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Matijaković Mlinarić N, Marušić K, Brkić AL, Marciuš M, Fabijanić TA, Tomašić N, Selmani A, Roblegg E, Kralj D, Stanić I, Njegić Džakula B, Kontrec J. Microplastics encapsulation in aragonite: efficiency, detection and insight into potential environmental impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:1116-1129. [PMID: 38623703 DOI: 10.1039/d4em00004h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems has become a significant problem especially microplastics which can encapsulate into the skeletons of organisms that produce calcium carbonates, such as foraminifera, molluscs and corals. The encapsulation of microplastics into precipitated aragonite, which in nature builds the coral skeleton, has not yet been studied. It is also not known how the dissolved organic matter, to which microplastics are constantly exposed in aquatic ecosystems, affects the encapsulation of microplastics into aragonite and how such microplastics affect the mechanical properties of aragonite. We performed aragonite precipitation experiments in artificial seawater in the presence of polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) microspheres, untreated and treated with humic acid (HA). The results showed that the efficiency of encapsulating PE and PE-HA microspheres in aragonite was higher than that for PS and PS-HA microspheres. The mechanical properties of resulting aragonite changed after the encapsulation of microplastic particles. A decrease in the hardness and indentation modulus of the aragonite samples was observed, and the most substantial effect occurred in the case of PE-HA microspheres encapsulation. These findings raise concerns about possible changes in the mechanical properties of the exoskeleton and endoskeleton of calcifying marine organisms such as corals and molluscs due to the incorporation of pristine microplastics and microplastics exposed to dissolved organic matter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katarina Marušić
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | - Marijan Marciuš
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Tamara Aleksandrov Fabijanić
- The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Ivana Lučića 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nenad Tomašić
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Atiđa Selmani
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 1, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Eva Roblegg
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 1, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Damir Kralj
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Ivana Stanić
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Branka Njegić Džakula
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Jasminka Kontrec
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Abeysinghe KMSN, Guruge KPGKP, Bandara T, Kumara PBTP. Microplastic pollution status in the coral reef ecosystems on the Southern and Western coasts of Sri Lanka during the Southwest monsoon. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116713. [PMID: 39002216 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
We investigated the microplastics (MP) abundance, characteristics and pollution severity in the six coral reef ecosystems along the southern and western coasts of Sri Lanka during the southwest monsoon. The small blue-coloured fibres dominated within coral reefs and reef environments. The average coral, surface water and surface sediment MP concentration were 806.64 ± 93.72 particles kg-1ww, 23.42 ± 5.01 particles m-3, and 54.11 ± 8.04 particles kg-1dw, respectively. Coral MP concentration was significantly correlated with surface water (r = 0.65) and surface sediments (r = 0.59) indicating that the reef environment was the source of coral MP enrichment. Coral MP concentration was spatially different (p < 0.05) which may likely be due to the changes in winds, waves, coral biology and plastic sources. MP Pollution Load Index indicated that low MP contamination hazard. Since the presence of MP often deteriorates coral's health, further investigations are necessary to understand the MP's effects on the health of coral reef ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M S N Abeysinghe
- Department of Oceanography and Marine Geology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology, University of Ruhuna, Matara 81000, Sri Lanka
| | - K P G K P Guruge
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Passara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka.
| | - Tharindu Bandara
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, Umeå 90187, Sweden
| | - P B T P Kumara
- Department of Oceanography and Marine Geology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology, University of Ruhuna, Matara 81000, Sri Lanka
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Chen CF, Albarico FPJB, Wang MH, Lim YC, Chen CW, Dong CD. Potential risks of accumulated microplastics in shells and soft tissues of cultured hard clams (Meretrix taiwanica) and associated metals. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135088. [PMID: 39018596 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pose risks to both aquatic ecosystems and human health. This study investigated MPs in the shells and soft tissues of hard clams (Meretrix taiwanica) cultured in the inland waters of Taiwan. This study further developed two novel risk indices for assessing the potential ecological and health consequences of MPs. Moreover, the metal concentrations in the clam's soft tissues and the associated consumption health risks were investigated. Clamshells contained significant amounts of MPs with an average abundance of 16.6 ± 6.9 MPs/ind., which was higher than in the soft tissues (2.7 ± 1.7 MPs/ind.). The distribution and sizes of MPs in shells and soft tissues were similar, primarily small-sized (<2 mm, >99 %), blue (>65 %), and fibrous (>99 %). Dominant MP polymer types included rayon (83.5 %), polyethylene terephthalate (11.8 %), and polyacrylonitrile (3.6 %). The proposed MP potential ecological risk index indicates a higher potential ecological MP risk in soft tissues (302-423) than in shells (270-278) of the clams. The MP potential hazard risk index showed that the risk of exposure to MP through shellfish consumption decreased with age. The total hazard index (THI) value suggested negligible health hazards from metal exposure through shellfish consumption. Moreover, there was no significant correlation between MPs and metal concentrations in soft tissues, suggesting that metals bound to MPs contribute minimally to the total accumulated metals in clam's soft tissues. This study confirms the presence of MPs in clam shells and provides a novel tool to assess the potential ecological and health risks associated with MPs in shellfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Feng Chen
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Center for the Study of Sediments, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Frank Paolo Jay B Albarico
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Sustainable Environment Research Center, College of Hydrosphere Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Huang Wang
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Yee Cheng Lim
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Center for the Study of Sediments, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Wen Chen
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Center for the Study of Sediments, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Di Dong
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Center for the Study of Sediments, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan.
