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Lin J, Zheng JY, Zhan ZG, Zhao YM, Zhou QZ, Peng J, Li Y, Xiao X, Wang JH. Abundant small microplastics hidden in water columns of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea: Distribution, transportation and potential risk. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 478:135531. [PMID: 39178782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pose significant concerns for marine ecological security due to their minuteness and ubiquity. However, comprehensive knowledge on their distribution and fate in seawater columns remains limited. This study investigated the abundances and characteristics of MPs across 3-6 water layers in the South Yellow Sea and East China Sea. Results indicate that high-abundance small MPs (< 100 µm) (average 6567 items/m3) were hidden beneath the sea-surface, predominantly fine-grained particles (< 20 µm) and high-density polymers (> 1.03 g/cm3). The total suspended MPs (5.0-834.2 µm) are estimated at 2.9-3.1 × 1017 particles, with most of them occurring in upper layers. In profiles, their distribution varied by physical properties with depth; fragment-shaped and high-density MPs increased in proportion at greater depths, contrasting with fibrous MPs. These MPs originated primarily from the Yangtze River and their winter transport was driven by the Yangtze River Dilution Water, East China Sea Coastal Current, and Yellow Sea Warm Current, resulting in their accumulation in coastal and estuarine regions. Consequently, the Yangtze River Estuary ecosystem faces substantial risks from MP pollution throughout the water column. This work unveils the prevalence of small MPs in coastal water columns and intricate interaction between their fate and hydrodynamic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Jia-Yuan Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Zhi-Geng Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Yuan-Ming Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Qian-Zhi Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Juan Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xi Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; National Engineering Research Center of Gas Hydrate Exploration and Development, Guangzhou 511457, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Mineral Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources, Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, China Geological Survey, Guangzhou 511457, China.
| | - Jiang-Hai Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China.
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Zhang Y, Shi P, Cui L. Microplastics in riverine systems: Recommendations for standardized sampling, separation, digestion and characterization. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 207:116950. [PMID: 39243470 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116950] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a global concern, prompting numerous studies on MP detection. Due to the remaining methodological challenges, it affects the accuracy and reliability of MP's impact assessment on river systems. To address this, the establishment of standardized operating protocols is crucial, encompassing sampling, separation, digestion, and characterization methods. This study evaluates the current tools used for identifying and quantifying MPs in riverine ecosystems, aiming to offer harmonized guidelines for future protocols. Recommendations include adopting a consistent format for reporting MP concentrations and providing improved information on sampling, separation, and digestion for enhanced cross-study comparisons. The importance of quality assurance and quality control is also discussed. Furthermore, we highlight unresolved issues, proposing avenues for further investigation. Suggestions encompass standardizing river sampling methods, optimizing technical steps and analysis processes, and enhancing the accuracy, reliability, and comparability of detection data to advance our understanding of MPs in river environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Peng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, China.
| | - Lingzhou Cui
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
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3
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Liao Z, Zou Q, Vinh VD, Pan Z, Kaiser MJ. Seasonal change in fate and transport of plastics from Red River to the coast of Vietnam. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 208:116923. [PMID: 39265312 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
A Lagrangian-particle tracking model, Delft3D-PART, combined with hydrodynamics models are used to investigate the fate and transport of buoyant plastics from Ba Lat river mouth in Red River Delta, northern Vietnam. It was found that during the dry season (Dec-Feb), 23 % (26.43 ton) of the plastics reached the shoreline while 76.1 % (68.3 ton) moved towards the coast further south of Red River Delta. During the wet season (Jun-Aug), 42 % (56.3 ton) were transported offshore away from the coast and 20 % (26.43 ton) distributed along the shore. The two bays adjacent to the river mouth are major hotspots with the intensity skewed towards the upwind side relative to the seasonal monsoon. This phenomenon is exacerbated by storm events which reverse the typical transport and lead to formation of hotspots at the upwind side of the plastic source. Guidance of model results for targeted cleanup operations is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiling Liao
- The Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Science and Technology, Institute for Infrastructure and Environment, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Qingping Zou
- The Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Science and Technology, Institute for Infrastructure and Environment, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Vu Duy Vinh
- Institute of Marine Environment and Resources, Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 246 Danang Street, Haiphong City, Viet Nam
| | - Zhong Pan
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Daxue Road 178, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Michel J Kaiser
- The Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Science and Technology, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
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4
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Kataoka T, Iga Y, Baihaqi RA, Hadiyanto H, Nihei Y. Geometric relationship between the projected surface area and mass of a plastic particle. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 261:122061. [PMID: 39002416 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.122061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
The quantification of the mass of meso/microplastic (MMP) particles is crucial for assessing the global inventory of ocean plastics and assessing environmental and human health risks. Herein, linear regression models between mass and projected surface area on a log scale were established by directly measuring the masses of 4390 MMP particles collected at 35 sites in 17 Japanese rivers with an ultramicrobalance. The linear regression models estimated mass concentrations more accurately than any previous method based on geometric volume assuming several three-dimensional shapes. Additionally, linear regression models were quite reasonable for determining the geometric relationships of idealized cuboid particles. The slope of the linear regression models was dependent on the three-dimensional shapes of the particles, and their intercept was determined according to their third dimension. Moreover, the third dimension led to uncertainty in the mass estimation of particles; thus, the accuracies of the previous methods were relatively poor. Nevertheless, two limitations for mass measurement by linear regression models were identified, which determined the size range of the MMP particles on the projected surface area (ranging from 10-4 mm2 to 102 mm2) that is applicable for mass estimation of the particles collected from riverine and marine environments. Our results could be used to accurately estimate the mass concentrations in aquatic environments and provide insights into the geometric relationships between the mass and size of MMP particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Kataoka
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan; Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan.
| | - Yota Iga
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | | | | | - Yasuo Nihei
- Department of Civil Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan; Research Center for Multi-hazard Urban Disaster Prevention, Research Institute for Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan
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5
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Li C, Busquets R, Campos LC. Enhancing microplastic removal from natural water using coagulant aids. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 364:143145. [PMID: 39173837 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143145] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution poses a significant environmental challenge, underscoring the need for improved water treatment methods. This study investigates the effectiveness of coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation processes for removing microbeads, focusing on key factors that influence removal efficiency. Among the coagulants tested, polyaluminium chloride (PAC) demonstrated superior performance by enhancing the aggregation of microplastics with flocs. Optimal treatment conditions were determined to be 0.4 mmol/L PAC and 3 mg/L polyacrylamide (PAM) at pH 8 (before adding PAC), with rapid stirring at 240 rpm for 1 min, followed by slow stirring at 35 rpm for 13 min, and a sedimentation period of 25 min. Under these conditions, removal efficiencies exceeded 95 % for a range of microbeads (10-1000 μm: Polystyrene (PS), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyamide (PA), Polyethylene (PE), and Polyurethane (PU)) from natural water samples. Without PAM, PAC alone achieved a 97 % removal rate for PS microbeads. The addition of PAM maintained high removal efficiency, while aluminium sulphate and ferric chloride were less effective, with removal rates of 67 % and 48 % for PS microbeads, respectively. PAM enhanced MP removal across various coagulants and microbead types, with maximum efficiency observed at PAM concentrations of ≥3 mg/L. The treatment also demonstrated that organic matter in Regent's Park pond water could further improve MP removal. Size significantly impacts removal efficiency: larger microbeads (1 mm to >250 μm) were removed more effectively (95 %) compared to smaller ones (10 to <250 μm), which had a lower removal rate of 49 %. Denser microbeads like PVC (density 1.38 g/cm³) settled more efficiently than lighter microbeads such as PE (density 0.97 g/cm³). These findings suggest a need for advanced technologies to better remove lighter, smaller MPs from water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoran Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Ocean-Land Environmental Change and Ecological Construction, School of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; Centre for Urban Sustainability and Resilience, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Rosa Busquets
- Centre for Urban Sustainability and Resilience, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 2EE, United Kingdom
| | - Luiza C Campos
- Centre for Urban Sustainability and Resilience, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
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Weiss L, Estournel C, Marsaleix P, Mikolajczak G, Constant M, Ludwig W. From source to sink: part 1-characterization and Lagrangian tracking of riverine microplastics in the Mediterranean Basin. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-34635-6. [PMID: 39153065 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34635-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most critically polluted areas due to its semi-enclosed structure and its highly anthropized shoreline. Rivers are significant vectors for pollutant transfers from the continental to the marine environment. In this context, a 3D Lagrangian simulation of the dispersion of riverine microplastics (MPs) was performed, which included the application of a recently developed model that reassessed the MP fluxes discharged by rivers. MP physical properties from river samples were further investigated to approximate vertical displacement in modeled ocean currents. The use of a high-resolution circulation model, integrating Stokes drift, turbulent diffusion, and MP sinking and rising velocities, enabled us to establish stock balances. Our simulation suggested that 65% of river inputs may be made of floating MPs drifting in the surface layer and 35% of dense MPs sinking to deeper layers. The Eastern Mediterranean tends to accumulate floating MPs, primarily originating from the Western Mediterranean Basin, where major river sources are concentrated. After 2 years of simulation, modeled stranding sequestered 90% of the MP inputs, indicating relatively short average residence times from a few days to months at most for particles at sea. Although spatial distribution patterns stabilized after this period and a steady state may have been approached, the surface concentrations we modeled generally remained below field observations. This suggested either an underestimation of sources (rivers and unaccounted sources), by a factor of 6 at most, or an overestimation of MP withdrawal through stranding, to be reduced from 90 to around 60% or less if unaccounted sinks were considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Weiss
- Univ. Toulouse, IRD, CNRS, CNES, UPS, Laboratoire d'Etudes en Géophysique et Océanographie Spatiales (LEGOS), Toulouse, 31400, France.
- Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens (CEFREM), Perpignan, 66000, France.
| | - Claude Estournel
- Univ. Toulouse, IRD, CNRS, CNES, UPS, Laboratoire d'Etudes en Géophysique et Océanographie Spatiales (LEGOS), Toulouse, 31400, France
| | - Patrick Marsaleix
- Univ. Toulouse, IRD, CNRS, CNES, UPS, Laboratoire d'Etudes en Géophysique et Océanographie Spatiales (LEGOS), Toulouse, 31400, France
| | - Guillaume Mikolajczak
- Univ. Toulouse, IRD, CNRS, CNES, UPS, Laboratoire d'Etudes en Géophysique et Océanographie Spatiales (LEGOS), Toulouse, 31400, France
| | - Mel Constant
- Univ. Lille, Institut Mines-Télécom, Univ. Artois, Junia, Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géo-Environnement (LGCgE), Lille, 59000, France
| | - Wolfgang Ludwig
- Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens (CEFREM), Perpignan, 66000, France
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7
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Poli V, Litti L, Lavagnolo MC. Microplastic pollution in the North-east Atlantic Ocean surface water: How the sampling approach influences the extent of the issue. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174561. [PMID: 38981537 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
A lack of standardization in monitoring protocols has hindered the accurate evaluation of microplastic (MP) pollution in the open sea and its potential impacts. As sampling techniques significantly influence the amounts of MPs contained in the sample, the aim of this study was to compare two sampling methods: Manta trawl (size selective approach) and grab sampling (volume selective approach). Both approaches were applied in the open sea surface waters of the North-east Atlantic Ocean. Onshore sample processing was carried out using the innovative tape lifting technique, which affords a series of advantages, including prevention of airborne contamination during analysis, without compromising integrity of the results. The results obtained indicated an MP concentration over four orders of magnitude higher using grab sampling compared to the Manta net approach (mean values equal to 0.24 and 4050 items/m3, respectively). Consequently, the sole quantification of MPs using results obtained with the Manta trawl resulted in a marked underestimation of abundance. Nevertheless, the grab sampling technique is intricately linked to a risk of collecting non-representative water volumes, consequently leading to an overestimation of MPs abundance and a significant inter-sample variability. Moreover, the latter method is unsuitable for use in sampling larger MPs or in areas with low concentrations of MP pollution. The optimal sampling method therefore is dependent on the specific objectives of the study, often resulting in a combination of size and volume selective methods. The results of this study have the potential to contribute to the standardization of monitoring protocols for microplastics, both during the sampling phase and sample processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Poli
- DICEA, Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Lucio Litti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Lavagnolo
- DICEA, Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy.
