1
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Lin L, Yuan B, Liu H, Ke Y, Zhang W, Li H, Lu H, Liu J, Hong H, Yan C. Microplastics emerge as a hotspot for dibutyl phthalate sources in rivers and oceans: Leaching behavior and potential risks. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 475:134920. [PMID: 38880047 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as a plasticizer has been widely used in the processing of plastic products. Nevertheless, these DBP additives have the potential to be released into the environment throughout the entire life cycle of plastic products. Herein, the leaching behavior of DBP from PVC microplastics (MPs) in freshwater and seawater and its potential risks were investigated. The results show that the plasticizer content, UV irradiation, and hydrochemical conditions have a great influence on the leaching of DBP from the MPs. The release of DBP into the environment increases proportionally with higher concentrations of additive DBP in MPs, particularly when it exceeds 15 %. The surface of MPs undergoes accelerated oxidation and increased hydrophilicity under UV radiation, thereby facilitating the leaching of DBP. Through 30 continuous leaching experiments, the leaching of DBP from MPs in freshwater and seawater can reach up to 12.28 and 5.42 mg g-1, respectively, indicating that MPs are a continuous source of DBP pollution in the aquatic environment. Moreover, phthalate pollution index (PPI) indicates that MPs can significantly increase DBP pollution in marine environment through land and sea transport processes. Therefore, we advocate that the management of MPs waste containing DBP be prioritized in coastal sustainable development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lujian Lin
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Bo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Huiling Liu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Yue Ke
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Weifeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Hanyi Li
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Haoliang Lu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Jingchun Liu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Hualong Hong
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China.
| | - Chongling Yan
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China.
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2
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Shi Y, Wei X, Zhang Z, Wang S, Liu H, Cui D, Hua W, Fu Y, Chen Y, Xue Z, Li X, Wang W. Developmental toxicity and potential mechanisms exposed to polystyrene microplastics and polybrominated diphenyl ethers during early life stages of fat greenling (Hexagrammos otakii). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 271:106933. [PMID: 38705000 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106933] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems and their ability to absorb hydrophobic pollutants, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), is currently a significant concern. MPs, which are the main breakdown product of plastics, have been frequently detected in the environment, posing serious threats to organisms' health. One particular pollutant, 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), is a dominant congener of PBDEs and is highly toxic to organisms. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the exposure of marine fishes to PBDEs through MPs and their combined toxic effects. In this study, the embryo toxicity of Hexagrammos otakii was conducted to investigate the combined effects of MPs and BDE-47. The results showed that MPs and BDE-47 co-exposure had detrimental effects on embryonic development, such as reduced hatchability, increased mortality, decreased heart rate, and body malformation. Moreover, the combined toxicity of these substances appeared more pronounced harmful effects compared to exposure to BDE-47 alone. Histopathological examination revealed that co-exposure can cause greater damage to hatching glands and yolk. The enrichment of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways included phagosome, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, TCA cycle, and Wnt signaling pathway, which are closely related to embryonic growth. BDE-47 and MPs may activate the Wnt signaling pathway to affect the normal development of embryos. Our results suggest that MPs and BDE-47 exposure may cause growth disorders in the early life stages of H.otakii, leading to abnormal embryonic development. All these results will contribute to the further study of the ecological risk assessment and toxicity of MPs and organic pollutant mixtures in marine fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Applied Biology and Aquaculture of Northern Fishes in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wei
- Key Laboratory of Applied Biology and Aquaculture of Northern Fishes in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Biology and Aquaculture of Northern Fishes in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Biology and Aquaculture of Northern Fishes in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Biology and Aquaculture of Northern Fishes in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Dandan Cui
- Key Laboratory of Applied Biology and Aquaculture of Northern Fishes in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Wenyuan Hua
- Key Laboratory of Applied Biology and Aquaculture of Northern Fishes in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Yanxin Fu
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Hydrobiology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Applied Biology and Aquaculture of Northern Fishes in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Zhuang Xue
- Key Laboratory of Applied Biology and Aquaculture of Northern Fishes in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Xuejie Li
- Key Laboratory of Applied Biology and Aquaculture of Northern Fishes in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Biology and Aquaculture of Northern Fishes in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China.
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3
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Chen X, Yue Y, Wang Z, Sun J, Dong S. Co-existing inorganic anions influenced the Norrish I and Norrish II type photoaging mechanism of biodegradable microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 925:171756. [PMID: 38494013 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The degradation of biodegradable plastics (BPs) in natural environments is constrained, and the mechanisms underlying their photoaging in aquatic settings remain inadequately understood. In view of this, this study systematically investigated the photoaging process of biodegradable Poly (butyleneadipate-co-terephthalate) microplastics (PBAT-MPs), which are more widely used. The investigation was carried out in the presence of common inorganic anions (Br-, Cl- and NO3-). The results of EPR, FTIR and FESEM tests, along with pseudo-first-order kinetics analyses, showed that the presence of NO3- promoted the photoaging of PBAT-MPs, while the presence of Br- and Cl- inhibited the photoaging of PBAT-MPs. In addition, the results of the Two-Dimensional Correlation Spectroscopy (2D-COS) analysis determined the order of the changes in the functional groups, revealing that the Norrish I and Norrish II reaction mechanisms are presented by PBAT-MPs during the aging process, and the process is closely related to the ion concentration and UV irradiation time. This study provides valuable insights for understanding the phototransformation process of BPs in natural aqueous environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environmental and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, PR China
| | - Yiying Yue
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environmental and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, PR China
| | - Zihan Wang
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environmental and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, PR China
| | - Jianhui Sun
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environmental and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, PR China.
| | - Shuying Dong
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environmental and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, PR China.
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4
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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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5
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Yu Y, Kumar M, Bolan S, Padhye LP, Bolan N, Li S, Wang L, Hou D, Li Y. Various additive release from microplastics and their toxicity in aquatic environments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123219. [PMID: 38154772 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Additives may be present in amounts higher than 50% within plastic objects. Additives in plastics can be gradually released from microplastics (MPs) into the aquatic environment during their aging and fragmentation because most of them do not chemically react with the polymers. Some are known to be hazardous substances, which can cause toxicity effects on organisms and pose ecological risks. In this paper, the application of functional additives in MPs and their leaching in the environment are first summarized followed by their release mechanisms including photooxidation, chemical oxidation, biochemical degradation, and physical abrasion. Important factors affecting the additive release from MPs are also reviewed. Generally, smaller particle size, light irradiation, high temperature, dissolved organic matter (DOM) existence and alkaline conditions can promote the release of chemicals from MPs. In addition, the release of additives is also influenced by the polymer's structure, electrolyte types, as well as salinity. These additives may transfer into the organisms after ingestion and disrupt various biological processes, leading to developmental malformations and toxicity in offspring. Nonetheless, challenges on the toxicity of chemicals in MPs remain hindering the risk assessment on human health from MPs in the environment. Future research is suggested to strengthen research on the leaching experiment in the actual environment, develop more techniques and analysis methods to identify leaching products, and evaluate the toxicity effects of additives from MPs based on more model organisms. The work gives a comprehensive overview of current process for MP additive release in natural waters, summarizes their toxicity effects on organisms, and provides recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yu
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Manish Kumar
- Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Shiv Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; Healthy Environments and Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, Australia
| | - Lokesh P Padhye
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; Healthy Environments and Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, Australia
| | - Sixu Li
- Beijing No.4 High School International Campus, Beijing, China
| | - Liuwei Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
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6
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Wang Z, Zhai Y, Zhou Y, Huang C, Zhang X, Xu M. The impact of dissolved organic matter on the photodegradation of tetracycline in the presence of microplastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:140784. [PMID: 38006920 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), an emerging class of pollutants, significantly impact the photoconversion dynamics of tetracycline (TC). But the effect of prevalent dissolved organic matter (DOM) on TC photodegradation in the presence of MPs remains a gap in current research. In this study, the photoconversion behavior and mechanism of TC under simulated sunlight conditions were systematically investigated, both in the presence of DOM and in combination with polystyrene (PS) MPs. The results demonstrated that both DOM and MPs enhanced the photodegradation of TC when compared to its direct degradation. However, DOM, particularly humic acid (HA, 10 mg/L), exhibited a more pronounced enhancing effect on TC photodegradation within 1 h reaction, regardless of the presence or absence of MPs, reaching up to 80%. In reaction systems involving TC-HA and TC-HA-PS, the primary contributors to TC degradation were direct photolysis and HA photosensitization (free radical reactions). Conversely, photosensitization effects were not significant in the presence of fulvic acid (FA). Furthermore, even under dark reaction conditions, HA exhibited a 10% degradation effect on TC. Quenching experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) results indicate that dark reaction processes involve free radical reactions. Additionally, toxicity test results showed a reduction in the acute toxicity of TC photodegradation products, yet the long-term cumulative risks to organisms deserved attention. In general, this investigation significantly advances our understanding of the intricate photoconversion behavior of TC in the presence of coexisting chemical components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhexian Wang
- 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
| | - Yunbo Zhai
- 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.
| | - Yin Zhou
- 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
| | - Cheng 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
| | - Xue 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
| | - Min Xu
- Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100012, PR China.
