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Leitão IA, Van Schaik L, Iwasaki S, Ferreira AJD, Geissen V. Accumulation of airborne microplastics on leaves of different tree species in the urban environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174907. [PMID: 39034008 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are omnipresent in the environment and they are linked to ecosystem and human health problems. The atmospheric transport of MPs and the role of tree leaves in MP atmospheric deposition has not been adequately studied. MP concentrations on the leaves of different tree species in urban regions of the Netherlands and Portugal, along with related MP deposition, were investigated in this study. We collected leaves from cedar, eucalyptus, oak, pine and willow trees, together with monthly deposition of particles under the trees and in the open space in Coimbra (Portugal). In Wageningen (the Netherlands), we collected leaves from a fir and a holly tree at different heights above the ground and with dry and wet weather conditions. MPs were extracted through density separation and quantified under a microscope. Polymer types were identified using μ-FTIR. The results showed a higher number of MP particles on the needle-shaped leaves from fir (2.52 ± 2.14 particles·cm-2) and pine (0.5 ± 0.13 particles·cm-2) and significantly lower numbers of MPs per cm2 of leaf area on the bigger leaves from eucalyptus (0.038 ± 0.003 particles·cm-2) and cedar (0.037 ± 0.002 particles·cm-2). All tree leaves seemed to filter airborne MPs, especially the smallest particles. A non-significantly higher number of particles on leaves was detected on lower tree branches and after dry periods. The deposition of MPs under trees was generally higher than in the open space. Our results indicated that part of the MPs retained by the tree leaves floats down to lower branches and to the soil surface. We also saw that different tree species had different capacities to retain particles on their leaves over time. To control the transport of MPs through the atmosphere, it is essential to consider the role of different vegetation types in filtering small particles, especially in cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- I A Leitão
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group (SLM), Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands; Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society (CERNAS), Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - L Van Schaik
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group (SLM), Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - S Iwasaki
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group (SLM), Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - A J D Ferreira
- Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society (CERNAS), Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - V Geissen
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group (SLM), Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands
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Peng S, Li L, Wei D, Chen M, Wang F, Gui Y, Zhao X, Du Y. Releasing characteristics of toxic chemicals from polystyrene microplastics in the aqueous environment during photoaging process. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 258:121768. [PMID: 38761594 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121768] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive in the environment and inevitably undergo photoaging due to UV irradiation. This study delved into the dynamic releasing and transformation process of toxic chemicals from polystyrene microplastics (PS MPs) during photoaging, a subject that remains underexplored. It was revealed that photoaging led to substantial alterations in the physicochemical properties of PS MPs, initiating polymer chain scission and facilitating the release of a large number of toxic chemicals, including numerous organic compounds and several inorganic compounds. The kinetic analysis revealed a dynamic release pattern for PS MPs, where under varying UV intensities (2, 5, and 10 mW/cm2), the release rate (kDOC) initially increased and then decreased, peaking at a total irradiation energy of approximately 7 kW·h/m2. Furthermore, chemicals in leachate were transformed into compounds with smaller molecular weight, higher oxidized and greater unsaturated state over the prolonged photoaging. This transformation was primarily attributed to two reasons. Firstly, the aged PS MPs released chemicals with higher oxidized state compared to the pristine MPs. Secondly, the chemicals previously released underwent further reactions. Besides, among the complex leachate generated by aged PS MPs, the organic chemicals characterized by small molecular weight and high oxidized state exhibited notable acute toxicity, whereas heavy metal ions showed lesser toxicity, and anions were non-toxic. This study shed more light on the photoaging process of PS MPs, releasing characteristics of organic chemicals, and the potential environmental risks associated with plastic wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liping Li
- Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519087, China; School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Dongbin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Miao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Feipeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuan Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuguo Du
