1
|
Stead JL, de Souza Leite L, Bond T. Gradient columns to measure the density of microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 953:176176. [PMID: 39260502 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Density gradient columns are an established industrial method for measuring the density of plastics, but have rarely been applied to environmental plastics. In this study 14 density gradient columns were used to measure the density of 150 environmental plastics particles from an urban beach, plus 100 microplastics of known identity, representing what is believed to be the most extensive density dataset for environmental plastic debris available in scientific literature. In total, 92 % of investigated particles had their density measured, with the remainder falling outside of the range of the density columns: 800-1418 kg·m-3. Error values for individual plastic particles were conservatively estimated as ≤0.27 kg·m-3, equating to the density difference associated with a distance of 1 mm in the density gradient column. Moreover, error values for plastics of known identity, based on the standard deviation of five different particles of the same polymer type, were generally low, ≤± 1.78 kg·m-3 for 75 % of polymers. The most notable exception was crumb rubber from used tyres, with a density of 1204.84 ± 105.87 kg·m-3, reflecting a heterogenous material. The majority of environmental plastics were polyethylene pellets, with densities from 823.47 to 1143.47 kg·m-3, a much wider range than reported in literature for this polymer. The densest environmental pellet was biologically attached to a stone-like particle. Otherwise, there was no evidence that environmental processing, in the form of biofilm growth or weathering, was driving variability in density. Most pellets with extremely high or low density were coloured, indicating that additives or impurities introduced during manufacturing altered the density of the virgin resin. Overall, density gradient columns show great promise for improving our knowledge of microplastic density. They represent an accurate and efficient high-throughput method, which can measure the density of ∼40 microplastics simultaneously over relatively short time periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Stead
- School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Luan de Souza Leite
- Department of Hydraulics and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São-Carlense, 400, São Carlos 13566-59, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tom Bond
- School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dacewicz E, Łobos-Moysa E, Chmielowski K. Identification Tools of Microplastics from Surface Water Integrating Digital Image Processing and Statistical Techniques. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:3701. [PMID: 39124364 PMCID: PMC11313241 DOI: 10.3390/ma17153701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to demonstrate the potential of digital image analysis as a tool to identify microplastic (MP) particles in surface waters and to facilitate their characterisation in terms of 2D and 3D morphology. Digital image analysis preceded by microscopic analysis was used for an exhaustive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of MPs isolated from the Vistula River. Using image processing procedures, 2D and 3D shape descriptors were determined. Principal Component Analysis was used to interpret the relationships between the parameters studied, characterising MP particle geometry, type and colour. This multivariate analysis of the data allowed three or four main factors to be extracted, explaining approximately 90% of the variation in the data characterising MP morphology. It was found that the first principal component for granules, flakes and films was largely represented by strongly correlated with 2D shape descriptors (area, perimeter, equivalent area diameter) and 3D shape descriptors (Corey Shape Factor, Compactness, Dimensionality). Considering the scraps, principal component PC1 was represented by only five of the above descriptors, and the Compactness variable had the largest contribution to principal component PC2. In addition, for granules, flakes and films, a relationship between 2D shape and the colour of their particles could be observed. For the most numerous MP group identified of multicoloured scraps, no such association was found. The results of our study can be used for further multivariate analysis regarding the presence of microplastic floating on the river surface, with a particular focus on particles of secondary origin. This is of key importance for optimising future efforts in conducting small-scale and multidimensional monitoring of and reducing plastics in the aquatic environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Dacewicz
- Department of Sanitary Engineering and Water Management, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Land Surveying, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Adam Mickiewicz Ave. 24/28, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Łobos-Moysa
- Department of Water and Wastewater Engineering, Faculty of Power and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 2A Str., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Chmielowski
- Department of Natural Gas Engineering, Faculty of Drilling, AGH University of Science and Technology, Oil and Gas, Adam Mickiewicz Ave. 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pinto EP, Scott J, Hess K, Paredes E, Bellas J, Gonzalez-Estrella J, Minghetti M. Role of UV radiation and oxidation on polyethylene micro- and nanoplastics: impacts on cadmium sorption, bioaccumulation, and toxicity in fish intestinal cells. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:47974-47990. [PMID: 39017862 PMCID: PMC11297841 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34301-x] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated the role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and oxidation in high-density polyethylene microplastics (2-15 μm) and nanoplastics (0.2-9.9 μm) (NMPs) on particle chemistry, morphology, and reactivity with cadmium (Cd). Additionally, toxicity of NMPs alone and with Cd was evaluated using RTgutGC cells, a model of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) intestine. The role on NMPs on Cd bioaccumulation in RTgutGC cells was also evaluated. Dynamic light scattering indicated that after UV radiation NPs agglomerated size increased from 0.8 to 28 µm, and to 8 µm when Cd was added. Oxidized MPs agglomerated size increased from 11 and 7 to 46 and 27 µm in non-UV- and UV-aged oxidized MPs when adding Cd, respectively. Cd-coated particles exhibited generally significantly higher zeta potential than non-Cd-coated particles, while attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the functional chemistry of the particles was oxidized and modified after being exposed to UV radiation. Presence of NMPs resulted in a significant decrease in Cd bioaccumulation in RTgutGC cells (100.5-87.9 ng Cd/mg protein) compared to Cd alone (138.1 ng Cd/mg protein), although this was not quite significant for co-exposures with UV-aged NPs (105.7 ng Cd/mg protein). No toxicity was observed in RTgutGC cells exposed to NMPs alone for 24 h. Moreover, co-exposures with Cd indicated that NMPs reduce the toxicity of Cd. Altogether these results show that UV aging enhances NMP surface reactivity, increasing Cd absorption in solution, which resulted in a reduction in Cd bioavailability and toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Pereira Pinto
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
- Centro de Investigación Mariña, Departamento de Ecoloxía e Bioloxía Animal, Laboratorio de Ecoloxía Costeira (ECOCOST), 36310, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain.
