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Devi SS, Jayan S, Kumar AB. Microplastic assessment in aquaculture feeds: Analyzing polymer variability across commercial fishfeeds from three continents. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 479:135621. [PMID: 39213766 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135621] [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: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
This study analysed ten widely used commercial fishfeeds in aquaculture from six countries spanning three continents to assess microplastic (MP) contamination. MPs with an average abundance of 1130 ± 259.07 particles/kg and an average length of 2.64 ± 0.62 mm ( ± SE) were found in aquaculture feeds, with fibres (85 %) and fragments (15 %). The majority of these MPs were black. The abundance of MPs varied among the samples, with the highest in feed SP (26 %), followed by IF, GA, ELS, NT, EW, TB, GR, VR, and the least in HCF (3 %). Polymers identified consisted of Polyethylene terephthalates (PET, 20 %), Polyamide (PA, 30 %), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Polyurethane (PU), and Polystyrene (PS) with 15 % each, and Polypropylene (PP, 5 %). SEM-EDX analysis of fibres showed flakes, cracks, and pits and the presence of heavy metals Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Au, Hg, Cd, Ti, and Pb. Additionally, some fragments contained Nb (Niobium) alongside the naturally occurring elements. The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) for the polymers in ten feeds was calculated, and nine were in the highly hazardous category (IV and V) with PHI values ranging from 400-394825. The work showcases the graveness of MPs in fishfeeds and advocates control measures to curtail MPs in fishfeeds for sustainable aquaculture production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvarna S Devi
- Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India
| | - Shilpa Jayan
- Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India
| | - Appukuttannair Biju Kumar
- Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India.
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Thiele C, Rufener KS, Repplinger S, Zaehle T, Ruhnau P. Transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) influences event-related alpha activity during mental rotation. Psychophysiology 2024; 61:e14651. [PMID: 38997805 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14651] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques offer therapeutic potential for neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, current methods are often limited in their stimulation depth. The novel transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) aims to overcome this limitation by non-invasively targeting deeper brain regions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tTIS in modulating alpha activity during a mental rotation task. The effects of tTIS were compared with transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and a sham control. Participants were randomly assigned to a tTIS, tACS, or sham group. They performed alternating blocks of resting and mental rotation tasks before, during, and after stimulation. During the stimulation blocks, participants received 20 min of stimulation adjusted to their individual alpha frequency (IAF). We assessed shifts in resting state alpha power, event-related desynchronization (ERD) of alpha activity during mental rotation, as well as resulting improvements in behavioral performance. Our results indicate tTIS and tACS to be effective in modulating cortical alpha activity during mental rotation, leading to an increase in ERD from pre- to poststimulation as well as compared to sham stimulation. However, this increase in ERD was not correlated with enhanced mental rotation performance, and resting state alpha power remained unchanged. Our findings underscore the complex nature of tTIS and tACS efficacy, indicating that stimulation effects are more observable during active cognitive tasks, while their impacts are less pronounced on resting neuronal systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Thiele
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, University Clinic of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Katharina S Rufener
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine of Childhood and Adolescents, Otto-von-Guericke-University, University Clinic of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Repplinger
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, University Clinic of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Tino Zaehle
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, University Clinic of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Ruhnau
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- School of Psychology and Humanities, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
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Bec KB, Grabska J, Pfeifer F, Siesler HW, Huck CW. Rapid on-site analysis of soil microplastics using miniaturized NIR spectrometers: Key aspect of instrumental variation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 480:135967. [PMID: 39357353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 09/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Contamination by microplastics, a global environmental concern, demands effective monitoring. While current methods focus on characterizing the smallest particles, their low throughput hinders practical assessment. Miniaturized near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy offers high-throughput capabilities and rapid on-site analysis, potentially filling this gap. However, diverse sensor characteristics result in significant differences among handheld NIR spectrometers. This study characterizes the analytical performance of these instruments for identifying soil microplastics, comparing miniaturized devices MicroNIR 1700ES, NeoSpectra Scanner, microPHAZIR, nanoFTIR-NIR, NIR-S-G1, and SCiO sensor against a reference benchtop instrument, the NIRFlex N-500. Detection of common polymers, ABS, EVAC, HDPE, LDPE, PA6, PMMA, POM, PET, PS, PTFE, and SBR, at low concentrations (0.75 % w/w) was possible without sample preparation. Sensor selection proved crucial; FT instruments N-500 and NeoSpectra Scanner provided the most accurate analysis, while other handheld instruments faced various challenges. Covariance analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and mid-level data fusion revealed that miniaturized NIR spectrometers can successfully screen microplastics on-site. However, the ability of each sensor to discriminate certain groups of polymers strongly depends on its spectral characteristics. This study demonstrates the importance of sensor selection in the development of portable NIR spectroscopy for environmental monitoring of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof B Bec
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Radiochemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Justyna Grabska
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Radiochemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Frank Pfeifer
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Heinz W Siesler
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Christian W Huck
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Radiochemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Mohsen M, Su F, Lin J, Li X, Lu K, Zhang C. Microplastic Contamination in Aquafeed Ingredients Used as Protein and Carbohydrate Sources. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2024; 113:41. [PMID: 39306604 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-024-03952-4] [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: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
The current study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of microplastics in feed ingredients commonly used as protein and carbohydrate (energy) sources to understand and mitigate microplastic contamination. Microplastics average was 1.27, 0.69, 2.85, 0.55, 0.07, and 0.17 particle g- 1 in fishmeal, soybean meal, poultry by-products, rice bran, wheat bran, and wheat flour, respectively. Notably, poultry by-products demonstrated significantly higher microplastic levels than other ingredients (p < 0.05). The dominant microplastic shape was microfibers, with prevalent sizes ranging from 500 to 1000 μm. We estimated that packaging materials are a significant source of pollution due to the high presence of polypropylene and other polymers. Top aquaculture species with the greatest microplastic exposure risk include the Catla catla, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, and Oreochromis niloticus. This research extends our knowledge of microplastic pathways, contributes to improving aquafeed quality, and provides the basis for determining the risk of microplastic exposure in aquafeed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mohsen
- Xiamen Key Laboratory for Feed Quality Testing and Safety Evaluation, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen City, Fujian Province, 361021, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Fish Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, 11884, Egypt.
| | - Fashun Su
- Xiamen Key Laboratory for Feed Quality Testing and Safety Evaluation, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen City, Fujian Province, 361021, People's Republic of China
| | - Jibin Lin
- Xiamen Key Laboratory for Feed Quality Testing and Safety Evaluation, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen City, Fujian Province, 361021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueshan Li
- Xiamen Key Laboratory for Feed Quality Testing and Safety Evaluation, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen City, Fujian Province, 361021, People's Republic of China
| | - Kangle Lu
- Xiamen Key Laboratory for Feed Quality Testing and Safety Evaluation, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen City, Fujian Province, 361021, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunxiao Zhang
- Xiamen Key Laboratory for Feed Quality Testing and Safety Evaluation, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen City, Fujian Province, 361021, People's Republic of China
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Jeyasanta I, Sathish MN, Patterson J, Esmeralda VG, R L L. Microplastics contamination in commercial fish meal and feed: a major concern in the cultured organisms. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142832. [PMID: 39002652 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142832] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
The growing scale of plastic pollution causes a devastating impact on the aquatic ecosystem. The people largely depend on animal-based food for their protein requirements. In this study, we analysed 10 different fish meal samples and 20 feed samples used in farming to understand the level of microplastic (MPs) contamination and estimate the amount of MPs ingested by farmed fish, shrimp, and chicken through feed. The abundance of MPs in fish meal samples ranges from 210 ± 98.21 to 1154 ± 235.55 items/kg. The fish meal produced from dried fish is more prone to MPs contamination than that produced from fresh fish. In the case of fish feed, MP abundances range from 50 ± 22.36 to 160 ± 36.57 items/kg in shrimp feeds, 60 ± 26.74 to 230 ± 52.32 items/kg in fish feeds and 90 ± 25.11 to 330 ± 36.12 items/kg in chicken feeds. The exposure rate of MPs is higher in the grower- and finisher-stage feeds than in the starter feed. Fiber-shaped MPs of size 100-500 μm with PE and PP polymers were predominantly found in fish meal and feed samples. EDAX analysis showed the presence of Cr, Cd, Ti, Ni, Cu, As, Al, Pb, Hg, Cd, Ti, Fe, Ca, K, and Si in fish meal samples and Ca, Na, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cl, Al, Si, S, Pb, Cd, Ti, Cr, Mg and Fe in feed samples. The possible level of exposure of microplastic particles was calculated based on MP contamination in feed, feed consumption rate, and body weight. We estimated an MP exposure level of 531-1434 items/kg feed for farmed shrimp, 234-4480 items/kg feed for fishes, and 3519-434,280 items/kg feed for chicken. This study concludes that fish meal and feed are one of the important exposure routes of MPs to the farmed animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Narmatha Sathish
- Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jamila Patterson
- Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - V Glen Esmeralda
- Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Laju R L
- Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India
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Priyadharshini S, Jeyavani J, Al-Ghanim KA, Govindarajan M, Karthikeyan S, Vaseeharan B. Eco-toxicity assessment of polypropylene microplastics in juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio). JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 266:104415. [PMID: 39173506 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104415] [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: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, everyone has recognized microplastics as an emerging contaminant in aquatic ecosystems. Polypropylene is one of the dominant pollutants. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exposing zebrafish (Danio rerio) to water with various concentrations of polypropylene microplastics (11.86 ± 44.62 μm), including control (0 mg/L), group 1 (1 mg/L), group 2 (10 mg/L), and group 3 (100 mg/L) for up to 28 days (chronic exposure). The bioaccumulation of microplastics in the tract was noted after 28 days. From the experimental groups, blood and detoxifying organs of the liver and brain were collected. Using liver tissues evaluated the toxic effects by crucial biomarkers such as reactive oxygen species, anti-oxidant parameters, oxidative effects in protein & lipids, total protein content and free amino acid level. The study revealed that the bioaccumulation of microplastics in the organisms is a reflection of the oxidative stress and liver tissue damage experienced by the group exposed to microplastics. Also, apoptosis of blood cells was observed in the treated group as well as increased the neurotransmitter enzyme acetylcholine esterase activity based on exposure concentration-dependent manner. The overall results indicated bioaccumulation of microplastics in the gut, which led to increased ROS levels. This consequently affected antioxidant biomarkers, ultimately causing oxidation of biomolecules and liver tissue injury, as evidenced by histological analysis. This study concludes that chronic ingestion of microplastics causes considerable effects on population fitness in the aquatic environment, as well as other ecological complications, and is also critical to understand the magnitude of these contaminants' influence on ichthyofauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Priyadharshini
- Biomaterials and Biotechnology in Animal Health Lab, Department of Animal Health and Management, Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jeyaraj Jeyavani
- Biomaterials and Biotechnology in Animal Health Lab, Department of Animal Health and Management, Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Khalid A Al-Ghanim
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marimuthu Govindarajan
- Unit of Mycology, Parasitology, Tropical Medicine and Ecotoxicology, Department of Zoology, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608 002, TamilNadu, India; Unit of Natural Products and Nanotechnology, Department of Zoology, Government College for Women (Autonomous), Kumbakonam 612 001, TamilNadu, India
| | - Sivashanmugam Karthikeyan
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tami Nadu 632,014, India
| | - Baskaralingam Vaseeharan
- Biomaterials and Biotechnology in Animal Health Lab, Department of Animal Health and Management, Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Rangel-Buitrago N, González-Fernández D, Defeo O, Neal W, Galgani F. Rethinking plastic entrapment: Misconceptions and implications for ecosystem services in coastal habitats. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116665. [PMID: 38981194 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116665] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
This study addresses the pressing issue of plastic pollution in coastal and marine ecosystems, challenging the misconception that the entrapment of plastics can be considered as an ecosystem service. We differentiate between essential natural processes that sustain ecological balance and biodiversity and the detrimental accumulation of synthetic polymers. The pathways through which plastics enter these environments-from terrestrial to maritime sources-are examined, alongside their pervasive impacts on crucial ecosystem services such as habitat quality, the vitality of marine species, and nutrient cycling. Our findings highlight the paradox of resilience and vulnerability in these ecosystems: while capable of accumulating substantial amounts of plastic debris, they suffer long-lasting ecological, socio-economic, and health repercussions. We argue for a paradigm shift in management strategies aimed at reducing plastic production at the source, improving waste management practices, conducting targeted cleanup operations, and rehabilitating impacted ecosystems. Emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of plastic pollution is vital for framing effective solutions and necessitates a reevaluation of societal, industrial, and regulatory frameworks. This shift is imperative not only to address current pollution levels but also to safeguard and sustain the functionality of coastal ecosystems, ensuring their ability to continue providing essential services and supporting biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programa de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia.