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Gratzl J, Seifried TM, Stolzenburg D, Grothe H. A fluorescence approach for an online measurement technique of atmospheric microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: ATMOSPHERES 2024; 4:601-610. [PMID: 38883229 PMCID: PMC11170559 DOI: 10.1039/d4ea00010b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic particles in the atmosphere are regularly detected in urban areas as well as in very remote locations. Yet the sources, chemical transformation, transport, and abundance of airborne microplastics still remain largely unexplained. Therefore, their impact on health, weather and climate related processes lacks comprehensive understanding. Single particle detection presents a substantial challenge due to its time-consuming process and is conducted solely offline. To get more information about the distribution, fluxes and sources of microplastics in the atmosphere, a reliable and fast online measurement technique is of utmost importance. Here we demonstrate the use of the autofluorescence of microplastic particles for their online detection with a high sensitivity towards different widely used polymers. We deploy online, single particle fluorescence spectroscopy with a Wideband Integrated Bioaerosol Sensor WIBS 5/NEO (Droplet Measurement Technologies, USA), which enables single particle fluorescence measurements at two excitation wavelengths (280 nm and 370 nm) and in two emission windows (310-400 nm and 420-650 nm). We investigated shredded (<100 μm) everyday plastic products (drinking bottles and yogurt cups) and pure powders of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene and polypropylene. For the broad range of typical plastic products analyzed, we detected fluorescence on a single particle level using the WIBS. The online detection can identify particles smaller than 2 μm. In the case of microplastic particles from a PET bottle, 1.2 μm sized particles can be detected with 95% efficiency. Comparison with biological aerosols reveals that microplastics can be distinguished from two abundant pollen species and investigation of the complete fluorescence excitation emission maps of all samples shows that online identification of microplastics might be possible with fluorescence techniques if multiple channels are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Gratzl
- Institute of Materials Chemistry TU Wien Vienna Austria
| | - Teresa M Seifried
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
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Leistenschneider C, Wu F, Primpke S, Gerdts G, Burkhardt-Holm P. Unveiling high concentrations of small microplastics (11-500 μm) in surface water samples from the southern Weddell Sea off Antarctica. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172124. [PMID: 38565351 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have highlighted the prevalence of microplastic (MP) pollution in the global marine environment and these pollutants have been found to contaminate even remote regions, including the Southern Ocean south of the polar front. Previous studies in this region have mostly focused on MPs larger than 300 μm, potentially underestimating the extent of MP pollution. This study is the first to investigate MPs in marine surface waters south of the polar front, with a focus on small MPs 500-11 μm in size. Seventeen surface water samples were collected in the southern Weddell Sea using an in-house-designed sampling system. The analysis of the entire sample using micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μFTIR) with focal plane array (FPA) detection revealed the presence of MPs in all samples, with the vast majority of the MPs detected being smaller than 300 μm (98.3 %). The mean concentration reached 43.5 (± 83.8) MPs m-3, with a wide range from 0.5 to 267.2 MPs m-3. The samples with the highest concentrations differed from the other samples in that they were collected north of the continental slope and the Antarctic Slope Current. Sea ice conditions possibly also influenced these varying concentrations. This study reports high concentrations of MPs compared to other studies in the region. It emphasizes the need to analyze small MPs, down to a size of 11 μm or even smaller, in the Antarctic Treaty Area to gain a more comprehensive understanding of MP pollution and its potential ecological impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Leistenschneider
- Man-Society-Environment Program, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland; Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Fangzhu Wu
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Gunnar Gerdts
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Patricia Burkhardt-Holm
- Man-Society-Environment Program, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
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Liu P, Shao L, Zhang Y, Silvonen V, Oswin H, Cao Y, Guo Z, Ma X, Morawska L. Atmospheric microplastic deposition associated with GDP and population growth: Insights from megacities in northern China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134024. [PMID: 38493631 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is evolving into one of the most pressing environmental concerns worldwide. This study assessed the impact of economic activities on atmospheric MP pollution across 17 megacities in northern China, analyzing the correlation between the deposition flux of atmospheric MPs and variables such as city population, gross domestic product (GDP), and industrial structure. The results have shown that the MP pollution is obviously impacted by human activities related to increased GDP, population, as well as tertiary service sector, in which the MP pollution shows most close relationship with the GDP growth. Polypropylene, polyamide, polyurethane, and polyethylene were identified as the primary components of atmospheric MPs. The average particle size of MPs in atmospheric dustfall is 78.3 µm, and the frequency of MP particles increases as the particle size decreases. The findings highlight the complex relationship between socio-economic development and atmospheric MP accumulation, providing essential insights for the formulation of targeted emission reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengju Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal Resources & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health (ILAQH), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
| | - Longyi Shao
- State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal Resources & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Yaxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal Resources & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ville Silvonen