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Rades M, Poschet G, Gegner H, Wilke T, Reichert J. Chronic effects of exposure to polyethylene microplastics may be mitigated at the expense of growth and photosynthesis in reef-building corals. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116631. [PMID: 38917503 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
The causes of the physiological effects of microplastic pollution, potentially harming reef-building corals, are unclear. Reasons might include increased energy demands for handling particles and immune reactions. This study is among the first assessing the effects of long-term microplastic exposure on coral physiology at realistic concentrations (200 polyethylene particles L-1). The coral species Acropora muricata, Pocillopora verrucosa, Porites lutea, and Heliopora coerulea were exposed to microplastics for 11 months, and energy reserves, metabolites, growth, and photosymbiont state were analyzed. Results showed an overall low impact on coral physiology, yet species-specific effects occurred. Specifically, H. coerulea exhibited reduced growth, P. lutea and A. muricata showed changes in photosynthetic efficiency, and A. muricata variations in taurine levels. These findings suggest that corals may possess compensatory mechanisms mitigating the effects of microplastics. However, realistic microplastic concentrations only occasionally affected corals. Yet, corals exposed to increasing pollution scenarios will likely experience more negative impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Rades
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Gernot Poschet
- Metabolomics Core Technology Platform, Centre for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hagen Gegner
- Metabolomics Core Technology Platform, Centre for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Wilke
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jessica Reichert
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany; Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
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Qin B, Yu K, Fu Y, Zhou Y, Wu Y, Zhang W, Chen X. Responses in reef-building corals to wildfire emissions: Heterotrophic plasticity and calcification. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171271. [PMID: 38428592 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171271] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Extreme wildfire events are on the rise globally, and although substantial wildfire emissions may find their way into the ocean, their impact on coral reefs remains uncertain. In a five-week laboratory experiment, we observed a significant reduction in photosynthesis in coral symbionts (Porites lutea) when exposed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfires. At low PM2.5 level (2 mg L-1), the changes in δ13C and δ15N values in the host and symbiotic algae suggest reduced autotrophy and the utilization of wildfire particulates as a source of heterotrophic nutrients. This adaptive strategy, characterized by an increase in heterotrophy, sustained some aspects of coral growth (total biomass, proteins and lipids) under wildfire stress. Nevertheless, at high PM2.5 level (5 mg L-1), both autotrophy and heterotrophy significantly decreased, resulting in an imbalanced coral-algal nutritional relationship. These changes were related to light attenuation in seawater and particulate accumulation on the coral surface during PM2.5 deposition, ultimately rendering the coral growth unsustainable. Further, the calcification rates decreased by 1.5 to 1.85 times under both low and high levels of PM2.5, primarily affected by photosynthetic autotrophy rather than heterotrophy. Our study highlights a constrained heterotrophic plasticity of corals under wildfire stress. This limitation may restrict wildfire emissions as an alternative nutrient source to support coral growth and calcification, especially when oceanic food availability or autotrophy declines, as seen during bleaching induced by the warming ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Qin
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Kefu Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China.