| | - Daniel González-Fernández
- Department of Biology, University Marine Research Institute INMAR, University of Cádiz and European University of the Seas SEA-EU, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Omar Defeo
- Marine Science Laboratory (UNDECIMAR), Faculty of Sciences, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - William Neal
- Department of Geology, Grand Valley State University, The Seymour K. & Esther R. Padnos Hall of Science 213A, Allendale, MI, USA
| | - Francois Galgani
- Unité Ressources marines en Polynésie Francaise, Institut français de recherche pour l'exploitation de la mer (Ifremer), BP 49, Vairao, Tahiti, French Polynesia
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Zhang Y, Yu T, Wang N. Analysis of temporal and spatial dynamics and driving factors in the aquaculture industry of Fuding City, China. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33972. [PMID: 39055846 PMCID: PMC11269845 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The sustainable development of aquaculture is a crucial determinant of food security, the well-being of aquaculture practitioners, and economic growth within coastal regions. Considering the existing gap in research regarding spatial and temporal development of aquaculture, this study investigates the progression of aquaculture practices over time and across various locations in Fuding City, China. Methods We retrospectively collected temporal and spatial data on aquaculture, as well as demographic, social, and economic data for Fuding City from 2010 to 2020. By employing 3D kernel density analysis, we illustrated the temporal and spatial changes in aquaculture. Furthermore, we utilized Ordinary Least Squares regression to investigate the driving factors behind the spatial changes in the aquaculture industry. Results Over the past decades, we observed that in Fuding City, both the number of fishing rafts and aquaculture households initially decreased and then increased. The spatial distribution of aquaculture experienced a shift from the west (inner bay area) to the east (coastal area). Additionally, the type of fishing rafts also varied by region, with traditional rafts dominating the western inner bay and plastic rafts prevalent in the eastern offshore areas. Analysis of driving factors revealed that at least six factors have a significant positive correlation with the eastward shift of the aquaculture industry's center, including the proportion of migrant population, proportion of aquaculture to total fishery output, average temperature, investment in aquaculture technology, total fish sales, and GDP of Fuding City. Conclusion This study examines the spatial and temporal dynamics of aquaculture in Fuding City from 2010 to 2020, proposing an innovative approach to spatial optimization that integrates both horizontal and vertical strategies. These insights aim to guide the development of coastal aquaculture policies and support sustainable regional development, fostering a balanced coexistence between human activities and marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhe Zhang
- School of Public Administration, Zhejiang Gongshang University, 18 Xuezheng St, Qiantang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China
| | - Ting Yu
- School of Public Administration, Zhejiang Gongshang University, 18 Xuezheng St, Qiantang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China
| | - Niandong Wang
- Rural Revitalization Service Center, Shacheng Town, Fuding, Fujian, 355200, China
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Kek HY, Tan H, Othman MHD, Lee CT, Ahmad FBJ, Ismail ND, Nyakuma BB, Lee KQ, Wong KY. Transforming pollution into solutions: A bibliometric analysis and sustainable strategies for reducing indoor microplastics while converting to value-added products. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118928. [PMID: 38636646 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), as emerging indoor contaminants, have garnered attention due to their ubiquity and unresolved implications for human health. These tiny particles have permeated indoor air and water, leading to inevitable human exposure. Preliminary evidence suggests MP exposure could be linked to respiratory, gastrointestinal, and potentially other health issues, yet the full scope of their effects remains unclear. To map the overall landscape of this research field, a bibliometric analysis based on research articles retrieved from the Web of Science database was conducted. The study synthesizes the current state of knowledge and spotlights the innovative mitigation strategies proposed to curb indoor MP pollution. These strategies involve minimizing the MP emission from source, advancements in filtration technology, aimed at reducing the MP exposure. Furthermore, this research sheds light on cutting-edge methods for converting MP waste into value-added products. These innovative approaches not only promise to alleviate environmental burdens but also contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy by transforming waste into resources such as biofuels, construction materials, and batteries. Despite these strides, this study acknowledges the ongoing challenges, including the need for more efficient removal technologies and a deeper understanding of MPs' health impacts. Looking forward, the study underscores the necessity for further research to fill these knowledge gaps, particularly in the areas of long-term health outcomes and the development of standardized, reliable methodologies for MP detection and quantification in indoor settings. This comprehensive approach paves the way for future exploration and the development of robust solutions to the complex issue of microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yee Kek
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Huiyi Tan
- Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Chew Tin Lee
- Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | | | - Nur Dayana Ismail
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Bemgba Bevan Nyakuma
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Computing, Pen Resource University, P. M. B. 086, Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria
| | - Kee Quen Lee
- Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Keng Yinn Wong
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
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Vdovchenko A, Resmini M. Mapping Microplastics in Humans: Analysis of Polymer Types, and Shapes in Food and Drinking Water-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7074. [PMID: 39000186 PMCID: PMC11241750 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pervade the environment, infiltrating food sources and human bodies, raising concerns about their impact on human health. This review is focused on three key questions: (i) What type of polymers are humans most exposed to? (ii) What are the prevalent shapes of MPs found in food and human samples? (iii) Are the data influenced by the detection limit on the size of particles? Through a systematic literature analysis, we have explored data on polymer types and shapes found in food and human samples. The data provide evidence that polyester is the most commonly detected polymer in humans, followed by polyamide, polyurethane, polypropylene, and polyacrylate. Fibres emerge as the predominant shape across all categories, suggesting potential environmental contamination from the textile industry. Studies in humans and drinking water reported data on small particles, in contrast to larger size MPs detected in environmental research, in particular seafood. Discrepancies in size detection methodologies across different reports were identified, which could impact some of the discussed trends. This study highlights the need for more comprehensive research on the interactions between MPs and biological systems and the effects of MPs on toxicity, together with standardised analytical methodologies to accurately assess contamination levels and human exposure. Understanding these dynamics is essential for formulating effective strategies to mitigate the environmental and health implications of MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina Resmini
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK;
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Matias RS, Gomes S, Barboza LGA, Almeida CMR, Marques A, Guilhermino L, Valente LMP. Occurrence of microplastics and metals in European seabass produced in different aquaculture systems: Implications for human exposure, risk, and food safety. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172535. [PMID: 38641109 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172535] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants of increasing concern as they may cause adverse effects and carry other contaminants, which may potentially compromise human health. Despite occurring in aquatic ecosystems worldwide, the knowledge about MP presence in different aquaculture systems and their potential impact on seafood products is still limited. This study aimed to determine the levels of MPs in water, feed, and European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) from three relevant aquaculture systems and estimate human exposure to MPs and metals through seabass consumption. The recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) had the highest MP occurrence in water and feed. MP levels in seabass followed the aquaculture system's levels in water and feed, with RAS-farmed fish presenting the highest MP load, both in the fish gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and muscle, followed by pond-, and cage-farmed fish. MPs' characteristics across aquaculture systems and fish samples remained consistent, with the predominant recovered particles falling within the MP size range. The particles were visually characterized and chemically identified by micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μFTIR). Most of these particles were fibres composed of man-made cellulose and PET. MP levels in GIT were significantly higher than in muscle for pond- and RAS-farmed fish, MPs' bioconcentration factors >1 indicated bioconcentration in farmed seabass. Metal concentrations in fish muscle were below permissible limits, posing low intake risks for consumers according to the available health-based guidance values and estimated dietary scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo S Matias
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sónia Gomes
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luis Gabriel A Barboza
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - C Marisa R Almeida
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - António Marques
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; IPMA, Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera, Divisão de Aquacultura, Valorização e Bioprospeção, Avenida Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lúcia Guilhermino
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luisa M P Valente
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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12
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McMullen K, Calle P, Alvarado-Cadena O, Kowal MD, Espinoza E, Domínguez GA, Tirapé A, Vargas FH, Grant E, Hunt BPV, Pakhomov EA, Alava JJ. Ecotoxicological Assessment of Microplastics and Cellulose Particles in the Galápagos Islands and Galápagos Penguin Food Web. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:1442-1457. [PMID: 38695731 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5874] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution threatens some of the world's most iconic locations for marine biodiversity, including the remote Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Using the Galápagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) as a sentinel species, the present study assessed microplastics and suspected anthropogenic cellulose concentrations in surface seawater and zooplankton near Santa Cruz and Galápagos penguin colonies (Floreana, Isabela, Santiago), as well as in penguin potential prey (anchovies, mullets, milkfish) and penguin scat. On average, 0.40 ± 0.32 microplastics L-1 were found in surface seawater (<10 μm; n = 63 L), while 0.003, 0.27, and 5.12 microplastics individual-1 were found in zooplankton (n = 3372), anchovies (n = 11), and mullets (n = 6), respectively. The highest concentration (27 microplastics individual-1) was observed in a single milkfish. Calculations based on microplastics per gram of prey, in a potential diet composition scenario, suggest that the Galápagos penguin may consume 2881 to 9602 microplastics daily from prey. Despite this, no microplastics or cellulose were identified in 3.40 g of guano collected from two penguins. Our study confirms microplastic exposure in the pelagic food web and endangered penguin species within the UNESCO World Heritage site Galápagos Islands, which can be used to inform regional and international policies to mitigate plastic pollution and conserve biodiversity in the global ocean. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1442-1457. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karly McMullen
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paola Calle
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Omar Alvarado-Cadena
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Matthew D Kowal
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eduardo Espinoza
- Marine Ecosystem Monitoring Program, Galapagos National Park Directorate (Dirección del Parque Nacional Galápagos), Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
| | - Gustavo A Domínguez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Ana Tirapé
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | | | - Edward Grant
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brian P V Hunt
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Evgeny A Pakhomov
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Juan José Alava
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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13
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Muhib MI, Rahman MM. How do fish consume microplastics? An experimental study on accumulation pattern using Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:39303-39317. [PMID: 38811458 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33782-0] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate microplastic (MP) exposure by Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in laboratory conditions. A total of 150 tilapia fishes were equally distributed randomly in 15 different glass tanks with five experimental conditions. Observed results depicted that the presence of MPs in different organs was mainly accumulated from the fish feed rather than externally added MPs in the culture tanks. It was also revealed that the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was found to be the most susceptible to MPs accumulation followed by gills and muscles in order. However, muscle contained the least size of MPs followed by GITs and gills. A statistical test showed significant correlations among the average length and weight of fish with MP exposure. A filamentous shape was found to be dominant in both GITs and gills while fragment shape was dominant in muscles. FTIR results revealed a total of 12 different polymers in the fish of which two polymers (polyvinyl alcohol and ethylene vinyl acetate) were not detected in the feed-only tanks. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were found to be dominant polymers in all the experimental GIT, gills, and muscle organs. FESEM results indicated the presence of different textures including cracks, edges, flakes, scratches, grooves, and adhering particles. EDX results exhibited the presence of Na, Si, K, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Cd in the analyzed samples that may pose additional health risks. Thus, this study could act as baseline data for laboratory-based studies of aquaculture species in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Iftakharul Muhib
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mostafizur Rahman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh.
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh.
