinne Foissac
- University Lille, CNRS, INRAE, Centrale Lille, UMR 8207 - UMET - Materials and Transformations Unit, Lille, France
| | - Philippe Supiot
- University Lille, CNRS, INRAE, Centrale Lille, UMR 8207 - UMET - Materials and Transformations Unit, Lille, France
| | - Yvain Carpentier
- University Lille, CNRS, UMR 8523 - Physique des Lasers Atomes et Molécules, Lille, France
| | - Michael Ziskind
- University Lille, CNRS, UMR 8523 - Physique des Lasers Atomes et Molécules, Lille, France
| | - Cristian Focsa
- University Lille, CNRS, UMR 8523 - Physique des Lasers Atomes et Molécules, Lille, France
| | - Ulrich Maschke
- University Lille, CNRS, INRAE, Centrale Lille, UMR 8207 - UMET - Materials and Transformations Unit, Lille, France
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13
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Maddela NR, Kakarla D, Venkateswarlu K, Megharaj M. Additives of plastics: Entry into the environment and potential risks to human and ecological health. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119364. [PMID: 37866190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
A steep rise in global plastic production and significant discharge of plastic waste are expected in the near future. Plastics pose a threat to the ecosystem and human health through the generation of particulate plastics that act as carriers for other emerging contaminants, and the release of toxic chemical additives. Since plastic additives are not covalently bound, they can freely leach into the environment. Due to their occurrence in various environmental settings, the additives exert significant ecotoxicity. However, only 25% of plastic additives have been characterized for their potential ecological concern. Despite global market statistics highlighting the substantial environmental burden caused by the unrestricted production and use of plastic additives, information on their ecotoxicity remains incomplete. By focusing on the ecological impacts of plastic additives, the present review aims to provide detailed insights into the following aspects: (i) diversity and occurrence in the environment, (ii) leaching from plastic materials, (iii) trophic transfer, (iv) human exposure, (v) risks to ecosystem and human health, and (vi) legal guidelines and mitigation strategies. These insights are of immense value in restricting the use of toxic additives, searching for eco-friendly alternatives, and establishing or revising guidelines on plastic additives by global health and environmental agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naga Raju Maddela
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo, 130105, Ecuador
| | - Dhatri Kakarla
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Kadiyala Venkateswarlu
- Formerly Department of Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu, 515003, India
| | - Mallavarapu Megharaj
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), College of Engineering Science and Environment, ATC Building, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of Environment (CRC CARE), The University of Newcastle, ATC Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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14
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Luo H, Tu C, He D, Zhang A, Sun J, Li J, Xu J, Pan X. Interactions between microplastics and contaminants: A review focusing on the effect of aging process. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165615. [PMID: 37481081 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the environment are a major global concern due to their persistent nature and wide distribution. The aging of MPs is influenced by several processes including photodegradation, thermal degradation, biodegradation and mechanical fragmentation, which affect their interaction with contaminants. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the aging process of MPs and the factors that impact their aging, and to discuss the effects of aging on the interaction of MPs with contaminants. A range of characterization methods that can effectively elucidate the mechanistic processes of these interactions are outlined. The rate and extent of MPs aging are influenced by their physicochemical properties and other environmental factors, which ultimately affect the adsorption and aggregation of aged MPs with environmental contaminants. Pollutants such as heavy metals, organic matter and microorganisms have a tendency to accumulate on MPs through adsorption and the interactions between them impact their environmental behavior. Aging enhances the specific surface area and oxygen-containing functional groups of MPs, thereby affecting the mechanism of interaction between MPs and contaminants. To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of how aging affects the interactions, this review also provides an overview of the mechanisms by which MPs interact with contaminants. In the future, there should be further in-depth studies of the potential hazards of aged MPs in different environments e.g., soil, sediment, aquatic environment, and effects of their interaction with environmental pollutants on human health and ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Chaolin Tu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Dongqin He
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Anping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jianqiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Juan Xu
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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15
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Wu N, Xiang W, Zhu F, Huo Z, Wang Z, Qu R. Oxidative degradation and possible interactions of coexisting decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) on polystyrene microplastics in UV/chlorine process. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 245:120560. [PMID: 37688852 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
This work was to investigate the transformation of coexisting decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) on microplastics and their possible interactions in UV/chlorine process. Compared with pristine microplastics, the highly aged polystyrene (PS) showed an inhibitory effect on degradation of BDE-209. Increasing initial concentration of BDE-209 on PS inhibited degradation, while the chlorine concentration and pH did not affect the final degradation efficiency. Moreover, the presence of NO3-, SO42-, HCO3- and HA in water was unfavorable for BDE-209 degradation. According to the experimental and calculation results, the contribution to the degradation of BDE-209 was ranked as direct photolysis > HO• > •Cl in the UV/ chlorine system. Chlorination products released by PS during UV/chlorination were detected. Four possible reaction pathways of BDE-209 were proposed, which mainly involved debromination, hydroxylation, chlorine substitution, cleavage of ether bond, and intramolecular elimination of HBr. It was worth noting that PS microplastics not only inhibited the degradation of BDE-209, but also affected the type and abundance of its transformation products. Meanwhile, interaction products of PS and BDE-209 were determined, which was attributed to reactions of PS-derived radicals with •Br/•C6Br5 and •Cl. Results of toxicity evaluation showed that the introduction of carbon-halogen bonds, especially C-Br bond, increased the toxicity of chain scission products of PS. This work provides some new insights into transformation, interaction, and associated ecological risks of coexisting microplastics and surface adsorbed contaminants in the UV/chlorine process of drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products & Institute of Agro-product Safety and Nutrition, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, P. R. China
| | - Wenrui Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, NO.172 Jiangsu Road, Jiangsu Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zongli Huo
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, NO.172 Jiangsu Road, Jiangsu Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zunyao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Ruijuan Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China.