| | - Yichen Fu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yanliu Wu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Wenqian Zhang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
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Roberts LR, Kersting DK, Zinke J, Rose NL. First recorded presence of anthropogenic fly-ash particles in coral skeletons. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:170665. [PMID: 38311084 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170665] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Fly-ash particles formed during industrial fossil-fuel combustion show a globally observed rapid increase in concentration within natural archives post-1950 and have been proposed as a marker for the Anthropocene Epoch. Here, we present the first record of fly-ash particles incorporated into coral skeletons. Particles are present in Mediterranean corals between CE 1957 and 1992 at concentrations of 8-30 g-1 coral, mirroring the period of increased industrial activity in the area, and corroborating with spheroidal carbonaceous particle (SCP) records globally. The findings have important implications for the use of SCPs as markers in natural archives. With the exception of microplastics, this is the first evidence of particulate contamination in corals collected from natural environments. Further research is needed to understand incorporation pathways into coral skeletons, any subsequent ecotoxicological impact of contaminants, and the influence on overall coral health globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- L R Roberts
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - D K Kersting
- Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal (IATS-CSIC), 12595 Ribera de Cabanes, Castelló, Spain
| | - J Zinke
- School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - N L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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Yen LP, Yong CLX, Todd PA. The effect of coral colony morphology, coral surface condition, particle size, and seeding point on the trapping and deposition of microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171077. [PMID: 38382597 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171077] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Coral reefs are increasingly identified as microplastic sinks. Understanding the trapping and deposition effects on microplastics among coral colonies of different morphologies can help identify which corals and coral reefs are at higher risk of microplastic exposure. Here, we used a current-generating saltwater flume to explore microplastic trapping and deposition among branching coral, Pocillopora acuta, colonies with contrasting morphologies (open and compact), together with varying coral surface conditions (live, dead, and waxed), microplastic sizes (400 to 500 μm and 900 to 1000 μm), and seeding points (above-colony and mid-colony). Results revealed that more microplastics were trapped by, and deposited nearer to, compact colonies compared to those with a more open morphology-likely due to differences in flow dynamics. More of the larger microplastics were trapped, as were those introduced at the mid seeding point, but coral surface condition had no significant effect. These findings add to the growing evidence that corals are effective at trapping and facilitating deposition of microplastics. Branching corals with compact structures are potentially at high risk of microplastic pollution impact. We posit that coral composition, i.e. the relative abundance of compact branching colonies, will affect microplastic accumulation in natural reef environments. SYNOPSIS: This study demonstrates the effects of coral morphology on microplastic trapping and deposition, providing mechanistic insights into the factors that contribute to coral reefs acting as microplastic sinks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Peng Yen
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Clara Lei Xin Yong
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Peter A Todd
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore.
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Li Y, Chen H, Li S, Feng L, Wang Z, Wang D, Wang Q, Wang H. Corals-inspired magnetic absorbents for fast and efficient removal of microplastics in various water sources. RSC Adv 2024; 14:11908-11913. [PMID: 38623298 PMCID: PMC11017187 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02521k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) as the formidable pollutants with high toxicity and difficult degradation may threaten the aquaculture industry and human health, making it highly necessary to develop the effective removal methods. In this article, Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were initially fabricated with mesoporous structure, but showing undesirable adsorption efficiencies for the adsorption of MPs (lower than 70%). Inspired by the reefs-rebuilding corals acting as the sinks for various marine pollutants like plastic, Fe3O4 NPs were coated further with adhesive polymerized dopamine (PDA) yielding Fe3O4@PDA absorbents. Unexpectedly, it was discovered that the corals-mimicking absorbents so formed could allow for the removal of MPs with dramatically enhanced efficiencies up to 98.5%, which is over about 30% higher than those of bare Fe3O4 NPs. Herein, the PDA shells might conduct the increased adhesion to MPs, presumably through the formation of hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and hydrophobic interactions. A fast (within 20 min) and stable adsorption of MPs can also be expected, in addition to the PDA-improved environmental storage of Fe3O4 NPs. Subsequently, the Fe3O4@PDA adsorbents were utilized to remove MPs from different water sources with high efficiencies, including pure water, suburban streams, village rivers, lake water, inner-city moats, and aquaculture water. Such a magnet-recyclable adsorbent may provide a new way for rapid, effective, and low-cost removal of MPs pollutants from various water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyan Li
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Medical and Environmental Application Technologies, School of Life Sciences, Huzhou University Zhejiang 313000 P. R. China
| | - Huilan Chen
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Medical and Environmental Application Technologies, School of Life Sciences, Huzhou University Zhejiang 313000 P. R. China
| | - Shuai Li
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Medical and Environmental Application Technologies, School of Life Sciences, Huzhou University Zhejiang 313000 P. R. China
| | - Luping Feng
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Medical and Environmental Application Technologies, School of Life Sciences, Huzhou University Zhejiang 313000 P. R. China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Medical and Environmental Application Technologies, School of Life Sciences, Huzhou University Zhejiang 313000 P. R. China
| | - Di Wang
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Medical and Environmental Application Technologies, School of Life Sciences, Huzhou University Zhejiang 313000 P. R. China
| | - Qidong Wang
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Medical and Environmental Application Technologies, School of Life Sciences, Huzhou University Zhejiang 313000 P. R. China
| | - Hua Wang
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Medical and Environmental Application Technologies, School of Life Sciences, Huzhou University Zhejiang 313000 P. R. China
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Jones NR, de Jersey AM, Lavers JL, Rodemann T, Rivers-Auty J. Identifying laboratory sources of microplastic and nanoplastic contamination from the air, water, and consumables. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133276. [PMID: 38128232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic and nanoplastic research has proliferated in recent years in response to the escalating plastic pollution crisis. However, a lack of optimised methods for sampling and sample processing has potential implications for contaminating samples resulting in an overestimation of the quantity of microplastics and nanoplastics present in environmental samples. In response, a series of recommendations have been made, but most have not been quantified or validated sources of contamination. In the present study, we investigated sources of plastic contamination in common laboratory procedures including water sources (e.g., Milli-Q), consumables (e.g., unburnt glassware), airflow (e.g., fume hood) and dust. Using flow cytometry, we identified water, air flow and dust as sources of significant contamination. Milli-Q and reverse osmosis were the least contaminated sources when compared with tap water. Interestingly, current recommendations are to use glass consumables in replacement of plastic consumables, however, we have identified glassware and glass consumables as a significant source of contamination. Current best practice is to cover the glass tube with aluminium foil to reduce airborne contamination, but we found fresh aluminium foil to be a significant source of contamination, bringing light to the limitations foil has as a contamination control measure. Lastly, we identified significant quantities of microplastics and nanoplastics present in dust collected within the laboratory, suggesting this is a widespread and underestimated source of contamination. We have provided validated sources of contamination for both consumables and common laboratory procedures and provided mitigation strategies based on these. Additional recommendations include the appropriate design of experimental controls to quantify levels of introduced contamination based on methods and the detection techniques utilised. The application of these mitigation strategies and appropriate experimental design will allow for more accurate estimations on the level of microplastic and nanoplastic contamination within environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina R Jones
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia; Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Alix M de Jersey
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Bird Group, The Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, United Kingdom; Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales 2678, Australia.