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Kuprijanov I, Buhhalko N, Eriksson U, Sjöberg V, Rotander A, Kolesova N, Lipp M, Buschmann F, Hashmi A, Liblik T, Lehtonen KK. A case study on microlitter and chemical contaminants: Assessing biological effects in the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland (Baltic sea) using the mussel Mytilus trossulus as a bioindicator. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 199:106628. [PMID: 38968804 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106628] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Chemical and microlitter (ML) pollution in three Estonian coastal areas (Baltic Sea) was investigated using mussels (Mytilus trossulus). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in mussel tissues were observed in moderate levels with high bioaccumulation factors for the more hydrophilic and low molecular weight PAH (LMW PAH), namely anthracene and fluorene. Tissue concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) and cadmium within mussel populations exceeded the Good Environmental Status thresholds by more than 200% and 60%, respectively. Multiple contamination at the Muuga Harbour site by tributyltin, high molecular weight PAH, including the highly toxic benzo[c]fluorene and PBDE, coincided with the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity and a lower condition index of the mussels. The metabolization and removal of bioaccumulated LMW PAH, reflected in the dominance of oxy-PAH such as anthracene-9,10-dione, is likely associated with the increased activity of glutathione S-transferase in caged mussels. Only a few microplastic particles were observed among the ML in mussel tissues, with coloured cellulose-based microfibers being the most prevalent. The average concentration of ML in mussels was significantly higher at the harbour area than at other sites. The integrated biomarker response index values allowed for the differentiation of pollution levels across studied locations representing high, intermediate, and low pollution levels within the studied area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Kuprijanov
- Department of Marine Systems, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia Tee 15a, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia.
| | - Natalja Buhhalko
- Department of Marine Systems, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia Tee 15a, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Ulrika Eriksson
- School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Grenadjärgatan 8, 703 65, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Viktor Sjöberg
- School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Grenadjärgatan 8, 703 65, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Anna Rotander
- School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Grenadjärgatan 8, 703 65, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Natalja Kolesova
- Department of Marine Systems, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia Tee 15a, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Maarja Lipp
- Department of Marine Systems, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia Tee 15a, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Fred Buschmann
- Department of Marine Systems, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia Tee 15a, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Arslan Hashmi
- School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Grenadjärgatan 8, 703 65, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Taavi Liblik
- Department of Marine Systems, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia Tee 15a, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Kari K Lehtonen
- Marine and Freshwater Solutions Unit, Finnish Environment Institute (Syke), Agnes Sjöbergin Katu 2, FI-00790, Helsinki, Finland
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Ge X, Xu F, Li B, Liu L, Lu X, Wang L, Zhang Y, Li J, Li J, Tang Y. Unveiling microplastic distribution and interactions in the benthic layer of the Yangtze River Estuary and East China Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 20:100340. [PMID: 38162402 PMCID: PMC10755717 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2023.100340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), recognized as an emerging global environmental concern, have been extensively detected worldwide, with specific attention directed towards the Yangtze River Estuary (YRE) and East China Sea (ECS) regions. Despite their critical research significance, there remains a knowledge gap concerning the distribution of MPs in the benthic layer within this area, particularly regarding interactions governing their occurrence. Here we illuminate the distribution of MPs within the benthic layer and unravel the intricate interplay between bottom water and sediment in the YRE and ECS. We find that MPs are notably more abundant in bottom water, ranging from 8 to 175 times higher than in surface water. These MPs predominantly consist of polyester fibers, exhibit a size range between 0.5 and 5.0 mm, and display distinct coloration. Co-occurrence network analysis and Principal Coordinate Analysis confirm a robust correlation between MPs in bottom water and sediment, signifying the pivotal role of bottom water in mediating the distribution and transportation of MPs within the benthic layer. Furthermore, a positive correlation between MPs in sediment and bottom water turbidity underscores the impact of surface sediment resuspension and upwelling on MPs distribution. This study clarifies the intricate interactions within the benthic layer and highlights the crucial role of bottom water as a mediator in the vertical distribution of MPs, advancing our understanding of the "source-to-sink" transport processes governing MPs within water-sediment systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Ge
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Feng Xu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Bo Li
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316004, China
| | - Lili Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xiao Lu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yunxiao Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jiangpeng Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
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10
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Lin J, Zhao YM, Zhan ZG, Zheng JY, Zhou QZ, Peng J, Li Y, Xiao X, Wang JH. Microplastics in remote coral reef environments of the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea: Source, accumulation and potential risk. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133872. [PMID: 38447364 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133872] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are of great concern to coral health, particularly enhanced biotoxicity of small microplastics (< 100 µm) (SMPs). However, their fate and harm to remote coral reef ecosystems remain poorly elucidated. This work systematically investigated the distributions and features of MPs and SMPs in sediments from 13 islands/reefs of the Xisha Islands, the South China Sea for comprehensively deciphering their accumulation, sources and risk to coral reef ecosystems. The results show that both MPs (average, 682 items/kg) and SMPs (average, 375 items/kg) exhibit heterogeneous distributions, with accumulation within atolls and dispersion across fringing islands, which controlled by human activities and hydrodynamic conditions. Cluster analysis for the first time reveals a pronounced difference in their compositions between the southern and northern Xisha Islands and resultant distinct sources, i.e., MPs in the north part were leaked mainly from local domestic sewage and fishing waste, while in the south part were probably derived from industrial effluents from adjacent countries. Our ecological risk assessment suggests that the ecosystem within the Yongle Atoll is exposed to a high-risk of MPs pollution. The novel results and proposed framework facilitate to effectively manage and control MPs and accordingly preserve a fragile biosphere in remote coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Yuan-Ming Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Zhi-Geng Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Jia-Yuan Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Qian-Zhi Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Juan Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xi Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Mineral Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources, Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, Guangzhou 510075, China.
| | - Jiang-Hai Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China.
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11
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Martinez M, Minetti R, La Marca EC, Montalto V, Rinaldi A, Costa E, Badalamenti F, Garaventa F, Mirto S, Ape F. The power of Posidonia oceanica meadows to retain microplastics and the consequences on associated macrofaunal benthic communities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123814. [PMID: 38499170 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123814] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
In the coastal environment, a large amount of microplastics (MPs) can accumulate in the sediments of seagrass beds. However, the potential impact these pollutants have on seagrasses and associated organisms is currently unknown. In this study, we investigated the differences in MPs abundance and composition (i.e., shape, colour and polymer type) in marine sediments collected at different depths (-5 m, -15 m, -20 m) at two sites characterized by the presence of Posidonia oceanica meadows and at one unvegetated site. In the vegetated sites, sediment samples were collected respectively above and below the upper and lower limits of the meadow (-5 m and -20 m), out of the P. oceanica meadow, and in the central portion of the meadow (-15 m). By focusing on the central part of the meadow, we investigated if the structural features (i.e. shoots density and leaf surface) can affect the amount of MPs retained within the underlying sediment and if these, in turn, can affect the associated benthic communities. Results showed that the number of MPs retained by P. oceanica meadows was higher than that found at the unvegetated site, showing also a different composition. In particular, at vegetated sites, we observed that MPs particles were more abundant within the meadow (at - 15 m), compared to the other depths, on unvegetated sediment, with a dominance of transparent fragments of polypropylene (PP). We observed that MPs entrapment by P. oceanica was accentuated by the higher shoots density, while the seagrass leaf surface did not appear to have any effect. Both the abundance and richness of macrofauna associated with P. oceanica rhizomes appear to be negatively influenced by the MPs abundance in the sediment. Overall, this study increases knowledge of the potential risks of MPs accumulation in important coastal habitats such as the Posidonia oceanica meadows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Martinez
- Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment, National Research Council (IAS-CNR), Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo n. 4521 (ex complesso Roosevelt), Località Addaura, 90149, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Roberta Minetti
- Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment, National Research Council (IAS-CNR), Via De Marini 16, 16149, Genova, Italy
| | - Emanuela Claudia La Marca
- Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment, National Research Council (IAS-CNR), Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo n. 4521 (ex complesso Roosevelt), Località Addaura, 90149, Palermo, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Centre (NBFC), Piazza Marina 61, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Montalto
- Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment, National Research Council (IAS-CNR), Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo n. 4521 (ex complesso Roosevelt), Località Addaura, 90149, Palermo, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Centre (NBFC), Piazza Marina 61, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rinaldi
- Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment, National Research Council (IAS-CNR), Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo n. 4521 (ex complesso Roosevelt), Località Addaura, 90149, Palermo, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Centre (NBFC), Piazza Marina 61, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elisa Costa
- Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment, National Research Council (IAS-CNR), Via De Marini 16, 16149, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Badalamenti
- Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment, National Research Council (IAS-CNR), Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo n. 4521 (ex complesso Roosevelt), Località Addaura, 90149, Palermo, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Centre (NBFC), Piazza Marina 61, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Garaventa
- Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment, National Research Council (IAS-CNR), Via De Marini 16, 16149, Genova, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Centre (NBFC), Piazza Marina 61, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simone Mirto
- Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment, National Research Council (IAS-CNR), Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo n. 4521 (ex complesso Roosevelt), Località Addaura, 90149, Palermo, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Centre (NBFC), Piazza Marina 61, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Ape
- Institute of Marine Sciences, National Research Council (ISMAR-CNR) Via Gobetti, 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Centre (NBFC), Piazza Marina 61, 90133, Palermo, Italy
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12
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Du Y, Huang Q, Li S, Cai M, Liu F, Huang X, Zheng F, Lin L. Carbon sequestration reduced by the interference of nanoplastics on copper bioavailability. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 468:133841. [PMID: 38394898 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133841] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been recognized as a serious new pollutant, especially nanoplastics (NPs) pose a greater threat to marine ecosystem than larger MPs. Within these ecosystems, phytoplankton serve as the foundational primary producers, playing a critical role in carbon sequestration. Copper (Cu), a vital cofactor for both photosynthesis and respiration in phytoplankton, directly influences their capacity to regulate atmospheric carbon. Therefore, we assessed the impact of NPs on Cu bioavailability and carbon sequestration capacity. The results showed that polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) could inhibit the growth of Thalassiosira weissflogii (a commonly used model marine diatom) and Chlorella pyrenoidosa (a standard strain of green algae). The concentration of Cu uptake by algae has a significant negative correlation with COPT1 (a Cu uptake protein), but positive with P-ATPase (a Cu efflux protein). Interestingly, PS-NPs exposure could reduce Cu uptake and carbon Cu sequestration capacity of algae, i.e., when the concentration of PS-NPs increases by 1 mg/L, the concentration of fixed carbon dioxide decreases by 0.0023 ppm. This provides a new perspective to reveal the influence mechanisms of PS-NPs on the relationship between Cu biogeochemical cycling and carbon source and sink.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanting Du
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environment, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China
| | - Qianyan Huang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environment, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China
| | - Shunxing Li
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environment, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Pollution Monitoring and Control, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Modern Analytical Science and Separation Technology, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China
| | - Minggang Cai
- College of Ocean and Earth Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Fengjiao Liu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environment, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Pollution Monitoring and Control, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Modern Analytical Science and Separation Technology, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China.