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7
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Xu Y, Ou Q, van der Hoek JP, Liu G, Lompe KM. Photo-oxidation of Micro- and Nanoplastics: Physical, Chemical, and Biological Effects in Environments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:991-1009. [PMID: 38166393 PMCID: PMC10795193 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07035] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are attracting increasing attention due to their persistence and potential ecological risks. This review critically summarizes the effects of photo-oxidation on the physical, chemical, and biological behaviors of MNPs in aquatic and terrestrial environments. The core of this paper explores how photo-oxidation-induced surface property changes in MNPs affect their adsorption toward contaminants, the stability and mobility of MNPs in water and porous media, as well as the transport of pollutants such as organic pollutants (OPs) and heavy metals (HMs). It then reviews the photochemical processes of MNPs with coexisting constituents, highlighting critical factors affecting the photo-oxidation of MNPs, and the contribution of MNPs to the phototransformation of other contaminants. The distinct biological effects and mechanism of aged MNPs are pointed out, in terms of the toxicity to aquatic organisms, biofilm formation, planktonic microbial growth, and soil and sediment microbial community and function. Furthermore, the research gaps and perspectives are put forward, regarding the underlying interaction mechanisms of MNPs with coexisting natural constituents and pollutants under photo-oxidation conditions, the combined effects of photo-oxidation and natural constituents on the fate of MNPs, and the microbiological effect of photoaged MNPs, especially the biotransformation of pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanghui Xu
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Qin Ou
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Peter van der Hoek
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
- Waternet,
Department Research & Innovation,
P.O. Box 94370, 1090 GJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gang Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Kim Maren Lompe
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
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8
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Guo Y, Zhu B, Tang CY, Zhou Q, Zhu Y. Photogenerated outer electric field induced electrophoresis of organic nanocrystals for effective solid-solid photocatalysis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:428. [PMID: 38200002 PMCID: PMC10781792 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44700-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Rapid mass transfer in solid-solid reactions is crucial for catalysis. Although phoretic nanoparticles offer potential for increased collision efficiency between solids, their implementation is hindered by limited interaction ranges. Here, we present a self-driven long-range electrophoresis of organic nanocrystals facilitated by a rationally designed photogenerated outer electric field (OEF) on their surface. Employing perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) molecular nanocrystals as a model, we demonstrate that a directional OEF with an intensity of 13.6-0.4 kV m-1 across a range of 25-200 μm. This OEF-driven targeted electrophoresis of PTCDA nanocrystals onto the microplastic surface enhances the activity for subsequent decomposition of microplastics (196.8 mg h-1) into CO2 by solid-solid catalysis. As supported by operando characterizations and theoretical calculations, the OEF surrounds PTCDA nanocrystals initially, directing from the electron-rich (0 1 1) to the hole-rich [Formula: see text] surface. Upon surface charge modulation, the direction of OEF changes toward the solid substrate. The OEF-driven electrophoretic effect in organic nanocrystals with anisotropic charge enrichment characteristics indicates potential advancements in realizing effective solid-solid photocatalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Guo
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Bowen Zhu
- School of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, 100032, Beijing, China
| | - Chuyang Y Tang
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China.
| | - Qixin Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Yongfa Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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9
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Qiu X, Ma S, Pan J, Cui Q, Zheng W, Ding L, Liang X, Xu B, Guo X, Rillig MC. Microbial metabolism influences microplastic perturbation of dissolved organic matter in agricultural soils. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrad017. [PMID: 38365242 PMCID: PMC10811734 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrad017] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
An estimated 258 million tons of plastic enter the soil annually. Joining persistent types of microplastic (MP), there will be an increasing demand for biodegradable plastics. There are still many unknowns about plastic pollution by either type, and one large gap is the fate and composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) released from MPs as well as how they interact with soil microbiomes in agricultural systems. In this study, polyethylene MPs, photoaged to different degrees, and virgin polylactic acid MPs were added to agricultural soil at different levels and incubated for 100 days to address this knowledge gap. We find that, upon MP addition, labile components of low aromaticity were degraded and transformed, resulting in increased aromaticity and oxidation degree, reduced molecular diversity, and changed nitrogen and sulfur contents of soil DOM. Terephthalate, acetate, oxalate, and L-lactate in DOM released by polylactic acid MPs and 4-nitrophenol, propanoate, and nitrate in DOM released by polyethylene MPs were the major molecules available to the soil microbiomes. The bacteria involved in the metabolism of DOM released by MPs are mainly concentrated in Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota, and fungi are mainly in Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Our study provides an in-depth understanding of the microbial transformation of DOM released by MPs and its effects of DOM evolution in agricultural soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinran Qiu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Sirui Ma
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jianrui Pan
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qian Cui
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ling Ding
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xujun Liang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Baile Xu
- Institut für Biologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Matthias C Rillig
- Institut für Biologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, Berlin 14195, Germany
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10
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Chen C, Sun C, Wang B, Zhang Z, Yu G. Adsorption behavior of triclosan on polystyrene nanoplastics: The roles of particle size, surface functionalization, and environmental factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167430. [PMID: 37778562 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) contribute substantially to the transport of waterborne pollutants. Triclosan (TCS) has a high potential to contact with NPs because of their prevalence in natural waters. Herein, this study investigated the adsorption behavior of TCS on differently sized and functionalized polystyrene (PS) NPs. The effects of environmental factors such as pH, salinity, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) were also evaluated. Results suggest that the adsorption equilibrium constant (kd) of TCS in pristine PSNP suspensions followed the order as: PSNPs-50 nm (4.39 L·g-1) > PSNPs-100 nm (2.78 L·g-1) > PSNPs-200 nm (2.59 L·g-1) > PSNPs-500 nm (1.36 L·g-1) ≈ PSNPs-900 nm (1.36 L·g-1). For the functionalized PSNPs (i.e., PSNPs-COOH, PSNPs-NH2), the values of specific surface area normalized kd called kd, SSA were higher than those of pristine PSNPs. Meanwhile, TCS adsorption on two functionalized PSNPs remained stable and then decreased as salinity increased, while an opposite trend was observed toward pristine PSNPs. All these suggested that physicochemical properties of PSNPs (e.g., particle size and surface functional groups) are important factors influencing their adsorption capacity. When the solution pH raised, the adsorbed amounts of TCS on all tested PSNPs prone to decline. However, DOM only affected the adsorption behavior of PSNPs-50 nm, probably owing to its aggregation with tiny PSNPs and the induced secondary adsorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunzhao Chen
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Chenxi Sun
- School of Environment, Beijing Key Laboratory for Emerging Organic Contaminants Control, Beijing Laboratory of Environmental Frontier Technologies, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Wang
- School of Environment, Beijing Key Laboratory for Emerging Organic Contaminants Control, Beijing Laboratory of Environmental Frontier Technologies, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Gang Yu
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, China; School of Environment, Beijing Key Laboratory for Emerging Organic Contaminants Control, Beijing Laboratory of Environmental Frontier Technologies, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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11
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Kudzin MH, Piwowarska D, Festinger N, Chruściel JJ. Risks Associated with the Presence of Polyvinyl Chloride in the Environment and Methods for Its Disposal and Utilization. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 17:173. [PMID: 38204025 PMCID: PMC10779931 DOI: 10.3390/ma17010173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Plastics have recently become an indispensable part of everyone's daily life due to their versatility, durability, light weight, and low production costs. The increasing production and use of plastics poses great environmental problems due to their incomplete utilization, a very long period of biodegradation, and a negative impact on living organisms. Decomposing plastics lead to the formation of microplastics, which accumulate in the environment and living organisms, becoming part of the food chain. The contamination of soils and water with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) seriously threatens ecosystems around the world. Their durability and low weight make microplastic particles easily transported through water or air, ending up in the soil. Thus, the problem of microplastic pollution affects the entire ecosystem. Since microplastics are commonly found in both drinking and bottled water, humans are also exposed to their harmful effects. Because of existing risks associated with the PVC microplastic contamination of the ecosystem, intensive research is underway to develop methods to clean and remove it from the environment. The pollution of the environment with plastic, and especially microplastic, results in the reduction of both water and soil resources used for agricultural and utility purposes. This review provides an overview of PVC's environmental impact and its disposal options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin H. Kudzin
- Łukasiewicz Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, 19/27 Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie Str., 90-570 Łódź, Poland; (M.H.K.); (D.P.); (N.F.)
- Circular Economy Center (BCG), Environmental Protection Engineering Research Group, Brzezińska 5/15, 92-103 Łódź, Poland
| | - Dominika Piwowarska
- Łukasiewicz Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, 19/27 Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie Str., 90-570 Łódź, Poland; (M.H.K.); (D.P.); (N.F.)
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Lodz, 21/23 Jana Matejki Str., 90-237 Łódź, Poland
- UNESCO Chair on Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 12/16 Banacha Str., 90-232 Łódź, Poland
- European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Tylna Str., 90-364 Łódź, Poland
| | - Natalia Festinger
- Łukasiewicz Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, 19/27 Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie Str., 90-570 Łódź, Poland; (M.H.K.); (D.P.); (N.F.)
- Circular Economy Center (BCG), Environmental Protection Engineering Research Group, Brzezińska 5/15, 92-103 Łódź, Poland
| | - Jerzy J. Chruściel
- Łukasiewicz Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, 19/27 Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie Str., 90-570 Łódź, Poland; (M.H.K.); (D.P.); (N.F.)