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14
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Rangaswamy B, An J, Kwak IS. Different recovery patterns of the surviving bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis based on transcriptome profiling exposed to spherical or fibrous polyethylene microplastics. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30858. [PMID: 38813215 PMCID: PMC11133752 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive pollutants exuded from anthropogenic activities and ingested by animals in different ecosystems. This transcriptomic profiling study aimed to explore the impact of polyethylene MPs on Mytilus galloprovincialis, an ecologically significant bivalve species. The toxicity of two MPs types was found to result in increased cellular stress when exposed up to 14 days. Moreover, recovery mechanisms were also observed in progress. Mussels exhibited different gene expression patterns and molecular regulation in response to cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress. The transcriptome analysis demonstrated a notable hindrance in cilia movement as MPs ingested through gills. Subsequent entry resulted in a significant disruption in the cytoskeletal organization, cellular projection, and cilia beat frequency. On day 4 (D4), signal transduction and activation of apoptosis evidenced the signs of toxic consequences. Mussels exposed to spherical MPs shown significant recovery on day 14 (D14), characterized by the upregulation of anti-apoptotic genes and antioxidant genes. The expression of P53 and BCL2 genes was pivotal in controlling the apoptotic process and promoting cell survival. Mussels exposed to fibrous MPs displayed a delayed cell survival effect. However, the elevated physiological stress due to fibrous MPs resulted in energy transfer by compensatory regulation of metabolic processes to expedite cellular recovery. These observations highlighted the intricate and varied reaction of cell survival mechanisms in mussels to recover toxicity. This study provides critical evidence of the ecotoxicological impacts of two different MPs and emphasizes the environmental risks they pose to aquatic ecosystems. Our conclusion highlights the detrimental effects of MPs on M. galloprovincialis and the need for more stringent regulations to protect marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boobal Rangaswamy
- Department of Biotechnology, PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641014, India
| | - Jinsung An
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Ihn-Sil Kwak
- Department of Ocean Integrated Science, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, 59626, Republic of Korea
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15
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König Kardgar A, Doyle D, Warwas N, Hjelleset T, Sundh H, Carney Almroth B. Microplastics in aquaculture - Potential impacts on inflammatory processes in Nile tilapia. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30403. [PMID: 38726173 PMCID: PMC11079099 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30403] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Aquaculture is essential for meeting the growing global demand for fish consumption. However, the widespread use of plastic and the presence of microplastics in aquaculture systems raise concerns about their impact on fish health and the safety of aquaculture products. This study focused on the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), one of the most important aquaculture fish species globally. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary exposure to a mixture of four conventional fossil fuel-based polymers (microplastics) on the health of adult and juvenile Nile tilapia. Two experiments were conducted, with 36 juvenile tilapia (10-40 g weight) exposed for 30 days and 24 adult tilapia (600-1000 g) exposed for 7 days, the former including a natural particle (kaolin) treatment. In the adult tilapia experiment, no significant effects on intestinal health (Ussing chamber method), oxidative stress, or inflammatory pathways (enzymatic and genetic biomarkers) were observed after exposure to the microplastic mixture. However, in the juvenile tilapia experiment, significant alterations in inflammatory pathways were observed following 30 days of exposure to the microplastic mixture, indicating potential adverse effects on fish health. These results highlight the potential negative impacts of microplastics on fish health and the economics and safety of aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azora König Kardgar
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Darragh Doyle
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Niklas Warwas
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Terese Hjelleset
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Sundh
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bethanie Carney Almroth
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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16
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Lindstrom AP, Conny JM, Ortiz-Montalvo DL. Sampling of microplastics at a materials recovery facility. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:2885-2891. [PMID: 38558307 PMCID: PMC11045654 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05231-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Detecting, separating, and characterizing airborne microplastics from other airborne particulates is currently challenging due to the various instrumental constraints and related sample preparation hurdles that must be overcome. The ability to measure these real-world environments is needed to better assess the risks associated with microplastics. To that end, the current study focused on developing a methodology for sampling and characterizing airborne microplastics. Particulate sampling was carried out at a municipal materials recovery facility near a conveyer belt containing sorted plastic materials to collect airborne environmental particles on filters. Nucleopore filters were mounted on Teflon support rings, coated with 100 nm aluminum to reduce the background signal for micro-Raman spectroscopy, and marked with a fiducial pattern using a laser engraver. The fiducial pattern was crucial in identifying samples, relocating particles, and efficiently enabling orthogonal measurements on the same samples. Optimum sampling conditions of 2 h at 25 L/min were determined using light microscopy to evaluate the particle loadings. The filters were then cut into slices which were attached to sections of thin beryllium-copper sheeting for easy transfer of the filter between microscopy platforms. Scanning electron microscopy was used to identify carbon-rich particles. Light microscopy was used to identify colored particles which were also carbon-rich which were then analyzed using micro-Raman spectroscopy to identify specific polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail P Lindstrom
- Materials Measurement Science Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
| | - Joseph M Conny
- Materials Measurement Science Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Diana L Ortiz-Montalvo
- Materials Measurement Science Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
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17
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Aramendia J, García-Velasco N, Amigo JM, Izagirre U, Seifert A, Soto M, Castro K. Evidence of internalized microplastics in mussel tissues detected by volumetric Raman imaging. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169960. [PMID: 38211850 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are a global ecological concern due to their potential risk to wildlife and human health. Animals ingest microplastics, which can enter the trophic chain and ultimately impact human well-being. The ingestion of microplastics can cause physical and chemical damage to the animals' digestive systems, affecting their health. To estimate the risk to ecosystems and human health, it is crucial to understand the accumulation and localization of ingested microplastics within the cells and tissues of living organisms. However, analyzing this issue is challenging due to the risk of sample contamination, given the ubiquity of microplastics. Here, an analytical approach is employed to confirm the internalization of microplastics in cryogenic cross-sections of mussel tissue. Using 3D Raman confocal microscopy in combination with chemometrics, microplastics measuring 1 μm in size were detected. The results were further validated using optical and fluorescence microscopy. The findings revealed evidence of microplastics being internalized in the digestive epithelial tissues of exposed mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), specifically within the digestive cells forming digestive alveoli. This study highlights the need to investigate the internalization of microplastics in organisms like mussels, as it helps us understand the potential risks they pose to aquatic biota and ultimately to human health. By employing advanced imaging techniques, challenges associated with sample contamination can be overcome and valuable insights into the impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems and human consumers are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julene Aramendia
- IBeA Research Group, Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, E-48080 Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain.
| | - Nerea García-Velasco
- Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology (CBET+) Research Group, Dept. Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology and Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology PIE-UPV/EHU, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, E-48080 Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Amigo
- IBeA Research Group, Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, E-48080 Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Euskadi Plaza 5, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Urtzi Izagirre
- Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology (CBET+) Research Group, Dept. Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology and Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology PIE-UPV/EHU, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, E-48080 Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Andreas Seifert
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Euskadi Plaza 5, 48009 Bilbao, Spain; CIC nanoGUNE BRTA, Tolosa Hiribidea 76, 20018 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Manu Soto
- Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology (CBET+) Research Group, Dept. Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology and Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology PIE-UPV/EHU, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, E-48080 Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Kepa Castro
- IBeA Research Group, Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, E-48080 Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
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18
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Ge A, Zhao S, Sun C, Yuan Z, Liu L, Chen L, Li F. Comparison of three digestion methods for microplastic extraction from aquaculture feeds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168919. [PMID: 38030012 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168919] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants found in aquaculture animals that may threaten human health through the food chain. However, there is a lack of effective methods for extracting MPs from aquaculture feeds containing complex components such as organic matter and fish bones. Therefore, in the present study, the extraction efficiency of three digestion methods using 30 % H2O2, Fenton reagent, and 30 % H2O2 + HNO3 for different particle sizes and types of MPs in aquaculture feeds was investigated and compared. The total digestion efficiency of the aquaculture feeds by 30 % H2O2 was 97.3 ± 0.1 %, while the recovery efficiency of MPs was 91.3 ± 1.1 % -103.1 ± 0.9 %. However, there was a large deviation in the extraction efficiency of MPs from aquaculture feeds by the Fenton reagent and 30 % H2O2 + HNO3. Notably, the surface morphology, particle size distribution, and oxidation degree of MPs hardly changed after 30 % H2O2 digestion. More importantly, the changes in the spectral features and carbonyl index of MPs after 30 % H2O2 digestion were smaller than those of the Fenton reagent and 30 % H2O2 + HNO3, which did not affect the identification of MPs. Overall, 30 % H2O2 was more efficient in extracting MPs from aquaculture feeds, and no significant effect on the characteristics of MPs was observed. This work provides novel insights into the effect of chemical pretreatment on the extraction of MPs in aquaculture feeds and provides an optimal protocol for the detection of MPs in aquaculture feeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Ge
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Shasha Zhao
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Green and High-value Marine Fine Chemical, School of Chemical Engineering and Environment, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China
| | - Cuizhu Sun
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Zixi Yuan
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Liuqingqing Liu
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Lingyun Chen
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Fengmin Li
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China.
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19
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Amponsah AK, Afrifa EA, Essandoh PK, Enyoh CE. Evidence of microplastics accumulation in the gills and gastrointestinal tract of fishes from an estuarine system in Ghana. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25608. [PMID: 38333793 PMCID: PMC10850975 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The contamination of aquatic environments by microplastics (MPs) and their subsequent ingestion by fish continues to be a universal ecological challenge. Although numerous studies have been conducted on the accumulation of MPs by fishes globally, not much work has been done within the major estuaries along the Atlantic Coast. This study explored and characterized microplastics in the gills and gastrointestinal tract in 98 specimens of 10 fish taxa (Sarotherodon melanotheron, Pseudotolithus senegalensis, Gobionellus occidentalis, Ethmalosa fimbriata, Chrysichthys nigrodigitalus, Elops lacerta, Mugil bananesis, Cynoglossus senegalensis, Apsilus fuscus and Galeoides decadactylus) from the Pra Estuary, Ghana. The gastrointestinal contents of the fish were extracted, analysed and characterized using a stereomicroscope fitted with an Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). A total of 529 MP particles were found in the fishes. C. nigrodigitalus recorded the highest MP levels in the gills with an average of 4.83 ± 2.08 items/individual whiles S. melanotheron recorded the highest in the gastrointestinal tract at 9.83 ± 4.63 items/individual. Within the fish, transparent fibrous MPs of size <0.5 mm were the dominate types found. A vertical prevalence of MPs was observed across the feeding and habitat preference of the species suggesting a possible linkage with the ecological niche of fishes. Our findings further demonstrate the need for advance studies on the impacts and level of threat microplastic accumulation pose to the sampled fishes and potential consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andoh Kwaku Amponsah
- Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience, Centre for Coastal Management, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Ernest Amankwa Afrifa
- Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience, Centre for Coastal Management, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Paul Kwame Essandoh
- Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience, Centre for Coastal Management, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Christian Ebere Enyoh
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
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20
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Wang S, Mintenig SM, Cheng C, Wu J, Koelmans AA. Extent and risks of microplastic pollution in the Yangtze River. State of the science. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 910:168538. [PMID: 37984663 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The Yangtze River (YR) is the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world, and is recognized as one of the most microplastic-polluted rivers globally. However, to date, no consistent and systematic risk assessment has been conducted for the YR basin or other rivers in China. Previous assessments of microplastic occurrence, distribution, or risks in the YR basin did not take into account the sometimes-limited quality of the data or compared incomparable data, which can lead to biased assessments. The actual prospective ecological risks of microplastic pollution in the YR basin are therefore unknown. In this review, we analyze data from 21 microplastic studies to assess the occurrence and distribution of microplastics and their characteristics. We also evaluate the quality of the studies using updated quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) criteria. Although we observe an upward trend in QA/QC scores, indicating improved data quality, no study received positive scores on all critical criteria. The microplastic exposure data from the YR basin is among the highest reported for rivers and other aquatic systems worldwide, exceeding effect thresholds in some parts of the river. We recommend generating comprehensive monitoring data of higher quality, with a greater emphasis on smaller-size microplastics, so that future risk assessments can be performed with less reliance on data alignment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siting Wang
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, the Netherlands; Research Center of Environmental Technology in Water Pollution Source Identification and Precise Supervision, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Research and Development Center of Advanced Environmental Supervision Technology and Instrument, Research Institute for Environmental Innovation (Suzhou) Tsinghua, Suzhou 215163, China
| | - Svenja M Mintenig
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, the Netherlands
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Research Center of Environmental Technology in Water Pollution Source Identification and Precise Supervision, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Research Center of Environmental Technology in Water Pollution Source Identification and Precise Supervision, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Research and Development Center of Advanced Environmental Supervision Technology and Instrument, Research Institute for Environmental Innovation (Suzhou) Tsinghua, Suzhou 215163, China
| | - Albert A Koelmans
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, the Netherlands.