| | - Xuguang Huang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environment, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Pollution Monitoring and Control, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Modern Analytical Science and Separation Technology, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China
| | - Fengying Zheng
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environment, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Pollution Monitoring and Control, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Modern Analytical Science and Separation Technology, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China
| | - Luxiu Lin
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environment, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Pollution Monitoring and Control, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Modern Analytical Science and Separation Technology, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China
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13
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Dittmar S, Ruhl AS, Altmann K, Jekel M. Settling Velocities of Small Microplastic Fragments and Fibers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6359-6369. [PMID: 38512318 PMCID: PMC11008250 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
There is only sparse empirical data on the settling velocity of small, nonbuoyant microplastics thus far, although it is an important parameter governing their vertical transport within aquatic environments. This study reports the settling velocities of 4031 exemplary microplastic particles. Focusing on the environmentally most prevalent particle shapes, irregular microplastic fragments of four different polymer types (9-289 μm) and five discrete length fractions (50-600 μm) of common nylon and polyester fibers are investigated, respectively. All settling experiments are carried out in quiescent water by using a specialized optical imaging setup. The method has been previously validated in order to minimize disruptive factors, e.g., thermal convection or particle interactions, and thus enable the precise measurements of the velocities of individual microplastic particles (0.003-9.094 mm/s). Based on the obtained data, ten existing models for predicting a particle's terminal settling velocity are assessed. It is concluded that models, which were specifically deduced from empirical data on larger microplastics, fail to provide accurate predictions for small microplastics. Instead, a different approach is highlighted as a viable option for computing settling velocities across the microplastics continuum in terms of size, density, and shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Dittmar
- Chair
of Water Quality Control, Technische Universität
Berlin, Sekr. KF4, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
- GEOMAR
Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstraße 1−3, 24148 Kiel, Germany
| | - Aki S. Ruhl
- Chair
of Water Quality Control, Technische Universität
Berlin, Sekr. KF4, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
- German
Environment Agency (UBA), Section II 3.3, Schichauweg 58, 12307 Berlin, Germany
| | - Korinna Altmann
- Bundesanstalt
für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Jekel
- Chair
of Water Quality Control, Technische Universität
Berlin, Sekr. KF4, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
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14
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Chen L, Zhou S, Zhang Q, Su B, Yin Q, Zou M. Global occurrence characteristics, drivers, and environmental risk assessment of microplastics in lakes: A meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123321. [PMID: 38185354 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123321] [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] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution in lakes has received much attention as an increasing amount of plastic waste enters aquatic ecosystems. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding of the global distribution patterns, environmental hazards, factors driving their presence, and the relationships between sources and sinks of MPs. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of drivers of lake MP pollution based on 42 articles on MP pollution from three different aspects: geographical distribution, driving factors and environmental risks. The results revealed differences in the MP pollution levels across the different sampling sites in the global lakes. Moreover, there is significant heterogeneity in the abundance of MPs among various lakes, whose distribution pattern is affected by geographical location, sampling method and extraction method. The size of the MPs differed significantly between water and sediment, and the proportion of small (<1 mm) MPs in sediment was significantly greater than that in water (72% > 46%). Environmental risk assessment reveals that the risk level of MP pollution in most lakes worldwide is low, and the environmental risk of pollution in lake water is higher than that in sediment. Based on the risk assessment and geographical location of the lake, the risk of MP pollution is related not only to human activities and economic development but also to local waste management practices, which directly impact the accumulation of MPs. Therefore, we suggest that the production of biodegradable low-risk polymer plastics instead of high-risk materials, and plastic solid waste recycling management should be strengthened to effectively mitigate the presence of MPs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Chen
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Shenglu Zhou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China.
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Bo Su
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Qiqi Yin
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Mengmeng Zou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
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15
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Huang JN, Xu L, Wen B, Gao JZ, Chen ZZ. Characteristics and risks of microplastic contamination in aquaculture ponds near the Yangtze Estuary, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123288. [PMID: 38176640 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123288] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has been frequently reported in natural water environments, but studies on the occurrence and characteristics of microplastic in aquaculture environments especially in pond production system are relatively scarce. Herein, we investigated the abundance and characteristics of microplastic pollution in aquaculture ponds that farm different species (fish, prawn and crab) near the Yangtze Estuary, China. The average abundance of microplastic in pond water and sediment was 36.25 ± 6.79 items/L and 271.65 ± 164.83 items/kg, respectively. Compared to fish ponds (208.43 ± 57.82 items/kg), microplastic abundance was significantly higher in sediment of crab and prawn ponds (312.02 ± 38.76 and 248.87 ± 36.51 items/kg respectively). Across all ponds, transparent, white and black microplastic were the common colors. Fiber was the most common type, accounting for 40.9% and 58.6% in pond water and sediment, respectively. The size of microplastic was mainly distributed between 300 and 1000 μm. For microplastic polymer composition, polyethylene (PE) was predominant in pond water, accounting for 55%, followed by polyamide with 15%. The predominant polymer in sediment was PE with 34%, followed by polypropylene with 18%. As for the ecological risk assessment of microplastic, the pollution load index was 7.6 (risk level I) and 8.9 (risk level I) for pond water and sediment, respectively. The polymer hazard index was 85.3 (risk level II) and 12.1 (risk level II) for pond water and sediment, respectively. Taken together, the pollution risk index was rated as high and very high for pond sediment and water, respectively. These results provide a basis for the comprehensive evaluation and developing practical approaches to deal with microplastic in aquaculture pond, which is of great significance to the healthy development of pond aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Nan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Bin Wen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Jian-Zhong Gao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Zai-Zhong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
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16
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Gupta P, Saha M, Suneel V, Rathore C, Chndrasekhararao AV, Gupta GVM, Junaid CK. Microplastics in the sediments along the eastern Arabian Sea shelf: Distribution, governing factors and risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 910:168629. [PMID: 37977402 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite the omnipresence of microplastics (MPs), the studies around the western continental shelf of Indian Ocean (Eastern Arabian Sea-EAS) are uncovered and understudied. Thus, the present study was focused to understand the spatial distribution, characterization and risk assessment of MPs in sediment across seven coastal transects (10 to 50 m) all along the EAS shelf. The highest MPs concentration (MPs/kg d.w.) was detected in the northern EAS (NEAS; 2260 ± 1050) followed by central (CEAS; 1550 ± 1012) and southern (SEAS; 1300 ± 513) shelves. Among all distinct locations, the highest concentration of MPs (2500 ± 1042) was detected in the north coastal sediments off Mumbai, followed by off Mangalore (1480 ± 1169) in the center and off Kochi (1350 ± 212) in the south. MPs were found in the form of fibres, fragments and films with a predominance of fibres (~70-80 %). Approximately 74.6 % of the total MPs were in the size range of 300 μm to 5 mm. The surface of detected MPs was rough, irregular, and mechanical weathering features such as pits, grooves also observed and spotted with bacterial community structures. Polypropylene (PP; 34 %), polyisoprene (PIP; 19 %), butyl rubber (18 %), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE; 13 %) were dominant polymers. The pollution load index highlighted minor risk while the polymer hazard index exhibited a hazard level of V. Litter discharge, fishing activities, and active marine navigation are among the many high-risk sources of plastic contamination in this region. Due to the prevailing winds, currents, low sea surface height, and high precipitation, the conditions in the EAS are favorable for the accumulation of both sea-based and land-based particles. Hence, this study provides novel insights into the potential risks posed by MP to the IO rim and associated marine ecosystem which will enhance our knowledge of the ecological implications and consequences of MP pollution, ultimately aiding in developing effective management and mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyansha Gupta
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Mahua Saha
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - V Suneel
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Chayanika Rathore
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | | | - G V M Gupta
- Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology, Puthuvype, Kochi 682508, India
| | - C K Junaid
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India
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17
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Wang Y, Zhong Z, Chen X, Sokolova I, Ma L, Yang Q, Qiu K, Khan FU, Tu Z, Guo B, Huang W. Microplastic pollution and ecological risk assessment of Yueqing Bay affected by intensive human activities. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132603. [PMID: 37778312 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132603] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are a widespread environmental problem posing ecological risks in the ocean. We investigated the abundance, spatial distribution, characteristics and ecological risks of MPs in surface seawater, sediments and organisms in Yueqing Bay, China. MPs were detected in both environmental media and organisms. The overall abundance (0.24 items/m3 seawater, 6.13 items/kg dry sediment, 0.77 items/individual in organisms) was low to medium compared with other coastal areas. The MPs were mainly derived from the high-intensity mariculture and shipping in the bay, as well as industrial and human activities along the surrounding coast. The abundance of MPs in water of the left (western) bay (0.39 items/m3) was considerably higher than that of the right (north-eastern) bay (0.07 items/m3) due to the different levels of population and economic development on the left and right coasts. The ecological risk assessment showed generally low to medium risk from MPs pollution in Yueqing Bay, with higher ecological risk index (H) and potential ecological hazards (RI) of MPs polymers in water samples. These data emphasize the need for timely and effective action to reduce the contribution of intensive human activities to MPs pollution and provide information for further ecotoxicological studies, pollution control, and policy development of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youji Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Zhen Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Bureau of Hydrology (Information Center) of Huaihe River Commission, Ministry of Water Resources, Bengbu 233001, China
| | - Inna Sokolova
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute for Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Lukuo Ma
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Qikun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Kecheng Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Fahim Ullah Khan
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Zhihan Tu
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Baoying Guo
- National Engineering Research Center for Marine Aquaculture, Marine Science and Technology College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China.