- Circular Economy Center (BCG), Environmental Protection Engineering Research Group, Brzezińska 5/15, 92-103 Łódź, Poland
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12
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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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13
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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: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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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14
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Sodré FF, Arowojolu IM, Canela MC, Ferreira RS, Fernandes AN, Montagner CC, Vidal C, Dias MA, Abate G, da Silva LC, Grassi MT, Bertoldi C, Fadini PS, Urban RC, Ferraz GM, Schio NS, Waldman WR. How natural and anthropogenic factors should drive microplastic behavior and fate: The scenario of Brazilian urban freshwater. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 340:139813. [PMID: 37586495 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Brazil maintains its position at the top of the global ranking of plastic producers, yet recycling efforts have been incipient. Recent data reveals an annual production of approximately 14 million tons of plastic waste, not accounting for the surge in the usage of plastic masks and related materials due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, what remains largely unreported is that over half of post-consumer plastic packaging in Brazil is managed without any monitoring, and it remains unclear how this will contribute to the occurrence of plastic waste and microplastics in Brazilian freshwaters. This scenario requires the consideration of several other crucial factors. Studies have been carried out mainly in marine and estuarine waters, while data on freshwaters are lacking. Brazil has continental dimensions and the highest water availability on the planet, yet the demand for water is greatest in regions with medium to low supply. Many densely populated Brazilian urban areas face chronic flood problems, possess inadequate levels of wastewater treatment, and display inadequate solid waste management practices. Consequently, urban freshwater with tropical characteristics in Brazil presents an intriguing scenario and is complementary to the most commonly studied marine environments. In this study, we explore the nuances of pollution in Brazilian urban freshwater and discuss how various parameters, such as organic matter, suspended solids, temperature, and pH, among others, influence the behavior of microplastics and their interactions with organic and inorganic contaminants. Furthermore, we address how microplastic conditions, such as biofouling, the type of plastic, or degradation level, may impact their behavior. By analyzing how these conditions change, we propose priority themes for investigating the occurrence of microplastics in Brazilian urban freshwater systems under different degrees of human impact. Ultimately, this study aims to establish a network dedicated to standardized monitoring of microplastic pollution in Brazilian urban freshwaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando F Sodré
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| | - Imisi M Arowojolu
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Maria C Canela
- Exact Sciences and Technology Center, State University of the North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos Dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo S Ferreira
- Exact Sciences and Technology Center, State University of the North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos Dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andreia N Fernandes
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Cristiane Vidal
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana A Dias
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Abate
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of Paraná, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Marco T Grassi
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of Paraná, PR, Brazil
| | - Crislaine Bertoldi
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Chemistry Department, Federal University of Paraná, PR, Brazil
| | - Pedro S Fadini
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberta C Urban
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel M Ferraz
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Natalí S Schio
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Walter R Waldman
- Science and Technology Center for Sustainability, Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, SP, Brazil
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15
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Zhu J, Dong G, Feng F, Ye J, Liao CH, Wu CH, Chen SC. Microplastics in the soil environment: Focusing on the sources, its transformation and change in morphology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165291. [PMID: 37406689 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are small plastic pieces less than 5 mm in size. Previous studies have focused on the sources, transports, and fates of MPs in marine or sediment environments. However, limited attention has been given to the role of land as the primary source of MPs, and how plastic polymers are transformed into MPs through biological or abiotic effects during the transport process remains unclear. Here, we focus on the exploration of the main sources of MPs in the soil, highlighting that MP generation is not solely a byproduct of plastic production but can also result from the impact of biological and abiotic factors during the process of MPs transport. This review presents a new perspective on understanding the degradation of MPs in soil, considering soil as a distinct fluid and suggesting that the main transformation and change mediated by abiotic factors occur on the soil surface, while the main biodegradation occurs in the soil interior. This viewpoint is suggested because the role of some abiotic factors becomes less obvious in the soil interior, and MPs, whose surface is expected to colonize microorganisms, are gradually considered a carbon source independent of photosynthesis and net primary production. This review emphasizes the need to understand basic MPs information in soil for a rational evaluation of its environmental toxicity. Such understanding enables better control of MPs pollution in affected areas and prevents contamination in unaffected regions. Finally, knowledge gaps and future research directions necessary for advancements in this field are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Zhu
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Guowen Dong
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu Feng
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Ye
- College of Environment and chemical Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ching-Hua Liao
- School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Chih-Hung Wu
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Chung Chen
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Fries E, Sühring R. The unusual suspects: Screening for persistent, mobile, and toxic plastic additives in plastic leachates. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122263. [PMID: 37499969 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122263] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Plastic additives are a diverse group of chemical compounds added to plastic products to give them their unique physical-chemical properties. Persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) plastic additives are a highly polar, environmentally stable sub-group of plastic additives with a variety of uses in plastic products. Due to their mobility into water, they can pose a significant long-term risk to the aquatic environment. Despite the potential threat, PMT plastic additives remain largely unregulated and under-studied. Notably, there is a need for dedicated analytical methodology and leaching studies to determine their potential emission from plastic products. Here we present an optimized leaching protocol and novel instrumental analysis method for the screening of 124 PMT plastic additives registered for use in Canada using high performance liquid chromatography with quantitative time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QToF-MS). The analytical method covered a log Kow/Dow range between 0.21 and 6.02, which covered 72% of the PMT plastic additives used in Canada. A total of 52 PMT plastic additive suspects were leached in the optimization experiments, 44 of which were unique based on accurate mass and retention time. The conditions that resulted in the greatest numbers of PMT plastic additives leached were lake water, UV light exposure, and a timeframe of approximately 30 days. The analytical and leaching methods presented here offer new tools to study PMT plastic additives and assess their leaching in an environmentally relevant matrix, which can inform monitoring, threat assessment, and regulatory efforts moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Fries
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Roxana Sühring
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada.
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17
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Bridson JH, Abbel R, Smith DA, Northcott GL, Gaw S. Impact of accelerated weathering on the leaching kinetics of stabiliser additives from microplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132303. [PMID: 37595471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The release of additives from microplastics is known to harm organisms. In the environment, microplastics are exposed to weathering processes which are suspected to influence additive leaching kinetics, the extent and mechanism of which remain poorly understood. We examined the impact of weathering on stabiliser additive leaching kinetics using environmentally relevant accelerated weathering and leaching procedures. Nine binary polymer-additive formulations were specifically prepared, weathered, analysed, and evaluated for their leaching characteristics. Cumulative additive release (Ce) varied widely between formulations, ranging from 0.009 to 1162 µg/g. Values of Ce generally increased by polymer type in the order polyethylene terephthalate < polyamide 6 < polyethylene. The change in leaching kinetics after accelerated weathering was incongruous across the nine formulations, with a significant change in Ce only observed for three out of nine formulations. Physicochemical characterisation of the microplastics demonstrated that additive blooming was the primary mechanism influencing the leaching response to weathering. These findings highlight the dependency of additive fate on the polymer type, additive chemistry, and the extent of weathering exposure. This has significant implications for risk assessment and mitigation, where the general assumption that polymer weathering increases additive leaching may be too simplistic.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Bridson
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand; School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
| | - Robert Abbel
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
| | - Dawn A Smith
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
| | - Grant L Northcott
- Northcott Research Consultants Limited, 20 River Oaks Place, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand
| | - Sally Gaw
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
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18
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Wu X, Zhao X, Chen R, Liu P, Liang W, Wang J, Shi D, Teng M, Wang X, Gao S. Size-dependent long-term weathering converting floating polypropylene macro- and microplastics into nanoplastics in coastal seawater environments. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 242:120165. [PMID: 37320877 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120165] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we systematically developed the long-term photoaging behavior of different-sized polypropylene (PP) floating plastic wastes in a coastal seawater environment. After 68 d of laboratory accelerated UV irradiation, the PP plastic particle size decreased by 99.3 ± 0.15%, and nanoplastics (average size: 435 ± 250 nm) were produced with a maximum yield of 57.9%, evidencing that natural sunlight irradiation-induced long-term photoaging ultimately converts floating plastic waste in marine environments into micro- and nanoplastics. Subsequently, when comparing the photoaging rate of different sized PP plastics in coastal seawater, we discovered that large sized PP plastics (1000-2000 and 5000-7000 μm) showed a lower photoaging rate than that of small sized PP plastic debris (0-150 and 300-500 μm), with the decrease rate of plastic crystallinity as follow: 0-150 μm (2.01 d-1) > 300-500 μm (1.25 d-1) > 1000-2000 μm (0.780 d-1) and 5000-7000 μm (0.900 d-1). This result can be attributed to the small size PP plastics producing more reactive oxygen species (ROS) species, with the formation capacity of hydroxyl radical •OH as follows: 0-150 μm (6.46 × 10-15 M) > 300-500 μm (4.87 × 10-15 M) > 500-1000 (3.61 × 10-15 M) and 5000-7000 μm (3.73 × 10-15 M). The findings obtained in this study offer a new perspective on the formation and ecological risks of PP nanoplastics in current coastal seawater environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Rouzheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Weigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Junyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Di Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Miaomiao Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, 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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19
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Qiu Y, Zhang T, Zhang P. Fate and environmental behaviors of microplastics through the lens of free radical. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 453:131401. [PMID: 37086675 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), as plastics with a size of less than 5 mm, are ubiquitously present in the environment and become an increasing environmental concern. The fate and environmental behavior of MPs are significantly influenced by the presence of free radicals. Free radicals can cause surface breakage, chemical release, change in crystallinity and hydrophilicity, and aggregation of MPs. On the other hand, the generation of free radicals with a high concentration and oxidation potential can effectively degrade MPs. There is a limited review article to bridge the fate and environmental behaviors of MP with free radicals and their reactions. This paper reviews the sources, types, detection methods, generation mechanisms, and influencing factors of free radicals affecting the environmental processes of MPs, the environmental effects of MPs controlled by free radicals, and the degradation strategies of MPs based on free radical-associated technologies. Moreover, this review elaborates on the limitations of the current research and provides ideas for future research on the interactions between MPs and free radicals to better explain their environmental impacts and control their risks. This article aims to keep the reader abreast of the latest development in the fate and environmental behaviors of MP with free radicals and their reactions and to bridge free radical chemistry with MP control methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Qiu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Tong Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China.