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16
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Lin L, Huang Y, Wang P, Chen CC, Qian W, Zhu X, Xu X. Environmental occurrence and ecotoxicity of aquaculture-derived plastic leachates. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 458:132015. [PMID: 37437480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic products such as fishing nets and foam buoys have been widely used in aquaculture. To enhance the desirable characteristics of the final equipment, plastic gear for aquaculture is mixed with a wide range of additives. Recent studies have shown that additives could be leached out to the environment with a long-term use of aquaculture plastics, forming aquaculture-derived plastic leachates. It should be emphasized that some leachates such as phthalic acid esters (PAEs) and organophosphate esters (OPEs) are endocrine disruptors, which could increase the exposure risk of aquatic products and subsequently display potential threats to human health via food chain. However, systematic studies on the release, occurrence, bioaccumulation, and toxic effects of aquaculture-derived plastic leachates are missing, overlooking their potential sources and ecotoxicological risks in aquatic environments. We have reviewed and compared the concentrations of major plastic leachates in the water environment and organisms of global aquaculture and non-farmed areas, confirming that aquaculture leachate is an important source of contaminants in the environment. Moreover, the toxic effects of aquaculture-derived plastic additives and the related mechanisms are summarized with fish as a representative, revealing their potential health risk. In addition, we proposed current challenges and future research needs, which provides scientific guidance for the use and management of plastic products in aquaculture industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Lin
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuxiong Huang
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Pu Wang
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ciara Chun Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Wei Qian
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiaoshan Zhu
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Guangdong Laboratory of Southern Ocean Science and Engineering (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Xiangrong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
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17
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Gupta DK, Vishwakarma A, Singh A. Release of microplastics from disposable face mask in tropical climate. REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE 2023; 61:102847. [PMID: 36741923 PMCID: PMC9884611 DOI: 10.1016/j.rsma.2023.102847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Outbreak of COVID 19 has caused an abrupt surge in the consumption of disposable face masks around the world. WHO has stated that wearing a face mask in public reduces the chances of being exposed to COVID 19 virus. With unchecked disposal of these used masks, a new kind of pollutant has emerged in the environment. Since these masks are generally made of polypropylene and polyurethane material, they can be considered as a potential source of microplastics (MPs) in the environment. In this study, we have evaluated the release of MPs particles from these face masks (namely from N95 and surgical masks) in deionized (DI) water and tap water over the span of 1 to 180 days. More specifically, a systematic study has been carried out to see the effect of temperature on release of MPs in water. MPs particles released in tap water (837 ± 113 particles/piece in 30 days) were significantly higher than that in DI water (564 ± 37 particles/piece in 30 days). When these masks were kept at a constant temperature of 45 °C for 30 Days, highest amount of MPs release (N95 899 ± 65 particles, Surgical 1038 ± 65 particles/piece) was observed as compared to other conditions. Most of the MPs particles released were polypropylene which were transparent and white in case of N95 while for surgical mask they were found to be of blue and white colour. With the aging of masks in water, quantity of MPs release was increased with simultaneous reduction in their size. Our study indicates that these disposable face masks are emerging to be a prominent source of MPs release in the environment and more hazardous for the tropical climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Kumar Gupta
- Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute, Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal, 462026, India
- Department of Civil Engineering, University Institute of Technology RGPV, Bhopal, 462033, India
| | - Amit Vishwakarma
- Department of Civil Engineering, University Institute of Technology RGPV, Bhopal, 462033, India
| | - Archana Singh
- Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute, Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal, 462026, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, India
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18
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Turner A, Filella M. The role of titanium dioxide on the behaviour and fate of plastics in the aquatic environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161727. [PMID: 36702284 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Although titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the most widely used pigment in plastics, there is limited quantitative information available for consumer goods and environmental samples. Moreover, and despite its photocatalytic activity, the potential impacts of TiO2 on the behaviour and fate of environmental plastics has received little attention. This paper compiles measurements of Ti in plastic samples from aquatic environments and in consumer goods that are known to make important contributions to environmental pollution. These data, along with a critical evaluation of experimental studies using TiO2-pigmented plastics, are used to formulate an understanding of how the pigment modifies the properties and persistence of environmental plastics. Titanium is heterogeneously distributed amongst different categories and sources of plastic, with concentrations ranging from <1 mg kg-1 in transparent-translucent materials to over 50,000 mg kg-1 in brightly coloured samples. Concentrations towards the higher end are sufficient to change positively buoyant polyolefins into negatively buoyant plastics, suggesting that environmental fractionation based on Ti content might occur. Accelerated leaching of TiO2 from aged plastic has been demonstrated empirically, and while mobilised particles are reported within a size range greater than biotically-active titania nanoparticles, modelling studies suggest that the latter could be derived from TiO2 pigments in the environment. Although rutile appears to be the most important polymorph of TiO2 in non-fibrous plastics, the degree and type of engineered surface modification in consumer and environmental plastics are generally unknown. Surface modification is likely to have a significant impact on the photo-oxidative degradation of plastics and the mobilisation of fine (and, possibly, nano-sized) TiO2 particles and requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Montserrat Filella
- Department F.-A. Forel, University of Geneva, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 66, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland
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19
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Mathur RS, Banstola B, Lopez KM, Beach MW, De Schryver D. Assessing the environmental impact due to photolytic degradation of ethane-bis(pentabromophenyl) in plastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 320:138063. [PMID: 36754304 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138063] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Photolytic degradation of brominated flame retardants is one of the potential decomposition pathways in the environment, and for some flame retardants such as ethane-bis(pentabromophenyl) (EBP), also called decabromodiphenyl ethane, there are concerns that degradation products may be harmful. In this paper, we present photolytic studies of EBP in high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) and polypropylene impact copolymer (PP) using accelerated weatherometry. The half-life of photolytic debromination of EBP in HIPS was estimated to be more than 200 years, which can be contrasted with half-lives of minutes for photolysis conducted on dilute EBP solutions. Perhaps more importantly, there was no subsequent debromination to the octabrominated congeners or lower. No evidence of debromination was seen in PP, which confirms the importance of matrix effects. We also saw no evidence of accelerated resin photooxidation caused by EBP. These studies demonstrate that EBP is much more photolytically stable in resins than structurally-similar decabromodiphenyl ether, and a read-across comparison between the two flame retardant molecules for this degradation pathway is misleading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev S Mathur
- Research and Development, Albemarle Corporation, Baton Rouge, LA, 70805, USA.
| | - Bijay Banstola
- Research and Development, Albemarle Corporation, Baton Rouge, LA, 70805, USA
| | - Kelsey M Lopez
- Research and Development, Albemarle Corporation, Baton Rouge, LA, 70805, USA
| | - Mark W Beach
- Research and Development, Albemarle Corporation, Baton Rouge, LA, 70805, USA
| | - Daniel De Schryver
- Research and Development, Albemarle Corporation, B-1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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20
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Hu J, Lim FY, Hu J. Characteristics and behaviors of microplastics undergoing photoaging and Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) initiated aging. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 232:119628. [PMID: 36774752 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The fact that 94% of microplastics (MPs) ubiquitous in the environment are subject to natural weathering makes the aging study currently a research hotspot. This review summarized the physicochemical characteristics of MPs undergoing natural and artificial aging and evaluated current analytical methods used in aging studies. Besides, the differences in photoaging and aging induced by advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) were discussed, leading to a conclusion that AOPs composed of oxidant and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation can better facilitate the alteration of MPs compared to UV irradiation alone. In addition, the environmental behavior of aged MPs was outlined and their adsorption properties for organics and metals were highlighted as a result of combined effects of hydrophobic, π-π, diffusion, and hydrogen bond interaction. Furthermore, the mechanisms of photoaging and AOPs-initiated aging were analyzed, mainly the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs). Finally, the applications of two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra using excitation emission matrix-parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC) were discussed for the aging process analysis. This overview plays an important role in explaining the aging characteristics of MPs and provides a theoretical foundation for further investigations into their toxicity and removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyuan Hu
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, 117576, Singapore
| | - Fang Yee Lim
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, 117576, Singapore
| | - Jiangyong Hu
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, 117576, Singapore.
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21
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Albergamo V, Wohlleben W, Plata DL. Photochemical weathering of polyurethane microplastics produced complex and dynamic mixtures of dissolved organic chemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:432-444. [PMID: 36691826 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00415a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Sunlight exposure can naturally mitigate microplastics pollution in the surface ocean, however it results in emissions of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) whose characteristics and fate remain largely unknown. In this work, we investigated the effects of solar radiation on polyether (TPU_Ether) and polyester (TPU_Ester) thermoplastic polyurethane, and on a thermoset polyurethane (PU_Hardened). The microplastics were irradiated with simulated solar light with a UV dose of 350 MJ m-2, which corresponds to roughly 15 months outdoor exposure at 31° N latitude. The particles were characterized using ATR-FTIR and elemental analysis. The DOC released to the aqueous phase was quantified by total organic carbon analysis and characterized by nontarget liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. Polyurethane microplastics were degraded following mechanisms reconcilable with UV photo-oxidation. The carbon mass fraction released to the aqueous phase was 8.5 ± 0.5%, 3.7 ± 0.2%, and 2.8 ± 0.2% for TPU_Ether, TPU_Ester, and PU_Hardened, respectively. The corresponding DOC release rates, expressed as mg carbon per UV dose were 0.023, 0.013, and 0.010 mg MJ-1 for TPU_Ether, TPU_Ester and PU_Hardened, respectively. Roughly three thousand unique by-products were released from photo-weathered TPUs, whereas 540 were detected in the DOC of PU_Hardened. This carbon pool was highly complex and dynamic in terms of physicochemical properties and susceptibility to further photodegradation after dissolution from the particles. Our results show that plastics photodegradation in the ocean requires chemical assessment of the DOC emissions in addition to the analysis of aged microplastics and that polymer chemistry influences the chain scission products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Albergamo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
| | - Wendel Wohlleben
- Department of Material Physics and Analytics, Advanced Materials Research, BASF SE, Carl-Bosch-Str. 38, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany
- Department of Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, Advanced Materials Research, BASF SE, Carl-Bosch-Str. 38, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Desirée L Plata
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
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22
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Recycling of Plastics from E-Waste via Photodegradation in a Low-Pressure Reactor: The Case of Decabromodiphenyl Ether Dispersed in Poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) and Poly(carbonate). Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062491. [PMID: 36985461 PMCID: PMC10053933 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recycling of plastic waste from electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), containing brominated flame retardants (BFR) remains difficult due to the increasingly stringent regulations on their handling and recovery. This report deals with photodegradation in a low-pressure reactor applying UV-visible light on Decabromodiphenyl ether (DBDE or BDE-209) randomly dispersed in commercially available Poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS) and Poly(carbonate) (PC). The aim of this study is to investigate the possibility of decomposing a BFR in plastic waste from EEE while maintaining the specifications of the polymeric materials in order to allow for their recycling. The photodegradation of the extracted BFR was monitored using infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy. DBDE underwent rapid photodegradation during the first minutes of exposure to UV-visible light and reached degradation yields superior to 90% after 15 min of irradiation. The evaluation of polymer properties (ABS and PC) after irradiation revealed superficial crosslinking effects, which were slightly accelerated in the presence of DBDE. However, the use of a low-pressure reactor avoids large photooxidation and allowed to maintain the thermal and structural properties of the virgin polymers.