| | - Justin Scott
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Kendra Hess
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Estefanía Paredes
- Centro de Investigación Mariña, Departamento de Ecoloxía e Bioloxía Animal, Laboratorio de Ecoloxía Costeira (ECOCOST), 36310, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Juan Bellas
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO, CSIC), Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390, Vigo, Spain
| | - Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Matteo Minghetti
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Khatoon N, Mallah MA, Yu Z, Qu Z, Ali M, Liu N. Recognition and detection technology for microplastic, its source and health effects. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:11428-11452. [PMID: 38183545 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31655-6] [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: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) is ubiquitous in the environment which appeared as an immense intimidation to human and animal health. The plastic fragments significantly polluted the ocean, fresh water, food chain, and other food items. Inadequate maintenance, less knowledge of adverse influence along with inappropriate usage in addition throwing away of plastics items revolves present planet in to plastics planet. The present study aims to focus on the recognition and advance detection technologies for MPs and the adverse effects of micro- and nanoplastics on human health. MPs have rigorous adverse effect on human health that leads to condensed growth rates, lessened reproductive capability, ulcer, scrape, and oxidative nervous anxiety, in addition, also disturb circulatory and respiratory mechanism. The detection of MP particles has also placed emphasis on identification technologies such as scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, optical detection, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermo-analytical techniques, flow cytometry, holography, and hyperspectral imaging. It suggests that further research should be explored to understand the source, distribution, and health impacts and evaluate numerous detection methodologies for the MPs along with purification techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nafeesa Khatoon
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 540001, People's Republic of China
| | - Manthar Ali Mallah
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 540001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zengli Yu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 540001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Qu
- Institute of Chronic Disease Risk Assessment, School of Nursing, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, People's Republic of China
| | - Mukhtiar Ali
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Quaid-E-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology (QUEST), Nawabshah, 67480, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Nan Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 540001, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Chronic Disease Risk Assessment, School of Nursing, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, People's Republic of China
- Health Science Center, South China Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yan Y, Yu Y, Sima J, Geng C, Yang J. Aging behavior of microplastics accelerated by mechanical fragmentation: alteration of intrinsic and extrinsic properties. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:90993-91006. [PMID: 37468782 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28736-x] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) inevitably undergo multiple aging processes during their life cycle in the environment. However, the information regarding the mechanical fragmentation behavior of MPs remained unclear, including the changes in the intrinsic properties of aged MPs, the measurement of aging degree, the underlying mechanism, and the interaction with heavy metals. Here, MPs (PS, PP, PET) were aged by crushing (-CR) and ball-milling (-BM) to simulate mild and severe mechanical fragmentation, respectively. Our results indicated that mechanical fragmentation significantly affected the morphology of MPs. The aging degree of MP-BM was deeper compared to MP-CR owing to smaller particle size, larger specific surface area, poorer heat resistance, better hydrophilicity, and richer oxygen-containing functional groups. The carbonyl index (CI) and O/C ratio were used to measure the aging degree of the two mechanical aging treatments. Besides, the mechanism was proposed and the discrepancy between the two treatments was elaborated from three aspects including the excitation energy source, reaction interface, and reaction dynamics. Furthermore, the extrinsic properties of MPs altered with the increase of aging degree; specifically, the adsorption capacities of heavy metals were enhanced. Meanwhile, it was unveiled that the CI value and O/C ratio played a vital role in estimating the adsorption ability of heavy metals. The findings not only reveal the mechanical fragmentation behavior of MPs but also provide new insights into the assessment of the potential risks of the aged MPs via chemical indexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Yan
- The Ecological Technique and Engineering College, Shanghai Institute of Technology, No. 100 Haiquan Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai, 201418, China
- State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Yulu Yu
- State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Jingke Sima
- State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China.
| | - Chunnu Geng
- The Ecological Technique and Engineering College, Shanghai Institute of Technology, No. 100 Haiquan Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai, 201418, China
| | - Jie Yang
- State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China
| |
Collapse
|