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Huang W, Mo J, Li J, Wu K. Exploring developmental toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPS): Insights from investigations using zebrafish embryos. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 933:173012. [PMID: 38719038 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) have received increasing attention due to their high detection rates in human matrices and adverse health implications. However, the toxicity of MNPs on embryo/fetal development following maternal exposure remains largely unexplored. Zebrafish, sharing genetic similarities with human, boast a shorter life cycle, rapid embryonic development, and the availability of many transgenic strains, is a suitable model for environmental toxicology studies. This review comprehensively explores the existing research on the impacts of MNPs on zebrafish embryo development. MNPs exposure induces a wide array of toxic effects, encompassing neurodevelopmental toxicity, immunotoxicity, gastrointestinal effects, microbiota dysbiosis, cardiac dysfunctions, vascular toxicity, and metabolic imbalances. Moreover, MNPs disrupt the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant capacity, culminating in oxidative damage and apoptosis. This study also offers insight into the current omics- and multi-omics based approaches in MNPs research, which greatly expedite the discovery of biochemical or metabolic pathways, and molecular mechanisms underlying MNPs exposure. Additionally, this review proposes a preliminary adverse outcome pathway framework to predict developmental toxicity caused by MNPs. It provides a comprehensive overview of pathways, facilitating a clearer understanding of the exposure and toxicity of MNPs, from molecular effects to adverse outcomes. The compiled data in this review provide a better understanding for MNPs effects on early life development, with the goal of increasing awareness about the risks posed to pregnant women by MNPs exposure and its potential impact on the health of their future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiezhang Mo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiejie Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Kusheng Wu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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2
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Jeong B, Kim JS, Kwon AR, Lee J, Park S, Koo J, Lee WS, Baek JY, Shin WH, Lee JS, Jeong J, Kim WK, Jung CR, Kim NS, Cho SH, Lee DY. Maternal nanoplastic ingestion induces an increase in offspring body weight through altered lipid species and microbiota. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 185:108522. [PMID: 38401434 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The rapidly increasing prevalence of obesity and overweight, especially in children and adolescents, has become a serious societal issue. Although various genetic and environmental risk factors for pediatric obesity and overweight have been identified, the problem has not been solved. In this study, we examined whether environmental nanoplastic (NP) pollutants can act as environmental obesogens using mouse models exposed to NPs derived from polystyrene and polypropylene, which are abundant in the environment. We found abnormal weight gain in the progeny until 6 weeks of age following the oral administration of NPs to the mother during gestation and lactation. Through a series of experiments involving multi-omic analyses, we have demonstrated that NP-induced weight gain is caused by alterations in the lipid composition (lysophosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylcholine ratio) of maternal breast milk and he gut microbiota distribution of the progeny. These data indicate that environmental NPs can act as obesogens in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohyeon Jeong
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Ji-Sun Kim
- Korean Collection for Type Cultures, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Jeongeup, 56212, South Korea
| | - A Ra Kwon
- Chemical Analysis Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, South Korea
| | - Jangjae Lee
- Chemical Analysis Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, South Korea; Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Subin Park
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Jahong Koo
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, South Korea; KRIBB School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Wang Sik Lee
- Environmental Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Jeong Yeob Baek
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Won-Ho Shin
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 34114, South Korea
| | - Jung-Sook Lee
- Korean Collection for Type Cultures, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Jeongeup, 56212, South Korea; KRIBB School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jinyoung Jeong
- KRIBB School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea; Environmental Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Won Kon Kim
- KRIBB School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea; Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Cho-Rok Jung
- KRIBB School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea; Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Nam-Soon Kim
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, South Korea; KRIBB School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Sung-Hee Cho
- Chemical Analysis Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, South Korea.
| | - Da Yong Lee
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, South Korea; KRIBB School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea.