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23
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Dai J, Liu P, Wang C, Li H, Qiang H, Yang Z, Guo X, Gao S. Which factors mainly drive the photoaging of microplastics in freshwater? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159845. [PMID: 36461563 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159845] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Light irradiation is considered as most important process for the aging of microplastics (MPs); however, which factors drive the process is still unknown. This study investigated the role of typical environmental factors including ultraviolet (UV), oxygen, temperature and physical abrasion in the photoaging of polystyrene (PS) in freshwater. Results showed that UV irradiation and abrasion were dominant factors for affecting photoaging of PS based on dynamic analysis in the property of MP itself and leachate. Especially, when both factors worked together on MPs, they caused more destructive effect. Mechanical exploration revealed that photoaging of MPs was mainly controlled by reactive oxygen species (ROS, 1O2) generated from the reaction of dissolved oxygen/water molecules with polymer radicals initiated by UV energy. As an attacker on MPs, ROS formation was significantly linked with UV intensity, highlighting the important role of UV. The fragmentation was correlated to abrasion intensity, where a higher abrasion generated stronger physical force to tear MPs into fragments. The low roles of oxygen and temperature were presumably related to multiple effects of ROS formation and UV absorption. The findings firstly clarify the drivers in the photoaging of MPs, and contribute our effort to assess their fate and pollution risk in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Dai
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Peng Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, China.
| | - Chenyang Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Huang Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Hong Qiang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Zeyuan Yang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, China.
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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24
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Ni Z, Tan L, Wang J, Chen Y, Zhang N, Meng F, Wang J. Toxic effects of pristine and aged polystyrene and their leachate on marine microalgae Skeletonema costatum. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159614. [PMID: 36283517 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The acute toxic effects of pristine and aged polystyrene (P-PS and A-PS) and their leaching solutions (L-PS) on microalgae Skeletonema costatum were investigated by measuring algal density and growth inhibition rate (IR), chlorophyll concentration and photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) over 96 h. Total protein (TP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured to analyze the oxidative damage to microalgae by microplastics and their leachates. Hydrodynamic diameter of microplastics in seawater, FITR and SEM images were used to study the changes of polystyrene during aging. The interaction of algae cell with microplastics and the cellular ultrastructure changes of cells were analyzed combined with electron microscopy for a comprehensive and systematic understanding on the mechanisms of microplastic toxicity to microalgae. Both high concentration and small size of PS had significant inhibitory effect on the growth of microalgae, and the inhibitory effect was greater with increasing exposure time. The inhibition effect of aged microplastics was more obvious, which was speculated to be caused by the synergistic effect of aged PS itself and leaching solution. The negative effect of leaching solution on microalgae was due to the release of some additives during the aging process. The content of MDA reached the highest value of 54.41 nmol/mgprot in 1.0 μm 50 mg/L A-PS treatment group, and A-PS were found to be more prone to heterogeneous aggregation with algae cells by SEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Ni
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Liju Tan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Jiayin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Yanshan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Fanmeng Meng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Jiangtao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China.
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25
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Xiang L, Harindintwali JD, Wang F, Bian Y, Zhao Z, Wang Z, Wang Y, Mei Z, Jiang X, Schäffer A, Xing B. Manure- and straw-derived biochars reduce the ecological risk of PBDE and promote nitrogen cycling by shaping microbiomes in PBDE-contaminated soil. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 312:137262. [PMID: 36400195 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Pyrolysis of agricultural waste into biochar for soil remediation is a useful solid waste management strategy. However, it is still unclear how different agricultural feedstocks affect the properties of biochars and their effectiveness in remediation of PBDE-contaminated soil. In this study, we systematically investigated dynamic alterations of soil properties, microbial communities, and PBDE dissipation and bioavailability induced by the application of biochars from manure (MBC) and straw (SBC) to PBDE-contaminated soil. The results showed that soil properties, microbial community structure, and diversity changed differently with the incorporation of the two biochars. MBC had a larger surface area (17.4 m2/g) and a higher nutrient content (45.1% ash content), making it more suitable for use as a soil additive to improve soil quality and nutrient conditions, as well as to stimulate microbial growth. SBC showed higher adsorption capacity for 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl Ether (BDE-47) (26.73 ± 0.65 mg/g), thus lowering the bioavailability and ecological risk of BDE-47 in soil. BDE-47 was stepwise debrominated into lower brominated PBDE by PBDE-degrading bacteria. MBC accelerated the debromination of BDE-47 (10.1%) by promoting PBDE-degrading microorganisms, while this was inhibited by SBC (3.5%) due to strong adsorption of BDE-47. In addition, we found that both types of biochar favored Nitrospirae bacteria and promoted N cycling. Overall, biochars from manure and straw can positively shape soil microbial communities differently by altering soil properties, soil fertility and nutrient availability, and the fate and the effects of contaminants, which ultimately led to a difference in the potential of biochars for their use in soil remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Xiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Jean Damascene Harindintwali
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fang Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 52074, Germany.
| | - Yongrong Bian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhiliang Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ziquan Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yu Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhi Mei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Andreas Schäffer
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 52074, Germany
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
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26
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Li F, Zhai X, Yao M, Bai X. An inevitable but underestimated photoaging behavior of plastic waste in the aquatic environment: Critical role of nitrate. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120307. [PMID: 36181943 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Photoaging is an important reaction for waste plastics in the aquatic environment and plays a key role in the lifetime of plastics. Nevertheless, when natural photosensitive substances such as nitrate participate in this process, the physiochemical changes in plastics and the corresponding reaction mechanisms are not well-understood. In this work, the photochemical behavior of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in deionized water and nitrate solution was systematically investigated under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The analyses of the surface physicochemical properties of the photoaged PET bottles indicated that, after 20 days of photo-irradiation, the presence of nitrate reduced the contact angle from 69.8 ± 0.9° to 60.0 ± 0.3°, and increased the O/C ratio from 0.23 to 0.32, respectively. The leaching rate of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), which was 0.0193 mg g-1·day-1 in nitrate solution, was twice that of 0.00941 mg g-1·day-1 in deionized water. Furthermore, fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that the increasing DOC had aromatic rings with hydroxyl on the side-chain formed after UV irradiation. The positive effect of nitrate on the degradation of PET bottles was mainly through the generation of hydroxyl radicals that were produced through the photolysis of nitrate. In addition, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy analysis showed that the chain scission of PET plastics could be initiated by nitrate-induced ·OH attacking the carbon-oxygen bonds instead of forming peroxides with oxygen. This work elucidates the mechanism of photodegradation of plastics that was induced by nitrate and highlights the important role of natural photosensitive substances in the photoaging process of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjie Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Xue Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Mingxuan Yao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake, 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, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China.