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21
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Egea-Corbacho A, Martín-García AP, Franco AA, Albendín G, Arellano JM, Rodríguez-Barroso R, Coello MD, Quiroga JM, Cabello JF, Iglesias Prado I, Malta EJ. Microplastic in industrial aquaculture: Occurrence in the aquatic environment, feed and organisms (Dicentrarchus labrax). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166774. [PMID: 37660804 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166774] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of plastics and the growing concern about their impact on the environment and living beings makes it necessary to study how microplastics (MP) affect aquaculture systems. In order to gain an in-depth understanding of these systems, this study covers the water intake, the purification treatment at the inlet, the water in the culture tanks, as well as the feed used in the feeding and the organism itself. For this purpose, five samples were taken, both in the water line, feed and sea bass during the weeks of the experiment. It is shown that the available purification systems reduce the amount of MP entering from the receiving environment. However, new MP are observed in the sea bass tank, which may be due mainly to those added through the feed and found in the feed, as well as in the piping and other materials used in current aquaculture systems (PTFE, PA, among others). If focusing on the feed that can reach the consumer, in the case of this study, carried out with sea bass, some types of MP (PE, PTFE, PS and PA) were found in 4 head samples and 4 skin/muscle samples. Although inlet water purification systems manage to reduce a high percentage of MPs in the system, it is observed that there are other access routes that should be considered and reduced in aquaculture facilities to prevent them from reaching the human consumer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Egea-Corbacho
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Ana Pilar Martín-García
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.
| | - Ana A Franco
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Gemma Albendín
- Toxicology Department, University Institute of Marine Research (INMAR), International Campus of Excellence of the Sea (CEI MAR), Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Juana Mª Arellano
- Toxicology Department, University Institute of Marine Research (INMAR), International Campus of Excellence of the Sea (CEI MAR), Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain.
| | - Rocío Rodríguez-Barroso
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Mª Dolores Coello
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - José Mª Quiroga
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Jose F Cabello
- Aquaculture Technology Centre of Andalusia (CTAQUA), 11500 El Puerto de santa María, Spain
| | - Iria Iglesias Prado
- Aquaculture Technology Centre of Andalusia (CTAQUA), 11500 El Puerto de santa María, Spain
| | - Erik-Jan Malta
- Aquaculture Technology Centre of Andalusia (CTAQUA), 11500 El Puerto de santa María, Spain
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22
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Hove HTB, Næsheim T, Kögel T. Quick and efficient microplastic isolation from fatty fish tissues by surfactant-enhanced alkaline digestion. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115726. [PMID: 37925993 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
For monitoring microplastic contamination in fish tissues, tissue digestion into filterable components prior to microplastic identification and quantification should be quick and efficient, providing satisfying microplastic recoveries of relevant particle sizes. Filtration with a small pore size, necessary to target small particles, is a challenge. Some proposed protocols take several days. To improve this, a combination of surfactants (Tween®-20 and Triton™ X-100) with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and pH neutralization was used. Fish bones were removed in tissue preparation prior to digestion. Recovery down to ca. 60-80 μm worked well for PA-66, PE, PET, PP, PS and PVC. In conclusion, we developed a comparatively swift digestion protocol, enabling filtration of 100 g samples with a pore size of 10 μm, for fish fillets with high (mackerel), intermediate (salmon, plaice) and low (cod) fat contents, fish liver, head kidney and oil samples, within 16-24 h.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Næsheim
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway; EUROFINS, Sandviksveien 110, 5035 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Tanja Kögel
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway.
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23
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Brawn C, Hamilton BM, Savoca MS, Bardarson B, Vermaire JC, Provencher J. Suspected anthropogenic microparticle ingestion by Icelandic capelin. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115551. [PMID: 37769403 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115551] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Documented ingestion of microplastics and other anthropogenic microparticles (AMP) by marine fishes has increased over the last decade. However, baseline datasets on AMP ingestion in Arctic fish species are limited. This study documents AMP ingestion in Icelandic capelin (Mallotus villosus) and investigates how this relates to several biological variables. A total of 160 capelin gastrointestinal tracts were sampled and digested using 10 % potassium hydroxide and visual inspection protocols. A total frequency of occurrence (%FO) of 52.5 % and a mean AMP abundance of 1.33 ± 2.37 per individual was found (particles > 45 μm). The colour of AMP detected was significantly different between sampling locations. However, no differences in %FO or mean AMP abundance were detected between sampling locations or related to body size, gut fullness, or sex. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on AMP ingestion by Arctic marine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Brawn
- University Centre of the Westfjords, Ísafjörður 400, Iceland.
| | - Bonnie M Hamilton
- University of Toronto, Dept. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Matthew S Savoca
- Hopkins Marine Station, Department of Oceans, Stanford University, California, USA
| | - Birkir Bardarson
- Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, Reykjavík 220, Iceland
| | - Jesse C Vermaire
- Aquatic Ecosystems and Environmental Change Laboratory, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies and Institute for Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Jennifer Provencher
- Environment Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
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24
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Yang T, Wang J. Exposure sources and pathways of micro- and nanoplastics in the environment, with emphasis on potential effects in humans: A systematic review. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2023; 19:1422-1432. [PMID: 36661032 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4742] [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: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants that are ubiquitous in the environment, and may be a potential threat to human health. This review describes the MP exposure sources and pathways through drinking water, food intake, and air inhalation. The unregulated discharge of MPs in water sources and the absence of required MP filter technology in water treatment plants are important routes of MP exposure through drinking water. The presence of MPs in food may lead to the accumulation of MPs in the body. Exposure to MPs can occur through airborne fallout and dust inhalation in both indoor and outdoor environments. This review summarizes the MP exposure sources and possible pathways in the human body, and illustrates that the intake of drinking water, food consumption, and air inhalation should be assessed in during routine activities. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1422-1432. © 2023 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Chemistry and Eco-environmental Protection in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of High-Value Utilization of Characteristic Economic Plants, The College of Ecological Environmental and Resources, Qinghai MinZu University, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
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25
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Mosconi G, Panseri S, Magni S, Malandra R, D’Amato A, Carini M, Chiesa L, Della Torre C. Plastic Contamination in Seabass and Seabream from Off-Shore Aquaculture Facilities from the Mediterranean Sea. J Xenobiot 2023; 13:625-640. [PMID: 37987441 PMCID: PMC10660701 DOI: 10.3390/jox13040040] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We characterized the presence of plastics in different organs of the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) from some off-shore aquaculture facilities of the Mediterranean Sea. Plastics were detected in 38% of analyzed fish. Higher contamination was observed in fish from Turkey and Greece with respect to Italy, without significant differences between the geographical areas. Plastics accumulated mostly in the gastrointestinal tract and, to a lower extent, in the muscle, which represents the edible part of fish. Based on the particle detected, a maximum amount of 0.01 plastic/g wet weight (w.w.) can occur in muscles, suggesting a low input for humans through consumption. A large portion of the particles identified was represented by man-made cellulose-based fibers. The characterization of the polymeric composition suggests that plastics taken up by fish can have land-based and pelagic origins, but plastics can be introduced also from different aquaculture practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Mosconi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.M.); (S.P.); (L.C.)
| | - Sara Panseri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.M.); (S.P.); (L.C.)
| | - Stefano Magni
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Malandra
- ATS Milano-Città Metropolitana, Veterinary Unit, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alfonsina D’Amato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.D.); (M.C.)
| | - Marina Carini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.D.); (M.C.)
| | - Luca Chiesa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.M.); (S.P.); (L.C.)
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26
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Kang MG, Kwak MJ, Kim Y. Polystyrene microplastics biodegradation by gut bacterial Enterobacter hormaechei from mealworms under anaerobic conditions: Anaerobic oxidation and depolymerization. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132045. [PMID: 37480606 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic plastic is used throughout daily life and industry, threatening organisms with microplastic pollution. Polystyrene is a major plastic polymer and also widely found sources of plastic wastes and microplastics. Here, we report that Enterobacter hormaechei LG3 (CP118279.1), a facultative anaerobic bacterial strain isolated from the gut of Tenebrio molitor larvae (mealworms) can oxidize and depolymerize polystyrene under anaerobic conditions. LG3 performed biodegradation while forming a biofilm on the plastic surface. PS biodegradation was characterized by analyses of surface oxidation, change in morphology and molecular weights, and production of biodegraded derivative. The biodegradation performance by LG3 was compared with PS biodegradation by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SCGB1 under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions. In addition, through nanopore sequencing technology, we identified degradative enzymes, including thiol peroxidase (tpx), alkyl hydroperoxide reductase C (ahpC) and bacterioferritin comigratory protein (bcp). Along with the upregulation of degradative enzymes for biodegradation, changes in lipid A and biofilm-associated proteins were also observed after the cells were incubated with polystyrene microplastics. Our results provide evidence for anaerobic biodegradation by polystyrene-degrading bacteria and show alterations in gene expression patterns after polystyrene microplastics treatment in the opportunistic pathogen Enterobacter hormaechei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Geun Kang
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Jin Kwak
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Younghoon Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
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27
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Terzi Y. Microplastic ingestion by invasive Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) used in fishmeal production in Türkiye. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1232. [PMID: 37728656 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11844-z] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
MP contamination in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) used in fishmeal production was examined. The samples were collected from Balık Lake, Karaboğaz Lake, and Liman Lake located in Kızılırmak Delta, Türkiye. The overall average abundance was 3.20±0.18 MP per fish and 0.036±0.002 MP per g. No significant correlation was determined between the MP abundance in the fish, fish length, and fish weight. The polymers were composed of 56.91% PET, 25.20% PP, 9.76% PE, and 8.13% PA. The determined shapes were fiber (78.0%), fragment (13.46%), and film (8.54%). The size ranged between 112 and 4775 μm with an average of 1341.41±66.07 μm. Depending on the occurrence frequency and abundance, it can be concluded that Carassius gibelio can be considered a MP vector in fishmeal. The results provide an essential baseline for future MP studies on the potential effects of MPs on aquatic organisms, fate, and impact on the fishmeal production process, aquaculture practices, and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahya Terzi
- Department of Fisheries Technology Engineering, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Karadeniz Technical University, 61530, Trabzon, Türkiye.