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3
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Hu F, Zhao H, Ding J, Jing C, Zhang W, Chen X. Uptake and toxicity of micro-/nanoplastics derived from naturally weathered disposable face masks in developing zebrafish: Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on aquatic life. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123129. [PMID: 38092337 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123129] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The unprecedented proliferation of disposable face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with their improper disposal, threatens to exacerbate the already concerning issue of plastic pollution. This study evaluates the role of environmentally weathered masks as potential sources of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) and assesses their adverse impact on the early life stages of zebrafish. Experimental findings revealed that a single disposable mask could release approximately 1.79 × 109 particles, with nearly 70% measuring less than 1 μm, following 60 days of sunlight exposure and subsequent sand-induced physical abrasion. Remarkably, the MPs/NPs (MNPs) emanating from face masks have the potential to permeate the outer layer (chorion) of zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, due to their minute size, these particles can be consumed by the larvae's digestive system and subsequently circulated to other tissues, including the brain. Exposure to mask-derived MNPs at concentrations of 1 and 10 μg/L led to significant cases of developmental toxicity, incited oxidative stress, and prompted cell apoptosis. A subsequent metabolomics analysis indicated that the accumulation of these plastic particles perturbed metabolic functions in zebrafish larvae, primarily disrupting amino acid and lipid metabolism. The outcomes of this research underscore the accelerating possibility of environmental aging processes and physical abrasion in the release of MNPs from disposable face masks. Most importantly, these results shed light on the possible ecotoxicological risk posed by improperly disposed of face masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxiao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Haocheng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Jieyu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Chen Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Weini Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Xinhua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519000, China.
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4
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Tanaka K, Takahashi Y, Kuramochi H, Osako M, Suzuki G. [Preparation of Nanoplastic Particles as Potential Standards for the Study of Nanoplastics]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2024; 144:165-170. [PMID: 38296493 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.23-00152-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) are plastic fragments that are small enough to be absorbed by organisms through ingestion or inhalation. Recent studies indicate that nanoplastics can be ubiquitous in the environment, and there are growing concerns regarding the impacts of nanoplastics on the health of humans and other organisms. However, quantitative information on nanoplastics in the environment is still very limited, and most previous toxicity studies have used only polystyrene (PS) particles because of a lack of appropriate model particles of other plastics. We developed a nanoprecipitation-based method for the preparation of nanoplastic particles of five major polymers: low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene. A major advantage of our method is that the nanoplastic particles are prepared without using reagents that can remain in the particles as impurities. Analysis of the prepared particles' molecular weight (Mw) distributions, crystallinities, and thermal properties revealed that their compositions and constitutions were within the general ranges for commercial products. The mechanisms underlying the formation of low-density polyethylene particles via our method were investigated by means of a simple population balance model, and particle diameter was found to be linearly correlated with the suspension density of the nanoplastic dispersion up to 0.4 mg·mL-1. Future studies should focus on improving our method to allow for precise, scale-independent production of nanoplastic particles. Methods for the preparation of labeled particles are also needed so that such particles can be used in nanoplastic risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Tanaka
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies
| | - Yusuke Takahashi
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies
| | | | - Masahiro Osako
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies
| | - Go Suzuki
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies
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5
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Muff LF, Balog S, Adamcik J, Weder C, Lehner R. Preparation of Well-Defined Fluorescent Nanoplastic Particles by Confined Impinging Jet Mixing. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:17201-17211. [PMID: 37910579 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Research on the origin, distribution, detection, identification, and quantification of polymer nanoparticles (NPs) in the environment and their possible impact on animal and human health is surging. For different types of studies in this field, well-defined reference materials or mimics are needed. While isolated reports on the preparation of such materials are available, a simple and broadly applicable method that allows for the production of different NP types with well-defined, tailorable characteristics is still missing. Here, we demonstrate that a confined impinging jet mixing process can be used to prepare colloidally stable NPs based on polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and poly(ethylene terephthalate) with diameters below < 100 nm. Different fluorophores were incorporated into the NPs, to allow their detection in complex environments. To demonstrate their utility and detectability, fluorescent NPs were exposed to J774A.1 macrophages and visualized using laser scanning microscopy. Furthermore, we modified the NPs in a postfabrication process and changed their shape from spherical to heterogeneous geometries, in order to mimic environmentally relevant morphologies. The methodology used here should be readily applicable to other polymers and payloads and thus a broad range of NPs that enable studies of their behavior, uptake, translocation, and biological end points in different systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livius F Muff