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27
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Luo H, Liu C, He D, Sun J, Li J, Pan X. Effects of aging on environmental behavior of plastic additives: Migration, leaching, and ecotoxicity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 849:157951. [PMID: 35961392 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), an emerging pollutant, are of global concern due to their wide distribution and large quantities. In addition to MPs themselves, various additives within MPs (such as plasticizers, flame retardants, antioxidants and heavy metals) may also have harmful effects on the environment. Most of these additives are physically bound to plastics and can therefore be leached from the plastic and released into the environment. Aging of MPs in the actual environment can affect the migration and release of additives, further increasing the ecotoxicological risk of additives to organisms. This work reviews the functions of several commonly used additives in MPs, and summarizes the representative characterization methods. Furthermore, the migration and leaching of additives in the human environment and marine environment are outlined. As aging promotes the internal chain breaking of MPs and the increase of specific surface area, it in turn stimulates the release of additives. The hazards of additive exposure have been elucidated, and various studies from the laboratory have shown that more toxic additives such as phthalates and brominated flame retardants can disrupt a variety of biological processes in organisms, including metabolism, skeletal development and so on. Increase of MPs ecological risk caused by the leaching of toxic additives is discussed, especially under the effect of aging. This study presents a systematic summary of various functional and environmental behaviors of additives in plastics, using weathering forces as the main factor, which helps to better assess the environmental impact and potential risks of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Chenyang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Dongqin He
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jianqiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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28
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Walsh AN, Mazzotta MG, Nelson TF, Reddy CM, Ward CP. Synergy between Sunlight, Titanium Dioxide, and Microbes Enhances Cellulose Diacetate Degradation in the Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:13810-13819. [PMID: 36103552 PMCID: PMC9535896 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Sunlight chemically transforms marine plastics into a suite of products, with formulation─the specific mixture of polymers and additives─driving rates and products. However, the effect of light-driven transformations on subsequent microbial lability is poorly understood. Here, we examined the interplay between photochemical and biological degradation of fabrics made from cellulose diacetate (CDA), a biobased polymer used commonly in consumer products. We also examined the influence of ∼1% titanium dioxide (TiO2), a common pigment and photocatalyst. We sequentially exposed CDA to simulated sunlight and native marine microbes to understand how photodegradation influences metabolic rates and pathways. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that sunlight initiated chain scission reactions, reducing CDA's average molecular weight. Natural abundance carbon isotope measurements demonstrated that chain scission ultimately yields CO2, a newly identified abiotic loss term of CDA in the environment. Measurements of fabric mass loss and enzymatic activities in seawater implied that photodegradation enhanced biodegradation by performing steps typically facilitated by cellulase. TiO2 accelerated CDA photodegradation, expediting biodegradation. Collectively, these findings (i) underline the importance of formulation in plastic's environmental fate and (ii) suggest that overlooking synergy between photochemical and biological degradation may lead to overestimates of marine plastic persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna N. Walsh
- Department
of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Michael G. Mazzotta
- Department
of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
- Eastman
Chemical Company, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660, United States
| | - Taylor F. Nelson
- Department
of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Christopher M. Reddy
- Department
of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Collin P. Ward
- Department
of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
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29
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Pfohl P, Wagner M, Meyer L, Domercq P, Praetorius A, Hüffer T, Hofmann T, Wohlleben W. Environmental Degradation of Microplastics: How to Measure Fragmentation Rates to Secondary Micro- and Nanoplastic Fragments and Dissociation into Dissolved Organics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:11323-11334. [PMID: 35902073 PMCID: PMC9387529 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the environmental fate of microplastics is essential for their risk assessment. It is essential to differentiate size classes and degradation states. Still, insights into fragmentation and degradation mechanisms of primary and secondary microplastics into micro- and nanoplastic fragments and other degradation products are limited. Here, we present an adapted NanoRelease protocol for a UV-dose-dependent assessment and size-selective quantification of the release of micro- and nanoplastic fragments down to 10 nm and demonstrate its applicability for polyamide and thermoplastic polyurethanes. The tested cryo-milled polymers do not originate from actual consumer products but are handled in industry and are therefore representative of polydisperse microplastics occurring in the environment. The protocol is suitable for various types of microplastic polymers, and the measured rates can serve to parameterize mechanistic fragmentation models. We also found that primary microplastics matched the same ranking of weathering stability as their corresponding macroplastics and that dissolved organics constitute a major rate of microplastic mass loss. The results imply that previously formed micro- and nanoplastic fragments can further degrade into water-soluble organics with measurable rates that enable modeling approaches for all environmental compartments accessible to UV light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Pfohl
- BASF
SE, Carl-Bosch-Str. 38, Ludwigshafen 67056, Germany
- Department
of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental
Systems Science, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Doctoral
School in Microbiology and Environmental Science, University of Vienna, Vienna 1030, Austria
| | - Marion Wagner
- BASF
SE, Carl-Bosch-Str. 38, Ludwigshafen 67056, Germany
| | - Lars Meyer
- BASF
SE, Carl-Bosch-Str. 38, Ludwigshafen 67056, Germany
| | - Prado Domercq
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm 10691, Sweden
| | - Antonia Praetorius
- Institute
for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1090 GE, Netherlands
| | - Thorsten Hüffer
- Department
of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental
Systems Science, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Research
Platform Plastics in the Environment and Society (PLENTY), University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Thilo Hofmann
- Department
of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental
Systems Science, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Research
Platform Plastics in the Environment and Society (PLENTY), University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Wendel Wohlleben
- BASF
SE, Carl-Bosch-Str. 38, Ludwigshafen 67056, Germany
- . Tel.: +49 621 6095339
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30
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Wu X, Chen X, Jiang R, You J, Ouyang G. New insights into the photo-degraded polystyrene microplastic: Effect on the release of volatile organic compounds. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 431:128523. [PMID: 35278949 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Excessive use of plastics leads to the ubiquity of plastic waste in the environment. Weathering can cause changes in the properties of plastics and lead to the release of various chemicals especially the volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Possible photodegradation pathway of polystyrene (PS) microplastics (MPs) was proposed and verified by the detection of VOCs. Headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) was employed to investigate the release behavior of VOCs from PS MPs exposed to simulated ultraviolet (UV). Results indicated that although the physicochemical properties of the PS MPs showed no significantly change after UV-irradiation, a variety of toxic VOCs, such as benzene, toluene, and phenol were detected from the irradiated MPs. UV irradiation progressively enhanced the release amount of VOCs with total concentration up to 66 μg g-1 after 30 d of exposure, about 2.4 times higher than that stored in the darkness (27 μg g-1). Some compounds (e.g., benzene and toluene) showed an upward trend over irradiation time, while others (e.g., styrene and 2-propenylbenzene) reduced over time. Results also found that the size of MPs could affect the release amounts but without consistent pattern for different VOCs detected in the headspace of the vial. In general, current study provided a new insight on the photo-aging process of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Xinlv Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Ruifen Jiang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China.
| | - Jing You
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Gangfeng Ouyang
- KLGHEI of Environment and Energy Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Emergency Test for Dangerous Chemicals, Guangdong Institute of Analysis (China National Analytical Center Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510070, China; Chemistry College, Center of Advanced Analysis and Gene Sequencing, Zhengzhou University, Kexue Avenue 100, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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31
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Zhang W, Tang Y, Han Y, Zhou W, Shi W, Teng S, Ren P, Xiao G, Li S, Liu G. Microplastics boost the accumulation of tetrabromobisphenol A in a commercial clam and elevate corresponding food safety risks. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 292:133499. [PMID: 34979205 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Marine bivalve molluscs are one of the primary seafood for consumers. Inhabiting terrigenous pollutant-convergent coastal areas and feeding through seawater filtration, edible bivalves are subjected to waterborne emerging pollutants such as microplastics (MPs) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). Nevertheless, the potential risks of consuming MP-TBBPA contaminated seafood are still largely unknown. With that, accumulation of TBBPA with and without the presence of MPs in a commercial bivalve species, blood clam (Tegillarca granosa), was determined in the present study. Meanwhile, corresponding target hazard quotients (THQs) as well as margins of exposure (MoEs) were estimated to evaluate the potential health risks for clam consumers. Furthermore, the impacts of pollutants accumulation on the detoxification process and energy supply were analysed. The data obtained demonstrated that MPs aggravate the accumulation of TBBPA in clams, leading to elevated potential food safety risks (indicated by higher THQ values and lower MoE values) for consumers. In addition, the in vivo contents of CYP1A1 and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, the enzymatic activity of glutathione-S-transferase, and the expression levels of five detoxification-related genes were all dramatically suppressed by MP-TBBPA. Furthermore, clams exposed to MP-TBBPA had significantly lower adenosine triphosphate contents and lower pyruvate kinase and phosphofructokinase activities. These results indicated that the aggravation of TBBPA accumulation may be due to the hence disruption of detoxification process and limited energy available for detoxification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixia Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yu Tang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yu Han
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Weishang Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei Shi
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | | | - Peng Ren
- Zhejiang Mariculture Research Institute, Wenzhou, 325005, PR China
| | - Guoqiang Xiao
- Zhejiang Mariculture Research Institute, Wenzhou, 325005, PR China
| | - Shiguo Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China
| | - Guangxu Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Huang Z, Shanmugam M, Liu Z, Brookfield A, Bennett EL, Guan R, Vega Herrera DE, Lopez-Sanchez JA, Slater AG, McInnes EJL, Qi X, Xiao J. Chemical Recycling of Polystyrene to Valuable Chemicals via Selective Acid-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation under Visible Light. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:6532-6542. [PMID: 35353526 PMCID: PMC9011358 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c01410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Chemical
recycling is one of the most promising technologies that
could contribute to circular economy targets by providing solutions
to plastic waste; however, it is still at an early stage of development.