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18
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Galli M, Baini M, Panti C, Giani D, Caliani I, Campani T, Rosso M, Tepsich P, Levati V, Laface F, Romeo T, Scotti G, Galgani F, Fossi MC. Oceanographic and anthropogenic variables driving marine litter distribution in Mediterranean protected areas: Extensive field data supported by forecasting modelling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166266. [PMID: 37579802 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter concentration in the Mediterranean Sea is strongly influenced both by anthropogenic pressures and hydrodynamic factors that locally characterise the basin. Within the Plastic Busters MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) Interreg Mediterranean Project, a comprehensive assessment of floating macro- and microlitter in the Pelagos Sanctuary and the Tuscan Archipelago National Park was performed. An innovative multilevel experimental design has been planned ad-hoc according to a litter provisional distribution model, harmonising and implementing the current sampling methodologies. The simultaneous presence of floating macro- and microlitter items and the potential influences of environmental and anthropogenic factors affecting litter distribution have been evaluated to identify hotspot accumulation areas representing a major hazard for marine species. A total of 273 monitoring transects of floating macrolitter and 141 manta trawl samples were collected in the study areas to evaluate the abundance and composition of marine litter. High mean concentrations of floating macrolitter (399 items/km2) and microplastics (259,490 items/km2) have been found in the facing waters of the Gulf of La Spezia and Tuscan Archipelago National Park as well in the Genova canyon and Janua seamount area. Accordingly, strong litter inputs were identified to originate from the mainland and accumulate in coastal waters within 10-15 nautical miles. Harbours and riverine outfalls contribute significantly to plastic pollution representing the main sources of contamination as well as areas with warmer waters and weak oceanographic features that could facilitate its accumulation. The results achieved may indicate a potentially threatening trend of litter accumulation that may pose a serious risk to the Pelagos Sanctuary biodiversity and provide further indications for dealing with plastic pollution in protected areas, facilitating future management recommendations and mitigation actions in these fragile marines and coastal environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Galli
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Baini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cristina Panti
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Dario Giani
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Caliani
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Campani
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Rosso
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy; CIMA Research Foundation, 17100 Savona, Italy
| | - Paola Tepsich
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy; CIMA Research Foundation, 17100 Savona, Italy
| | - Vanessa Levati
- CIMA Research Foundation, 17100 Savona, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Napoli Federico II, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Federica Laface
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Teresa Romeo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 98057 Milazzo, Italy; ISPRA, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, 98057 Milazzo, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Scotti
- ISPRA, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, 98057 Milazzo, Italy
| | | | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
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19
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Lefebvre C, Le Bihanic F, Jalón-Rojas I, Dusacre E, Chassaigne-Viscaïno L, Bichon J, Clérandeau C, Morin B, Lecomte S, Cachot J. Spatial distribution of anthropogenic particles and microplastics in a meso-tidal lagoon (Arcachon Bay, France): A multi-compartment approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:165460. [PMID: 37454851 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Assessment of microplastic (MP) contamination is still needed to evaluate this threat correctly and tackle this issue. Here, MP contamination was assessed for a meso-tidal lagoon of the Atlantic coast (Arcachon Bay, France). Sea surface, water column, intertidal sediments and wild oysters were sampled. Five different stations were studied to assess the spatial distribution of the contamination. Two were outside of the bay and three were inside the bay (from the inlet to the back). A distinction was made between all anthropogenic particles (AP, i.e. visually sorted) and MP (i.e. plastic polymer confirmed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy). The length of particles recovered in this study ranged between 17 μm and 5 mm. Concentration and composition in sea surface and water column samples showed spatial variations while sediment and oyster samples did not. At outside stations, the sea surface and the water column presented a blended composition regarding shapes and polymers and low to high concentrations (e.g. 0.16 ± 0.08 MP.m-3 and 561.7 ± 68.5 MP.m-3, respectively for sea surface and water column), which can be due to coastal processes and nearby input sources. The inlet station displayed a well-marked pattern only at the sea surface. High AP and MP concentrations were recorded, and fragments along with polyethylene overwhelmed (respectively 76.0 % and 73.2 %). Higher surface currents could explain this pattern. At the bay back, AP and MP concentrations were lower and fibers were mainly recorded. Weaker hydrodynamics in this area was suspected to drive this contamination profile. Overall, fragments and buoyant particles were mainly detected at the sea surface while fibers and negatively buoyant particles prevailed in other compartments. Most of the studied samples presented an important contribution of fiber-shaped particles (from 31.5 % to 94.2 %). Finally, contamination was ubiquitous as AP and MP were found at all stations in all sample types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lefebvre
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33600 Pessac, France; Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France.
| | - Florane Le Bihanic
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Isabel Jalón-Rojas
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Edgar Dusacre
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | | | - Jeyan Bichon
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | | | - Bénédicte Morin
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Sophie Lecomte
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Jérôme Cachot
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33600 Pessac, France.
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20
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Akdogan Z, Guven B, Kideys AE. Microplastic distribution in the surface water and sediment of the Ergene River. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 234:116500. [PMID: 37356530 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116500] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are major transport pathways for microplastics to reach the oceans. Although gained much attention over the last few years, there is still a relatively lack of knowledge on microplastics in rivers. This study aims to investigate (i) spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics in an industrially polluted river, (ii) the relationship of microplastic abundance with river's morphological and hydrodynamic characteristics (iii) the potential sources of microplastics inferred from the particle characteristics including shape, size, color and type. To achieve these aims, water and sediment samples were collected from six sites upstream of the Ergene River in May 2019 and Sep 2020. According to the results, surface water had an average concentration of 4.65 ± 2.06 and 6.90 ± 5.16 items L-1 (mean ± standard deviation, n = 12), respectively for the May 2019 and September 2020 periods, whereas 97.90 ± 71.72 and 277.76 ± 207.21 items kg-1 (n = 18) were observed for the sediment compartment, respectively. Microplastic levels in water correlated positively with stream depth but negatively with channel width. Fibers were the dominating shape both in water (88%) and sediment (70%) and majority of the particles were black (49% in water and 39% in sediment) and blue (25% in water and 18% in sediment). According to Raman spectroscopic analysis, polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 28%) and polyamide (PA, 27%) were dominating polymers in water, while polystyrene (PS, 56%) were dominant in sediment. Compared to many other rivers, the Ergene River had excessive levels of microplastics. The research indicated that textile industries and effluents from organized industrial zones were the foremost contributor of microplastics in the river.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Akdogan
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Boğazici University, Bebek, 34342, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Basak Guven
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Boğazici University, Bebek, 34342, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ahmet E Kideys
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Erdemli, 33731, Mersin, Turkey
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21
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Shahzadi C, Di Serafino A, Aruffo E, Mascitelli A, Di Carlo P. A549 as an In Vitro Model to Evaluate the Impact of Microplastics in the Air. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1243. [PMID: 37759642 PMCID: PMC10525880 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Airborne microplastics raise significant concerns due to their potential health impacts. Having a small size, larger surface area, and penetrative ability into the biological system, makes them hazardous to health. This review article compiles various studies investigating the mechanism of action of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics affecting lung epithelial cells A549. These inhalable microplastics damage the respiratory system, by triggering a proinflammatory environment, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, morphological changes, and cytotoxic accumulation in A549 cells. PS-NP lung toxicity depends on various factors such as size, surface modifications, concentration, charge, and zeta potential. However, cellular uptake and cytotoxicity mechanisms depend on the cell type. For A549 cells, PS-NPs are responsible for energy imbalance by mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxicity, immunomodulation, and apoptosis. Additionally, PS-NPs have the ability to traverse the placental barrier, posing a risk to offspring. Despite the advancements, the precise mechanisms underlying how prolonged exposure to PS-NPs leads to the development and progression of lung diseases have unclear points, necessitating further investigations to unravel the root cause. This review also sheds light on data gaps, inconsistencies in PS-Nos research, and provides recommendations for further research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chman Shahzadi
- Center of Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of “G. d’ Annunzio” Chieti Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.S.); (A.D.S.); (E.A.); (P.D.C.)
- University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Di Serafino
- Center of Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of “G. d’ Annunzio” Chieti Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.S.); (A.D.S.); (E.A.); (P.D.C.)
| | - Eleonora Aruffo
- Center of Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of “G. d’ Annunzio” Chieti Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.S.); (A.D.S.); (E.A.); (P.D.C.)
- Department of Advanced Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University of “G. d’ Annunzio” Chieti Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mascitelli
- Center of Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of “G. d’ Annunzio” Chieti Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.S.); (A.D.S.); (E.A.); (P.D.C.)
- Department of Advanced Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University of “G. d’ Annunzio” Chieti Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Piero Di Carlo
- Center of Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of “G. d’ Annunzio” Chieti Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.S.); (A.D.S.); (E.A.); (P.D.C.)
- Department of Advanced Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University of “G. d’ Annunzio” Chieti Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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22
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Han N, Zhao Q, Wu C. Threshold migration conditions of (micro) plastics under the action of overland flow. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 242:120253. [PMID: 37352677 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120253] [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: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Surface runoff is a major pathway for the transport of plastics. However, most previous studies focus on the transport of microplastics in aquatic environment, whereas the migration of plastics from terrestrial environment to aquatic ecosystems receives limited attention. In this work, we investigated the migration of plastic on different surfaces via surface runoff. Results indicate that the threshold migration condition increases with the size and density of plastics, while decreases as the surface inclination increases. Plastics show a higher degree of mobility on smooth surfaces, but plastic films exhibit lower mobility due to the frictional forces induced by the downward pressure exerted by the water flow. Conversely, rough surfaces such as concrete and macadam can trap small fragments and rigid film plastics, and plastics can be embedded within the soil matrix under the water flow. In summary, smaller size, steeper incline, and greater water flow rate facilitate the movement of plastics on surfaces. Results from this work improve the understanding of the process of plastic migration from land to water, and are of great significance for the prevention and control of plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naipeng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Qichao Zhao
- Bureau of Hydrology, Changjiang Water Resources Commission, Ministry of Water Resources of People's Republic of China, Wuhan 430010, China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
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23
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Kelly NE, Feyrer L, Gavel H, Trela O, Ledwell W, Breeze H, Marotte EC, McConney L, Whitehead H. Long term trends in floating plastic pollution within a marine protected area identifies threats for Endangered northern bottlenose whales. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 227:115686. [PMID: 36931376 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115686] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
"The Gully", situated off Nova Scotia, Canada, is the largest submarine canyon in the western North Atlantic. This unique oceanographic feature, which became a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in 2004, is rich in marine biodiversity and is part of the critical habitat of Endangered northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus). To understand the potential impact of plastic pollution in the MPA and on this Endangered cetacean, we evaluated trends over time in the abundance and composition of plastics and compared these to the stomach contents of recently stranded northern bottlenose whales. From the 1990s-2010s, the median abundance of micro-sized (<5 mm) and small plastics (5 mm-2.5 cm) increased significantly, while the median abundance of large plastics (>2.5 cm) decreased significantly. Plastic abundance from the 2010s for micro-sized and small plastics varied from 5586-438 196 particles km-2, higher than previously measured estimates for surrounding offshore areas. Polymers identified using FTIR spectroscopy included polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate polyester, nylon, alkyds (paint), and natural and semi-synthetic cellulosic fibers. The abundance of large debris ranged from 0 to 108.6 items km-2 and consisted of plastic sheets and bags, food wrappers and containers, rope, fishing buoys, and small plastic fragments. Whale stomach contents contained fragments of fishing nets, ropes, bottle caps, cups, food wrappers, smaller plastic fragments, fibers, and paint flakes, consistent with the composition and character of items collected from their critical habitat. Despite being far from centres of human population, the unique oceanographic features of The Gully (i.e. currents and bathymetric complexity) may concentrate plastic debris, increasing exposure rates of whales to plastic pollution. The increase in micro-sized and small plastics over time suggests associated health and welfare impacts of ingested plastics should be accounted for in future recovery plans for this Endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noreen E Kelly
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | - Laura Feyrer
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada; Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Heidi Gavel
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada; St. Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Olga Trela
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Wayne Ledwell
- Newfoundland and Labrador Whale Release and Strandings, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Heather Breeze
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Emmaline C Marotte
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Leah McConney
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
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24
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Chevalier C, Vandenberghe M, Pagano M, Pellet I, Pinazo C, Tesán Onrubia JA, Guilloux L, Carlotti F. Investigation of dynamic change in microplastics vertical distribution patterns: The seasonal effect on vertical distribution. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 189:114674. [PMID: 36933288 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper analyzes the variability of microplastics vertical distributions in the oceanic water column. Data were obtained from targeted sampling in the Bay of Marseille (France) and from a numerical simulation forced by realistic physical forcings. By fitting model and in-situ data in a simplified vertical dimension, three microplastics classes may be deduced: settling, buoyant and winter neutrally-buoyant microplastics. Buoyant microplastics are mainly concentrated at the surface but they can be mixed throughout the whole water column during episodes with strong winds and no water stratification, inducing an implicit underestimation of buoyant microplastics in surface sampling. Almost symmetrical to the distribution of buoyant microplastics, settling microplastics are mainly found at the bottom but they can sometimes reach the surface under the mixing conditions cited above. They could thus contribute to surface sampling. Winter neutrally-buoyant microplastics are more homogenously mixed during the winter but are under the stratified layers during summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristele Chevalier
- Aix Marseille Univ., Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France.