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Sandor Balog
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Jozef Adamcik
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Weder
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Roman Lehner
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
- Sail & Explore Association, Kramgasse 18, 3011 Bern, Switzerland
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6
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Xing GW, Gao J, Wang H, Liu YC. New Fluorophore and Its Applications in Visualizing Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Bean Sprouts and HeLa Cells. Molecules 2023; 28:7102. [PMID: 37894580 PMCID: PMC10609485 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the domain of environmental science, pollutants of nanoscale plastic dimensions are acknowledged as subjects of intricate significance. Such entities, though minuscule, present formidable challenges to ecological systems and human health. The diminutive dimensions of these contaminants render their detection arduous, thus demanding the inception of avant-garde methodologies. The present manuscript postulates the employment of the tetraphenylethylene functional group with a fused xanthene (TPEF), a distinguished fluorophore, as an exemplary system for the discernment of nanoplastic particulates. The synthesis and characterization of TPEF have been exhaustively elucidated, revealing its paramount fluorescence attributes and inherent affinity for interaction with nanoplastics. When subjected to comparison with TPEF, nanoplastics are observed to manifest a more pronounced fluorescent luminescence than when associated with the conventional Nile Red (NR). Particularly, the TPEF has shown exceptional affinity for polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics. Further, the resilience of nanoplastics within the hypocotyl epidermis of soybeans, as well as their persistence in mung bean sprouts subsequent to rigorous rinsing protocols, has been meticulously examined. Additionally, this investigation furnishes empirical data signifying the existence of nano-dimensional plastic contaminants within HeLa cellular structures. The urgency of addressing the environmental ramifications engendered by these diminutive yet potent plastic constituents is emphatically highlighted in this manuscript. TPEF paves the way for prospective explorations, with the aspiration of devising efficacious mitigation strategies. Such strategies might encompass delineating the trajectories undertaken by nanoplastics within trophic networks or their ingress into human cellular architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Wen Xing
- College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China;
| | - Jerry Gao
- Beijing No. 80 High School, Beijing 100102, China; (J.G.); (H.W.)
| | - Heng Wang
- Beijing No. 80 High School, Beijing 100102, China; (J.G.); (H.W.)
| | - Yi-Chen Liu
- College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China;
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7
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Kim K, Song IG, Yoon H, Park JW. Sub-micron microplastics affect nitrogen cycling by altering microbial abundance and activities in a soil-legume system. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132504. [PMID: 37703725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132504] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the environmental and agricultural impact of plastic waste has attracted considerable attention. Here, we investigated the impact of sub-micron polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) microplastics (MPs) on nitrogen cycling, with emphasis on bacterial abundance and diversity in a soil-soybean (Glycine max) system. Exposure to soil containing MPs (50 and 500 mg kg-1) did not affect soybean growth, but significantly increased plant nitrogen uptake, which was confirmed by increased activities of nitrogenase in the soil and glutamine synthetase in soybean root. Additionally, there was an increase in 16S gene copy number and carbon and nitrogen substrate utilization, indicating increased abundance and activity of rhizosphere microbial communities. Moreover, MP contamination affected the taxonomic profile of rhizosphere bacteria, especially the abundance of symbiotic and free-living bacteria involved in nitrogen cycling. Furthermore, qPCR analysis of nitrogen-related genes and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing data revealed an increased abundance of functional genes associated with nitrogen fixation and nitrification. However, the concentration and polymer type of MPs did not have a significant impact in our system. Overall, these results provide insights into the interactions between MPs and rhizosphere bacterial communities in the soil-legume system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanghee Kim
- Environmental Exposure & Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 17, Jegok-gil, Jinju 52834, Republic of Korea; Human and Environmental Toxicology Program, University of Science and Technology, 217, Gajeong-ro, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Gyu Song
- Environmental Exposure & Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 17, Jegok-gil, Jinju 52834, Republic of Korea
| | - Hakwon Yoon
- Environmental Exposure & Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 17, Jegok-gil, Jinju 52834, Republic of Korea.