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20
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Pelegrini K, Pereira TCB, Maraschin TG, Teodoro LDS, Basso NRDS, De Galland GLB, Ligabue RA, Bogo MR. Micro- and nanoplastic toxicity: A review on size, type, source, and test-organism implications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:162954. [PMID: 36948318 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Polymeric wastes are among the current major environmental problems due to potential pollution and contamination. Within the spectrum of polymeric waste, microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have gained ground in recent research since these particles can affect the local biota, inducing toxic effects on several organisms. Different outcomes have been reported depending on particle sizes, shape, types, and exposed organisms and conditions, among other variables. This review aimed to compile and discuss the current knowledge and possible literature gaps regarding the MPs and NPs generation and their toxicological effects as stressors, considering polymer type (as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, or others), size (micro- or nano-scale), source (commercial, lab-synthesized, or environmental) and test organism group. In that sense, 615 publications were analyzed, among which 72 % discussed micro-sized plastics, while <28 % assayed the toxicity of NPs (<1 μm). For most polymers, MPs and NPs were commercially purchased and used without additional size reduction processes; except for polyethylene terephthalate studies that mostly used grinding and cutting methods to obtain MPs. Polystyrene (PS) was the main polymer studied, as both MPs and NPs. PS accounts for >90 % of NPs reports evaluated, reflecting a major literature gap if compared to its 35.3 % share on MPs studies. Among the main organisms, arthropods and fish combined accounted for nearly 40 % of toxicity testing. Overall, the different types of plastics showed a tendency to report toxic effects, except for the 'Survival/lethality' category, which might indicate that polymeric particles induce mostly sublethal toxic effects. Furthermore, despite differences in publication numbers, we observed greater toxicity reported for NPs than MPs with oxidative stress among the majorly investigated endpoints. This study allowed a hazard profile overview of micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) and the visualization of literature gaps, under a broad diversity of toxicological evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kauê Pelegrini
- Escola Politécnica, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS). Av. Ipiranga, 6681, CEP: 90619-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Engenharia e Tecnologia de Materiais, Escola Politécnica, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6690, CEP: 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Talita Carneiro Brandão Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia Genômica e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Av. Ipiranga, 6681, CEP: 90619-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Escola de Medicina, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6690, CEP: 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Thuany Garcia Maraschin
- Escola Politécnica, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS). Av. Ipiranga, 6681, CEP: 90619-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Engenharia e Tecnologia de Materiais, Escola Politécnica, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6690, CEP: 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Lilian De Souza Teodoro
- Laboratório de Biologia Genômica e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Av. Ipiranga, 6681, CEP: 90619-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6681, CEP: 90619-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Nara Regina De Souza Basso
- Escola Politécnica, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS). Av. Ipiranga, 6681, CEP: 90619-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Engenharia e Tecnologia de Materiais, Escola Politécnica, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6690, CEP: 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Griselda Ligia Barrera De Galland
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, CEP: 91570-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Rosane Angelica Ligabue
- Escola Politécnica, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS). Av. Ipiranga, 6681, CEP: 90619-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Engenharia e Tecnologia de Materiais, Escola Politécnica, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6690, CEP: 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Mauricio Reis Bogo
- Laboratório de Biologia Genômica e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Av. Ipiranga, 6681, CEP: 90619-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Escola de Medicina, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6690, CEP: 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6681, CEP: 90619-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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21
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Peng G, Pu Z, Chen F, Xu H, Cao X, Chun Chen C, Wang J, Liao Y, Zhu X, Pan K. Metal leaching from plastics in the marine environment: An ignored role of biofilm. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 177:107988. [PMID: 37267729 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A large quantity of metal compounds in plastics are released into the marine environment every year. However, our understanding of the extent and mechanism by which polymer-bound metals leach into seawater is still limited. In this study, a comprehensive survey was conducted to measure the metal concentrations in commonly used plastics and evaluate the effects of environmental factors (temperature, radiation, and salinity) and the physiochemical properties (surface roughness, specific surface area, hydrophobicity, and crystallinity) of the plastics on their metal leaching into seawater. In particular, we observed the metal loss from six plastics submerged in coastal seawater for eight months and studied the role of biofilm in controlling the leaching of Sb, Sn, Pb, Ba, and Cr. Our results indicate that increased temperature enhanced the release of these metals, while exposure to ultraviolet radiation significantly increased the leaching of Sn from polylactide (PLA). High salinity facilitated the leaching of Sn from PLA and Pb from polyvinylchloride ball, however inhibited the leaching of Ba from PE wrap. The leaching rate was primarily determined by the inherent property of crystallinity. Metal loss from the plastics in the field was apparent during the first three weeks, but then was hindered by the development of biofilm. Our study provides the mechanisms underlying metal leaching from physical, chemical, and biological perspectives, which is useful for understanding the environmental risk of the plastic-containing metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guogan Peng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zhengshijian Pu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Fengyuan Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Huo Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xue Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ciara Chun Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Jingzhen Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Change and Disaster in Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Yongyan Liao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Xiaoshan Zhu
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Ke Pan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
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22
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Bridson JH, Abbel R, Smith DA, Northcott GL, Gaw S. Solving a microplastic dilemma? Evaluating additive release with a dynamic leaching method for microplastic assessment (DyLeMMA). MethodsX 2023; 10:102221. [PMID: 37255577 PMCID: PMC10225925 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics and plastic additives are contaminants of emerging environmental concern. Static leaching methods are commonly applied to assess the rate and extent of additive release from microplastics. However, this approach may not be representative of environmental conditions where near infinite dilution or percolation commonly occur. We evaluated three different approaches for assessing additive leaching under environmentally relevant sink conditions, culminating in the refinement and validation of DyLeMMA (Dynamic Leaching Method for Microplastic Assessment). Analysis was performed using a high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method enabling targeted quantification of additives and screening for non-intentionally added substances. Using four different plastics, sink conditions were maintained over the duration of the test, thereby avoiding solubility limited release and ensuring environmental relevance. Background contamination from ubiquitous additive chemicals was minimised, thereby providing good sensitivity and specificity. Resulting data, in the form of additive release curves, should prove suitable for fitting to release models and derivation of parameters describing additive leaching from microplastics.Key attributes of DyLeMMA:•Environmentally relevant dynamic leaching method for microplastics, demonstrated to maintain sink conditions over the test duration,•Simple, fast, and cost-effective approach without complication of using a solid phase sink,•Provide data suitable for understanding microplastic leaching kinetics and mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H. Bridson
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Robert Abbel
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
| | - Dawn A. Smith
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
| | - Grant L. Northcott
- Northcott Research Consultants Limited, 20 River Oaks Place, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand
| | - Sally Gaw
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
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23
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Liu S, Ding H, Song Y, Xue Y, Bi M, Wu M, Zhao C, Wang M, Shi J, Deng H. The potential risks posed by micro-nanoplastics to the safety of disinfected drinking water. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 450:131089. [PMID: 36870096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Micro-nanoplastics (M-NPs) have become an emerging critical issue in the environment because they migrate easily, can bioaccumulate with toxic effects, and are difficult to degrade. Unfortunately, the current technologies for removing or degrading M-NPs in drinking water are insufficient to eliminate them completely, and residual M-NPs in drinking water may pose a threat to human health by impairing human immunity and metabolism. In addition to their intrinsic toxic effects, M-NPs may be even more harmful after drinking water disinfection than before disinfection. Herein, this paper comprehensively summarizes the negative impacts of several commonly used disinfection processes (ozone, chlorine, and UV) on M-NPs. Moreover, the potential leaching of dissolved organics from M-NPs and the production of disinfection byproducts during the disinfection process are discussed in detail. Moreover, due to the diversity and complexity of M-NPs, their adverse effects may exceed those of conventional organics (e.g., antibiotics, pharmaceuticals, and algae) after the disinfection process. Finally, we propose enhanced conventional drinking water treatment processes (e.g., enhanced coagulation, air flotation, advanced adsorbents, and membrane technologies), detection of residual M-NPs, and biotoxicological assessment as promising and ecofriendly candidates to efficiently remove M-NPs and avoid the release of secondary hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuan Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Haojie Ding
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yunqian Song
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB, formerly AWMC), The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yinghao Xue
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Mohan Bi
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Meirou Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Chun Zhao
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China.