- Aerosol Physics Laboratory, Physics Unit, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere 33014, Finland
| | - Henry Oswin
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health (ILAQH), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
| | - Yaxin Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal Resources & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ziyu Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal Resources & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xuying Ma
- College of Geomatics, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health (ILAQH), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
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Liu B, Zhao S, Qiu T, Cui Q, Yang Y, Li L, Chen J, Huang M, Zhan A, Fang L. Interaction of microplastics with heavy metals in soil: Mechanisms, influencing factors and biological effects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170281. [PMID: 38272091 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals (HMs) in soil contamination are considered an emerging global problem that poses environmental and health risks. However, their interaction and potential biological effects remain unclear. Here, we reviewed the interaction of MPs with HMs in soil, including its mechanisms, influencing factors and biological effects. Specifically, the interactions between HMs and MPs mainly involve sorption and desorption. The type, aging, concentration, size of MPs, and the physicochemical properties of HMs and soil have significant impacts on the interaction. In particular, MP aging affects specific surface areas and functional groups. Due to the small size and resistance to decomposition characteristics of MPs, they are easily transported through the food chain and exhibit combined biological effects with HMs on soil organisms, thus accumulating in the human body. To comprehensively understand the effect of MPs and HMs in soil, we propose combining traditional experiments with emerging technologies and encouraging more coordinated efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China; The Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, CAS and MOE, Yangling 712100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China; The Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, CAS and MOE, Yangling 712100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tianyi Qiu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China; Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingliang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China; The Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, CAS and MOE, Yangling 712100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Lili Li
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ai Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China; The Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, CAS and MOE, Yangling 712100, China; College of Soil and Water Conservation Science and Engineering (Institute of Soil and Water Conservation), Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.
| | - Linchuan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China; The Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, CAS and MOE, Yangling 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China.
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McIlwraith HK, Dias M, Orihel DM, Rennie MD, Harrison AL, Hoffman MJ, Provencher JF, Rochman CM. A Multicompartment Assessment of Microplastic Contamination in Semi-remote Boreal Lakes. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024. [PMID: 38415806 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination is ubiquitous across the globe, even in remote locations. Still, the sources and pathways of microplastics to such locations are largely unknown. To investigate microplastic contamination in a semi-remote location, we measured microplastic concentrations in nine oligotrophic lakes within and around the International Institute for Sustainable Development-Experimental Lakes Area in northwestern Ontario, Canada. Our first objective was to establish ambient concentrations of microplastics in bottom sediments, surface water, and atmospheric deposition in semi-remote boreal lakes. Across all lakes, mean shallow and deep sediment microplastic concentrations, near-surface water microplastic concentrations from in situ filtering, and dry atmospheric microplastic deposition rates were 551 ± 354 particles kg-1 , 177 ± 103 particles kg-1 , 0.2 ± 0.3 particles L-1 , and 0.4 ± 0.2 particles m-2 day-1 , respectively. Our second objective was to investigate whether microplastic contamination of these lakes is driven by point sources including local runoff and direct anthropogenic inputs or nonpoint sources such as atmospheric deposition. Lakes were selected based on three levels of anthropogenic activity-low, medium, and high-though activity levels were minimal across all study lakes compared with highly populated areas. Whereas a positive correlation would indicate that point sources were a likely pathway, we observed no relationship between the level of anthropogenic activity and microplastic contamination of surface water. Moreover, the composition of microplastics in surface water and atmospheric deposition were similar, comprising mostly polyester and acrylic fibers. Together, these results suggest that atmospheric deposition may be the main pathway of microplastics to these remote boreal lakes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-13. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley K McIlwraith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Minoli Dias
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Diane M Orihel
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael D Rennie
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
- International Institute for Sustainable Development-Experimental Lakes Area, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Anna L Harrison
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthew J Hoffman
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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