In this work, we describe the first light-driven, acid-catalyzed protocol
for chemical recycling of polystyrene waste to valuable chemicals
under 1 bar of O2. Requiring no photosensitizers and only
mild reaction conditions, the protocol is operationally simple and
has also been demonstrated in a flow system. Electron paramagnetic
resonance (EPR) investigations and density functional theory (DFT)
calculations indicate that singlet oxygen is involved as the reactive
oxygen species in this degradation process, which abstracts a hydrogen
atom from a tertiary C–H bond, leading to hydroperoxidation
and subsequent C–C bond cracking events via a radical process.
Notably, our study indicates that an adduct of polystyrene and an
acid catalyst might be formed in situ, which could act as a photosensitizer
to initiate the formation of singlet oxygen. In addition, the oxidized
polystyrene polymer may play a role in the production of singlet oxygen
under light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiliang Huang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K
| | - Muralidharan Shanmugam
- Department of Chemistry and Photon Science Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Zhao Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Organosilicon Compounds & Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, P. R. China
| | - Adam Brookfield
- Department of Chemistry and Photon Science Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Elliot L Bennett
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K
| | - Renpeng Guan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K
| | | | | | - Anna G Slater
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K
| | - Eric J L McInnes
- Department of Chemistry and Photon Science Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Xiaotian Qi
- Engineering Research Center of Organosilicon Compounds & Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, P. R. China
| | - Jianliang Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K
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33
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Rozman U, Kalčíková G. Seeking for a perfect (non-spherical) microplastic particle - The most comprehensive review on microplastic laboratory research. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127529. [PMID: 34736190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, much attention has been paid to microplastic pollution, and research on microplastics has begun to grow exponentially. However, microplastics research still suffers from the lack of standardized protocols and methods for investigation of microplastics under laboratory conditions. Therefore, in this review, we summarize and critically discuss the results of 715 laboratory studies published on microplastics in the last five years to provide recommendations for future laboratory research. Analysis of the data revealed that the majority of microplastic particles used in laboratory studies are manufactured spheres of polystyrene ranging in size from 1 to 50 µm, that half of the studies did not characterize the particles used, and that a minority of studies used aged particles, investigated leaching of chemicals from microplastics, or used natural particles as a control. There is a large discrepancy between microplastics used in laboratory research and those found in the environment, and many laboratory studies suffer from a lack of environmental relevance and provide incomplete information on the microplastics used. We have summarized and discussed these issues and provided recommendations for future laboratory research on microplastics focusing on (i) microplastic selection, (ii) microplastic characterization, and (iii) test design of laboratory research on microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ula Rozman
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, 113 Večna pot, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gabriela Kalčíková
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, 113 Večna pot, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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34
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Wang YX, Cui YY, Zhang Y, Yang CX. Synthesis of reusable and renewable microporous organic networks for the removal of halogenated contaminants. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127485. [PMID: 34655878 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microporous organic networks (MONs) have shown great potential in the removal of environmental contaminants. However, all studies have focused on the design and construction of novel and efficient adsorbents, and the recycling and reuse of adsorbates were disregarded. In this study, we report a feasible approach to synthesize renewable and reusable MONs by using target halogenated contaminants such as tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), 2,3-dichlorophenol (2,3-DCP), and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) as starting monomers. TBBPA, 2,3-DCP, and 2,4,6-TCP acted as hazardous contaminants and starting monomers for MONs, leading to the recycling of both adsorbents and adsorbates. The obtained TBBPA-MON, 2,3-DCP-MON, and 2,4,6-TCP-MON not only offered good reusability and large adsorption capacity for their elimination but also provided good adsorption for other phenolic contaminants relying on multiple interactions. Density functional theory calculation indicated the dominant role of π-π and hydrophobic interactions and the secondary role of hydrogen bonding interactions during the adsorption process. The used TBBPA-MON could be reused and the eluted TBBPA could be recycled and renewed for the construction of fresh MONs. This study provided a feasible approach to design and synthesize renewable MONs for environmental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xuan Wang
- College of Chemistry, Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Cui
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an 271016, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Cheng-Xiong Yang
- College of Chemistry, Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an 271016, China.
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35
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Hanari N, Otake T, Itoh N, Wada A, Ohata M, Bao X, Shimizu Y, Falandysz J. Evaluation of flame retardancy and flexural property on prepared plastic disks containing known concentrations of flame retardants through simulated weathering tests. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2021; 56:1287-1295. [PMID: 34590549 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2021.1982332] [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: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The standardized acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) or polycarbonate (PC) resin disk with added flame retardants (FRs) has a potential to be a suitable tool for predictions of both aging of the plastic materials and release rate of a flame retardants exposed under different outdoor and indoor conditions. The experiments examined the dynamics and kinetics of the release of dechlorane plus, tetrabromobisphenol A, triphenyl phosphate and antimony trioxide as FRs from a standardized plastic disk before and after exposure to artificial sunlight. Assessments were carried out independently to measure changes in the content of flame retardants and monitor the flame retardancy and flexural properties after exposure (60 W/m2) over a period of 200 h and 500 h, which are reasonable to predict a short-time tendency and to receive any advice for a safe re-use. The releases of three organic flame retardants and four elements (Cl, Br, P and Sb) from weathered ABS and PC disks were very limited, except for surface delamination and resin microparticles. Triphenyl phosphate was stable without hydrolysis, while the degradation of tetrabromobisphenol A was observed (approximately 20% decrease for ABS disk and approximately 50% decrease for PC disk). During the study, no significant differences in the flame retardancy and flexural properties of the disks could be detected. In practice, the results obtained from disks of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene or polycarbonate resin with selected flame retardants used in specific conditions may provide technical expertise regarding weathering processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyasu Hanari
- National Metrology Institute of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (NMIJ/AIST) 1-1-1, Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takamitsu Otake
- National Metrology Institute of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (NMIJ/AIST) 1-1-1, Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Nobuyasu Itoh
- National Metrology Institute of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (NMIJ/AIST) 1-1-1, Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ayaka Wada
- National Metrology Institute of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (NMIJ/AIST) 1-1-1, Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masaki Ohata
- National Metrology Institute of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (NMIJ/AIST) 1-1-1, Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Xinnu Bao
- National Metrology Institute of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (NMIJ/AIST) 1-1-1, Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Shimizu
- National Metrology Institute of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (NMIJ/AIST) 1-1-1, Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Jerzy Falandysz
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lódź, Lódź, Poland
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36