| | - Thomas Rodemann
- Central Science Laboratory, College of Sciences and Engineering, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 74, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Jack Rivers-Auty
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
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Reichert J, Tirpitz V, Plaza K, Wörner E, Bösser L, Kühn S, Primpke S, Schubert P, Ziegler M, Wilke T. Common types of microdebris affect the physiology of reef-building corals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169276. [PMID: 38086480 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169276] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris, particularly microdebris (< 1 mm) poses a potential threat to marine life, including reef-building corals. While previous research has mainly focused on the impact of single polymer microplastics, the effects of natural microdebris, composed of a mixture of materials, have not been explored. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of different microdebris, originating from major sources of pollution, on reef-building corals. For this, we exposed two scleractinian coral species, Pocillopora verrucosa and Stylophora pistillata, known to frequently ingest microplastics, to four types of microdebris in an 8-week laboratory experiment: fragmented environmental plastic debris, artificial fibers from clothing, residues from the automobile sector consisting of tire wear, brake abrasion, and varnish flakes, a single polymer microplastic treatment consisting of polyethylene particles, and a microdebris-free control treatment. Specifically, we (I) compared the effects of the different microdebris on coral growth, necrosis, and photosynthesis, (II) investigated the difference between the microdebris mixtures and the exposure to the single polymer treatment, and (III) identified potential mechanisms causing species-specific effects by contrasting the feeding responses of the two coral species on microdebris and natural food. We show that the fibers and tire wear had the strongest effects on coral physiology, with P. verrucosa being more affected than S. pistillata. Both species showed increased volume growth in response to the microdebris treatments, accompanied by decreased calcification in P. verrucosa. Photosynthetic efficiency of the symbionts was enhanced in both species. The species-specific physiological responses might be attributed to feeding reactions, with P. verrucosa responding significantly more often to microdebris than S. pistillata. These findings highlight the effect of different microdebris on coral physiology and the need for future studies to use particle mixtures to better mimic naturally occurring microdebris and assess its effect on corals in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Reichert
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany; Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, HI, Kāne'ohe, USA.
| | - Vanessa Tirpitz
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katherine Plaza
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Wörner
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany; Department of Geoscience, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Luisa Bösser
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Susanne Kühn
- Wageningen Marine Research, Den Helder, the Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- Alfred-Wegener-Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Helgoland, Germany
| | - Patrick Schubert
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Maren Ziegler
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Wilke
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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Strudwick P, Camp EF, Seymour J, Roper C, Edmondson J, Howlett L, Suggett DJ. Impacts of plastic-free materials on coral-associated bacterial communities during reef restoration. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 16:e13229. [PMID: 38192237 PMCID: PMC10866064 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Coral propagation and out-planting based restoration approaches are increasingly being applied to assist natural recovery of coral reefs. However, many restoration methods rely on plastic zip-ties to secure coral material which is potentially problematic for the marine environment. Plastic-free biodegradable alternatives may however pose unique risks to coral-associated bacterial communities integral to coral health. Therefore, to identify whether biodegradable materials differentially impact coral-associated bacterial communities we examined Acropora millepora coral-associated bacterial communities during propagation in two experiments on the Great Barrier Reef. Coral fragments were secured to coral nurseries with conventional plastic, metal, or biodegradable (polyester and polycaprolactone) ties. Tie failure and coral-associated bacterial communities were then characterized over six months. Minimal coral mortality was observed (3.6%-8%) and all ties had low failure rates (0%-4.2%) except for biodegradable polyester ties (29.2% failure). No differences were observed between coral-associated bacterial communities of fragments secured with different ties, and no proliferation of putatively pathogenic bacteria was recorded. Overall, our findings suggest that reducing reliance on conventional plastic is feasible through transitions to biodegradable materials, without any notable impacts on coral-associated bacterial communities. However, we caution the need to examine more coral taxa of different morphologies and new plastic-free materials prior to application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige Strudwick
- Faculty of Science, Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology SydneyUltimoNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Emma F. Camp
- Faculty of Science, Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology SydneyUltimoNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Justin Seymour