| | | | - Marc Pagano
- Aix Marseille Univ., Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| | - Ian Pellet
- Aix Marseille Univ., Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| | - Christel Pinazo
- Aix Marseille Univ., Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| | | | - Loïc Guilloux
- Aix Marseille Univ., Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| | - Francois Carlotti
- Aix Marseille Univ., Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
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25
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Ahrendt C, Galbán-Malagón C, Gómez V, Torres M, Mattar C, DeCoite M, Guida Y, Příbylová P, Pozo K. Marine debris and associated organic pollutants in surface waters of Chiloé in the Northern Chilean Patagonia (42°-44°S). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114558. [PMID: 36652856 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We report the occurrence of plastics and associated persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in surface waters from Northern Chilean Patagonia. A total of 200 particles were found during the conducted survey. The highest number of particles found was 0.6 item m-3. We found that 53 % of the collected particles corresponded to plastic, with an average of 0.19 ± 0.18 item m-3. Microplastics (68 %) were the dominant size found in the area, followed by macroplastics (18 %) and mesoplastics (14 %). Most plastic particles were white (55 %) while others were <10 % each. Black and light blue represented 9 %; red, dark blue, and other colors 7 %; and green 6 %. Fragments were the most frequent shape of plastic debris (38 %), followed by Styrofoam (30 %) and fiber (27 %). Higher PBDE levels were found in the central zone, and those were higher than DDT, PeCB, HCB, and PCB levels. This study is the first report on POP occurrence in marine plastic debris from Chiloé Sea in the Northern Chilean Patagonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ahrendt
- Fundación Acción Natural, Las Condes, Santiago de Chile, Chile; Plastic Oceans International, 23823 Malibu Road Ste 50-205, Malibu, CA 90265, USA.
| | - C Galbán-Malagón
- Centro GEMA (Genómica, Ecología y Medio Ambiente), Universidad Mayor, Huechuraba, Santiago de Chile, Chile; Anillo en Ciencia y Tecnología Antártica POLARIX, Chile; Institute of Environment, Florida International University, University Park, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
| | - V Gómez
- Centro GEMA (Genómica, Ecología y Medio Ambiente), Universidad Mayor, Huechuraba, Santiago de Chile, Chile; Anillo en Ciencia y Tecnología Antártica POLARIX, Chile
| | - M Torres
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile
| | - C Mattar
- Fundación Bioera, Las Condes, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - M DeCoite
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Y Guida
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - P Příbylová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - K Pozo
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile; RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic.
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26
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Sbrana A, Valente T, Bianchi J, Franceschini S, Piermarini R, Saccomandi F, de Lucia AG, Camedda A, Matiddi M, Silvestri C. From inshore to offshore: distribution of microplastics in three Italian seawaters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:21277-21287. [PMID: 36269485 PMCID: PMC9938041 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23582-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the concentration of microplastics (MPs) in seawaters is essential to implement monitoring programs and understand the impacts on ecosystems, as required by the European legislation to protect the marine environment. In this context, the purpose of this study is to investigate the composition, quantity, and spatial distribution of microplastics from coastal to offshore areas in three Italian seawaters. In addition, the distribution of microplastics between surface and subsurface water layers was analyzed in order to better understand the dynamics of MPs in the upper layers of the water column. A total number of 6069 MPs (mean total concentration of 0.029 microplastics · m-2) were found to be heterogeneous in type, shape, and color. In general, MPs concentrations decrease with coastal distance, except when environmental forcings are predominant (such as sea currents). Moreover, the amount of surface MPs was almost four times that of subsurface microplastics, which consisted mostly of fibers. In light of these results, it becomes clear how critical it is to plan remediation actions and programs to minimize microplastic accumulations in the sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Sbrana
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Nekton Lab, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Rome, RM, Italy.
- Department of Biology, PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica snc, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Valente
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Nekton Lab, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Rome, RM, Italy
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Bianchi
- PhD Program in Ecology and Sustainable Management of Environmental Resources, Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis 44, 01100, Viterbo, VT, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Piermarini
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Nekton Lab, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Flavia Saccomandi
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Nekton Lab, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Andrea Giuseppe de Lucia
- IAS-CNR, Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment-National Research Council Loc. Sa Mardini, 09170, Torregrande, OR, Italy
| | - Andrea Camedda
- IAS-CNR, Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment-National Research Council Loc. Sa Mardini, 09170, Torregrande, OR, Italy
| | - Marco Matiddi
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Nekton Lab, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Cecilia Silvestri
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Nekton Lab, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00144, Rome, RM, Italy
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27
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Airborne Spectral Reflectance Dataset of Submerged Plastic Targets in a Coastal Environment. DATA 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/data8010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the emerging applications of remote sensing technologies, the remote detection of plastic litter has observed successful applications in recent years. However, while the number of studies and datasets for spectral characterization of plastic is growing, few studies address plastic litter while being submerged in natural seawater in an outdoor context. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of hyperspectral characterization of submerged plastic litter in less-than-ideal conditions. We present a hyperspectral dataset of eight different polymers in field conditions, taken by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on different days in a three-week period. The measurements were carried out off the coast of Mytilene, Greece. The team collected the dataset using a Bayspec OCI-F push broom sensor from 25 m and 40 m height above the water. For a contextual background, the dataset also contains optical (RGB) high-resolution orthomosaics.
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28
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Bäuerlein PS, Pieke EN, Oesterholt FIHM, Ter Laak T, Kools SAE. Microplastic discharge from a wastewater treatment plant: long term monitoring to compare two analytical techniques, LDIR and optical microscopy while also assessing the removal efficiency of a bubble curtain. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2023; 87:39-56. [PMID: 36640023 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2022.419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In this study we compare two parallel analytical methods while also testing a microplastics mitigation method. We assess the effectiveness of a bubble curtain to reduce microplastics in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP)-effluent canal during the course of six months (>70 samples) using two analytical techniques: laser direct infrared (LDIR) and optical microscopy (OM) covering a size range of 0.02 to 5 mm. Comparison of the two analytical strategies shows similar trends, fluctuations, and correlating particle and fibre numbers. However, absolute values of particles differ, and the strategies provide different levels of information: LDIR is capable of identifying the plastic type as well as shape, while OM cannot determine the plastic type. Furthermore LIDR has a lower size limit (10-20 μm) than OM (50 μm). While information obtained by OM in general is far less detailed it is more affordable. This research also shows that the bubble curtain pilot does not have a measurable effect on the particle concentration. Possible effects of the curtain are hidden in the temporal variations. This research also reveals that individual samples show a large variation in particle numbers, illustrating that single measurements might give a poor representation of environmental particle number.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eelco N Pieke
- Het Waterlaboratorium N.V., Haarlem, The Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas Ter Laak
- KWR Water Research Institute, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands E-mail: ; Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology (FAME), Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098XH, Netherlands
| | - Stefan A E Kools
- KWR Water Research Institute, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands E-mail:
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29
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Goudriaan M, Morales VH, van der Meer MTJ, Mets A, Ndhlovu RT, van Heerwaarden J, Simon S, Heuer VB, Hinrichs KU, Niemann H. A stable isotope assay with 13C-labeled polyethylene to investigate plastic mineralization mediated by Rhodococcus ruber. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114369. [PMID: 36462423 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Methods that unambiguously prove microbial plastic degradation and allow for quantification of degradation rates are necessary to constrain the influence of microbial degradation on the marine plastic budget. We developed an assay based on stable isotope tracer techniques to determine microbial plastic mineralization rates in liquid medium on a lab scale. For the experiments, 13C-labeled polyethylene (13C-PE) particles (irradiated with UV-light to mimic exposure of floating plastic to sunlight) were incubated in liquid medium with Rhodococcus ruber as a model organism for proof of principle. The transfer of 13C from 13C-PE into the gaseous and dissolved CO2 pools translated to microbially mediated mineralization rates of up to 1.2 % yr-1 of the added PE. After incubation, we also found highly 13C-enriched membrane fatty acids of R. ruber including compounds involved in cellular stress responses. We demonstrated that isotope tracer techniques are a valuable tool to detect and quantify microbial plastic degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Goudriaan
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB), Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), 1797 SZ 't Horntje, the Netherlands.
| | - Victor Hernando Morales
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB), Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), 1797 SZ 't Horntje, the Netherlands; Centro de Investigación Mariña, University of Vigo, Department of Ecology and Animal Biology, Biological Oceanography Group, 36319 Vigo, Spain
| | - Marcel T J van der Meer
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB), Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), 1797 SZ 't Horntje, the Netherlands
| | - Anchelique Mets
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB), Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), 1797 SZ 't Horntje, the Netherlands
| | - Rachel T Ndhlovu
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB), Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), 1797 SZ 't Horntje, the Netherlands
| | - Johan van Heerwaarden
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB), Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), 1797 SZ 't Horntje, the Netherlands
| | - Sina Simon
- MARUM-Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, 28334 Bremen, Germany
| | - Verena B Heuer
- MARUM-Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, 28334 Bremen, Germany
| | - Kai-Uwe Hinrichs
- MARUM-Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, 28334 Bremen, Germany
| | - Helge Niemann
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB), Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), 1797 SZ 't Horntje, the Netherlands; Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CB Utrecht, the Netherlands; CAGE-Centre for Arctic Gas Hydrate, Environment and Climate, Department of Geosciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway.