| | - Min Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110011, PR China
| | - Jun Shi
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Huiping Deng
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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24
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Rahman MN, Shozib SH, Akter MY, Islam ARMT, Islam MS, Sohel MS, Kamaraj C, Rakib MRJ, Idris AM, Sarker A, Malafaia G. Microplastic as an invisible threat to the coral reefs: Sources, toxicity mechanisms, policy intervention, and the way forward. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 454:131522. [PMID: 37146332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution waste is a global macro problem, and research on MP contamination has been done in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. Preventing MP pollution from hurting them is essential to maintaining coral reefs' ecological and economic benefits. However, the public and scientific communities must pay more attention to MP research on the coral reef regions' distribution, effects, mechanisms, and policy evaluations. Therefore, this review summarizes the global MP distribution and source within the coral reefs. Current knowledge extends the impacts of MP on coral reefs, existing policy, and further recommendations to mitigate MPs contamination on corals are critically analyzed. Furthermore, mechanisms of MP on coral and human health are also highlighted to pinpoint research gaps and potential future studies. Given the escalating plastic usage and the prevalence of coral bleaching globally, there is a pressing need to prioritize research efforts on marine MPs that concentrate on critical coral reef areas. Such investigations should encompass an extensive and crucial understanding of the distribution, destiny, and effects of the MPs on human and coral health and the potential hazards of those MPs from an ecological viewpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Naimur Rahman
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mst Yeasmin Akter
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh; Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Md Salman Sohel
- Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Chinnaperumal Kamaraj
- Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine (IIISM), Directorate of Research, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aniruddha Sarker
- Department of Agro-food Safety and Crop Protection, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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25
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Wan L, Cheng H, Liu Y, Shen Y, Liu G, Su X. Global meta-analysis reveals differential effects of microplastics on soil ecosystem. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161403. [PMID: 36621506 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A large number of individual studies and meta-analyses have shown that microplastics (MPs) affect soil ecosystems. However, the effects of different concentrations and types of MPs on soil ecosystem are still unclear. Here, a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed to examine the responses of 19 variables, associated with soil properties, microbes, enzymes, and fauna, to MPs, based on 114 peer-reviewed studies. The results showed that the addition of MPs significantly reduced the soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), NH4+-N, pH, and diversity of bacteria, and increased the dissolved organic carbon (DOC), diversity of fungi and enzyme activities, especially enzymes related to the biogeochemical cycle. We further discussed that soil MPs exerted negative effects on soil fauna, including survival, growth, and reproduction, and that the concentration of MPs, rather than the type, was the biggest driving factor causing the toxicity of MPs affecting soil animals. More importantly, the concentrations of MPs were the main factor affecting the DOC, TN, NO3--N, total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), and diversity of fungi, whereas the types of MPs were the main factors reflected in the SOC, NH4+-N, pH, diversity of bacteria, and enzyme activities. This study aimed to evaluate the response of soil ecosystems to the different concentrations and types of MPs, and the largest driving factor for the toxicity of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfan Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guohua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xukun Su
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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26
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Lu Q, Zhou Y, Sui Q, Zhou Y. Mechanism and characterization of microplastic aging process: A review. FRONTIERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2023; 17:100. [PMID: 36935734 PMCID: PMC10010843 DOI: 10.1007/s11783-023-1700-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing production of petroleum-based plastics, the problem of environmental pollution caused by plastics has aroused widespread concern. Microplastics, which are formed by the fragmentation of macro plastics, are bio-accumulate easily due to their small size and slow degradation under natural conditions. The aging of plastics is an inevitable process for their degradation and enhancement of adsorption performance toward pollutants due to a series of changes in their physiochemical properties, which significantly increase the toxicity and harm of plastics. Therefore, studies should focus on the aging process of microplastics through reasonable characterization methods to promote the aging process and prevent white pollution. This review summarizes the latest progress in natural aging process and characterization methods to determine the natural aging mechanism of microplastics. In addition, recent advances in the artificial aging of microplastic pollutants are reviewed. The degradation status and by-products of biodegradable plastics in the natural environment and whether they can truly solve the plastic pollution problem have been discussed. Findings from the literature pointed out that the aging process of microplastics lacks professional and exclusive characterization methods, which include qualitative and quantitative analyses. To lessen the toxicity of microplastics in the environment, future research directions have been suggested based on existing problems in the current research. This review could provide a systematic reference for in-depth exploration of the aging mechanism and behavior of microplastics in natural and artificial systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinwei Lu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
| | - Yi Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Qian Sui
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Yanbo Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092 China
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27
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Jeong Y, Gong G, Lee HJ, Seong J, Hong SW, Lee C. Transformation of microplastics by oxidative water and wastewater treatment processes: A critical review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130313. [PMID: 36372022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are contaminants of emerging concern that accumulate in various environments, where they pose threats to both the ecosystem and public health. Since MPs have been detected in drinking water resources and wastewater effluents, more efficient treatment is needed at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). This review discusses the potential of biological, photochemical, Fenton (-like) systems, ozonation, and other oxidation processes in the treatment of MPs in terms of their indicators of oxidation such as mass loss and surface oxidation. The oxidation processes were further analyzed in terms of limitations and environmental implications. Most previous studies examining MPs degradation using conventional treatments-such as UV disinfection, ozonation, and chlorination-employed significantly higher doses than the common doses applied in DWTPs and WWTPs. Owing to such dose gaps, the oxidative transformation of MPs observed in many previous studies are not likely to occur under practical conditions. Some novel oxidation processes showed promising MPs treatment efficiencies, while many of them have not yet been applied on a larger scale due to high costs and the lack of extensive basic research. Health and environmental impacts related to the discharge of oxidized MPs in effluents should be considered carefully in different aspects: the role as vectors of external pollutants, release of organic compounds (including organic byproducts from oxidation) and fragmentation into smaller particles as MPs circulate in the ecosystem as well as the possibility of bioaccumulation. Future research should also focus on ways to incorporate developed oxidation processes in DWTPs and WWTPs to mitigate MPs contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonseo Jeong
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, 21 Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0132, United States
| | - Gyeongtaek Gong
- Clean Energy Research Center, Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST-School, University of Science and Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Lee
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Process (ICP), and Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihye Seong
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Process (ICP), and Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Won Hong
- Center for Water Cycle Research, Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST-School, University of Science and Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
| | - Changha Lee
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Process (ICP), and Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
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28
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Li Q, Tian L, Cai X, Wang Y, Mao Y. Plastisphere showing unique microbiome and resistome different from activated sludge. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158330. [PMID: 36041613 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastisphere (the biofilm on microplastics) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) may enrich pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) which can cause risks to the ecological environment by discharging into receiving waters. However, the microbiome and resistome of plastisphere in activated sludge (AS) systems remain inconclusive. Here, metagenome was applied to investigate the microbial composition, functions and ARGs of the Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastisphere in lab-scale reactors, and revealed the effects of tetracycline (TC) and/or Cu(II) pressures on them. The results indicated that the plastisphere provided a new niche for microbiota showing unique functions distinct from the AS. Particularly, various potentially pathogenic bacteria tended to enrich in PVC plastisphere. Moreover, various ARGs were detected in plastisphere and AS, but the plastisphere had more potential ARGs hosts and a stronger correlation with ARGs. The ARGs abundances increased after exposure to TC and/or Cu(II) pressures, especially tetracycline resistance genes (TRGs), and the results further showed that TRGs with different resistance mechanisms were separately enriched in plastisphere and AS. Furthermore, the exogenous pressures from Cu(II) or/and TC also enhanced the association of potential pathogens with TRGs in PVC plastisphere. The findings contribute to assessing the potential risks of spreading pathogens and ARGs through microplastics in WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihao Li
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518071, China
| | - Li Tian
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518071, China
| | - Xunchao Cai
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518071, China; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518071, China
| | - Yicheng Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518071, China
| | - Yanping Mao
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518071, China.
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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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30
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Plastic additives and microplastics as emerging contaminants: Mechanisms and analytical assessment. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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31
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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: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [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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32
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Li R, Xi B, Tan W, Yuan Y. Spatiotemporal heterogeneous effects of microplastics input on soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) under field conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 847:157605. [PMID: 35896134 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) as emerging persistent pollutants are ubiquitous in terrestrial environments. The effects of MPs input on soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) yet remain largely unclear, which limits our ability to predict how soil carbon dynamics will respond to the intensifying terrestrial plastic contamination, especially under the context of climate change. Here, a long-term field experiment with MPs addition treatment in soils spanning cold temperate zone to the tropics in China was conducted to evaluate the effects of MPs on DOM composition and to explore the spatial and temporal distribution patterns and relevant mechanistic controls of DOM responses after MPs input. We report that the DOM composition in soils with MPs addition was significantly changed relative to the ambient, in which tryptophan-like substances were decreased and humic-like substances were increased. Moreover, we find more apparent transformations of DOM composition in soils for longer treatment time, suggesting a long-lasting effect of MPs on DOM. The overall impact of MPs on DOM is more pronounced in lower latitudes, and nutrient availability and latitude-related climatic variables are associated with the influence degree of MPs input on soil DOM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renfei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Beidou Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Wenbing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
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33
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Hu X, Feng X, Jiang C, Yang M. Photoaging and release profile of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene microplastics under simulated solar radiation in water. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 321:115997. [PMID: 35985266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a major environmental problem and poses a risk to a variety of organisms. In this study, the photoaging behavior of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene microplastics (ABS-MP) in aqueous environment was investigated under simulated solar irradiation. Results showed that the long chains of ABS-MP broke under the light irradiation, and its thermal stability was reduced. ABS-MP was oxidized during photoaging and produced a large number of oxygen-containing functional groups. Structure destruction of ABS-MP decreased the formation of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) and further photoirradiation generated secondary EPFRs. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis of the aged leachates confirmed that ABS-MP was oxidized and some small molecular fragments were dropped during photoaging. Meanwhile, C-Br bond broke of additive tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) resulting in more bromine released into water and Sb(III) of additive Sb2O3 was oxidized to Sb(V) during photoaging. These findings illustrate the necessity of considering the aging of MPs in natural environment, expand the understanding of the potential harm and fate of MPs in aqueous environment, which is important for the management of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Hu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China.
| | - Xue Feng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Chaojie Jiang
- Hefei Genius Advanced Material Co.,Ltd., Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Mina Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China.