| | - June-Woo Park
- Environmental Exposure & Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 17, Jegok-gil, Jinju 52834, Republic of Korea; Human and Environmental Toxicology Program, University of Science and Technology, 217, Gajeong-ro, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Mohsen M, Lin C, Abdalla M, Liu S, Yang H. Microplastics in canned, salt-dried, and instant sea cucumbers sold for human consumption. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115040. [PMID: 37216877 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Determining the amount of microplastics (MPs) in food is key to clarifying their potential toxicity to humans. Here, we collected canned, instant, and salt-dried sea cucumbers Apostichopus japonicus, the most valued sea cucumbers, from Chinese markets to determine their content of MPs. Sea cucumbers contained MPs in the range of 0-4 MP individual-1, an average of 1.44 MP individual-1, and 0.081 MP g-1. Accordingly, consuming 3 g of sea cucumbers could result in an exposure risk of an average of 0.51 MPs, 0.135 MPs, and 0.078 MPs day-1 for canned, instant, and salt-dried sea cucumbers, respectively. MPs were in size range of 12-575 μm, and fibrous shape was dominant. Furthermore, among the five polymers identified, polypropylene showed the highest energy binding with two catalysts engaged in organic chemical oxidation. This study extends the knowledge regarding MPs occurrence in food and provides a theoretical basis for MPs toxicity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mohsen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Xiamen Key Laboratory for Feed Quality Testing and Safety Evaluation, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian 361021, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao 266071, China; The Innovation of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Fish Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11884, Egypt.
| | - Chenggang Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao 266071, China; The Innovation of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Mohnad Abdalla
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Shilin Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao 266071, China; The Innovation of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hongsheng Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao 266071, China; The Innovation of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
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9
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Tanaka K, Kuramochi H, Maeda K, Takahashi Y, Osako M, Suzuki G. Size-Controlled Preparation of Polyethylene Nanoplastic Particles by Nanoprecipitation and Insights into the Underlying Mechanisms. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:14470-14477. [PMID: 37125104 PMCID: PMC10134243 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c08233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is ubiquitous in the environment, and nanoplastics (<1 μm) are of growing concern as they pose more health risks than larger particles. However, because of a lack of appropriate model particles, studies examining the risks of polyolefin nanoplastics are very limited, despite the prevalence of these plastics in the environment. Although nanoprecipitation using organic solvents is a promising method for preparing model nanoplastic particles of polyolefins, there are currently no methods for controlling the particle size. Here, we examined how the concentration and volume of the feedstock polymer solution affect the size of polyethylene particles produced by nanoprecipitation. The mechanisms underlying the particle formation were investigated by using a simple population balance model. Increasing the concentration of the feedstock solution increased the growth rate and decreased the nucleation rate, and increasing the volume of the feedstock solution increased the growth rate, resulting in an increase in the mean particle diameter in both cases. These changes in particle diameter were linearly correlated with the suspension density of the dispersion up to a suspension density of 0.4 mg·mL-1. In addition, at these suspension densities, spherical particles were prepared without generating aggregates. Together, these results show that the diameter of polyethylene particles prepared by nanoprecipitation could be controlled according to the suspension density up to a suspension density of 0.4 mg·mL-1. This study provides a basis for the development of nanoprecipitation-based techniques for the precise, scale-independent production of model nanoplastic particles, which we hope will accelerate the risk assessment of nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Tanaka
- Material
Cycles Division, National Institute for
Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Kuramochi
- Material
Cycles Division, National Institute for
Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Kouji Maeda
- Department
of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, University of Hyogo, 2167 Shosha, Himeji, Hyogo 671-2201, Japan
| | - Yusuke Takahashi
- Material
Cycles Division, National Institute for
Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Masahiro Osako
- Material
Cycles Division, National Institute for
Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Go Suzuki
- Material
Cycles Division, National Institute for
Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
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10
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Varshney S, Gora AH, Kiron V, Siriyappagouder P, Dahle D, Kögel T, Ørnsrud R, Olsvik PA. Polystyrene nanoplastics enhance the toxicological effects of DDE in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:160457. [PMID: 36435242 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic releases of plastics, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and heavy metals can impact the environment, including aquatic ecosystems. Nanoplastics (NPs) have recently emerged as pervasive environmental pollutants that have the ability to adsorb POPs and can cause stress in organisms. Among POPs, DDT and its metabolites are ubiquitous environmental pollutants due to their long persistence. Despite the discontinued use of DDT in Europe, DDT and its metabolites (primarily p,p'-DDE) are still found at detectable levels in fish feed used in salmon aquaculture. Our study aimed to look at the individual and combined toxicity of NPs (50 mg/L polystyrene) and DDE (100 μg/L) using zebrafish larvae as a model. We found no significant morphological, cardiac, respiratory, or behavioural changes in zebrafish larvae exposed to NPs alone. Conversely, morphological, cardiac and respiratory alterations were observed in zebrafish larvae exposed to DDE and NPs + DDE. Interestingly, behavioural changes were only observed in zebrafish larvae exposed to NPs + DDE. These findings were supported by RNA-seq results, which showed that some cardiac, vascular, and immunogenic pathways were downregulated only in zebrafish larvae exposed to NPs + DDE. In summary, we found an enhanced toxicological impact of DDE when combined with NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubham Varshney
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Adnan H Gora
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Viswanath Kiron
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | | | - Dalia Dahle
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Tanja Kögel
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway; Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Pål A Olsvik
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway; Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway.