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30
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Simon-Sánchez L, Grelaud M, Lorenz C, Garcia-Orellana J, Vianello A, Liu F, Vollertsen J, Ziveri P. Can a Sediment Core Reveal the Plastic Age? Microplastic Preservation in a Coastal Sedimentary Record. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:16780-16788. [PMID: 36375087 PMCID: PMC9730841 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The seafloor is the major sink for microplastic (MP) pollutants. However, there is a lack of robust data on the historical evolution of MP pollution in the sediment compartment, particularly the sequestration and burial rate of small MPs. By combining a palaeoceanographic approach and state-of-the-art analytical methods for MP identification down to 11 μm in size, we present the first high-resolution reconstruction of MP pollution from an undisturbed sediment core collected in the NW Mediterranean Sea. Furthermore, we investigate the fate of MPs once buried in the sediments by evaluating the changes in the size distribution of the MPs and the weathering status of the polyolefins, polyethylene, and polypropylene. Our results indicate that the MP mass sequestered in the sediment compartment mimics the global plastic production from 1965 to 2016. We observed an increase in the weathering status of the polyolefins as the size decreased. However, the variability in the size and weathering status of the MPs throughout the sedimentary record indicated that these pollutants, once incorporated into sediments, remain preserved with no further degradation under conditions lacking remobilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Simon-Sánchez
- Institute
of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra08193, Spain
| | - Michaël Grelaud
- Institute
of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra08193, Spain
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, Aalborg Øst9220, Denmark
| | - Jordi Garcia-Orellana
- Institute
of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra08193, Spain
- Departament
de Física, Universitat Autònoma
de Barcelona, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra08193, Spain
| | - Alvise Vianello
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, Aalborg Øst9220, Denmark
| | - Fan Liu
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, Aalborg Øst9220, Denmark
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, Aalborg Øst9220, Denmark
| | - Patrizia Ziveri
- Institute
of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra08193, Spain
- Catalan
Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona08010, Spain
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31
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Montoto-Martínez T, Meléndez-Díez C, Melián-Ramírez A, Hernández-Brito JJ, Gelado-Caballero MD. Comparison between the traditional Manta net and an innovative device for microplastic sampling in surface marine waters. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114237. [PMID: 36283151 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114237] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Manta nets are commonly used for microplastics sampling although a number of limitations have emerged. In this study we compare the manta net to an innovative microplastic sampler, referred to as MuMi, registered as utility model. The results highlight the large variability that can exist in the outcomes of the different studies due to the lack of harmonization between methods and the differing factors such as sampling mesh size, representativeness or reproducibility of the sampling volumes. Control over the filtered volume is an issue to be improved in trawl sampling methods, while in the MuMi sampler the control over the sampling depth could be improved. Still, MuMi represents a highly advantageous sampling system in terms of ease of operation, lower cost, smaller microplastics target size and greater precision, all while maintaining the representativeness of the collected samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Montoto-Martínez
- Environmental Technologies, Management and Biogeochemistry Research Group, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Carmen Meléndez-Díez
- FarFalle Project, Science On Board, Scientific Tourism in the Canary Islands. Spain.
| | - Abisai Melián-Ramírez
- Environmental Technologies, Management and Biogeochemistry Research Group, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - José Joaquín Hernández-Brito
- Environmental Technologies, Management and Biogeochemistry Research Group, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain; Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Mª Dolores Gelado-Caballero
- Environmental Technologies, Management and Biogeochemistry Research Group, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
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32
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Kedzierski M, Palazot M, Soccalingame L, Pedrotti ML, Bruzaud S. Microplastic fouling: A gap in knowledge and a research imperative to improve their study by infrared characterization spectroscopy. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114306. [PMID: 36356342 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The marine weathering of microplastics is spectrally characterized by the appearance of new bands that disturb our understanding of the information carried by the spectra. Yet, no explanation has been provided on the chemical origin of these new bands. Thus, the main objective of this work was to identify the origins of these additional bands. To this end, 4042 spectra of poly (styrene), poly(ethylene) and poly(propylene) microplastics collected in the Mediterranean Sea, were analysed using principal component analysis. The results showed that the spectral variability was mainly related to only three processes: chemical ageing, organic and inorganic fouling. These processes probably differ from one polymer family to another due to surface affinities. This work has also led to the proposal of two new polymer indices that could be used to monitor the intensity of (bio)fouling. Finally, the development of advanced analyses could also provide information on the nature of the plastisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaël Kedzierski
- Université Bretagne Sud, UMR CNRS 6027, IRDL, F-56100 Lorient, France.
| | - Maialen Palazot
- Université Bretagne Sud, UMR CNRS 6027, IRDL, F-56100 Lorient, France
| | - Lata Soccalingame
- Université Bretagne Sud, UMR CNRS 6027, IRDL, F-56100 Lorient, France
| | | | - Stéphane Bruzaud
- Université Bretagne Sud, UMR CNRS 6027, IRDL, F-56100 Lorient, France
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33
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Courtene-Jones W, van Gennip S, Penicaud J, Penn E, Thompson RC. Synthetic microplastic abundance and composition along a longitudinal gradient traversing the subtropical gyre in the North Atlantic Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114371. [PMID: 36423567 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has been reported in the North Atlantic Ocean since the 1970s, yet limited data over subsequent decades pose challenges when assessing spatio-temporal trends in relation to global leakages and intervention strategies. This study quantified microplastics within the upper ocean along a longitudinal transect of the North Atlantic and its subtropical gyre. Microplastics were sampled from surface and subsurface (-25 m) water using a manta trawl and NIKSIN bottle respectively. The surface water polymer community varied significantly between geographic positions ('inshore', 'gyre', 'open ocean'), and was significantly influenced by fragment quantity. Compared to other positions, the North Atlantic gyre was associated with high concentrations of polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylic and polyamide fragments. Subsurface water was dominated by polyamide and polyester fibres. Backtracked 2-year Lagrangian simulations illustrated connectivity patterns. Continued monitoring of microplastics throughout the water column of the North Atlantic Ocean is required to address knowledge gaps and assess spatio-temporal trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Courtene-Jones
- International Marine Litter Research Unit, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK.
| | | | | | | | - Richard C Thompson
- International Marine Litter Research Unit, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK
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34
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Onink V, Kaandorp MLA, van Sebille E, Laufkötter C. Influence of Particle Size and Fragmentation on Large-Scale Microplastic Transport in the Mediterranean Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:15528-15540. [PMID: 36270631 PMCID: PMC9671120 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic particles move three-dimensionally through the ocean, but modeling studies often do not consider size-dependent vertical transport processes. In addition, microplastic fragmentation in ocean environments remains poorly understood, despite fragments making up the majority of microplastic pollution in terms of the number of particles and despite its potential role in mass removal. Here, we first investigate the role of particle size and density on the large-scale transport of microplastics in the Mediterranean Sea and next analyze how fragmentation may affect transport and mass loss of plastics. For progressively smaller particle sizes, microplastics are shown to be less likely to be beached and more likely to reach open water. Smaller particles also generally get mixed deeper, resulting in lower near-surface concentrations of small particles despite their higher total abundance. Microplastic fragmentation is shown to be dominated by beach-based fragmentation, with ocean-based fragmentation processes likely having negligible influence. However, fragmentation remains a slow process acting on decadal time scales and as such likely does not have a major influence on the large-scale distribution of microplastics and mass loss over periods less than 3 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Onink
- Climate
and Environmental Physics, Physics Institute, University of Bern, 3012Bern, Switzerland
- Oeschger
Centre for Climate Change Research, University
of Bern, 3012Bern, Switzerland
- Institute
for Marine and Atmospheric Research, Utrecht
University, 3584CCUtrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mikael L. A. Kaandorp
- Institute
for Marine and Atmospheric Research, Utrecht
University, 3584CCUtrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Erik van Sebille
- Institute
for Marine and Atmospheric Research, Utrecht
University, 3584CCUtrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte Laufkötter
- Climate
and Environmental Physics, Physics Institute, University of Bern, 3012Bern, Switzerland
- Oeschger
Centre for Climate Change Research, University
of Bern, 3012Bern, Switzerland
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35
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Galgani L, Goßmann I, Scholz-Böttcher B, Jiang X, Liu Z, Scheidemann L, Schlundt C, Engel A. Hitchhiking into the Deep: How Microplastic Particles are Exported through the Biological Carbon Pump in the North Atlantic Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:15638-15649. [PMID: 36302504 PMCID: PMC9670853 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Understanding residence times of plastic in the ocean is a major knowledge gap in plastic pollution studies. Observations report a large mismatch between plastic load estimates from worldwide production and disposal and actual plastics floating at the sea surface. Surveys of the water column, from the surface to the deep sea, are rare. Most recent work, therefore, addressed the "missing plastic" question using modeling or laboratory approaches proposing biofouling and degradation as the main removal processes in the ocean. Through organic matrices, plastic can affect the biogeochemical and microbial cycling of carbon and nutrients. For the first time, we provide in situ measured vertical fluxes of microplastics deploying drifting sediment traps in the North Atlantic Gyre from 50 m down to 600 m depth, showing that through biogenic polymers plastic can be embedded into rapidly sinking particles also known as marine snow. We furthermore show that the carbon contained in plastic can represent up to 3.8% of the total downward flux of particulate organic carbon. Our results shed light on important pathways regulating the transport of microplastics in marine systems and on potential interactions with the marine carbon cycle, suggesting microplastic removal through the "biological plastic pump".
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Galgani
- GEOMAR
Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, D-24105 Kiel, Germany
- Harbor
Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida
Atlantic University, 5600 N US1, Fort Pierce, Florida 34946, United
States
| | - Isabel Goßmann
- Institute
for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, P.O. Box 2503, D-26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Scholz-Böttcher
- Institute
for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, P.O. Box 2503, D-26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Xiangtao Jiang
- The
University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Dr., Port Aransas, Texas 78373, United States
| | - Zhanfei Liu
- The
University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Dr., Port Aransas, Texas 78373, United States
| | - Lindsay Scheidemann
- GEOMAR
Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, D-24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Cathleen Schlundt
- GEOMAR
Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, D-24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Anja Engel
- GEOMAR
Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, D-24105 Kiel, Germany
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36
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de Carvalho AR, Riem-Galliano L, Ter Halle A, Cucherousset J. Interactive effect of urbanization and flood in modulating microplastic pollution in rivers. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 309:119760. [PMID: 35850317 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems play an important role in transporting and accumulating microplastics. Spatial and temporal variability in microplastic pollution can create critical spots and moments of elevated pollution, however, the consequences of their interaction are still poorly understood. This study aimed to assess the interaction between urbanization and flood episodes on river microplastic pollution. The water surface was sampled in two sites of the Garonne River, upstream and downstream a large urban area, during two flood episodes. Samples were chemically digested to facilitate particles isolation, and microplastics (700 μm-5 mm) were characterized through infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Microplastic concentration increased by 5-8 fold during flood episodes, driven by river discharge. This increase was more significant in the downstream site. During the flood, there was an overall increase of larger particles on water surface, but only in the downstream site microplastic colours and polymeric compositions significantly varied. Principal component analysis of infrared spectra from polyethylene microplastics revealed that the main variance in the spectral region corresponded to hydroxyl and carbonyl groups. The carbonyl content in microplastics was significantly higher for particles collected during the flood, likely indicating a higher level of degradation. Urbanization modulates freshwater microplastic pollution during floods, and changes in microplastic physicochemical profile should be further integrated within toxicity studies to evaluate risks potentially elevated to animal and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Reis de Carvalho
- UMR 5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique), CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, IRD, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France; UMR 5623 IMRCP (Laboratoire des Interactions Moléculaires et Réactivité Chimique et Photochimique), CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France.