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34
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Chen W, Gong Y, McKie M, Almuhtaram H, Sun J, Barrett H, Yang D, Wu M, Andrews RC, Peng H. Defining the Chemical Additives Driving In Vitro Toxicities of Plastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:14627-14639. [PMID: 36173153 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Increases in the global use of plastics have caused concerns regarding potential adverse effects on human health. Plastic products contain hundreds of potentially toxic chemical additives, yet the exact chemicals which drive toxicity currently remain unknown. In this study, we employed nontargeted analysis and in vitro bioassays to identify the toxicity drivers in plastics. A total of 56 chemical additives were tentatively identified in five commonly used plastic polymer pellets (i.e., PP, LDPE, HDPE, PET, and PVC) by employing suspect screening and nontargeted analysis. Phthalates and organophosphates were found to be dominant in PVC pellets. Triphenyl phosphate and 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate accounted for a high amount (53.6%) of the inhibition effect of PVC pellet extract on human carboxylesterase 1 (hCES1) activity. Inspired by the high abundances of chemical additives in PVC pellets, six different end-user PVC-based products including three widely used PVC water pipes were further examined. Among them, extracts of PVC pipe exerted the strongest PPARγ activity and cell viability suppression. Organotins were identified as the primary drivers to these in vitro toxicities induced by the PVC pipe extracts. This study clearly delineates specific chemical additives responsible for hCES1 inhibition, PPARγ activity, and cell viability suppression associated with plastic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanzhen Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Yufeng Gong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Michael McKie
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Husein Almuhtaram
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Jianxian Sun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Holly Barrett
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Diwen Yang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Menghong Wu
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Robert C Andrews
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
- School of the Environment, University of Toronto, 80 St George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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35
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Wu X, Liu P, Zhao X, Wang J, Teng M, Gao S. Critical effect of biodegradation on long-term microplastic weathering in sediment environments: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 437:129287. [PMID: 35714544 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution in global sediment has been intensely studied and recognized as the ultimate sink for residual MPs in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. During MP long-term retention in sediments, plastic-degrading bacteria (i.e., Flavobacteriaceae, Bacillus, Rhodobacteraceae, and Desulfobacteraceae) can utilize those MPs as their carbon and energy sources through enzyme (hydrolase and oxidoreductase) reactions, which further alter or transform high molecular weight MP polymers into lower molecular weight biodegradation byproducts (i.e., monomers and oligomers) and release toxic additives. In other words, MPs can act as durable substrates for plastic-degrading bacteria in sediments. However, to date, the biodegradation rates of MPs in sediment environments are still poorly understood due to their limited degradation efficiency. Herein, we review the enzyme-induced biodegradation processes of MPs in sediment environments, which is important for accessing the alteration of MP properties and their potential ecological risks after undergoing long-term weathering processes. In addition, the factors associated with the MP properties (polymer type, molecular weight, crystallinity, and hydrophobicity) and sediment conditions (sediment type, temperature, pH, salinity, and oxygen content) that influence plastic degradation processes are also reviewed. The mechanisms may relate to the MP properties and sediment conditions that can influence microbial abundance, enzyme concentrations, and enzyme activities, thus altering MP biodegradation ratios. We anticipate that the observations reviewed in this study will pose a new issue to better understand the formation process, fate, and potential ecological risks associated with aged MPs in sediment environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Junyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Miaomiao Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, 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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36
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Wu X, Zhao X, Chen R, Liu P, Liang W, Wang J, Teng M, Wang X, Gao S. Wastewater treatment plants act as essential sources of microplastic formation in aquatic environments: A critical review. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 221:118825. [PMID: 35949074 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
According to extensive in situ investigations, the microplastics (MPs) determined in current wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are mostly aged, with roughened surfaces and varied types of oxygen-containing functional groups (i.e., carbonyl and hydroxyl). However, the formation mechanism of aged MPs in WWTPs is still unclear. This paper systematically reviewed MP fragmentation and generation mechanisms in WWTPs at different treatment stages. The results highlight that MPs are prone to undergo physical abrasion, biofouling, and chemical oxidation-associated weathering in WWTPs at different treatment stages and can be further decomposed into smaller secondary MPs, including in nanoplastics (less than 1000 nm or 100 nm in size), suggesting that WWTPs can act as a formation source for MPs in aquatic environments. Sand associated mechanical crashes in the primary stage, microbes in active sewage sludge-related biodegradation in the secondary stage, and oxidant-relevant chemical oxidation processes (light photons, Cl2, and O3) in the tertiary stage are the dominant causes of MP formation in WWTPs. For MP formation mechanisms in WWTPs, external environmental forces (shear and stress forces, UV radiation, and biodegradation) can first induce plastic chain scission, destroy the plastic molecular arrangement, and create abundant pores and cracks on the MP surface. Then, the physicochemical properties (modulus of elasticity, tensile strength and elongation at break) of MPs shift consequently and finally breakdown into smaller secondary MPs or nanoscale plastics. Overall, this review provides new insights to better understand the formation mechanism, occurrence, fate, and adverse effects of aged microplastics/nanoplastics in current WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Rouzheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Weigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Junyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Miaomiao Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, 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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37
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You X, Wang S, Li G, Du L, Dong X. Microplastics in the soil: A review of distribution, anthropogenic impact, and interaction with soil microorganisms based on meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:154975. [PMID: 35378178 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widespread anthropogenic pollutants that contaminate the terrestrial environment and serve as vectors of other contaminants. They trigger toxic effects during their migration and transmission, affecting the soil ecosystem and eventually presenting a serious threat to human health via the food chain. However, comprehensive studies on the distribution of MPs in soil and their correlation with human activities and terrestrial ecosystems are still lacking. In this study, we detected a significant difference in the MP size (both for the size <1 mm (P < 0.01) and the size 1-2 mm (P < 0.05)) in China and other countries based on bibliometric and meta-analysis. Principal component analysis revealed regional variations in MP distribution. The correlation analysis between MP characteristics and anthropogenic activities in China further revealed that industrial production was linked to polypropylene microplastics (PP-MPs) abundance (P < 0.01). We also discussed the interaction between soil MPs and ecosystems, such as soil microbial community, since the transportation of MPs was associated with its distribution and environmental factors in the soil. Linear regression analysis further showed that environmental variables, such as culture temperature, were negatively related to MPs' degradation efficiency by the fungi (P < 0.05). This study aims to evaluate the distribution, transfer, and impact of MPs, and their interaction with the soil ecosystem and provides information on the prevention and management of MP pollution in the terrestrial environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin You
- Department of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Wenzhou Vocational College of Science and Technology, Wenzhou 325006, PR China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Wenzhou Vocational College of Science and Technology, Wenzhou 325006, PR China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Wenzhou Vocational College of Science and Technology, Wenzhou 325006, PR China
| | - Linna Du
- Department of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Wenzhou Vocational College of Science and Technology, Wenzhou 325006, PR China; Wencheng Institution of Modern Agriculture and Health-Care Industry, Wenzhou 325300, PR China.
| | - Xinjiao Dong
- School of Life & Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325027, PR China
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38
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Synthesis of New Norfloxacin-Tin Complexes to Mitigate the Effect of Ultraviolet-Visible Irradiation in Polyvinyl Chloride Films. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14142812. [PMID: 35890588 PMCID: PMC9324004 DOI: 10.3390/polym14142812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyvinyl chloride is used in the manufacturing of a wide range of products, but it is susceptible to degradation if exposed to high temperatures and sunlight. There is therefore a need to continuously explore the design, synthesis, and application of new and improved additives to reduce the photodegradation of polyvinyl chloride in harsh environments and for outdoor applications. This research investigates the use of new norfloxacin–tin complexes as additives to inhibit the photodegradation of polyvinyl chloride to make it last longer. Reactions between norfloxacin and substituted tin chlorides, in different molar ratios and in methanol under reflux conditions, gave the corresponding organotin complexes in high yields. The chemical structures of the synthesized complexes were established, and their effect on the photodegradation of polyvinyl chloride due to ultraviolet-visible irradiation was investigated. Norfloxacin–tin complexes were added to polyvinyl chloride at very low concentrations and homogenous thin films were made. The films were irradiated for a period of up to 300 h, and the damage that occurred was assessed using infrared spectroscopy, polymeric materials weight loss, depression in molecular weight, and surface inspection. The degree of photodegradation in the polymeric materials was much less in the blends containing norfloxacin–tin complexes compared to the case where no additives were used. The use of the additives leads to a reduction in photodegradation (e.g., a reduction in the formation of short-chain polymeric fragments, weight loss, average molecular weight depletion, and roughness factor) of irradiated polyvinyl chloride. The norfloxacin–tin complexes contain aromatic moieties (aryl and heterocycle), heteroatoms (nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine), and an acidic center (tin atom). Therefore, they act as efficient photostabilizers by absorbing the ultraviolet radiation and scavenging hydrogen chloride, peroxides, and radical species, thereby slowing the photodegradation of polyvinyl chloride.