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11
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Gong H, Li R, Li F, Guo X, Xu L, Gan L, Yan M, Wang J. Toxicity of nanoplastics to aquatic organisms: Genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, individual level and beyond individual level. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130266. [PMID: 36327848 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Due to the small size, high mobility and large surface area, nanoplastics (NPs) showed high potential risks to aquatic organisms. This paper reviews the toxicity of NPs to aquatic organism at various trophic levels including bacteria, plankton (algae), zooplankton, benthos, and nekton (fish). The effects at individual level caused by NPs were explained and proved by cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, and the toxicity of NPs beyond individual level was also illustrated. The toxicity of NPs is determined by the size, dosage, and surface property of NPs, as well as environmental factors, the presence of co-contaminants and the sensitivity of tested organisms. Furthermore, the joint effects of NPs with other commonly detected pollutants such as organic pollutants, metals, and nanoparticles etc. were summarized. In order to reflect the toxicity of NPs in the real natural environment, studies on toxicity assessment of NPs with the coexistence of various environmental factors and contaminants, particularly under the concentrations in natural environment are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Gong
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruixue Li
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng Li
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaowen Guo
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijie Xu
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lu Gan
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, Jiangsu, China
| | - Muting Yan
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
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12
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Félix L, Carreira P, Peixoto F. Effects of chronic exposure of naturally weathered microplastics on oxidative stress level, behaviour, and mitochondrial function of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 310:136895. [PMID: 36265700 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136895] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are a big and growing environmental concern, with studies showing sublethal to acute biological impacts on typical aquatic organisms. However, little is known about the biological effects of naturally weathered MPs, particularly focusing on mitochondria dysfunction as the key trigger of the biological effects. Therefore, in this study, naturally weathered MPs were produced from day-to-day life products, characterized, and chronically exposed (21 days) to adult zebrafish at the concentration of 0.1 and 1 mg/L. Locomotion and unconditioned anxiety-like behaviour was assessed. Mitochondrial respiration, membrane potential, mitochondrial complex activity and oxidative-related parameters were evaluated in the brain and liver. The results revealed the weathered MPs as a copolymer of propylene and ethylene that induced anxiety-like behaviour. There was an increase in brain catalase activity while the brain lactate dehydrogenase activity was inhibited after exposure to 1 mg/L. Brain glutathione levels were increased while their ratio was not affected. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex Ⅱ and IV were also significantly decreased in the brain, although not compromising mitochondrial function. On the other hand, exposure to 1 mg/L caused a deficiency in liver mitochondrial respiration and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, which were associated with the mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibition. An increase in hepatic superoxide dismutase and catalase activity was noticed, supporting the occurrence of ROS-induced ROS release as the potential trigger for the mitochondrial dysfunction. Overall, these findings highlight the potential indirect and cumulative environmental effects these particles may pose to aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Félix
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Paulo Carreira
- Life Sciences and Environment School (ECVA), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
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13
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Kokilathasan N, Dittrich M. Nanoplastics: Detection and impacts in aquatic environments - A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 849:157852. [PMID: 35944628 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157852] [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: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The rise in the global production of plastics has led to severe concerns about the impacts of plastics in aquatic environments. Although plastic materials degrade over extreme long periods, they can be broken down through physical, chemical, and/or biological processes to form microplastics (MPs), defined here as particles between 1 μm and 5 mm in size, and later to form nanoplastics (NPls), defined as particles <1 μm in size. We know little about the abundance and effects of NPls, even though a lot of research has been conducted on the ecotoxicological impacts of MPs on both aquatic biota. Nevertheless, there is evidence that NPls can both bypass the cell membranes of microorganisms and bioaccumulate in the tissues and organs of higher organisms. This review analyzes 150 publications collected by searching through the databases Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar using keywords such as nanoplastics*, aquatic*, detection*, toxic*, biofilm*, formation*, and extracellular polymeric substance* as singular or plural combinations. We highlight and critically synthesize current studies on the formation and degradation of NPls, NPls' interactions with aquatic biota and biofilm communities, and methods of detection. One reason for the missing data and studies in this area of research is the lack of a protocol for the detection of, and suitable methods for the characterization of, NPls in the field. Our primary aim is to identify gaps in knowledge throughout the review and define future directions of research to address the impacts of NPls in aquatic environments. The development of consistent and standardized sets of procedures would address the gaps in knowledge regarding the formation and degradation of NPls as well as sampling and characterizing natural NPls needed to observe the full extent of NPls on aquatic biota and biofilm communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigarsan Kokilathasan
- Biogeochemistry Group, Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1065 Military Trail, Toronto, ON M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Maria Dittrich
- Biogeochemistry Group, Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1065 Military Trail, Toronto, ON M1C1A4, Canada.