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28
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Astel AM, Piskuła P. Application of Pattern Recognition and Computer Vision Tools to Improve the Morphological Analysis of Microplastic Items in Biological Samples. TOXICS 2023; 11:779. [PMID: 37755788 PMCID: PMC10537546 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Since, in many routine analytical laboratories, a stereomicroscope coupled with a digital camera is not equipped with advanced software enabling automatic detection of features of observed objects, in the present study, a procedure of feature detection using open-source software was proposed and validated. Within the framework of applying microscopic expertise coupled with image analysis, a set of digital images of microplastic (MP) items identified in organs of fish was used to determine shape descriptors (such as length, width, item area, etc.). The edge points required to compute shape characteristics were set manually in digital images acquired by the camera coupled with a binocular, and respective values were computed via the use of built-in MotiConnect software. As an alternative, a new approach consisting of digital image thresholding, binarization, the use of connected-component labeling, and the computation of shape descriptors on a pixel level via using the functions available in an OpenCV library or self-written in C++ was proposed. Overall, 74.4% of the images were suitable for thresholding without any additional pretreatment. A significant correlation was obtained between the shape descriptors computed by the software and computed using the proposed approach. The range of correlation coefficients at a very high level of significance, according to the pair of correlated measures, was higher than 0.69. The length of fibers can be satisfactorily approximated using a value of half the length of the outer perimeter (r higher than 0.75). Compactness and circularity significantly differ for particles and fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Maria Astel
- Environmental Chemistry Research Unit, Institute of Geography, Pomeranian University in Słupsk, 22a Arciszewskiego Str., 76-200 Słupsk, Poland;
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29
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Ergas M, Figueroa D, Paschke K, Urbina MA, Navarro JM, Vargas-Chacoff L. Cellulosic and microplastic fibers in the Antarctic fish Harpagifer antarcticus and Sub-Antarctic Harpagifer bispinis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115380. [PMID: 37562239 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Human settlements within the Antarctic continent have caused significant coastal pollution by littering plastic. The present study assessed the potential presence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of the Antarctic fish Harpagifer antarcticus, endemic to the polar region, and in the sub-Antarctic fish Harpagifer bispinis. H. antarcticus. A total of 358 microfibers of multiple colors were found in 89 % of H. antarcticus and 73 % of H. bispinis gastrointestinal track. A Micro-FTIR analysis characterized a sub-group (n = 42) of microfibers. It revealed that most of the fibers were cellulose (69 %). Manmade fibers such as microplastics polyethylene terephtalate, acrylics, and semisynthetic/natural cellulosic fibers were present in the fish samples. All the microfibers extracted were textile fibers of blue, black, red, green, and violet color. Our results suggest that laundry greywater discharges of human settlements near coastal waters in Antarctica are a major source of these pollutants in the Antarctic fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Ergas
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Daniela Figueroa
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Kurt Paschke
- Centro Fondap de Investigación de Altas Latitudes (IDEAL), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile; Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidad Austral de Chile, Puerto Montt, Chile; Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems, BASE, University Austral of Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Mauricio A Urbina
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile; Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía (IMO), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Jorge M Navarro
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile; Centro Fondap de Investigación de Altas Latitudes (IDEAL), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Luis Vargas-Chacoff
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile; Centro Fondap de Investigación de Altas Latitudes (IDEAL), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile; Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems, BASE, University Austral of Chile, Valdivia, Chile; Integrative Biology Group, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
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30
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Muhib MI, Rahman MM. Microplastics contamination in fish feeds: Characterization and potential exposure risk assessment for cultivated fish of Bangladesh. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19789. [PMID: 37809616 PMCID: PMC10559114 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Fish feed is becoming an increasingly vital source of nourishment for farmed fish, which are mainly coming from marine fish and agricultural sources. Anthropogenic particles, such as microplastics, are abundant in both marine fish and agricultural byproducts that are utilized to make fish feed. This study investigated whether fish feed could be a source of microplastic contamination, and revealed that a 20 weeks adult farmed tilapia fish might consume up to 268.45 ± 1.438 microplastic particles via fish feed where finisher type feeds were found to be mostly contributory in this number. The microplastics were initially observed with a stereomicroscope and FESEM-EDS. Polymeric composition of microplastics was determined to be polypropylene (PP), nylon-6 (NY-6), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene (PE), high- and low-density polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polycarbonate (PC), poly vinyl acetate (PVAc), poly urethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by FTIR. Results also revealed that the size of microplastic particles in all fish feed ranged from 14 μm to 4480 μm, with 550 ± 45.45 to 11,600 ± 56.1 microplastic particles/kg of fish feed. The FESEM-EDS data demonstrated to overlook the microplastic surface along with attachment of heavy metals onto that surface such as Pb, Ni, and Co in finisher type feed that could create additional health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Iftakharul Muhib
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mostafizur Rahman
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
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31
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Hettiarachchi H, Meegoda JN. Microplastic Pollution Prevention: The Need for Robust Policy Interventions to Close the Loopholes in Current Waste Management Practices. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6434. [PMID: 37510666 PMCID: PMC10379618 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Plastic materials that are less than 5 mm in size are defined as Microplastics (MPs). MPs that are intentionally produced are called primary MPs; however, the most abundant type in the environment consists of the remainder created by the fragmentation of large plastic debris through physical, chemical, and oxidative processes, which are called secondary MPs. Due to their abundance in the environment, poor degradability, toxicological properties, and negative impact on aquatic and terrestrial organisms, including humans, MP pollution has become a global environmental issue. Combatting MP pollution requires both remediation and preventive measures. Although remediation is a must, considering where the technology stands today, it may take long time to make it happen. Prevention, on the other hand, can be and should be done now. However, the effectiveness of preventive measures depends heavily on how well MP escape routes are researched and understood. In this research, we argue that such escape routes (rather, loopholes) exist not only due to mismanaged plastic waste, but also due to cracks in the current waste management systems. One known MP loophole is facilitated by wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). The inability of existing WWTP to retain finer MPs, which are finally released to water bodies together with the treated wastewater, along with the return of captured larger MPs back to landfills and their release into the environment through land applications, are a few examples. Organic waste composting and upcycling of waste incineration ash provide other MP escape pathways. In addition, it is important to understand that the plastics that are in current circulation (active use as well as idling) are responsible for producing MPs through regular wear and tear. Closing these loopholes may be best attempted through policy interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jay N Meegoda
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
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32
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Cattaneo N, Zarantoniello M, Conti F, Frontini A, Chemello G, Dimichino B, Marongiu F, Cardinaletti G, Gioacchini G, Olivotto I. Dietary Microplastic Administration during Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Development: A Comprehensive and Comparative Study between Larval and Juvenile Stages. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2256. [PMID: 37508033 PMCID: PMC10376277 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the main sources of MPs contamination in fish farms is aquafeed. The present study investigated, for the first time through a comparative approach, the effects of different-sized fluorescent MPs included in a diet intended for zebrafish (Danio rerio). A comparison based on fish developmental stage (larval vs. juvenile), exposure time, and dietary MPs' size and concentration was performed. Four experimental diets were formulated, starting from the control, by adding fluorescent polymer A (size range 1-5 µm) and B (size range 40-47 µm) at two different concentrations (50 and 500 mg/kg). Zebrafish were sampled at 20 (larval phase) and 60 dpf (juvenile stage). Whole larvae, intestine, liver and muscles of juveniles were collected for the analyses. Polymer A was absorbed at the intestinal level in both larvae and juveniles, while it was evidenced at the hepatic and muscular levels only in juveniles. Hepatic accumulation caused an increase in oxidative stress markers in juveniles, but at the same time significantly reduced the number of MPs able to reach the muscle, representing an efficient barrier against the spread of MPs. Polymer B simply transited through the gut, causing an abrasive effect and an increase in goblet cell abundance in both stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Cattaneo
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Matteo Zarantoniello
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Federico Conti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Frontini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulia Chemello
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Beniamino Dimichino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Fabio Marongiu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Gloriana Cardinaletti
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Giorgia Gioacchini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Ike Olivotto
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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Frank YA, Interesova EA, Solovyev MM, Xu J, Vorobiev DS. Effect of Microplastics on the Activity of Digestive and Oxidative-Stress-Related Enzymes in Peled Whitefish ( Coregonus peled Gmelin) Larvae. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10998. [PMID: 37446176 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emergent pollutants in freshwater environments and may impact aquatic organisms, including those of nutritional value. The specific activities of digestive and antioxidant enzymes can be used as good bioindicators of the potential effects of MPs on fish in case of waterborne MP contamination. In this study, we used fluorescent polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) to analyze the alterations in enzyme activities in larvae of Coregonus peled Gmelin (peled or Northern whitefish), one of the most valuable commercial fish species of Siberia. Our results indicate that peled larvae can ingest 2 µm PS microspheres in a waterborne exposure model. A positive correlation (rs = 0.956; p < 0.01) was found between MP concentration in water and the number of PS microspheres in fish guts, with no significant differences between 24 h and 6-day exposure groups. The ingestion of MPs caused alterations in digestive enzyme activity and antioxidant responses at the whole-body level. The presence of PS-MPs significantly stimulated (p < 0.05) the specific activity of α-Amylase and non-specific esterases in peled larvae after 24 h. However, a pronounced positive effect (p < 0.05) of MPs on the activity of pancreatic trypsine and bile salt-activated lipase was only found after 6 days of exposure compared to after 24 h. Intestinal membrane enzyme aminopeptidase N was also stimulated in the presence of PS-MPs after 6-day exposure. We also observed a significant increase in the specific activity of catalase in peled larvae after 6 days of exposure, which indicates the MP-induced modulation of oxidative stress. Taken together, these results highlight the potential impact of environmental MPs on northern commercial fish, their importance for estimating fish stocks, and the sustainability of freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia A Frank
- Biological Institute, Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
| | - Elena A Interesova
- Biological Institute, Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630091, Russia
| | - Mikhail M Solovyev
- Biological Institute, Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630091, Russia
| | - Jiayi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Danil S Vorobiev
- Biological Institute, Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
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Giani D, Andolina C, Baini M, Panti C, Sciandra M, Vizzini S, Fossi MC. Trophic niche influences ingestion of micro- and mesoplastics in pelagic and demersal fish from the Western Mediterranean Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 328:121632. [PMID: 37059168 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121632] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has been extensively documented in the marine food web, but targeted studies focusing on the relationship between microplastic ingestion and fish trophic niches are still limited. In this study we investigated the frequency of occurrence and the abundance of micro- and mesoplastics (MMPs) in eight fish species with different feeding habits from the western Mediterranean Sea. Stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) was used to describe the trophic niche and its metrics for each species. A total of 139 plastic items were found in 98 out of the 396 fish analysed (25%). The bogue revealed the highest occurrence with 37% of individuals with MMPs in their gastrointestinal tract, followed by the European sardine (35%). We highlighted how some of the assessed trophic niche metrics seem to influence MMPs occurrence. Fish species with a wider isotopic niche and higher trophic diversity were more probable to ingest plastic particles in pelagic, benthopelagic and demersal habitats. Additionally, fish trophic habits, habitat and body condition influenced the abundance of ingested MMPs. A higher number of MMPs per individual was found in zooplanktivorous than in benthivore and piscivorous species. Similarly, our results show a higher plastic particles ingestion per individual in benthopelagic and pelagic species than in demersal species, which also resulted in lower body condition. Altogether, these results suggest that feeding habits and trophic niche descriptors can play a significant role in the ingestion of plastic particles in fish species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Giani
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Cristina Andolina
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, DiSTeM, University of Palermo, Italy; National Interuniversity Consortium for Marine Sciences, CoNISMa, Rome, Italy.
| | - Matteo Baini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Cristina Panti
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Italy
| | - Mariangela Sciandra
- Department of Economics, Business and Statistics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatrice Vizzini
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, DiSTeM, University of Palermo, Italy; National Interuniversity Consortium for Marine Sciences, CoNISMa, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Italy
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Yedier S, Yalçınkaya SK, Bostancı D. Exposure to polypropylene microplastics via diet and water induces oxidative stress in Cyprinus carpio. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 259:106540. [PMID: 37062245 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of accumulation of microplastics in humans and wildlife has become a serious concern on a global scale, especially in the last decade. Although there are many studies on microplastics, their biological effects and toxicity on freshwater fish have not been fully revealed. In order to evaluate the potential toxic effects of PP (polypropylene) microplastics in freshwater fish, we performed 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, 5-day, 6-day, and 7-day microplastic exposure to different concentrations of the microplastics through water and diet on Cyprinus carpio. Fish samples were divided into 3 groups; Group-A with different PP microplastic concentrations in their water (ALow:1.0 g/L and AHigh:2.5 g/L), Group-B with different PP microplastic concentrations in their diet (BLow:100 mg/g and BHigh:250 mg/g), and Group-C (Control group) free of PP microplastics in their diet and water. The results showed that although microplastics did not cause death in C. carpio, they caused oxidative stress in comparing the MP exposed groups to the control groups. When indices of oxidative stress of fish individuals in all treatment groups were compared with the control group, it was determined that MDA (malondialdehyde) and GSH (glutathione) levels increased, while TPC (total protein content) and CAT (catalase) levels decreased depending on the concentrations and exposure times. Significant differences were observed between the control and treatment groups in the indices of oxidative stress (P<0.05). This study provided basic toxicological data to elucidate and quantify the effects of PP microplastics on freshwater fish. In addition, this study is the first study to indicate that microplastic exposure of carp via diet and water causes oxidative stress in gill tissues and causes changes in CAT, MDA, GSH, and TPC levels. The findings also provide useful reference data for improving knowledge of the effects of microplastics on organisms in freshwater systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serdar Yedier