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Walsh AN, Reddy CM, Niles SF, McKenna AM, Hansel CM, Ward CP. Plastic Formulation is an Emerging Control of Its Photochemical Fate in the Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:12383-12392. [PMID: 34494430 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Sunlight exposure is a control of long-term plastic fate in the environment that converts plastic into oxygenated products spanning the polymer, dissolved, and gas phases. However, our understanding of how plastic formulation influences the amount and composition of these photoproducts remains incomplete. Here, we characterized the initial formulations and resulting dissolved photoproducts of four single-use consumer polyethylene (PE) bags from major retailers and one pure PE film. Consumer PE bags contained 15-36% inorganic additives, primarily calcium carbonate (13-34%) and titanium dioxide (TiO2; 1-2%). Sunlight exposure consistently increased production of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) relative to leaching in the dark (3- to 80-fold). All consumer PE bags produced more DOC during sunlight exposure than the pure PE (1.2- to 2.0-fold). The DOC leached after sunlight exposure increasingly reflected the 13C and 14C isotopic composition of the plastic. Ultrahigh resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry revealed that sunlight exposure substantially increased the number of DOC formulas detected (1.1- to 50-fold). TiO2-containing bags photochemically degraded into the most compositionally similar DOC, with 68-94% of photoproduced formulas in common with at least one other TiO2-containing bag. Conversely, only 28% of photoproduced formulas from the pure PE were detected in photoproduced DOC from the consumer PE. Overall, these findings suggest that plastic formulation, especially TiO2, plays a determining role in the amount and composition of DOC generated by sunlight. Consequently, studies on pure, unweathered polymers may not accurately represent the fates and impacts of the plastics entering the ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna N Walsh
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Christopher M Reddy
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Sydney F Niles
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310-4005, United States
| | - Amy M McKenna
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310-4005, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, 1872 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Colleen M Hansel
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Collin P Ward
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
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37
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Chen X, Chen X, Liu Q, Zhao Q, Xiong X, Wu C. Used disposable face masks are significant sources of microplastics to environment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 285:117485. [PMID: 34087638 PMCID: PMC8802354 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The consumption of disposable face masks increases greatly because of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inappropriate disposal of wasted face masks has already caused the pollution of the environment. As made from plastic nonwoven fabrics, disposable face masks could be a potential source of microplastics for the environment. In this study, we evaluated the ability of new and used disposable face masks of different types to release microplastics into the water. The microplastic release capacity of the used masks increased significantly from 183.00 ± 78.42 particles/piece for the new masks to 1246.62 ± 403.50 particles/piece. Most microplastics released from the face masks were medium size transparent polypropylene fibers originated from the nonwoven fabrics. The abrasion and aging during the using of face masks enhanced the releasing of microplastics since the increasing of medium size and blue microplastics. The face masks could also accumulate airborne microplastics during use. Our results indicated that used disposable masks without effective disposal could be a critical source of microplastics in the environment. The efficient allocation of mask resources and the proper disposal of wasted masks are not only beneficial to pandemic control but also to environmental safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianchuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; Zhejiang Zhonglan Environment Technology Co., LTD, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xiaofei Chen
- Hubei Academy of Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qichao Zhao
- Bureau of Hydrology, Changjiang Water Resources Commission, Ministry of Water Resources of People's Republic of China, Wuhan, 430010, China
| | - Xiong Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Chenxi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
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38
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Huang W, Yin H, Yang Y, Jin L, Lu G, Dang Z. Influence of the co-exposure of microplastics and tetrabromobisphenol A on human gut: Simulation in vitro with human cell Caco-2 and gut microbiota. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 778:146264. [PMID: 33725607 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution becomes an emergent threat to the ecosystem, and its joint effect with organic contaminants will cause more severe consequences. Recently, MPs has been observed in human feces, suggesting that we are exposed to an uncertain danger. In this study, the joint effect of polyethylene microplastics particles (PEMPs) and Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) on human gut was explored through the simulation experiment in vitro with human cell Caco-2 and gut microbiota. The toxicity of TBBPA and PEMPs on Caco-2 human cells was considered by physiological and biochemical indexes such as cell proliferation, cell cycle, reactive oxygen species, lactate dehydrogenase release, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Besides, microbial community diversity, community structure, and function changes of gut microbiota were investigated using Illumina 16S rRNA gene MiSeq sequencing to reveal the influence of TBBPA and PEMPs on human gut microbiota. The results indicated that both PEMPs and TBBPA would deteriorate the status of Caco-2 cells, and TBBPA played a major role in it; meanwhile, PEMPs affected Caco-2 cells at high concentrations. Particularly, TBBPA and PEMPs exhibited a joint effect on Caco-2 cells to a certain degree. TBBPA selectivity inhibited the growth of gram-positive bacteria such as Enterococcus and Lactobacillus, contributing to the thriving of gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia and Bacteroides. The existence of PEMPs would enhance the proportion of Clostridium, Bacteroides, and Escherichia. Community composition changed dramatically with the interference of PEMPs and TBBPA; this was undesirable to the healthy homeostasis of the human gut. PICRUSt analysis determined both PEMPs and TBBPA interfered with the metabolism pathways of gut microbiota. Hence, the threat of MPs and TBBPA to humans should arouse vigilance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wantang Huang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Wastes Pollution Control and Recycling, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Hua Yin
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Wastes Pollution Control and Recycling, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yuanyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Wastes Pollution Control and Recycling, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Lizhu Jin
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Wastes Pollution Control and Recycling, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Guining Lu
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Wastes Pollution Control and Recycling, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi Dang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Wastes Pollution Control and Recycling, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
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39
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Liu P, Shi Y, Wu X, Wang H, Huang H, Guo X, Gao S. Review of the artificially-accelerated aging technology and ecological risk of microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 768:144969. [PMID: 33736298 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.144969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
After being discarded into the environment, the microplastics (MPs) will undergo weathering effects. However, the low degradation rate of MPs in natural processes greatly limits the understanding of long-term aging behavior. By critically reviewing 82 articles in Web of Science from 2015 to 2020, the paper summarized different laboratory technologies including light irradiation, chemical oxidation, heat treatment and γ-ray irradiation to simulate and accelerate the aging of MPs, and evaluated the feasibility by comparison with natural processes. The advantages of laboratory technologies are that aging conditions can be artificially controlled and that the labor and time costs can be saved, whereas the laboratory system is too simple to simulate complex aging processes in the environment. We further reviewed the potential impacts of aging process on the risks of MPs (i.e. physical injury, combined toxicity with external pollutants and chemical risk of additives and low-molecular products). The overall risks are seemingly enhanced by aging process due to the high ingestion by organisms, the strong interaction with pollutants and the release of MP-derived organic compounds. Further studies on the aging behavior of MPs should be focused on the laboratory techniques that can simulate multiple processes of natural aging, the long-term fragmentation behavior of MPs, the effect of aging on growth rate of biofilm in MPs and ingestion property by organisms, and the relationship between aging property of MPs and release rate of chemicals in leachates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yanqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hanyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hexinyue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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40