- Faculty of Science, Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology SydneyUltimoNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Christine Roper
- Faculty of Science, Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology SydneyUltimoNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Lorna Howlett
- Faculty of Science, Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology SydneyUltimoNew South WalesAustralia
| | - David J. Suggett
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)ThuwalKingdom of Saudi Arabia
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12
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Chen CF, Ju YR, Chen CW, Albarico FPJB, Lim YC, Ke C, Cheng YR, Dong CD. Microplastics in coral reef sediments underestimated? They may hide in biominerals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165708. [PMID: 37482351 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165708] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) may be underestimated in coral reef sediments. Current pretreatments for determining MPs in the sediments are mainly density separation and organic matter removal, ignoring MPs that may be embedded or encrusted in biominerals. This could lead to discrepancies in assessing the potential risk of MPs contamination. To confirm whether MPs in coral reef sediments are underestimated, a two-step sequential digestion, including organic matter removal (H2O2 digestion) and biomineral removal (HCl digestion), was performed on sediments from the coral reef area of the South Penghu Marine National Park (SPMNP, Taiwan). The MPs abundance and characteristics of the two steps were analyzed separately. The results showed that the average MPs abundance after HCl digestion (78 ± 42 MPs/kg) was significantly higher than that of H2O2 digestion (38 ± 25 MPs/kg). The MPs diversity integrated index (MPDII) in coral reef sediments was low (MPDII = 0.35), and MPs were mainly small (<2.0 mm, 91.3 %), fibrous (93.5 %), colored (60.9 %), and rayon polymers (73.9 %). Correlation analysis showed that MPs in biominerals mainly dominated MPs in the sediments. These results confirm that current assessments of MPs contamination levels in biomineral-rich sediments may be underestimated and uncertain. In addition, the mineralization of organisms in SPMNP reef regions was affected by MPs from moderate to high levels, depending on the proportion of MPs in biominerals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Feng Chen
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ru Ju
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National United University, Miaoli 36063, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Wen Chen
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Frank Paolo Jay B Albarico
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; College of Fisheries and Allied Sciences, Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology, Sagay City 6122, Philippines
| | - Yee Cheng Lim
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Chongtai Ke
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Rong Cheng
- Department of Fisheries Production and Management, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Di Dong
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan.
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13
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Soares MO, Rizzo L, Ximenes Neto AR, Barros Y, Martinelli Filho JE, Giarrizzo T, Rabelo EF. Do coral reefs act as sinks for microplastics? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122509. [PMID: 37690465 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has been detected in coral reefs, raising concerns regarding its global impact. Although they cover a small portion (<1%) of the total area of the world's oceans, coral reefs are geological and biological structures that trap MPs and disproportionately enhance their accumulation. In this review, we attempted to understand how coral reefs act as short- and long-term sinks for MPs. We describe five characteristics that lead to the enrichment of microplastics in coral reefs: 1) adhesion on reef-building corals at distinct depths; 2) ingestion by reef organisms (e.g., suspension feeders, such as sponges, ascidians, and corals), bioconcentration, and formation of short-term (i.e., years to decades) biological sinks for MPs; 3) formation of long-term (i.e., centuries) MP sinks in coral skeletons and unconsolidated subsurface sediments; 4) reduction of sediment resuspension and seafloor turbulent kinetic energy by complex marine forest architecture that reduces bottom shear stress, facilitates the retention, and deposition of small (<0.5 mm) and high-density floating MPs; and 5) diagenesis of Anthropocene sedimentary rocks containing MPs. We estimate that reef processes may remove more than 10% of floating MPs in shallow tropical waters yearly. Statistical results show that microplastic abundance for reef-building corals are higher than values found in reef sediments and especially in seawater. Moreover, pellets, films, foams and mainly fragments and fibers have been found. These field-based data support our hypothesis of sinks in the reef sediments and organisms. We highlight the role of these seascapes in the interception of MPs as traps and sinks in reef sediments, biota, and carbonate frameworks. As coral reefs are prone to MP accumulation and can become pollution hotspots, global initiatives are necessary to conserve these rich ecosystems and prevent rapidly increasing plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo O Soares
- Instituto de Ciências Do Mar (LABOMAR), Universidade Federal Do Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil; Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES), University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Reef Systems Group, Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany.