| | - Louna Riem-Galliano
- UMR 5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique), CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, IRD, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Alexandra Ter Halle
- UMR 5623 IMRCP (Laboratoire des Interactions Moléculaires et Réactivité Chimique et Photochimique), CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Julien Cucherousset
- UMR 5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique), CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, IRD, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
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37
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Hildebrandt L, El Gareb F, Zimmermann T, Klein O, Kerstan A, Emeis KC, Pröfrock D. Spatial distribution of microplastics in the tropical Indian Ocean based on laser direct infrared imaging and microwave-assisted matrix digestion. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119547. [PMID: 35640727 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Suspended particulate matter was collected from subsurface (6 m) water along an E-W transect through the tropical Indian Ocean using a specialized inert (plastic free) fractionated filtration system. The samples were subjected to a new microwave-assisted "one-pot" matrix removal (efficiency: 94.3% ± 0.3% (1 SD, n = 3)) and microplastic extraction protocol (recovery: 95% ± 4%). The protocol enables a contamination-minimized digestion and requires only four filtration steps. In comparison, classical sample processing approaches involve up to eight filtration steps until the final analysis. Microplastics were identified and physically characterized by means of a novel quantum cascade laser-based imaging routine. LDIR imaging facilitates the analysis of up to 1000 particles/fibers (<300 μm) within approximately 1-2 h. In comparison to FTIR and Raman imaging, it can help to circumvent uncertainties, e. g. from subsampling strategies due to long analysis and post-processing times of large datasets. Over 97% of all particles were correctly identified by the automated routine - without spectral reassignments. Moreover, 100% agreement was obtained between ATR-FTIR and LDIR-based analysis regarding particles and fibers >300 μm. The mean microplastic concentration of the analyzed samples was 50 ± 30 particles/fibers m-3 (1 SD, n = 21). Number concentrations ranged from 8 to 132 particles/fibers m-3 (20-300 μm). The most abundant polymer clusters were acrylates/polyurethane/varnish (49%), polyethylene terephthalate (26%), polypropylene (8%), polyethylene (4%) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (4%). 96% of the microplastic particles had a diameter <100 μm. Though inter-study comparison is difficult, the investigated area exhibits a high contamination with particulate plastics compared to other open ocean regions. A distinct spatial trend was observed with an increasing share of the size class 20-50 μm from east to west.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Hildebrandt
- Department for Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Fadi El Gareb
- Department for Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany; Department of Geoscience, Institute of Geology, Universität Hamburg, Bundesstraße 55, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tristan Zimmermann
- Department for Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Ole Klein
- Department for Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany; Department of Chemistry, Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Kerstan
- Agilent Technologies Sales & Services GmbH & Co. KG, Hewlett-Packard-Straße 8, 76337, Waldbronn, Germany
| | - Kay-Christian Emeis
- Department for Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany; Department of Geoscience, Institute of Geology, Universität Hamburg, Bundesstraße 55, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Pröfrock
- Department for Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany.
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38
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Liu Y, Cao W, Hu Y, Zhang J, Shen W. Horizontal and vertical distribution of microplastics in dam reservoir after impoundment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:154962. [PMID: 35378186 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In freshwater ecosystems, microplastics (MPs) are commonly found in reservoirs. However, limited information is available on the distribution of MPs in the reservoirs. In this study, we investigated the horizontal and vertical distribution characteristics of MPs in the Guanyingyan reservoir (the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, China) after impoundment and the influence of free-floating plant residues on the distribution of MPs. Results indicated that the MPs abundance in the horizontal distribution of the reservoir decreased significantly while the distance from the dam increased. The abundance of MPs in shoreline waters (average: 8.45 items L-1) was significantly higher than that in central waters (average: 4.80 items L-1). As for the vertical distribution, the percentages of fibers in the three water layers (surface, intermediate, and deep) have less variation when compared to other types of MPs. Besides, MPs who are less than 0.5 mm in size are the majority. With deeper underwater, there would be more MPs with particles smaller than 200 μm in size. At the same time, there would be fewer MPs with particles ranging from 200 to 500 μm in size. PS, PP, and PE are the main polymer types of surface water, while PVC, PE, and PET are the common type in deep water. In shoreline water, the dry weight of floating plant residues showed a positive correlation with microplastic abundance in different layers. As above said, this study confirmed that MPs in reservoirs after impoundment would tend to accumulate in the front section of the reservoir and the shoreline water. Besides, free-floating plant residues would accumulate in reservoirs, resulting in the sinking of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Weigang Cao
- Science and Technology Resource Coordination Center of Hanzhong, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, PR China
| | - Yue Hu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Jie Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Weibo Shen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China.
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39
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Li H, Wu Q, Ng J, Yu D, Chan SH, Li A. Identification and quantification of common microplastics in table salts by a multi-technique-based analytical method. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:6647-6656. [PMID: 35859138 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04226-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are considered as contaminants of emerging concern to the environment and our food chains in recent years. In this study, we presented a multi-technique-based analytical method for detection of MPs through a combination of microscope-FTIR (μ-FTIR) with pyrolysis-GC/MS (Py-GC/MS) to achieve 3-dimensional (3D) information for the identification of polymer type, characterization of particle size and morphology, and quantification of MPs based on both particle number and mass of plastics. Plastics that are commonly used and disposed of, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly vinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), were covered in this study. Sample extraction and separation procedures were optimized for these microplastics in table salts where good recoveries (> 75%) were achieved. To further enhance the detection sensitivity in simultaneous quantification of multiple polymers in a sample, a serial dissolution approach with different solvents was developed for the detection of all 7 types of plastics. The established sample preparation process and multi-technique-based analytical method were validated with polymer standards in table salts, resulting in satisfactory qualification and quantification for all samples tested. A retail survey of MPs in table salts was conducted with the developed analytical method, revealing that MPs were present in all commercially available table salts. The total number of MP particles varied from 20 to 125 particles/kg and the total mass contents of seven types of plastics ranged from 30 to 530 µg/kg in table salts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Li
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 10 Perahu Road, Singapore, 718837, Singapore
| | - Qiong Wu
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 10 Perahu Road, Singapore, 718837, Singapore
| | - Joee Ng
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 10 Perahu Road, Singapore, 718837, Singapore
| | - Dingyi Yu
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 10 Perahu Road, Singapore, 718837, Singapore.
| | - Sheot Harn Chan
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 10 Perahu Road, Singapore, 718837, Singapore
| | - Angela Li
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 10 Perahu Road, Singapore, 718837, Singapore
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40
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Andrady AL. Weathering and fragmentation of plastic debris in the ocean environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 180:113761. [PMID: 35665618 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Fragmentation of plastic macro-debris into secondary microplastics [MPs] is primarily the result of their extensive oxidation under exposure to solar UV radiation. The heterogeneity in the marine zones with respect to their oxidative potential for plastics, introduces a marked zonal bias in their ability to carry out weathering and fragmentation. Comparing the oxidative environments of the beach zone and the upper pelagic zone with floating plastics, it is argued that the latter tends to preclude photooxidative fragmentation. Abundant MPs found in seawater are therefore more likely to have originated on beaches or land and subsequently transferred to the water, as opposed to being generated by weathering of floating plastic stock. Laboratory-accelerated weathering of plastics in seawater obtains efficient micro-fragmentation and in some instances photo- dissolution of the plastic debris, but these results cannot be reliably extrapolated to natural weathering conditions in the ocean environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony L Andrady
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606.
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41
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Kuizenga B, van Emmerik T, Waldschläger K, Kooi M. Will it Float? Rising and Settling Velocities of Common Macroplastic Foils. ACS ES&T WATER 2022; 2:975-981. [PMID: 35720513 PMCID: PMC9194906 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.1c00467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic accumulates in the environment because of insufficient waste handling and its high durability. Better understanding of plastic behavior in the aquatic environment is needed to estimate transport and accumulation, which can be used for monitoring, prevention, and reduction strategies. Plastic transport models benefit from accurate description of particle characteristics, such as rising and settling velocities. For macroplastics (>0.5 cm), these are however still scarce. In this study, the rising and settling behavior of three different polymer types (PET, PP, and PE) was investigated. The plastic particles were foils of different surface areas and shapes. The observational data were used to test the performance of four models, including one developed in this study, to estimate the rising/settling velocity on the basis of the plastic particle characteristics. These models are validated using the data generated in this research, and data from another study. From the models that were discussed, the best results are from the newly introduced foil velocity model (R 2 = 0.96 and 0.29, for both data sets, respectively). The results of our paper can be used to further explore the vertical distribution of plastics in rivers, lakes, and oceans, which is crucial to optimize future plastic monitoring and reduction efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boaz Kuizenga
- Wageningen
University and Research, Hydrology and Quantitative
Water Management Group, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tim van Emmerik
- Wageningen
University and Research, Hydrology and Quantitative
Water Management Group, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kryss Waldschläger
- Wageningen
University and Research, Hydrology and Quantitative
Water Management Group, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Merel Kooi
- Wageningen
University and Research, Aquatic Ecology
and Water Quality Group, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
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42
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Garaba SP, Harmel T. Top-of-atmosphere hyper and multispectral signatures of submerged plastic litter with changing water clarity and depth. OPTICS EXPRESS 2022; 30:16553-16571. [PMID: 36221496 DOI: 10.1364/oe.451415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The exploitation of satellite remote sensing is expected to be a critical asset in monitoring floating and submerged plastic litter in all aquatic environments. However, robust retrieval algorithms still havel to be developed based on a full understanding of light interaction with plastic litter and the other optically active constituents of the atmosphere-water system. To this end, we performed laboratory-based hyperspectral reflectance measurements of submerged macroplastics under varying water clarity conditions (clear - 0 mg/L, moderate - 75 mg/L, very turbid - 321.3 mg/L) and submersion depths. This comprehensive optical dataset was used (i) to relate the plastic-related signal to submersion depth and turbidity parameters, and (ii) to investigate the top-of-atmosphere signal through full radiative transfer calculations. Simulated TOA radiation was used to explore the nominal pixel and spectral requirements based on WorldView-3, Sentinel-2, and Sentinel-3 missions with very high to moderate geo-spatial resolutions. Results showed that plastics remained detectable when submerged in the top ∼1 m of the water column regardless of water clarity conditions. At TOA, uncertainties attached to atmospheric correction were shown to be reasonable and acceptable for plastic detection purposes in the infrared part of the spectrum (> 700 nm). The impact of aerosols on the TOA signal was found to be complex as (i) over large plastic patches. The aerosols produced little impact on satellite observations mostly due to adjacency effects and (ii) optical signature from isolated/small extent plastic patches was critically altered suggesting the atmospheric transmittance should be accurately corrected for in plastic detection algorithms. The sensitivity analyses also revealed that the narrow band widths of Sentinel-3 did not improve detection performance compared to the WorldView-3 coarser band widths. It is proposed that high spatial resolution wavebands such as the pan-chromatic could be advantageously explored for submerged plastic monitoring applications.