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Bai X, Ma W, Zhang Q, Zhang L, Zhong S, Shu X. Photon-induced redox chemistry on pyrite promotes photoaging of polystyrene microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 829:154441. [PMID: 35288142 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The mineral particles in sediment could affect polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) prosperity through physical and chemical interactions. Pyrite with semiconducting properties is the most abundant metal sulfide mineral in the sediments of lake and river mouths. The widespread sunlight and the coexistence of PS-MPs and pyrite in lake or river water due to frequently water fluctuation is a typical photoaging environment for PS-MPs. The oxidation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from pyrite would degrade the PS-MPs in theory. However, researches about photoaging of PS-MPs mediated by pyrite are paucity. Here, we investigated the photoaging process of PS-MPs affected by pyrite under simulated light condition. Remarkably, surface morphology of PS-MPs mediated by pyrite was broken. And the oxygen-containing functional group of PS-MPs increased, as revealed by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle test. 2D-COS analysis showed photoaging of PS-MPs with pyrite happened in the following order: C-H > C=C > C=O > C-O > OH. The photoaging of PS-MPs and transformation of intermediate were accelerated by ROS (O2·-, ·OH and 1O2) generated from pyrite. The free ·OH may play a major role in the promotion. Because the interfacial ROS reactions on pyrite surface were limited due to the electrostatic repulsion between pyrite and PS-MPs. The study explored photoaging behavior of PS-MPs accelerated by pyrite, which could be helpful for understanding photon-induced redox chemistry on PS-MPs via widespread sulfide metal minerals on earth's surface and providing further information to assess potential risks of PS-MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Bai
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi 541000, China
| | - Weishi Ma
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi 541000, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi 541000, China.
| | - Lishan Zhang
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi 541000, China
| | - Shan Zhong
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi 541000, China
| | - Xiaohua Shu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, Guangxi 541000, China.
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40
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Zhang X, Su H, Gao P, Li B, Feng L, Liu Y, Du Z, Zhang L. Effects and mechanisms of aged polystyrene microplastics on the photodegradation of sulfamethoxazole in water under simulated sunlight. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 433:128813. [PMID: 35395526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical and microplastics (MPs) have been frequently detected in aquatic environment. In this study, the effects of polystyrene MPs (PS MPs) with different aging degrees on the photolysis of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in simulated sunlit water were investigated. The results showed that the presence of PS MPs inhibited the photodegradation of SMX, and the photodegradation rate (kobs) of SMX was negatively correlated with the aging degree of PS MPs (R2 = 0.998). The aged PS MPs would cause light-screening effect, thereby reducing the photodegradation of SMX in sunlit water. Further, the free radical quenching experiment showed that the mechanism for inhibiting the photolysis of SMX was the reduction of the triplet excited state SMX (3SMX*). According to sample characterization, aging PS MPs formed more unsaturated chromophores and produced organic intermediates that enhanced photon absorption. Additionally, aged PS MPs also decreased the types and yields of degradation products of SMX via product analysis. This study provides an insight into the environmental behaviors of SMX and the photochemical roles of aged MPs in sunlit surface waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xushen Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Tsinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Hui Su
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Tsinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Tsinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Benhang Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Tsinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Li Feng
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Tsinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yongze Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Tsinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ziwen Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Tsinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Liqiu Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Tsinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China.
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41
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Qin J, Zeng S, Wang X, Lin C. Generation of micro(nano)plastics and migration of plastic additives from Poly(vinyl chloride) in water under radiation-free ambient conditions. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134399. [PMID: 35331748 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134399] [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: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A batch experiment was conducted to observe the liberation of micro- and nano-sized plastic particles and plastic additive-originated organic compounds from poly(vinyl chloride) under radiation-free ambient conditions. The weathering of PVC films in deionized water resulted in isolated pockets of surface erosion. Additional ●OH from Fenton reaction enhanced PVC degradation and caused cavity erosion. The detachment of plastic fragments from the PVC film surfaces was driven by autocatalyzed oxidative degradation. Over 90% of micro-sized plastic particles were <60 μm in length. The detached plastic fragments underwent intensified weathering, which involved strong dehydrochlorination and oxidative degradation. Further fragmentation of micro-sized particles into nano-sized particles was driven by oxidative degradation with complete dehydrochlorination being achieved following formation of nanoplastics. 20 organic compounds released from the PVC films into the solutions were identified. And some of them can be clearly linked to common plastic additives. In the presence of additional ●OH, the coarser nanoplastic particles (>500 nm) tended to be rapidly disintegrated into finer plastic particles (<500 nm), while the finest fraction of nanoplastics (<100 nm) could be completely decomposed and disappeared from the filtrates. The micro(nano)plastics generated from the PVC weathering were highly irregular in shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhao Qin
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Eco-Circular Agriculture, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Modern Eco-agriculture and Circular Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Shuqing Zeng
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Eco-Circular Agriculture, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Modern Eco-agriculture and Circular Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xi Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Eco-Circular Agriculture, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Modern Eco-agriculture and Circular Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Chuxia Lin
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia.
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42
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Koh KY, Chen Z, Lin S, Chandra Mohan K, Luo X, Chen JP. Leaching of organic matters and formation of disinfection by-product as a result of presence of microplastics in natural freshwaters. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134300. [PMID: 35288183 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in the environment that may cause negative impacts on the aquatic organisms and human health. They exist in water and wastewater, which are from several sources, such as inappropriate disposal and littering. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the characteristics of MPs in different water types and oxidation processes and study dissolved organic carbon (DOC) leaching and chloroform formation. A commonly existing plastic matter, polyethylene (PE) was placed in different waters and gone through the Fenton-like reaction and the chlorination. The result showed that the PE leached nearly a similar amount of DOC (<1 mg L-1), which was regardless of the water types and under low-dosed irradiation/dark environment. The leached DOC caused the chloroform formation after the chlorination in the waters. During the Fenton-like reaction with the PE, a higher amount of leached DOC (∼3 mg L-1) was detected compared with that in the chlorination (∼0.8 mg L-1). The degree of DOC leaching from the PE caused by the oxidation processes was reflected by the degree of surface structural damage on the PE. However, the chlorination resulted in a higher chloroform formation from the PE (∼20 μg L-1) as the Fenton-like reaction degraded the chloroform. The higher the sodium hypochlorite concentration, the higher the chloroform concentration. When the chloroform existed in the water with the PE, adsorption of chloroform onto the PE was initially observed; however the rate of volatilization would be higher than the rate of adsorption eventually. This study offers useful information for the risk assessment of MPs in our fresh water and drinking water and possible mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kok Yuen Koh
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, 119260, Singapore; NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, #02-01, 117411, Singapore
| | - Zhihao Chen
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, #02-01, 117411, Singapore
| | - Shihan Lin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, 119260, Singapore
| | - Kishan Chandra Mohan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, 119260, Singapore
| | - Xiaohong Luo
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, #02-01, 117411, Singapore
| | - J Paul Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, 119260, Singapore; NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, #02-01, 117411, Singapore.
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43
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Jiao M, Ren L, Wang Y, Ding C, Li T, Cao S, Li R, Wang Y. Mangrove forest: An important coastal ecosystem to intercept river microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 210:112939. [PMID: 35157917 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The research on transportation of river microplastics (MPs) mainly focuses on the estimations of the total contents of river MPs entering the ocean, while the related transportation processes and influence factors were still largely unknown. In our study, the role of mangrove forest, a special tropical ecosystem in the estuary, on the transportations of MPs from rivers to ocean was explored. Except for the ND river with the absence of mangrove forest, the MPs collected from the water sample of the river upstream were much higher than their corresponding downstream (p < 0.05), with the interception rate of riverine MPs by mangrove forests ranging from 12.86% to 56% in dry season and 10.57%-42% in rainy season. The MPs with the characteristics of high density, larger size and regular shape were more easily intercepted. Furthermore, the combined effects of ecological indicators, the properties of mangrove and the hydrodynamic factors jointly determined the interception rates of MPs. This study provides a new perspective and data support for quantifying mangrove forests intercepting MPs in rivers as a factor of MPs retention in global rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Jiao
- Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | - Lu Ren
- Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | - Yijin Wang
- Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | | | - Tiezhu Li
- Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | | | - Ruilong Li
- Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China; Guangxi Institute of Industrial Technology, Nanning, 530004, PR China.
| | - Yinghui Wang
- Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China; Guangxi Institute of Industrial Technology, Nanning, 530004, PR China.
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44
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Zhao M, Huang L, Arulmani SRB, Yan J, Wu L, Wu T, Zhang H, Xiao T. Adsorption of Different Pollutants by Using Microplastic with Different Influencing Factors and Mechanisms in Wastewater: A Review. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12132256. [PMID: 35808092 PMCID: PMC9268391 DOI: 10.3390/nano12132256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The studies on microplastics are significant in the world. According to the literature, microplastics have greatly specific surface areas, indicating high adsorption capacities for highly toxic pollutants in aquatic and soil environments, and these could be used as adsorbents. The influencing factors of microplastic adsorption, classification of microplastics, and adsorption mechanisms using microplastics for adsorbing organic, inorganic, and mixed pollutants are summarized in the paper. Furthermore, the influence of pH, temperature, functional groups, aging, and other factors related to the adsorption performances of plastics are discussed in detail. We found that microplastics have greater advantages in efficient adsorption performance and cost-effectiveness. In this paper, the adsorptions of pollutants by microplastics and their performance is proposed, which provides significant guidance for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (M.Z.); (L.H.); (S.R.B.A.); (J.Y.); (L.W.); (T.W.); (T.X.)
| | - Lei Huang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (M.Z.); (L.H.); (S.R.B.A.); (J.Y.); (L.W.); (T.W.); (T.X.)
| | - Samuel Raj Babu Arulmani
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (M.Z.); (L.H.); (S.R.B.A.); (J.Y.); (L.W.); (T.W.); (T.X.)
| | - Jia Yan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (M.Z.); (L.H.); (S.R.B.A.); (J.Y.); (L.W.); (T.W.); (T.X.)
| | - Lirong Wu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (M.Z.); (L.H.); (S.R.B.A.); (J.Y.); (L.W.); (T.W.); (T.X.)
| | - Tao Wu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (M.Z.); (L.H.); (S.R.B.A.); (J.Y.); (L.W.); (T.W.); (T.X.)
| | - Hongguo Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (M.Z.); (L.H.); (S.R.B.A.); (J.Y.); (L.W.); (T.W.); (T.X.)