| | - Lucia Rizzo
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council (CNR-ISPA), Via Prov.le Lecce Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences (CoNISMa), Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Rodrigues Ximenes Neto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Ambiental (Labogeo), Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, Brazil; Departamento de Geografia/CERES, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Caicó, Brazil
| | - Yasmin Barros
- Instituto de Ciências Do Mar (LABOMAR), Universidade Federal Do Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - José Eduardo Martinelli Filho
- Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade (CEABIO) and Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal Do Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil
| | - Tommaso Giarrizzo
- Instituto de Ciências Do Mar (LABOMAR), Universidade Federal Do Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Emanuelle F Rabelo
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal Rural Do Semiárido (UFERSA), Mossoró, Brazil
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14
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Gulizia AM, Philippa B, Zacharuk J, Motti CA, Vamvounis G. Plasticiser leaching from polyvinyl chloride microplastics and the implications for environmental risk assessment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115392. [PMID: 37690404 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics in aquatic environments is a growing concern, particularly due to the leaching of chemical additives such as plasticisers. To develop comprehensive environmental risk assessments (ERAs) of high-concern polymers and plasticisers, an understanding of their leachability is required. This work investigated diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and bisphenol A (BPA) leaching from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics (average diameter = 191 μm) under simulated marine conditions. Leaching behaviours were quantified using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and the polymer's physiochemical properties analysed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and optical microscopy. Experimental data were fitted to a diffusion and boundary layer model, which found that BPA leaching was temperature-dependent (diffusion-limited), whereas DEHP leaching was controlled by surface rinsing. Model predictions also highlighted the importance of microplastic size on leaching dynamics. These data contribute towards greater accuracy in ERAs of microplastics, with implications for water quality and waste management, including decommissioning of plastic infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Gulizia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, QLD 4811, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Bronson Philippa
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, QLD 4811, Australia.
| | - Jessica Zacharuk
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, QLD 4811, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Cherie A Motti
- AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - George Vamvounis
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, QLD 4811, Australia.
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15
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Ng MS, Todd PA. The comparative effects of chronic microplastic and sediment deposition on the scleractinian coral Merulina ampliata. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 191:106135. [PMID: 37598615 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106135] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Despite increasing research into the effects of microplastics on corals, no study to date has compared this relatively novel pollutant with a well-established stressor such as downwelling sediments. Here, Merulina ampliata coral fragments were exposed to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and calcium carbonate particles (200-300 μm) at two deposition levels, high (115.20 ± 5.83 mg cm-2 d-1, mean ± SE) and low (22.87 ± 1.90 mg cm-2 d-1) in specially-designed Flow-Through Resuspension (FloTR) chambers. After 28 d, there were no significant differences between fragments exposed to sediments and microplastics for coral skeletal growth, Symbiodiniaceae density, and areal or cellular chlorophyll a concentrations. There were also no significant differences between levels of treatments, or with the control fragments. More PET microplastic particles were incorporated into the coral skeletons of fragments exposed to microplastics compared to those exposed to sediment and the control fragments, but there was no difference between fragments exposed to high and low microplastic levels. Together, the results show that M. ampliata appears to be able to cope with both microplastic and sediment stress, and suggests that microplastics do not represent a more serious threat than downwelling sediments at the levels tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Sheng Ng
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558, Singapore; Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, 16 College Avenue West, Singapore, 138527, Singapore.
| | - Peter A Todd
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558, Singapore.
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16
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Chen CF, Ju YR, Lim YC, Wang MH, Chen CW, Dong CD. Microplastics in coastal farmed oyster (Crassostrea angulata) shells: Abundance, characteristics, and diversity. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115228. [PMID: 37544062 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115228] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
One of the most concerning emerging pollutants is microplastics (MPs), which can infiltrate soft tissues of organisms by ingestion, adhesion, and fusing and may even become embedded in biominerals. However, very little evidence is available about MPs in biominerals found in the wild. This study detected the abundance and characteristics of MPs in the shells of farmed oysters (Crassostrea angulata) off the coast of Taiwan and discussed the distribution, accumulation, and diversity in the oyster shells. The results showed that MPs were ubiquitous in oyster shells, with an average abundance of 0.70 ± 0.40 MPs/g. MPs abundance was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in small oyster shells (shell length < 6.5 cm, weight 5-10 g) and inorganic (CaCO3) fraction (HCl digestion) than in large oyster shells (>6.5 cm, 10-25 g) and an organic fraction (H2O2 digestion), respectively. However, there was no significant difference in MPs abundance between the top and bottom shells (p > 0.05). MPs with a size <2 mm accounted for 78.5 %, fibrous MPs for 93.7 %, and rayon for 89.5 %. The MPs diversity integrated index (MPDII) in oyster shells was low (0.27), and the small and fibrous MPs seemed more easily embedded in biominerals. The findings confirm the presence of MPs in oyster shells in coastal environments. In addition, oyster shells may contain higher amounts of MPs than soft tissues 4-5 times, which needs to be confirmed. Further revealing the distribution and accumulation of MPs in water/terrestrial biominerals will help to understand the fate of MPs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Feng Chen
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ru Ju
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National United University, Miaoli 36063, Taiwan
| | - Yee Cheng Lim
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Huang Wang
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Wen Chen
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Di Dong
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan.