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14
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Cao J, Yang Q, Jiang J, Dalu T, Kadushkin A, Singh J, Fakhrullin R, Wang F, Cai X, Li R. Coronas of micro/nano plastics: a key determinant in their risk assessments. Part Fibre Toxicol 2022; 19:55. [PMID: 35933442 PMCID: PMC9356472 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-022-00492-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As an emerging pollutant in the life cycle of plastic products, micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs) are increasingly being released into the natural environment. Substantial concerns have been raised regarding the environmental and health impacts of M/NPs. Although diverse M/NPs have been detected in natural environment, most of them display two similar features, i.e.,high surface area and strong binding affinity, which enable extensive interactions between M/NPs and surrounding substances. This results in the formation of coronas, including eco-coronas and bio-coronas, on the plastic surface in different media. In real exposure scenarios, corona formation on M/NPs is inevitable and often displays variable and complex structures. The surface coronas have been found to impact the transportation, uptake, distribution, biotransformation and toxicity of particulates. Different from conventional toxins, packages on M/NPs rather than bare particles are more dangerous. We, therefore, recommend seriously consideration of the role of surface coronas in safety assessments. This review summarizes recent progress on the eco-coronas and bio-coronas of M/NPs, and further discusses the analytical methods to interpret corona structures, highlights the impacts of the corona on toxicity and provides future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Cao
- School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing Yang
- School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tatenda Dalu
- School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, 1200, South Africa
| | - Aliaksei Kadushkin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Belarusian State Medical University, 220116, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Joginder Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Rawil Fakhrullin
- Kazan Federal University, Institute of Fundamental Medicine & Biology, Kreml Uramı 18, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation, 420008
| | - Fangjun Wang
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Dalian, 116023, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoming Cai
- School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Ruibin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
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15
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Krovi SA, Moreno Caffaro MM, Aravamudhan S, Mortensen NP, Johnson LM. Fabrication of Nylon-6 and Nylon-11 Nanoplastics and Evaluation in Mammalian Cells. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:2699. [PMID: 35957130 PMCID: PMC9370135 DOI: 10.3390/nano12152699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) exist in certain environments, beverages, and food products. However, the ultimate risk and consequences of MPs and NPs on human health remain largely unknown. Studies involving the biological effects of small-scale plastics have predominantly used commercially available polystyrene beads, which cannot represent the breadth of globally dominant plastics. Nylon is a commodity plastic that is used across various industry sectors with substantial global production. Here, a series of well-characterized nylon-11 and nylon-6 NPs were successfully fabricated with size distributions of approximately 100 nm and 500 nm, respectively. The facile fabrication steps enabled the incorporation of fluorescent tracers in these NPs to aid the intracellular tracking of particles. RAW 264.7 macrophages were exposed to nylon NPs in a dose-dependent manner and cytotoxic concentrations and cellular uptake were determined. These well-characterized nylon NPs support future steps to assess how the composition and physicochemical properties may affect complex biological systems and ultimately human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Archana Krovi
- RTI International, 3040 E. Cornwallis Drive, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | | | - Shyam Aravamudhan
- Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2907 E. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27401, USA
| | - Ninell P. Mortensen
- RTI International, 3040 E. Cornwallis Drive, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Leah M. Johnson
- RTI International, 3040 E. Cornwallis Drive, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
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