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Huang W, Song B, Liang J, Niu Q, Zeng G, Shen M, Deng J, Luo Y, Wen X, Zhang Y. Microplastics and associated contaminants in the aquatic environment: A review on their ecotoxicological effects, trophic transfer, and potential impacts to human health. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 405:124187. [PMID: 33153780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The microplastic pollution and related ecological impacts in the aquatic environment have attracted global attention over the past decade. Microplastics can be ingested by aquatic organisms from different trophic levels either directly or indirectly, and transferred along aquatic food chains, causing different impacts on life activities of aquatic organisms. In addition, microplastics can adsorb various environmental chemical contaminants and release toxic plastic additives, thereby serving as a sink and source of these associated chemical contaminants and potentially changing their toxicity, bioavailability, and fate. However, knowledge regarding the potential risks of microplastics and associated chemical contaminants (e.g., hydrophobic organic contaminants, heavy metals, plastic additives) on diverse organisms, especially top predators, remains to be explored. Herein, this review describes the effects of microplastics on typical aquatic organisms from different trophic levels, and systematically summarizes the combined effects of microplastics and associated contaminants on aquatic biota. Furthermore, we highlight the research progress on trophic transfer of microplastics and associated contaminants along aquatic food chain. Finally, potential human health concerns about microplastics via the food chain and dietary exposure are discussed. This work is expected to provide a meaningful perspective for better understanding the potential impacts of microplastics and associated contaminants on aquatic ecology and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Jie Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Qiuya Niu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Maocai Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Jiaqin Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yuan Luo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Xiaofeng Wen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yafei Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
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Beach MW, Kearns KL, Davis JW, Stutzman JR, Lee D, Lai Y, Monaenkova D, Kram S, Hu J, Lukas C. Stability Assessment of a Polymeric Brominated Flame Retardant in Polystyrene Foams under Application-Relevant Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:3050-3058. [PMID: 33550796 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The flame retardant (FR) BLUEDGE polymeric flame retardant (PFR) has been in use since 2011 and was developed as a replacement FR for hexabromocyclododecane in polystyrene (PS)-based insulation foams. To better understand the degradation behavior of the PFR used within PS foams, we examined the degradation of PFR under application-relevant conditions. Thermo-oxidative and photolytic pathways represent the most relevant degradation pathways. Separately, both the thermal and oxidative degradations of PFR at ambient conditions were shown to be negligible based on kinetic models of thermogravimetric analysis data obtained at elevated temperatures; the models predict that it would take 100 years to degrade 1% of PFR at 50 °C and 1000 years at 20 °C. Photodegradation was shown to degrade PFR after accelerated ultraviolet (UV) aging/exposure. UV radiation did not significantly penetrate the foam insulation (<2000 μm); the degradation process took place primarily at the surface. The molecular weight of the polymer changed with degradation, but there was minimal loss of bromine from the foam with degradation. The data from the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis focused primarily on several small-molecule polar products formed, which included two brominated species. These species were predicted using computer-based modeling to be biodegradable, to not be persistent in the environment, and to exhibit a low toxicity to aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Beach
- Safety & Construction R&D, DuPont, Midland, Michigan 48642, United States
| | - Kenneth L Kearns
- Analytical Sciences, Core R&D, Dow, Midland, Michigan 48667, United States
| | - John W Davis
- Toxicology & Environmental Research Consulting, Dow, Midland, Michigan 48667, United States
| | - John R Stutzman
- Analytical Sciences, Core R&D, Dow, Midland, Michigan 48667, United States
| | - Dean Lee
- Corporate Center for Analytical Sciences, DuPont, Midland, Michigan 48642, United States
| | - Yuming Lai
- Analytical Sciences, Core R&D, Dow, Midland, Michigan 48667, United States
| | - Daria Monaenkova
- Analytical Sciences, Core R&D, Dow, Midland, Michigan 48667, United States
| | - Shari Kram
- Safety & Construction R&D, DuPont, Midland, Michigan 48642, United States
| | - Jing Hu
- Toxicology & Environmental Research Consulting, Dow, Midland, Michigan 48667, United States
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Qian J, Tang S, Wang P, Lu B, Li K, Jin W, He X. From source to sink: Review and prospects of microplastics in wetland ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:143633. [PMID: 33223161 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The source, distribution, migration, and fate of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems have received much attention. However, the relevant reports in wetland ecosystems, the boundary area between water and land, are still rare. Where are the sources and sinks of MPs in the wetland? The latest researches have shown that the sources of MPs in wetlands include sewage discharge, surface runoff, and plastic wastes from aquaculture. Fibers and fragments are the most common shapes, and PE, PP, PS can be detected in water or sediment matrices, and biota of wetlands. The distribution is affected by hydrodynamic conditions, sediment properties, and vegetation coverage. Factors affecting the vertical migration of MPs include their own physical and chemical properties, the combination of substances that accelerate deposition (mineral adsorption and biological flocculation), and resuspension. Minerals tend to adsorb negatively charged MPs while algae aggregates have a preference for positively charged MPs. The wetlands vegetation can trap MPs and affect their migration. In water matrices, MPs are ingested by organisms and integrated into sediments, which makes them seem undetectable in the wetland ecosystem. Photodegradation and microbial degradation can further reduce the MPs in size. Although recent research has increased, we are still searching for a methodological harmonization of the detection practices and exploring the migration rules and fate patterns of MPs. Our work is the first comprehensive review of the source, distribution, migration, and fate of MPs in wetland ecosystems. It reveals the uniqueness of wetland habitat in the research of MPs and indicates the potential of wetlands acting as sources or sinks for MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Qian
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sijing Tang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Peifang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Bianhe Lu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Jin
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Xixian He
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
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Wu X, Liu P, Shi H, Wang H, Huang H, Shi Y, Gao S. Photo aging and fragmentation of polypropylene food packaging materials in artificial seawater. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 188:116456. [PMID: 33039831 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plastic litters in marine environment usually contain varied types and contents of additives that can significantly affect the photochemical aging and fragmentation process of microplastics (MPs). This study investigated the photo aging process of two common polypropylene (PP) food packaging materials (i.e., meal box and tea cup) in artificial seawater within 12 d of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Results revealed that the aging of both plastic materials were critically inhibited compared with pure PP, indicating that PP food packaging materials in natural seawater may share longer aging time than pure ones. GC-MS analysis revealed that antioxidant Irgafos 168 (tris (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite) was the dominant additive in these plastic materials. Photo reaction between Irgafos 168 and hydroperoxide species on the surface of MPs to prevent the formation of hydroxyl radical was the possible mechanism for the inhibiting effects. After antioxidant was exhausted, its photo degradation products could become the dominant contributor to influence the aging process of MPs. This is the first work exploring the role of antioxidant on the aging process of PP MPs in simulated ocean environment. The findings could be of great help for unraveling the effect of antioxidants on the aging-related environmental risk of hydrocarbon plastics in ocean environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Peng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Huanhuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hanyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hexinyue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yanqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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Zhou L, Wang T, Qu G, Jia H, Zhu L. Probing the aging processes and mechanisms of microplastic under simulated multiple actions generated by discharge plasma. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 398:122956. [PMID: 32504954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are becoming one class of pollutants with high global concerns. Information regarding aging behaviors of MPs in complicated natural conditions is still lacking due to the very slow aging processes. In this study, discharge plasma oxidation was applied to simulate the various radical oxidation and physical effects naturally occurring in the environment to shed light on the aging behaviors and mechanisms of MPs, with polyvinyl chloride microplastic (PVC-MP) as a model. The surface morphology, particle size, specific surface area, crystallinity, and chemical compositions of PVC-MP were comprehensively characterized as a result of aging. The aging degree indicated by carbonyl index and oxygen-to-carbon ratio increased with the plasma oxidation intensity and duration. The aged PVC-MP was characterized as more O-containing functional groups, smaller particle size, larger specific surface area, higher hydrophilicity, and higher crystallinity. Consequently, the aged PVC-MP provided more sites for adsorption of tetrabromobisphenol (TBBPA) in solutions by forming hydrogen-bonds, and electrostatic force. The changes in the properties of the aged PVC-MP, and the strong adsorption with TBBPA led to unexpected synergistic toxic effects to Scenedesmus obliquus. The results provide direct evidences of aging processes of MPs and the potential environmental risks due to aging in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liling Zhou
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Tiecheng Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China.
| | - Guangzhou Qu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Hanzhong Jia
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China.