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17
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Lopes LGA, Lopes FC, Quintana KG, Costa PG, de Martinez Gaspar Martins C, Souza MM. Biomineralization biomarkers to assess microplastics toxic effects in the freshwater snail Pomacea canaliculata. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 268:109585. [PMID: 36858139 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has increased the number of reports on the toxic effects on biota, especially aquatic organisms. Recently, studies highlighted changes in ion transport and concentration, especially Ca2+, in organisms exposed to MPs. For calcifying organisms, such as mollusks, Ca2+ homeostasis is critical for their shells construction. We investigated the effects of polyethylene (PE) MPs at 20 μg/L on biomineralization biomarkers (Ca2+ATPase, carbonic anhydrase, hemolymph [Ca2+], and shell regeneration) of the freshwater gastropod Pomacea canaliculata. Two experimental sets were performed: (1) animals in physiological condition and (2) animals with their shells excised. The results of the first set showed that within 24 h, the hemolymph [Ca2+] decreased, and the Ca2+ATPase activity increased in the mantle edge. For carbonic anhydrase (CA), the activity decreased in the gland and increased in the mantle. By 72 h, the hemolymph [Ca2+] had not changed, whereas both enzymes had increased in both tissues. In the second set, the hemolymph [Ca2+] increased after 72 h, whereas Ca2+ATPase activity decreased in both tissues. For AC, the opposite results were observed. At 120 h, calcium pumping was still reduced and CA values increased in the digestive gland. Additionally, MPs exposure increased the capacity of the gastropods to recover their shells. Based on this, our work provides novel data associating PE microplastic exposures (at 20 μg/L) and their potential to stimulate biomineralization enzymes of P. canaliculata, as well as increase shell regeneration in excised animal; a good prerogative for further investigations on both subjects that still lacks of more robust evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Gustavo Alves Lopes
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia de Ambientes Aquáticos Continentais, Av. Itália km 8, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Chaves Lopes
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Av. Itália km 8, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Karine Gularte Quintana
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Graduação em Oceanologia, Instituto de Oceanologia, Av. Itália km 8, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Gomes Costa
- Fundação Espírito-santense de Tecnologia - FEST. Av. Fernando Ferrari, 845 - Goiabeiras, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Camila de Martinez Gaspar Martins
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia de Ambientes Aquáticos Continentais, Av. Itália km 8, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Av. Itália km 8, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Marta Marques Souza
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia de Ambientes Aquáticos Continentais, Av. Itália km 8, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Av. Itália km 8, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
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18
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Bouchet VMP, Seuront L, Tsujimoto A, Richirt J, Frontalini F, Tsuchiya M, Matsuba M, Nomaki H. Foraminifera and plastic pollution: Knowledge gaps and research opportunities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 324:121365. [PMID: 36858101 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121365] [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: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastic has become one of the most ubiquitous and environmentally threatening sources of pollution in the Anthropocene. Beyond the conspicuous visual impact and physical damages, plastics both carry and release a cocktail of harmful chemicals, such as monomers, additives and persistent organic pollutants. Here we show through a review of the scientific literature dealing with both plastic pollution and benthic foraminifera (Rhizaria), that despite their critical roles in the structure and function of benthic ecosystems, only 0.4% of studies have investigated the effects of micro- and nano-plastics on this group. Consequently, we urge to consider benthic foraminifera in plastic pollution studies via a tentative roadmap that includes (i) the use of their biological, physiological and behavioral responses that may unveil the effects of microplastics and nanoplastics and (ii) the evaluation of the indicative value of foraminiferal species to serve as proxies for the degree of pollution. This appears particularly timely in the context of the development of management strategies to restore coastal ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent M P Bouchet
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR8187, LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, Station Marine de Wimereux, 59000, Lille, France.