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Ordu University, Ordu 52200 Türkiye
| | | | - Derya Bostancı
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Ordu University, Ordu 52200 Türkiye
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Matias RS, Gomes S, Barboza LGA, Salazar D, Guilhermino L, Valente LMP. Microplastics in water, feed and tissues of European seabass reared in a recirculation aquaculture system (RAS). CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 335:139055. [PMID: 37268227 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Plastic particles (PLs) are ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems and aquaculture production is susceptible to contamination from external or endogenous sources. This study investigated PL presence in water, fish feed and body sites of 55 European seabass produced in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Fish morphometric parameters and health status biomarkers were determined. A total of 372 PLs were recovered from water (37.2 PL/L), 118 PLs from feed (3.9 PL/g), and 422 from seabass (0.7 PL/g fish; all body sites analysed). All 55 specimens had PLs in at least two of the four body sites analysed. Concentrations were higher in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT; 1.0 PL/g) and gills (0.8 PL/g) than in the liver (0.8 PL/g) and muscle (0.4 PL/g). PL concentration in GIT was significantly higher than in muscle. Black, blue, and transparent fibres made of man-made cellulose/rayon and polyethylene terephthalate were the most common PLs in water and seabass, while black fragments of phenoxy resin were the most common in feed. The levels of polymers linked to RAS components (polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride) were low suggesting a limited contribution to the overall PL levels found in water and/or fish. The mean PL size recovered from GIT (930 μm) and gills (1047 μm) was significantly larger than those found in the liver (647 μm) and dorsal muscle (425 μm). Considering all body sites, PLs bioconcentrated in seabass (BCFFish >1) but their bioaccumulation did not occur (BAFFish <1). No significant differences were observed in oxidative stress biomarkers between fish with low (<7) and high (≥7) PL numbers. These findings suggest that fish produced in RAS are mainly exposed to MPs through water and feed. Further monitoring under commercial conditions and risk assessment are warranted to identify potential threats to fish and human health and define mitigating measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo S Matias
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade Do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros Do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade Do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sónia Gomes
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade Do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros Do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade Do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Gabriel A Barboza
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade Do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros Do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade Do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela Salazar
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade Do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros Do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade Do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lúcia Guilhermino
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade Do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros Do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade Do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luisa M P Valente
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade Do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros Do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade Do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
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Santonicola S, Volgare M, Cocca M, Dorigato G, Giaccone V, Colavita G. Impact of Fibrous Microplastic Pollution on Commercial Seafood and Consumer Health: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1736. [PMID: 37889673 PMCID: PMC10252135 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The omnipresence of microfibers in marine environments has raised concerns about their availability to aquatic biota, including commercial fish species. Due to their tiny size and wide distribution, microfibers may be ingested by wild-captured pelagic or benthic fish and farmed species. Humans are exposed via seafood consumption. Despite the fact that research on the impact of microfibers on marine biota is increasing, knowledge on their role in food security and safety is limited. The present review aims to examine the current knowledge about microfiber contamination in commercially relevant fish species, their impact on the marine food chain, and their probable threat to consumer health. The available information suggests that among the marine biota, edible species are also contaminated, but there is an urgent need to standardize data collection methods to assess the extent of microfiber occurrence in seafood. In this context, natural microfibers should also be investigated. A multidisciplinary approach to the microfiber issue that recognizes the interrelationship and connection of environmental health with that of animals and humans should be used, leading to the application of strategies to reduce microfiber pollution through the control of the sources and the development of remediation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Santonicola
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy;
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy;
| | - Michela Volgare
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Materials, and Industrial Production, University of Naples Federico II, P. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy;
| | - Mariacristina Cocca
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy;
| | | | - Valerio Giaccone
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy;
| | - Giampaolo Colavita
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy;
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Cáceres-Farias L, Espinoza-Vera MM, Orós J, Garcia-Bereguiain MA, Alfaro-Núñez A. Macro and microplastic intake in seafood variates by the marine organism's feeding behaviour: Is it a concern to human health? Heliyon 2023; 9:e16452. [PMID: 37251848 PMCID: PMC10213373 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Seafood is considered one of the healthiest sources of food intake for humans, mainly because of its high protein content. However, oceans are among the most polluted environments, and microplastics have been widely reported to be ingested, absorbed or bioaccumulated by marine organisms. The different feeding behaviour may contribute to infer the amounts of microplastic particles accidently intake by marine organisms. We investigated the putative levels of microplastics in different edible species of fish, molluscs, and crustaceans. Plastic fragments larger than 200 μm were detected in the digestive tract of 277 out of 390 specimens (71.5 ± 22.2%) of the 26 different species analysed. There was no evidence of microplastic translocation or bioaccumulation in the muscle tissue of fish, molluscs, and crustaceans. Organisms with carnivorous feeding habits had the highest prevalence of plastic ingestion (79 ± 9.4%), followed by planktivorous species (74 ± 15.5%), and detritivorous species (38 ± 36.9%), suggesting a transfer through the food chain. Moreover, we found evidence that species with less selective feeding habits may be the most affected by the ingestion of large microplastic particles. Our results provide further evidence to the ubiquitous presence of microplastics in marine organisms representing a direct threat to marine wildlife, and to human health with potential consequences for future generations according to the One Health initiatives approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenin Cáceres-Farias
- AquaCEAL Corporation, Urb. Las Palmeras, Ave. Capitán Byron Palacios & General Quisquis, #8 EC230101, Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología y Cultivo de Moluscos, Departamento de Acuicultura, Pesca y Recursos Naturales Renovables, Facultad de Acuicultura y Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Bahía de Caráquez, Manabí, 131101, Ecuador
| | - María Mercedes Espinoza-Vera
- AquaCEAL Corporation, Urb. Las Palmeras, Ave. Capitán Byron Palacios & General Quisquis, #8 EC230101, Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología y Cultivo de Moluscos, Departamento de Acuicultura, Pesca y Recursos Naturales Renovables, Facultad de Acuicultura y Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Bahía de Caráquez, Manabí, 131101, Ecuador
| | - Jorge Orós
- Department of Morphology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Garcia-Bereguiain
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Alonzo Alfaro-Núñez
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Naestved Hospital, Ringstedgade 57a, 4700, Naestved, Denmark
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353, Copenhagen K, Denmark
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Yuan X, Lv Z, Zhang Z, Han Y, Liu Z, Zhang H. A Review of Antibiotics, Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria, and Resistance Genes in Aquaculture: Occurrence, Contamination, and Transmission. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11050420. [PMID: 37235235 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotics are commonly used to prevent and control diseases in aquaculture. However, long-term/overuse of antibiotics not only leaves residues but results in the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Antibiotics, ARB, and ARGs are widespread in aquaculture ecosystems. However, their impacts and interaction mechanisms in biotic and abiotic media remain to be clarified. In this paper, we summarized the detection methods, present status, and transfer mechanisms of antibiotics, ARB, and ARGs in water, sediment, and aquaculture organisms. Currently, the dominant methods of detecting antibiotics, ARB, and ARGs are UPLC-MS/MS, 16S rRNA sequencing, and metagenomics, respectively. Tetracyclines, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and sulfonamides are most frequently detected in aquaculture. Generally, antibiotic concentrations and ARG abundance in sediment are much higher than those in water. Yet, no obvious patterns in the category of antibiotics or ARB are present in organisms or the environment. The key mechanisms of resistance to antibiotics in bacteria include reducing the cell membrane permeability, enhancing antibiotic efflux, and structural changes in antibiotic target proteins. Moreover, horizontal transfer is a major pathway for ARGs transfer, including conjugation, transformation, transduction, and vesiculation. Identifying, quantifying, and summarizing the interactions and transmission mechanisms of antibiotics, ARGs, and ARB would provide useful information for future disease diagnosis and scientific management in aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Yuan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Urban Wetlands and Regional Change, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Ziqing Lv
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Urban Wetlands and Regional Change, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zeyu Zhang
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Urban Wetlands and Regional Change, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yu Han
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Urban Wetlands and Regional Change, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Urban Wetlands and Regional Change, Hangzhou 311121, China
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Hangjun Zhang
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Urban Wetlands and Regional Change, Hangzhou 311121, China
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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Nawab J, Khan H, Ghani J, Zafar MI, Khan S, Toller S, Fatima L, Hamza A. New insights into the migration, distribution and accumulation of micro-plastic in marine environment: A critical mechanism review. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 330:138572. [PMID: 37088212 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widely distributed in the marine environment, posing a significant threat to marine biota. The contribution of anthropogenic and terrestrial sources to the aquatic ecosystem has led to an increase in MPs findings, and their abundance in aquatic biota has been reported to be of concern. MPs are formed mainly via photo degradation of macroplastics (large plastic debris), and their release into the environment is a result of the degradation of additives. Eco-toxicological risks are increasing for marine organisms, due to the ingestion of MPs, which cause damage to gastrointestinal (GI) tracts and stomach. Plastics with a size <5 mm are considered MPs, and they are commonly identified by Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Laser direct infrared (LDIR). The size, density and additives are the main factors influencing the abundance and bioavailability of MPs. The most abundant type of MPs found in fishes are fiber, polystyrenes, and fragments. These microscale pellets cause physiological stress and growth deformities by targeting the GI tracts of fishes and other biota. Approximately 80% MPs come from terrestrial sources, either primary, generated during different products such as skin care products, tires production and the use of MPs as carrier for pharmaceutical products, or secondary plastics, disposed of near coastal areas and water bodies. The issue of MPs and their potential effects on the marine ecosystem require proper attention. Therefore, this study conducted an extensive literature review on assessing MPs levels in fishes, sediments, seawater, their sources, and effects on marine biota (especially on fishes), chemo-physical behavior and the techniques used for their identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed Nawab
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Kohat University of Science & Technology, Kohat, Pakistan.
| | - Haris Khan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Junaid Ghani
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mazhar Iqbal Zafar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Sardar Khan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Kohat University of Science & Technology, Kohat, Pakistan; Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan
| | - Simone Toller
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laraib Fatima
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, 2300, Pakistan
| | - Amir Hamza
- Department of Soil & Environmental Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
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Meegoda JN, Hettiarachchi MC. A Path to a Reduction in Micro and Nanoplastics Pollution. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085555. [PMID: 37107837 PMCID: PMC10139116 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are plastic particles less than 5 mm in size. There are two categories of MP: primary and secondary. Primary or microscopic-sized MP are intentionally produced material. Fragmentation of large plastic debris through physical, chemical, and oxidative processes creates secondary MP, the most abundant type in the environment. Microplastic pollution has become a global environmental problem due to their abundance, poor biodegradability, toxicological properties, and negative impact on aquatic and terrestrial organisms including humans. Plastic debris enters the aquatic environment via direct dumping or uncontrolled land-based sources. While plastic debris slowly degrades into MP, wastewater and stormwater outlets discharge a large amount of MP directly into water bodies. Additionally, stormwater carries MP from sources such as tire wear, artificial turf, fertilizers, and land-applied biosolids. To protect the environment and human health, the entry of MP into the environment must be reduced or eliminated. Source control is one of the best methods available. The existing and growing abundance of MP in the environment requires the use of multiple strategies to combat pollution. These strategies include reducing the usage, public outreach to eliminate littering, reevaluation and use of new wastewater treatment and sludge disposal methods, regulations on macro and MP sources, and a wide implementation of appropriate stormwater management practices such as filtration, bioretention, and wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay N. Meegoda
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-973-596-2464
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Marques J, Ares A, Costa J, Marques MPM, de Carvalho LAEB, Bessa F. Plastisphere assemblages differ from the surrounding bacterial communities in transitional coastal environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161703. [PMID: 36708826 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161703] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Marine plastic contamination is currently considered ubiquitous in aquatic environments. These particles present a resistant and hydrophobic substrate known to promote microbial colonisation and biofilm formation in aquatic ecosystems, the so-called "Plastisphere", raising concerns about its potential ecological risks. The novelty of this topic translates into a relatively low number of studies, including for transitional coastal ecosystems, such as sandy beaches or estuarine habitats. Therefore, a sampling campaign was conducted in two transitional coastal ecosystems - the Mondego estuary (Portugal) - and adjacent sandy beaches (winter 2020). After visual sorting and filtering of suspected particles under sterile conditions DNA extraction and 16S rRNA amplicon high throughput sequencing was used to profile the bacterial communities on the surface of plastic particles and from those found on the water and sediments from the sampled transitional coastal ecosystems. All particles were characterised according to type, colour and size, and the chemical nature of the particles was determined by FTIR-ATR or μ-FTIR spectroscopy after DNA extraction. All samples contained plastics in several sizes (micro and mesoplastics), shapes (higher abundances of fragments on beaches and fibres in the estuarine waters), colours and polymers. Although no significant differences were detected in the α-diversity indexes of the bacterial communities between plastics and their surrounding environments, data showed the occurrence of unique key bacterial groups on plastics from both environments, such as pathogens (e.g., Lactococcus, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus) and groups commonly associated with wastewater treatment plants (e.g., members of the phylum Firmicutes). This highlights the concerns for plastics to act as vectors of transmission and spread of these bacterial groups in transitional coastal ecosystems. Furthermore, it raises the possibility that (micro)plastics entering the estuary from the sea play a substantial contribution to overall dynamics of (micro)plastics and their microbial assemblages in the estuarine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Marques