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43
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Laursen SN, Fruergaard M, Andersen TJ. Rapid flocculation and settling of positively buoyant microplastic and fine-grained sediment in natural seawater. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 178:113619. [PMID: 35378460 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between microplastic (MP) and fine-grained suspended sediment in natural waters are important for the environmental fate of plastic particles. Estuaries are transitional areas between freshwater and open marine systems and are recognized as important accumulation zones for MPs. However, there is a knowledge gap on the processes driving the sedimentation of MPs in estuaries, especially with regard to positively buoyant MPs. Here we show from settling tube experiments that positively buoyant and non-spherical MP HDPE particles in different size-fractions (63-500 μm) and concentrations (1 and 5 mg l-1) rapidly flocculate and settle with natural fine-grained sediment in natural seawater. Our results demonstrate that flocculation is a key process for the vertical transport of MP in estuaries. The implication is that land-based sources of positively buoyant HDPE MP transported by rivers will likely settle and accumulate in estuarine environments and thereby increase the concentration of MP in the benthic zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- S N Laursen
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 10, 1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - M Fruergaard
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 10, 1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - T J Andersen
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 10, 1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
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44
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Galli M, Tepsich P, Baini M, Panti C, Rosso M, Vafeiadou A, Pantelidou M, Moulins A, Fossi MC. Microplastic abundance and biodiversity richness overlap: Identification of sensitive areas in the Western Ionian Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 177:113550. [PMID: 35318169 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea has been widely reported, but its impact on biodiversity has not been fully explored. Simultaneous sampling of microplastics (MP) with a manta net and surveys of large marine vertebrates were conducted along the coastal waters of Sicily (Western Ionian Sea). A total of 17 neustonic samples have been collected and 17 marine species (cetaceans, sea turtles, seabirds, and fish) have been sighted in the target area. Kernel density estimation was evaluated to highlight a possible overlap between the presence of large marine fauna and MP densities to provide a preliminary risk assessment. The highest biodiversity and MP concentration (0.197 ± 0.130 items/m2) were observed in the southernmost part of the studied area. The overlap between biodiversity hotspots and the occurrence of MP, potential contribute to the identification of sensitive areas of exposure in a poorly studied region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Galli
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Baini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Cristina Panti
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Ariadni Vafeiadou
- CIMA Research Foundation, 17100, Savona, Italy; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
| | - Martha Pantelidou
- CIMA Research Foundation, 17100, Savona, Italy; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
| | | | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
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45
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Lagrangian Modeling of Marine Microplastics Fate and Transport: The State of the Science. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10040481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution has led to irreversible environmental consequences and has triggered global concerns. It has been shown that water resources and marine food consumers are adversely affected by microplastics due to their physico-chemical characteristics. This study attempts to comprehensively review the structure of four well-known Lagrangian particle-tracking models, i.e., Delft3D—Water Quality Particle tracking module (D-WAQ PART), Ichthyoplankton (Ichthyop), Track Marine Plastic Debris (TrackMPD), and Canadian Microplastic Simulation (CaMPSim-3D) in simulating the fate and transport of microplastics. Accordingly, the structure of each model is investigated with respect to addressing the involved physical transport processes (including advection, diffusion, windage, beaching, and washing-off) and transformation processes (particularly biofouling and degradation) that play key roles in microplastics’ behavior in the marine environment. In addition, the effects of the physical properties (mainly size, diameter, and shape) of microplastics on their fate and trajectories are reviewed. The models’ capabilities and shortcomings in the simulation of microplastics are also discussed. The present review sheds light on some aspects of microplastics’ behavior in water that were not properly addressed in particle-tracking models, such as homo- and hetero-aggregation, agglomeration, photodegradation, and chemical and biological degradation as well as additional advection due to wave-induced drift. This study can be regarded as a reliable steppingstone for the future modification of the reviewed models.
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46
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Huserbråten MBO, Hattermann T, Broms C, Albretsen J. Trans-polar drift-pathways of riverine European microplastic. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3016. [PMID: 35301340 PMCID: PMC8931020 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07080-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
High concentrations of microplastic particles are reported across the Arctic Ocean–yet no meaningful point sources, suspension timelines, or accumulation areas have been identified. Here we use Lagrangian particle advection simulations to model the transport of buoyant microplastic from northern European rivers to the high Arctic, and compare model results to the flux of sampled synthetic particles across the main entrance to the Arctic Ocean. We report widespread dispersal along the Eurasian continental shelf, across the North Pole, and back into the Nordic Seas; with accumulation zones over the Nansen basin, the Laptev Sea, and the ocean gyres of the Nordic Seas. The equal distribution of sampled synthetic particles across water masses covering a wide time frame of anthropogenic influence suggests a system in full saturation rather than pronounced injection from European sources, through a complex circulation scheme connecting the entire Arctic Mediterranean. This circulation of microplastic through Arctic ecosystems may have large consequences to natural ecosystem health, highlighting an ever-increasing need for better waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats B O Huserbråten
- Department of Oceanography and Climate, Institute of Marine Research, Box 1870, 5817, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Tore Hattermann
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø, Norway.,Energy and Climate Group, Department of Physics and Technology, The Arctic University - University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Cecilie Broms
- Department of Oceanography and Climate, Institute of Marine Research, Box 1870, 5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jon Albretsen
- Department of Oceanography and Climate, Institute of Marine Research, Box 1870, 5817, Bergen, Norway
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47
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Yang M, Zhang B, Xin X, Liu B, Zhu Z, Dong G, Zhao Y, Lee K, Chen B. Microplastic-oil-dispersant agglomerates in the marine environment: Formation mechanism and impact on oil dispersion. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 426:127825. [PMID: 34836687 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) can interact with spilled oil to form MP-oil-dispersant agglomerates (MODAs) in oceans. This study investigated the MODA formation mechanism and its impact on oil dispersion during marine oil spill responses. Two types of agglomerates, MODA-1 (MP-in-oil) and MODA-2 (MP-oil droplet-embedded), were identified. The 12 µm-MPs only formed MODA-1, while 45 µm-MPs and 125 µm-MPs formed MODA-1 and MODA-2 due to the surface free energy minimization principle. Impacts of MODA on oil dispersion under different mixing energy levels and seawater salinities were explored. We found that MODA reduced oil dispersion effectiveness under different mixing energy levels. Among three MP sizes, 12 µm-MPs caused the greatest reduction in dispersion effectiveness due to the formation of MODA-1. Pristine 12 µm-MPs reduced dispersion effectiveness by 21.95% under 5.62 × 10-1 W/kg, while pristine 45 µm-MPs and pristine 125 µm-MPs decreased it by 5.85% and 1.83%, respectively. In addition, MODA formed by pristine MPs has a larger impact on oil dispersion effectiveness than that of aged MPs under different salinities. Under 20psu, pristine 12 µm-MPs reduced dispersion effectiveness by 33.68%, while aged 12 µm-MPs decreased it by 24.61%. This study is the first report on the MODA formation mechanism, which is essential for exploring MODA transport and toxicity through marine trophic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollutant Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada A1B 3X5
| | - Baiyu Zhang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollutant Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada A1B 3X5.
| | - Xiaying Xin
- School of Energy and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution (SKLMP), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollutant Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada A1B 3X5
| | - Zhiwen Zhu
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollutant Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada A1B 3X5
| | - Guihua Dong
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollutant Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada A1B 3X5
| | - Yuming Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada A1B 3X7
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ecosystem Science, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0E6
| | - Bing Chen
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollutant Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada A1B 3X5
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Choudhary S, Neelavanan K, Saalim SM. Microplastics in the surface sediments of Krossfjord-Kongsfjord system, Svalbard, Arctic. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 176:113452. [PMID: 35183020 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113452] [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: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Krossfjord-Kongsfjord system in the European Arctic has been assessed for abundance, source and distribution of microplastics in the surface sediments. The average abundance of microplastics in Krossfjord and Kongsfjord is 721.42 ± 217.89 (n = 5) pieces/kg and 783 ± 530.28 (n = 8) pieces/kg. Polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene are abundant in the sediment samples. Fibers are the most common shape of plastic particles. A high abundance of smaller plastic particles in the sediment may be due to the fragmentation of larger plastic particles during transportation. The microplastics' spatial distribution, shape, size, and composition suggest that the long-range transport by west Spitsbergen current and local inputs from anthropogenic activities are possible sources of microplastics found in the study area. Our results exhibit the presence of microplastic pollution, suggesting the influence of anthropogenic activity in the Arctic fjord and the need to control/reduce marine pollution which has become a potential threat to marine organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Choudhary
- Ministry of Earth Sciences, New Delhi, India; National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Goa, India.
| | | | - Syed Mohammad Saalim
- National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Goa, India
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49
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Cutroneo L, Capello M, Domi A, Consani S, Lamare P, Coyle P, Bertin V, Dornic D, Reboa A, Geneselli I, Anghinolfi M. Microplastics in the abyss: a first investigation into sediments at 2443-m depth (Toulon, France). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:9375-9385. [PMID: 35001272 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17997-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: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic and microplastic pollutions are known to be widespread across the planet in all types of environments. However, relatively little about microplastic quantities in the deeper areas of the oceans is known, due to the difficulty to reach these environments. In this work, we present an investigation of microplastic (<5 mm) distribution performed in the bottom sediments of the abyssal plain off the coast and the canyon of Toulon (France). Four samples of deep-sea sediment were collected at the depth of 2443 m during the sea operations carried out by the French oceanographic cruises for the KM3NeT project. The chemical and physical characterisation of the sediment was carried out, and items were extracted from sediments by density separation and analysed by optical microscope and µRaman spectroscopy. Results show microplastics in the deep-sea sediments with a concentration of about 80 particles L-1, confirming the hypothesis of microplastics spread to abyssal sediments in the Mediterranean Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cutroneo
- DISTAV, University of Genoa, 26 Corso Europa, I-16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Capello
- DISTAV, University of Genoa, 26 Corso Europa, I-16132, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Alba Domi
- DIFI, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso, 33, 16146, Genoa, Italy
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics, 33 Via Dodecaneso, I-16146, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sirio Consani
- DISTAV, University of Genoa, 26 Corso Europa, I-16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Patrick Lamare
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS/IN2P3, CPPM, Marseille, France
| | - Paschal Coyle
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS/IN2P3, CPPM, Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Bertin
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS/IN2P3, CPPM, Marseille, France
| | - Damien Dornic
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS/IN2P3, CPPM, Marseille, France
| | - Anna Reboa
- DISTAV, University of Genoa, 26 Corso Europa, I-16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Irene Geneselli
- DISTAV, University of Genoa, 26 Corso Europa, I-16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Anghinolfi
- DIFI, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso, 33, 16146, Genoa, Italy
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics, 33 Via Dodecaneso, I-16146, Genoa, Italy
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50
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Alurralde G, Isla E, Fuentes V, Olariaga A, Maggioni T, Rimondino G, Tatián M. Anthropogenic microfibres flux in an Antarctic coastal ecosystem: The tip of an iceberg? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113388. [PMID: 35180508 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study describes the occurrence of anthropogenic microfibres (AMFs) found in sediment trap samples collected at 25 m water depth in an Antarctic fjord (Potter Cove, King George/25 de Mayo Island) from 2012 to 2015. During visual sorting of samples, AMFs were detected and described, and a subset was confirmed, via FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy, as semi-synthetic cellulosic and polyacrylonitrile polymers. Estimated flux of AMF varied from 115 to 152,750 microfibres m-2 throughout the studied period, with sizes ranging from 10 to 450 μm in length. Maximum AMFs fluxes occurred in summer months. Sediment traps allowed detecting temporal patterns of small (μm) AMFs, usually undersampled with nets or sieves, providing a new insight into microplastic pollution in Antarctica and its relation to environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gastón Alurralde
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Departamento de Diversidad Biológica y Ecología, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Enrique Isla
- Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Tamara Maggioni
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Departamento de Diversidad Biológica y Ecología, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Guido Rimondino
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Marcos Tatián
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Departamento de Diversidad Biológica y Ecología, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Córdoba, Argentina
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