- Guangzhou University-Linköping University Research Center on Urban Sustainable Development, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Tangfu Xiao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (M.Z.); (L.H.); (S.R.B.A.); (J.Y.); (L.W.); (T.W.); (T.X.)
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
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45
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Chen Y, Qian Y, Shi Y, Wang X, Tan X, An D. Accumulation of chiral pharmaceuticals (ofloxacin or levofloxacin) onto polyethylene microplastics from aqueous solutions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 823:153765. [PMID: 35157859 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Drug chirality is attracting increasing attention because the enantiomers of the same chiral pharmaceutical usually exhibit different biological activities, metabolic pathways, and toxicities. The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) can enrich organic pollutants commonly found in the environment. However, knowledge about the enrichment of pharmaceutical enantiomers to MPs is relatively limited. We investigated the occurrence of enantioselectivity of ofloxacin (OFL) and levofloxacin (LEV) in the adsorption processes on polyethylene (PE) and the interactions influenced by environmental factors. The results showed that the adsorption efficiency of OFL was generally 3-5% (p < 0.05) higher than that of LEV, indicating the different affinities of the enantiomers to PE, but the adsorption process of OFL and LEV on PE was both well described by pseudo-first-order kinetics and liner isotherm models. The chirality of OFL and LEV was not affected by sizes of PE particles and solution salinity due to the identical physicochemical properties. An examination of pH effect indicated that OFL showed better acid-base adaptability than LEV. Moreover, the differences in enantiomeric enrichment between OFL and LEV on PE were promoted with increasing UV light exposure time and natural organic matter (NOM) concentrations. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), we demonstrated that the constituents of the functional groups in chiral NOM were greatly related to the enantiomer stereoselectivity of OFL, subsequently affecting their adsorption in a chiral environment. The excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectra confirmed the enantioselective behaviors of chiral pharmaceuticals under UV light due to the different optical activity and humic acid-like and fulvic acid-like molecular structure of the enantiomers. These findings imply that the enantioselectivity of drug enantiomers should be considered in presence of microplastics, leading to a more accurate environmental fate and risks assessments of chiral pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Chen
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Yunkun Qian
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Yijun Shi
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Xiao Tan
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Dong An
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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46
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Monitoring physicochemical properties of transparent PVC films containing captopril and metal oxide nanoparticles to assess UV blocking. JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10965-022-03097-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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47
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Yu X, Xu Y, Lang M, Huang D, Guo X, Zhu L. New insights on metal ions accelerating the aging behavior of polystyrene microplastics: Effects of different excess reactive oxygen species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 821:153457. [PMID: 35092773 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) will coexist with various pollutants in the environment, but it is not clear whether these pollutants will affect the aging process of MPs. The aging process of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) mediated by Cu2+ and Pb2+ was investigated in this study. The results showed that the aging rate of PS-MPs mediated by Cu2+ and Pb2+ were significantly higher than that of ultrapure water (After 7 days of light irradiation, the CI values of aging PS-MPs mediated by ultrapure water, Cu2+ and Pb2+ increased from 0.030 of original PS-MPs to 0.034, 0.048 and 0.086 respectively). This process may be related to the generation of a large amount of reactive oxygen species, because OH were detected in PS-MPs suspension mediated by Cu2+, which were significantly higher than those in ultrapure water, while 1O2 mediated by Pb2+ were more. However, these photo-aging effects were significantly inhibited by reactive oxygen species (ROS) quencher, which indicated that excessive ROS production was the main reason for metal ions to promote the photo-aging of PS-MPs. In addition, this study reported that excessive ROS will accelerate the formation of carbonyl group on the surface of PS-MPs, and lead to the change of physical and chemical properties of PS-MPs. This study provides new insights for the environmental behavior of MPs under the condition of combined pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Yu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yibo Xu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Mengfan Lang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Daofen Huang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
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48
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Yao Y, Glamoclija M, Murphy A, Gao Y. Characterization of microplastics in indoor and ambient air in northern New Jersey. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 207:112142. [PMID: 34597660 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Airborne microplastics (MPs) could have negative impacts on human health and pollute water, soil, and sediment. This study explored the distributions, compositions, and morphology of airborne microplastics in the indoor and ambient air in New Jersey, United States. Microplastic fibers, films, and fragments of Polystyrene (PS), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyethyelene (PE), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Polypropylene (PP) were identified in office, hallway, classroom, and single-family house in this study. The deposition rates of synthetic fibers with length from 35 μm to 1000 μm were highest in the single-family house ((1.96 ± 1.09) × 104 fibers/m2/day) and lowest in the classroom ((6.20 ± 0.57) × 103 fibers/m2/day), suggesting that residential houses are a major source of microplastic fibers. However, for film-like plastics with surface areas ranging from 200 μm2 to 5000 μm2, a high deposition rate of (8.13 ± 2.17) × 103 films/m2/day was observed in the classroom, whereas the lowest deposition rate of (4.45 ± 0.27) × 103 films/m2/day was found in the hallway, probably because plastic films such as PE are intensively used in the classroom environments. The deposition rate of microplastics in the ambient air acquired on a building roof was only about 2-8% of the indoor deposition rates. The microplastics with similar textures but different sizes were identified in both total atmospheric deposition and particulate samples (PM2.5 and PM10), suggesting degradation from microplastics to nanoplastics. The main microplastics found in indoor air samples were PE fragments or fibers, different from those in the outdoor ambient air that were dominated by PVC fragments. These results unravel the properties of airborne microplastics in urban environments that are important to understanding their fate, transport, and potential health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yao
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07102 United States
| | - Mihaela Glamoclija
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07102 United States
| | - Ashley Murphy
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07102 United States
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07102 United States.
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49
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Liu P, Li H, Wu J, Wu X, Shi Y, Yang Z, Huang K, Guo X, Gao S. Polystyrene microplastics accelerated photodegradation of co-existed polypropylene via photosensitization of polymer itself and released organic compounds. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 214:118209. [PMID: 35219184 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Combined pollution consisted of various types of microplastics (MPs) was extensively detected in the environment; however, little is known about their interaction on degradation behavior during exposure in sunlight. This study investigated the effects of polystyrene (PS) MPs and mechanisms on photodegradation of pure and commercial polypropylene (PP) MPs co-existed in aquatic environment. Results showed that PS MPs significantly accelerated photodegradation of co-existed PP, including faster oxidation and fragmentation. Photodegradation route of PP MPs such as the reaction priority of partial chemical bindings was even altered with the presence of PS MPs, highlighting the important role of PS in photodegradation process of PP. Analysis of leachate and free radical indicated that the critical effects were derived from photosensitization of PS polymer itself and its released dissolved organic matter (PS-DOM); here, more important role of PS itself in initial period and that of PS-DOM in later period. Among generated ROS, OH· was the key species for accelerating photodegradation of PP by PS itself and its released DOM, which were generated from the reaction of polymer radical with dissolved oxygen. The findings firstly reveal the important role of PS in photodegradation of co-existed MPs and suggested the shorter duration of (micro)plastics in combined system than that in the single, which provide useful information to assess environmental behavior and fate of MPs more holistically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Huang Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Jiajun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- 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
| | - Zeyuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Kerang Huang
- Division of Laboratory Safety and Services, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, 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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50
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Li Y, Lu Z, Abrahamsson DP, Song W, Yang C, Huang Q, Wang J. Non-targeted analysis for organic components of microplastic leachates. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 816:151598. [PMID: 34774944 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Organic components of microplastic leachates were investigated in an integrated non-targeted analysis study that included statistical analysis on leachates generated under different leaching scenarios. Leaching experiments were undertaken with simulated gastric fluid (SGF), river water, and seawater with common polymer types, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyester fabrics comprising both raw and recycled materials. Totals of 111.0 ± 26.7, 98.5 ± 20.3, and 53.5 ± 4.7 different features were tentatively identified as compounds in SGF, freshwater, and seawater leachates, respectively, of which 5 compounds were confirmed by reference standards. The leaching capacities of the media were compared, and the clusters of structurally related features leached in the same medium were studied. For leachates generated from raw and recycled plastics, volcano plots and Pearson's Chi-squared tests were used to identify characteristic features. More characteristic features (3-20) had an average intensity across all recycled plastics that were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that (1-3) of raw plastics under different conditions. The results indicate that gastric solution is more likely to leach components from microplastics, and there exists the difference of leachate's organic composition between raw and recycled materials, providing new insights into understanding microplastic environmental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Zhibo Lu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Dimitri Panagopoulos Abrahamsson
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Weihua Song
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - Chao Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Qinghui Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Juan Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai 200092, PR China
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