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Aitana Ares
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology - Science for People & the Planet, TERRA Associate Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra 3000-456, Portugal
| | - Joana Costa
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology - Science for People & the Planet, TERRA Associate Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra 3000-456, Portugal
| | - M P M Marques
- University of Coimbra, Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - L A E Batista de Carvalho
- University of Coimbra, Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filipa Bessa
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Sevilla ME, Garcia MD, Perez-Castillo Y, Armijos-Jaramillo V, Casado S, Vizuete K, Debut A, Cerda-Mejía L. Degradation of PET Bottles by an Engineered Ideonella sakaiensis PETase. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15071779. [PMID: 37050393 PMCID: PMC10098701 DOI: 10.3390/polym15071779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive plastic production has become a serious environmental and health problem due to the lack of efficient treatment of plastic waste. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most used polymers and is accumulating in landfills or elsewhere in nature at alarming rates. In recent years, enzymatic degradation of PET by Ideonella sakaiensis PETase (IsPETase), a cutinase-like enzyme, has emerged as a promising strategy to completely depolymerize this polymer into its building blocks. Here, inspired by the architecture of cutinases and lipases homologous to IsPETase and using 3D structure information of the enzyme, we rationally designed three mutations in IsPETase active site for enhancing its PET-degrading activity. In particular, the S238Y mutant, located nearby the catalytic triad, showed a degradation activity increased by 3.3-fold in comparison to the wild-type enzyme. Importantly, this structural modification favoured the function of the enzyme in breaking down highly crystallized (~31%) PET, which is found in commercial soft drink bottles. In addition, microscopical analysis of enzyme-treated PET samples showed that IsPETase acts better when the smooth surface of highly crystalline PET is altered by mechanical stress. These results represent important progress in the accomplishment of a sustainable and complete degradation of PET pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eduarda Sevilla
- Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato 180216, Ecuador
| | - Mario D Garcia
- Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato 180216, Ecuador
| | - Yunierkis Perez-Castillo
- Área de Ciencias Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
- Grupo de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
| | - Vinicio Armijos-Jaramillo
- Grupo de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
- Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
| | - Santiago Casado
- Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato 180216, Ecuador
| | - Karla Vizuete
- Centro de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología, Universidad de Las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí 171103, Ecuador
| | - Alexis Debut
- Centro de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología, Universidad de Las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí 171103, Ecuador
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida y Agricultura, Universidad de Las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí 171103, Ecuador
| | - Liliana Cerda-Mejía
- Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato 180216, Ecuador
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Pham DT, Kim J, Lee SH, Kim J, Kim D, Hong S, Jung J, Kwon JH. Analysis of microplastics in various foods and assessment of aggregate human exposure via food consumption in korea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 322:121153. [PMID: 36709032 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Evidence of microplastics in humans has recently been demonstrated. The primary route of human exposure to microplastics is consumption of contaminated food and water. However, quantitative estimations of exposure to microplastics are limited, which hinders human health risk assessments. In this study, abundances of microplastics were measured in eight food types, comprising 90 products of table salts, soy sauces, fish sauces, salted seafood, seaweed, honey, beer, and beverage. Aggregate human exposure to microplastics via food consumption was assessed based on the number and mass of microplastics, using deterministic calculations and Monte Carlo simulations. The determinations revealed that average adult Koreans likely ingest 1.4 × 10-4 and 3.1 × 10-4 g of microplastics per week, respectively. These results are orders of magnitude smaller than earlier estimates of 0.1-5 g of microplastics per week that likely chose experimental outliers. Therefore, careful selection of literature data and estimation methods is needed to provide more realistic exposure estimations from microplastic counts. This study extends our understanding of MP occurrence in food and provides a more thorough estimate of aggregate microplastic exposure via food consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dat Thanh Pham
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwoo Kim
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hwa Lee
- FITI Testing & Research Institute, 21 Yangcheong 3-gil, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, 28115, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyang Kim
- Korea Institute of Analytical Science and Technology, 99 Seongsuil-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04790, Republic of Korea
| | - Dowoon Kim
- Korea Institute of Analytical Science and Technology, 99 Seongsuil-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04790, Republic of Korea
| | - Soonki Hong
- FITI Testing & Research Institute, 21 Yangcheong 3-gil, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, 28115, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehak Jung
- Korea Institute of Analytical Science and Technology, 99 Seongsuil-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04790, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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Khan D, Ali SA. On the Novel Process of Pristine Microplastic Bio-fragmentation by Zebrafish (Danio rerio). ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 84:299-306. [PMID: 36929014 PMCID: PMC10019436 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-023-00987-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are highly persistent particles that deliberately contaminate our ecosystem. These small-sized particles can pass through filtering systems into the water bodies, affecting various forms of aquatic and terrestrial life. However, little is known about their fragmentation process within the organism's body. In previous studies, commercially available microplastics were used that are rarely found in the environment naturally, hence they cannot mimic the effects on our surroundings. Therefore, using the zebrafish, Danio rerio we have evaluated the process of bio-fragmentation of ingested pristine polyethene microplastics which are widely used in our daily life. We have also examined their faecal pellets through Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Our results show that zebrafish can potentially bio-fragment the pristine microplastic particles into nano-plastic within a short period of 24 h. Additionally, zebrafish cannot recognize the pristine microplastic particles and can ingest them as food. No mortality occurred during the experiment. Thus, we have identified a natural pathway of microplastic bio-fragmentation, introducing an emerging role of zebrafish in biogeochemical cycling and the fate of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darakhshan Khan
- Postgraduate Department of Biotechnology, Saifia College of Science, Bhopal, 462001, India
| | - Sharique A Ali
- Postgraduate Department of Biotechnology, Saifia College of Science, Bhopal, 462001, India.
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Mahmoudi M, Landry MP, Moore A, Coreas R. The protein corona from nanomedicine to environmental science. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2023; 8:1-17. [PMID: 37361608 PMCID: PMC10037407 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-023-00552-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 123.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The protein corona spontaneously develops and evolves on the surface of nanoscale materials when they are exposed to biological environments, altering their physiochemical properties and affecting their subsequent interactions with biosystems. In this Review, we provide an overview of the current state of protein corona research in nanomedicine. We next discuss remaining challenges in the research methodology and characterization of the protein corona that slow the development of nanoparticle therapeutics and diagnostics, and we address how artificial intelligence can advance protein corona research as a complement to experimental research efforts. We then review emerging opportunities provided by the protein corona to address major issues in healthcare and environmental sciences. This Review details how mechanistic insights into nanoparticle protein corona formation can broadly address unmet clinical and environmental needs, as well as enhance the safety and efficacy of nanobiotechnology products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Mahmoudi
- Department of Radiology and Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI USA
| | - Markita P. Landry
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, Berkeley, CA USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Anna Moore
- Department of Radiology and Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI USA
| | - Roxana Coreas
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA USA
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Urli S, Corte Pause F, Crociati M, Baufeld A, Monaci M, Stradaioli G. Impact of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Livestock Health: An Emerging Risk for Reproductive Efficiency. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071132. [PMID: 37048387 PMCID: PMC10093235 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pollution due to microplastics and nanoplastics is one of the major environmental issues of the last decade and represents a growing threat to human and animal health. In aquatic species, there is a large amount of information regarding the perturbation of marine organisms; instead, there are only a few studies focusing on the pathophysiological consequences of an acute and chronic exposure to micro- and nanoplastics in mammalian systems, especially on the reproductive system. There are several studies that have described the damage caused by plastic particles, including oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammatory response, dysregulation of the endocrine system and accumulation in various organs. In addition to this, microplastics have recently been found to influence the evolution of microbial communities and increase the gene exchange, including antibiotic and metal resistance genes. Special attention must be paid to farm animals, because they produce food such as milk, eggs and meat, with the consequent risk of biological amplification along the food chain. The results of several studies indicate that there is an accumulation of microplastics and nanoplastics in human and animal tissues, with several negative effects, but all the effects in the body have not been ascertained, especially considering the long-term consequences. This review provides an overview of the possible adverse effects of the exposure of livestock to micro- and nanoplastics and assesses the potential risks for the disruption of reproductive physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susy Urli
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Francesca Corte Pause
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Martina Crociati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
- Centre for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Anja Baufeld
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Maurizio Monaci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
- Centre for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Stradaioli
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Landrigan PJ, Raps H, Cropper M, Bald C, Brunner M, Canonizado EM, Charles D, Chiles TC, Donohue MJ, Enck J, Fenichel P, Fleming LE, Ferrier-Pages C, Fordham R, Gozt A, Griffin C, Hahn ME, Haryanto B, Hixson R, Ianelli H, James BD, Kumar P, Laborde A, Law KL, Martin K, Mu J, Mulders Y, Mustapha A, Niu J, Pahl S, Park Y, Pedrotti ML, Pitt JA, Ruchirawat M, Seewoo BJ, Spring M, Stegeman JJ, Suk W, Symeonides C, Takada H, Thompson RC, Vicini A, Wang Z, Whitman E, Wirth D, Wolff M, Yousuf AK, Dunlop S. The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:23. [PMID: 36969097 PMCID: PMC10038118 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plastics have conveyed great benefits to humanity and made possible some of the most significant advances of modern civilization in fields as diverse as medicine, electronics, aerospace, construction, food packaging, and sports. It is now clear, however, that plastics are also responsible for significant harms to human health, the economy, and the earth's environment. These harms occur at every stage of the plastic life cycle, from extraction of the coal, oil, and gas that are its main feedstocks through to ultimate disposal into the environment. The extent of these harms not been systematically assessed, their magnitude not fully quantified, and their economic costs not comprehensively counted. Goals The goals of this Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health are to comprehensively examine plastics' impacts across their life cycle on: (1) human health and well-being; (2) the global environment, especially the ocean; (3) the economy; and (4) vulnerable populations-the poor, minorities, and the world's children. On the basis of this examination, the Commission offers science-based recommendations designed to support development of a Global Plastics Treaty, protect human health, and save lives. Report Structure This Commission report contains seven Sections. Following an Introduction, Section 2 presents a narrative review of the processes involved in plastic production, use, and disposal and notes the hazards to human health and the environment associated with each of these stages. Section 3 describes plastics' impacts on the ocean and notes the potential for plastic in the ocean to enter the marine food web and result in human exposure. Section 4 details plastics' impacts on human health. Section 5 presents a first-order estimate of plastics' health-related economic costs. Section 6 examines the intersection between plastic, social inequity, and environmental injustice. Section 7 presents the Commission's findings and recommendations. Plastics Plastics are complex, highly heterogeneous, synthetic chemical materials. Over 98% of plastics are produced from fossil carbon- coal, oil and gas. Plastics are comprised of a carbon-based polymer backbone and thousands of additional chemicals that are incorporated into polymers to convey specific properties such as color, flexibility, stability, water repellence, flame retardation, and ultraviolet resistance. Many of these added chemicals are highly toxic. They include carcinogens, neurotoxicants and endocrine disruptors such as phthalates, bisphenols, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), brominated flame retardants, and organophosphate flame retardants. They are integral components of plastic and are responsible for many of plastics' harms to human health and the environment.Global plastic production has increased almost exponentially since World War II, and in this time more than 8,300 megatons (Mt) of plastic have been manufactured. Annual production volume has grown from under 2 Mt in 1950 to 460 Mt in 2019, a 230-fold increase, and is on track to triple by 2060. More than half of all plastic ever made has been produced since 2002. Single-use plastics account for 35-40% of current plastic production and represent the most rapidly growing segment of plastic manufacture.Explosive recent growth in plastics production reflects a deliberate pivot by the integrated multinational fossil-carbon corporations that produce coal, oil and gas and that also manufacture plastics. These corporations are reducing their production of fossil fuels and increasing plastics manufacture. The two principal factors responsible for this pivot are decreasing global demand for carbon-based fuels due to increases in 'green' energy, and massive expansion of oil and gas production due to fracking.Plastic manufacture is energy-intensive and contributes significantly to climate change. At present, plastic production is responsible for an estimated 3.