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Hassan MN, Kuzukami A, Nakai S, Nishijima W, Gotoh T. Effect of Plastics on the Photodegradation Behavior of Chlorophenols. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING OF JAPAN 2020. [DOI: 10.1252/jcej.20we018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Satoshi Nakai
- Graduate School of Engineering, Hiroshima University
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Chen X, Huang G, Li Y, An C, Feng R, Wu Y, Shen J. Functional PVDF ultrafiltration membrane for Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) removal with high water recovery. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 181:115952. [PMID: 32497754 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) is one of the most important brominated flame retardants (BFRs), accounting for 60% of the total commercial BFR market. Increasing amounts of TBBPA and byproducts are released to the aquatic environment due to their extensive utilization in various sectors. However, research on the treatment of TBBPA contaminated wastewater using membrane filtration is still lacked. Herein, a PVDF10-PAA-ZrO2 membrane was successfully developed and applied for the treatment of high-concentration TBBPA wastewater with super-high water recovery. The membrane was obtained through surface functionalization with nano-ZrO2 from commercial PVDF ultrafiltration (UF) membrane. Compared to the commercial PVDF membrane, the developed membrane exhibited 4 times of permeate flux which was up to 200 L/m2 min with comparable TBBPA rejection rate. Furthermore, the mechanisms of membrane development and TBBPA rejection were explored through synchrotron-based ATR-FTIR and X-ray analyses. It was revealed that ZrO2 NPs were immobilized into membrane surface through binding with PAA layer, where the O of the carboxyl group combined with the Zr4+ on the ZrO2 NP surface to form C-O-Zr bond through monodentate and bridging-bidentate modes. The sieving function of membrane could be the main mechanism of TBBPA removal. This research demonstrated a practical route and solid insight toward the development of highly efficient membrane for TBBPA removal. The proposed PVDF10-PAA-ZrO2 membrane can also be promising for other industrial separation and purification applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Chen
- Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada; Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainable Communities, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Gordon Huang
- Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada; International Society for Environmental Information Sciences, 9803A Jingshidasha-BNU, 19 Xinwaidajie, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Yongping Li
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Renfei Feng
- Canadian Light Source, Saskatoon, S7N 2V3, Canada
| | - Yinghui Wu
- Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada; Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainable Communities, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Jian Shen
- Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada; Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainable Communities, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada
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Zuo L, Sun Y, Li H, Hu Y, Lin L, Peng J, Xu X. Microplastics in mangrove sediments of the Pearl River Estuary, South China: Correlation with halogenated flame retardants' levels. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 725:138344. [PMID: 32278179 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Marine microplastic pollution of intertidal mangrove ecosystem is a matter of concern. However, the relationship between microplastic distribution and other pollutants such as halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) is unknown. In this study, forty-eight sediment samples were collected from three mangrove wetlands of the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), South China to investigate the distribution of microplastic and discuss the possible relationship between HFRs and microplastic abundance in mangrove sediments. The abundance of microplastic in mangrove sediments from the PRE ranged from 100 to 7900 items·kg-1 dry weight (dw), with an average of 851 ± 177 items·kg-1 dw, which was at a relatively higher level compared to other regions worldwide. The highest abundance of microplastic was observed in Shenzhen mangrove sediments. The abundance of microplastic was significantly and positively correlated with population density and gross domestic product of the PRE. The microplastics with size <500 μm were predominant in mangrove sediments, accounting for a proportion of 69.4% in all microplastic samples. Polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer, green/black, and fibers/fragments were the dominant type, color and shape in all microplastic samples, respectively. The correlation between HFRs and microplastic abundance demonstrated that polybrominated diphenyl ethers, decabromodiphenyl ethane, 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane and hexabromocyclododecane may have the same pollution source as microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linzi Zuo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Yuxin Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China.
| | - Hengxiang Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Yongxia Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lang Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinping Peng
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiangrong Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China.
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48
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Opinion: We need better data about the environmental persistence of plastic goods. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:14618-14621. [PMID: 32522872 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2008009117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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49
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Bernhard GH, Neale RE, Barnes PW, Neale PJ, Zepp RG, Wilson SR, Andrady AL, Bais AF, McKenzie RL, Aucamp PJ, Young PJ, Liley JB, Lucas RM, Yazar S, Rhodes LE, Byrne SN, Hollestein LM, Olsen CM, Young AR, Robson TM, Bornman JF, Jansen MAK, Robinson SA, Ballaré CL, Williamson CE, Rose KC, Banaszak AT, Häder DP, Hylander S, Wängberg SÅ, Austin AT, Hou WC, Paul ND, Madronich S, Sulzberger B, Solomon KR, Li H, Schikowski T, Longstreth J, Pandey KK, Heikkilä AM, White CC. Environmental effects of stratospheric ozone depletion, UV radiation and interactions with climate change: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, update 2019. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2020; 19:542-584. [PMID: 32364555 PMCID: PMC7442302 DOI: 10.1039/d0pp90011g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This assessment, by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP), one of three Panels informing the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, provides an update, since our previous extensive assessment (Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2019, 18, 595-828), of recent findings of current and projected interactive environmental effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, stratospheric ozone, and climate change. These effects include those on human health, air quality, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles, and materials used in construction and other services. The present update evaluates further evidence of the consequences of human activity on climate change that are altering the exposure of organisms and ecosystems to UV radiation. This in turn reveals the interactive effects of many climate change factors with UV radiation that have implications for the atmosphere, feedbacks, contaminant fate and transport, organismal responses, and many outdoor materials including plastics, wood, and fabrics. The universal ratification of the Montreal Protocol, signed by 197 countries, has led to the regulation and phase-out of chemicals that deplete the stratospheric ozone layer. Although this treaty has had unprecedented success in protecting the ozone layer, and hence all life on Earth from damaging UV radiation, it is also making a substantial contribution to reducing climate warming because many of the chemicals under this treaty are greenhouse gases.
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Affiliation(s)
- G H Bernhard
- Biospherical Instruments Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - R E Neale
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - P W Barnes
- Biological Sciences and Environment Program, Loyola University, New Orleans, USA
| | - P J Neale
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, Maryland, USA
| | - R G Zepp
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - S R Wilson
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - A L Andrady
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - A F Bais
- Department of Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - R L McKenzie
- National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research, Lauder, Central Otago, New Zealand
| | - P J Aucamp
- Ptersa Environmental Consultants, Faerie Glen, South Africa
| | - P J Young
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - J B Liley
- National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research, Lauder, Central Otago, New Zealand
| | - R M Lucas
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - S Yazar
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - L E Rhodes
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, and Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - S N Byrne
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - L M Hollestein
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Manchester, The Netherlands
| | - C M Olsen
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - A R Young
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College, London, London, UK
| | - T M Robson
- Organismal & Evolutionary Biology, Viikki Plant Science Centre, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J F Bornman
- Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
| | - M A K Jansen
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - S A Robinson
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - C L Ballaré
- Faculty of Agronomy and IFEVA-CONICET, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C E Williamson
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
| | - K C Rose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - A T Banaszak
- Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
| | - D -P Häder
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Möhrendorf, Germany
| | - S Hylander
- Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - S -Å Wängberg
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - A T Austin
- Faculty of Agronomy and IFEVA-CONICET, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - W -C Hou
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan, China
| | - N D Paul
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - S Madronich
- National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - B Sulzberger
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - K R Solomon
- Centre for Toxicology, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - H Li
- Institute of Atmospheric Environment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - T Schikowski
- Research Group of Environmental Epidemiology, Leibniz Institute of Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - J Longstreth
- Institute for Global Risk Research, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - K K Pandey
- Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Bengaluru, India
| | - A M Heikkilä
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - C C White
- , 5409 Mohican Rd, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Liu P, Zhan X, Wu X, Li J, Wang H, Gao S. Effect of weathering on environmental behavior of microplastics: Properties, sorption and potential risks. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 242:125193. [PMID: 31678851 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 338] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a raising global concern in recent years due to its wide distribution. Additionally, most of the MPs have undergone extensive weathering in the environment, and weathered MPs may exhibit different physicochemical properties from pristine ones. The review reveals the change in physicochemical properties (e.g. size, color, crystallinity, mechanical property and oxygen-containing groups) and the release of additives and MP-derived intermediates (i.e. oligomers and oxygenated compounds) during weathering processes. Weathering further affects the sorption behavior of MPs for environmental pollutants because of the changed crystallinity, specific surface area and oxygen functional groups. The interaction mechanisms of pristine and weathered MPs with pollutants are summarized, and how weathering processes affect sorption behavior is critically revealed. Because of the changed size, color and surface charges, weathered MPs might be ingested by aquatic organisms in different ways from the pristine ones. The detailed effects of weathering on the ingestion of MPs are discussed, and the potential toxicity of leachates from weathering processes is evaluated. In addition, the environmental components (e.g. natural organic matter and salinity) and biofilm correlated to the sorption behavior of MPs are reviewed. As for the knowledge gap, further studies should focus on the long-term weathering of MPs and the relationships between weathering properties and sorption capacities toward pollutants. The potential risks of weathered MPs and leachates on organisms should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Xin Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Jinli Li
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Hanyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
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