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the contribution of Brazil. This fraction is projected to increase to 4.5% by 2060 if current trends continue unchecked. Plastic Life Cycle The plastic life cycle has three phases: production, use, and disposal. In production, carbon feedstocks-coal, gas, and oil-are transformed through energy-intensive, catalytic processes into a vast array of products. Plastic use occurs in every aspect of modern life and results in widespread human exposure to the chemicals contained in plastic. Single-use plastics constitute the largest portion of current use, followed by synthetic fibers and construction.Plastic disposal is highly inefficient, with recovery and recycling rates below 10% globally. The result is that an estimated 22 Mt of plastic waste enters the environment each year, much of it single-use plastic and are added to the more than 6 gigatons of plastic waste that have accumulated since 1950. Strategies for disposal of plastic waste include controlled and uncontrolled landfilling, open burning, thermal conversion, and export. Vast quantities of plastic waste are exported each year from high-income to low-income countries, where it accumulates in landfills, pollutes air and water, degrades vital ecosystems, befouls beaches and estuaries, and harms human health-environmental injustice on a global scale. Plastic-laden e-waste is particularly problematic. Environmental Findings Plastics and plastic-associated chemicals are responsible for widespread pollution. They contaminate aquatic (marine and freshwater), terrestrial, and atmospheric environments globally. The ocean is the ultimate destination for much plastic, and plastics are found throughout the ocean, including coastal regions, the sea surface, the deep sea, and polar sea ice. Many plastics appear to resist breakdown in the ocean and could persist in the global environment for decades. Macro- and micro-plastic particles have been identified in hundreds of marine species in all major taxa, including species consumed by humans. Trophic transfer of microplastic particles and the chemicals within them has been demonstrated. Although microplastic particles themselves (>10 µm) appear not to undergo biomagnification, hydrophobic plastic-associated chemicals bioaccumulate in marine animals and biomagnify in marine food webs. The amounts and fates of smaller microplastic and nanoplastic particles (MNPs <10 µm) in aquatic environments are poorly understood, but the potential for harm is worrying given their mobility in biological systems. Adverse environmental impacts of plastic pollution occur at multiple levels from molecular and biochemical to population and ecosystem. MNP contamination of seafood results in direct, though not well quantified, human exposure to plastics and plastic-associated chemicals. Marine plastic pollution endangers the ocean ecosystems upon which all humanity depends for food, oxygen, livelihood, and well-being. Human Health Findings Coal miners, oil workers and gas field workers who extract fossil carbon feedstocks for plastic production suffer increased mortality from traumatic injury, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, silicosis, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Plastic production workers are at increased risk of leukemia, lymphoma, hepatic angiosarcoma, brain cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, neurotoxic injury, and decreased fertility. Workers producing plastic textiles die of bladder cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and interstitial lung disease at increased rates. Plastic recycling workers have increased rates of cardiovascular disease, toxic metal poisoning, neuropathy, and lung cancer. Residents of "fenceline" communities adjacent to plastic production and waste disposal sites experience increased risks of premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, childhood leukemia, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.During use and also in disposal, plastics release toxic chemicals including additives and residual monomers into the environment and into people. National biomonitoring surveys in the USA document population-wide exposures to these chemicals. Plastic additives disrupt endocrine function and increase risk for premature births, neurodevelopmental disorders, male reproductive birth defects, infertility, obesity, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and cancers. Chemical-laden MNPs formed through the environmental degradation of plastic waste can enter living organisms, including humans. Emerging, albeit still incomplete evidence indicates that MNPs may cause toxicity due to their physical and toxicological effects as well as by acting as vectors that transport toxic chemicals and bacterial pathogens into tissues and cells.Infants in the womb and young children are two populations at particularly high risk of plastic-related health effects. Because of the exquisite sensitivity of early development to hazardous chemicals and children's unique patterns of exposure, plastic-associated exposures are linked to increased risks of prematurity, stillbirth, low birth weight, birth defects of the reproductive organs, neurodevelopmental impairment, impaired lung growth, and childhood cancer. Early-life exposures to plastic-associated chemicals also increase the risk of multiple non-communicable diseases later in life. Economic Findings Plastic's harms to human health result in significant economic costs. We estimate that in 2015 the health-related costs of plastic production exceeded $250 billion (2015 Int$) globally, and that in the USA alone the health costs of disease and disability caused by the plastic-associated chemicals PBDE, BPA and DEHP exceeded $920 billion (2015 Int$). Plastic production results in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions equivalent to 1.96 gigatons of carbon dioxide (CO2e) annually. Using the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) social cost of carbon metric, we estimate the annual costs of these GHG emissions to be $341 billion (2015 Int$).These costs, large as they are, almost certainly underestimate the full economic losses resulting from plastics' negative impacts on human health and the global environment. All of plastics' economic costs-and also its social costs-are externalized by the petrochemical and plastic manufacturing industry and are borne by citizens, taxpayers, and governments in countries around the world without compensation. Social Justice Findings The adverse effects of plastics and plastic pollution on human health, the economy and the environment are not evenly distributed. They disproportionately affect poor, disempowered, and marginalized populations such as workers, racial and ethnic minorities, "fenceline" communities, Indigenous groups, women, and children, all of whom had little to do with creating the current plastics crisis and lack the political influence or the resources to address it. Plastics' harmful impacts across its life cycle are most keenly felt in the Global South, in small island states, and in disenfranchised areas in the Global North. Social and environmental justice (SEJ) principles require reversal of these inequitable burdens to ensure that no group bears a disproportionate share of plastics' negative impacts and that those who benefit economically from plastic bear their fair share of its currently externalized costs. Conclusions It is now clear that current patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal are not sustainable and are responsible for significant harms to human health, the environment, and the economy as well as for deep societal injustices.The main driver of these worsening harms is an almost exponential and still accelerating increase in global plastic production. Plastics' harms are further magnified by low rates of recovery and recycling and by the long persistence of plastic waste in the environment.The thousands of chemicals in plastics-monomers, additives, processing agents, and non-intentionally added substances-include amongst their number known human carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxicants, and persistent organic pollutants. These chemicals are responsible for many of plastics' known harms to human and planetary health. The chemicals leach out of plastics, enter the environment, cause pollution, and result in human exposure and disease. All efforts to reduce plastics' hazards must address the hazards of plastic-associated chemicals. Recommendations To protect human and planetary health, especially the health of vulnerable and at-risk populations, and put the world on track to end plastic pollution by 2040, this Commission supports urgent adoption by the world's nations of a strong and comprehensive Global Plastics Treaty in accord with the mandate set forth in the March 2022 resolution of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).International measures such as a Global Plastics Treaty are needed to curb plastic production and pollution, because the harms to human health and the environment caused by plastics, plastic-associated chemicals and plastic waste transcend national boundaries, are planetary in their scale, and have disproportionate impacts on the health and well-being of people in the world's poorest nations. Effective implementation of the Global Plastics Treaty will require that international action be coordinated and complemented by interventions at the national, regional, and local levels.This Commission urges that a cap on global plastic production with targets, timetables, and national contributions be a central provision of the Global Plastics Treaty. We recommend inclusion of the following additional provisions:The Treaty needs to extend beyond microplastics and marine litter to include all of the many thousands of chemicals incorporated into plastics.The Treaty needs to include a provision banning or severely restricting manufacture and use of unnecessary, avoidable, and problematic plastic items, especially single-use items such as manufactured plastic microbeads.The Treaty needs to include requirements on extended producer responsibility (EPR) that make fossil carbon producers, plastic producers, and the manufacturers of plastic products legally and financially responsible for the safety and end-of-life management of all the materials they produce and sell.The Treaty needs to mandate reductions in the chemical complexity of plastic products; health-protective standards for plastics and plastic additives; a requirement for use of sustainable non-toxic materials; full disclosure of all components; and traceability of components. International cooperation will be essential to implementing and enforcing these standards.The Treaty needs to include SEJ remedies at each stage of the plastic life cycle designed to fill gaps in community knowledge and advance both distributional and procedural equity.This Commission encourages inclusion in the Global Plastic Treaty of a provision calling for exploration of listing at least some plastic polymers as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.This Commission encourages a strong interface between the Global Plastics Treaty and the Basel and London Conventions to enhance management of hazardous plastic waste and slow current massive exports of plastic waste into the world's least-developed countries.This Commission recommends the creation of a Permanent Science Policy Advisory Body to guide the Treaty's implementation. The main priorities of this Body would be to guide Member States and other stakeholders in evaluating which solutions are most effective in reducing plastic consumption, enhancing plastic waste recovery and recycling, and curbing the generation of plastic waste. This Body could also assess trade-offs among these solutions and evaluate safer alternatives to current plastics. It could monitor the transnational export of plastic waste. It could coordinate robust oceanic-, land-, and air-based MNP monitoring programs.This Commission recommends urgent investment by national governments in research into solutions to the global plastic crisis. This research will need to determine which solutions are most effective and cost-effective in the context of particular countries and assess the risks and benefits of proposed solutions. Oceanographic and environmental research is needed to better measure concentrations and impacts of plastics <10 µm and understand their distribution and fate in the global environment. Biomedical research is needed to elucidate the human health impacts of plastics, especially MNPs. Summary This Commission finds that plastics are both a boon to humanity and a stealth threat to human and planetary health. Plastics convey enormous benefits, but current linear patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal that pay little attention to sustainable design or safe materials and a near absence of recovery, reuse, and recycling are responsible for grave harms to health, widespread environmental damage, great economic costs, and deep societal injustices. These harms are rapidly worsening.While there remain gaps in knowledge about plastics' harms and uncertainties about their full magnitude, the evidence available today demonstrates unequivocally that these impacts are great and that they will increase in severity in the absence of urgent and effective intervention at global scale. Manufacture and use of essential plastics may continue. However, reckless increases in plastic production, and especially increases in the manufacture of an ever-increasing array of unnecessary single-use plastic products, need to be curbed.Global intervention against the plastic crisis is needed now because the costs of failure to act will be immense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Landrigan
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Hervé Raps
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Maureen Cropper
- Economics Department, University of Maryland, College Park, US
| | - Caroline Bald
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Fenichel
- Université Côte d’Azur
- Centre Hospitalier, Universitaire de Nice, FR
| | - Lora E. Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, UK
| | | | | | | | - Carly Griffin
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, US
| | - Budi Haryanto
- Department of Environmental Health, Universitas Indonesia, ID
- Research Center for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia, ID
| | - Richard Hixson
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Hannah Ianelli
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Bryan D. James
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | | | - Amalia Laborde
- Department of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of the Republic, UY
| | | | - Keith Martin
- Consortium of Universities for Global Health, US
| | - Jenna Mu
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | - Adetoun Mustapha
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
- Lead City University, NG
| | - Jia Niu
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, US
| | - Sabine Pahl
- University of Vienna, Austria
- University of Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Maria-Luiza Pedrotti
- Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche sur mer (LOV), Sorbonne Université, FR
| | | | | | - Bhedita Jaya Seewoo
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
| | | | - John J. Stegeman
- Biology Department and Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | - William Suk
- Superfund Research Program, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US
| | | | - Hideshige Takada
- Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry (LOG), Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, JP
| | | | | | - Zhanyun Wang
- Technology and Society Laboratory, WEmpa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials and Technology, CH
| | - Ella Whitman
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | - Aroub K. Yousuf
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Sarah Dunlop
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
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Santonicola S, Volgare M, Di Pace E, Mercogliano R, Cocca M, Raimo G, Colavita G. Research and characterization of fibrous microplastics and natural microfibers in pelagic and benthic fish species of commercial interest. Ital J Food Saf 2023; 12:11032. [PMID: 37064521 PMCID: PMC10102967 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2023.11032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The ingestion of synthetic microfibers, the most prevalent type of microplastics in marine environments, and natural fibers was assessed in Engraulis engrasicolus and Mullus barbatus, two commercially important fish species in the Mediterranean Sea. Microfibers were isolated from the fish gastrointestinal tract using a 10% potassium hydroxide solution. For the microfiber characterization, the evaluation of specific morphological features using a light microscope, coupled with the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of a subsample of isolated particles, was applied. The preliminary results showed the occurrence of microfibers in 53 and 60% of European anchovy and Red mullet, respectively. A mean of 6.9 microfibers/individual was detected in anchovies, while on average Red mullet samples contained 9.2 microfibers/individual. The most common colors of fibers in both species were black, blue, and transparent. Visual characterization of fibers allowed the classification of 40% of the items as synthetic microfibers. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the visual classification by fiber morphology. Microfibers were made of different typologies of polymers, represented by cellulose, cotton, and polyester. These findings confirm as the wide distribution of fibrous microplastics, and natural microfibers may impact both pelagic and deep-sea trophic webs. Despite the presence of microfibers in fish species poses a potential risk to human health, the literature is scarce regarding studies on the uptake by commercial marine fish mostly due to methodological issues. The visual characterization, corroborated by spectroscopic techniques, may be useful to differentiate synthetic and natural fibers, representing a fast and easy method to assess fibrous microplastic pollution in commercially important fish species.
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50
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Wang Y, Jiao M, Li T, Li R, Liu B. Role of mangrove forest in interception of microplastics (MPs): Challenges, progress, and prospects. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130636. [PMID: 37056008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Mangroves receive microplastics (MPs) from terrestrial, marine and atmospheric sources, acting as a huge filter for environmental MPs between land and sea. Due to the high primary production and complex hydrodynamic conditions in mangroves, MPs are extensively intercepted in various ways while flowing through mangroves, leading to a long-standing but fiercely increasing MPs accumulation. However, current researches mainly focused on the occurrence, source and fate of MPs pollution in mangroves, ignoring the role of mangrove forests in the interception of MPs. Our study firstly demonstrates that mangrove ecosystems have significantly greater MPs interception capacity than their surrounding environments. Then, the current status of studies related to the interception of MPs in mangrove ecosystems is comprehensively reviewed, with the main focus on the interception process and mechanisms. At last, the most pressing shortcomings of current research are highlighted regarding the intercepted flux, interception mechanisms, retention time and ecological risks of MPs in mangrove ecosystems and the relevant future perspectives are provided. This review is expected to emphasize the critical role of mangrove forests in the interception of MPs and provide the foundational knowledge for evaluating the MPs interception effect of mangrove forests globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijin Wang
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Meng Jiao
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Tiezhu Li
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Ruilong Li
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Beibei Liu
- Environmental and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China.
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