| | - Laurent Seuront
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR8187, LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, Station Marine de Wimereux, 59000, Lille, France; Department of Marine Energy and Resource, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan; Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa
| | - Akira Tsujimoto
- Faculty of Education, Shimane University, 1060 Nishikawatsu-cho, Matsue-shi, Shimane, 690-8504, Japan
| | - Julien Richirt
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR8187, LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, Station Marine de Wimereux, 59000, Lille, France; X-star, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, 237-0061, Japan
| | - Fabrizio Frontalini
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, Urbino University, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Masashi Tsuchiya
- Research Institute for Global Change (RIGC), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, 237-0061, Japan
| | - Misako Matsuba
- Biodiversity Division, National Institute of Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Nomaki
- X-star, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, 237-0061, Japan
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19
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Rahman MN, Shozib SH, Akter MY, Islam ARMT, Islam MS, Sohel MS, Kamaraj C, Rakib MRJ, Idris AM, Sarker A, Malafaia G. Microplastic as an invisible threat to the coral reefs: Sources, toxicity mechanisms, policy intervention, and the way forward. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 454:131522. [PMID: 37146332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution waste is a global macro problem, and research on MP contamination has been done in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. Preventing MP pollution from hurting them is essential to maintaining coral reefs' ecological and economic benefits. However, the public and scientific communities must pay more attention to MP research on the coral reef regions' distribution, effects, mechanisms, and policy evaluations. Therefore, this review summarizes the global MP distribution and source within the coral reefs. Current knowledge extends the impacts of MP on coral reefs, existing policy, and further recommendations to mitigate MPs contamination on corals are critically analyzed. Furthermore, mechanisms of MP on coral and human health are also highlighted to pinpoint research gaps and potential future studies. Given the escalating plastic usage and the prevalence of coral bleaching globally, there is a pressing need to prioritize research efforts on marine MPs that concentrate on critical coral reef areas. Such investigations should encompass an extensive and crucial understanding of the distribution, destiny, and effects of the MPs on human and coral health and the potential hazards of those MPs from an ecological viewpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Naimur Rahman
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mst Yeasmin Akter
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh; Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Md Salman Sohel
- Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Chinnaperumal Kamaraj
- Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine (IIISM), Directorate of Research, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aniruddha Sarker
- Department of Agro-food Safety and Crop Protection, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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20
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Zhang K, Liang J, Sha Z, Zhou L, Zheng S, Sun X. Microplastic sink that cannot be ignored in chemosynthetic organisms. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 189:114815. [PMID: 36931157 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114815] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Marine microplastic (MP) pollution is a widespread concern; however, to date, MP pollution in chemoautotrophic ecosystems remains largely unknown. This study focuses on the cold seep in the South China Sea. Two dominant species, namely mussel (Gigantidas platifrons) and squat lobster (Shinkaia crosnieri), were collected for examining the MP pollution. MPs were present in both mussels and squat lobsters with abundances of 0.13 ± 0.04 and 0.17 ± 0.06 items/ind., respectively. MPs were mainly fibrous (62.5 %) and transparent (45.8 %). The main polymer type was polyester (54.2 %). About 86.5 MPs/m2 were found inhabiting mussels and squat lobsters-a value comparable to those reported in benthos. This pilot report on MP pollution in cold-seep species provides key information for studies on MP pollution in chemoautotrophic ecosystems and evidence regarding a potential biological MP sink. The role of cold-seep organisms in MP retention and transport in the regional sea merits further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangning Zhang
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junhua Liang
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Zhongli Sha
- Department of Marine Organism Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Center of Deep Sea Research, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Shan Zheng
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Xiaoxia Sun
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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21
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Zhang W, Sik Ok Y, Bank MS, Sonne C. Macro- and microplastics as complex threats to coral reef ecosystems. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 174:107914. [PMID: 37028266 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107914] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of macroplastics (macro-), microplastics (MPs, <5mm), and nanoplastics (NPs, <100 nm) on corals and their complex reef ecosystems are receiving increased attention and visibility. MPs represent a major, contemporary, sustainability challenge with known and unknown effects on the ocean, and coral reef ecosystems worldwide. However, the fate and transport processes of macro-, MPs, and NPs and their direct and indirect impacts on coral reef ecosystems remains poorly understood. In this study, we verify and briefly summarize MPs distribution and pollution patterns in coral reefs from various geographical regions and discuss potential risks. The main interaction mechanisms show that MPs may substantially affect coral feeding performance, proper skeletal formation, and overall nutrition and, thus, there is an urgent need to address this rapidly growing environmental problem. From a management perspective, macro-, MPs, and NPs should, ideally, all be included in environmental monitoring frameworks, as possible, to aid in identifying those geographical areas that are most heavily impacted and to support future prioritization of conservation efforts. The potential solutions to the macro-, MP, and NP pollution problem include raising public awareness of plastic pollution, developing robust, environmental, conservation efforts, promoting a circular economy, and propelling industry-supported technological innovations to reduce plastic use and consumption. Global actions to curb plastic inputs, and releases of macro-, MP, and NP particles, and their associated chemicals, to the environment are desperately needed to secure the overall health of coral reef ecosystems and their inhabitants. Global scale horizon scans, gap analyses, and other future actions are necessary to gain and increase momentum to properly address this massive environmental problem and are in good accordance with several relevant UN sustainable development goals to sustain planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management & Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management & Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea.
| | - Michael S Bank
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway; University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India
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22
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Zhou Z, Tang J, Cao X, Wu C, Cai W, Lin S. High Heterotrophic Plasticity of Massive Coral Porites pukoensis Contributes to Its Tolerance to Bioaccumulated Microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:3391-3401. [PMID: 36800204 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08188] [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] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Scleractinian corals have been observed to be capable of accumulating microplastics from reef environments; however, the tolerant mechanism is poorly known. Here, we examined the response of Porites pukoensis to microplastic pollution by analyzing algal symbiont density, energetic metabolism, and caspase3 activities (representing the apoptosis level) in the coral-Symbiodiniaceae association. The environments of three fringing reef regions along the south coast of Sanya City, Hainan Province of China, were polluted by microplastics (for example, microplastic concentrations in the seawater ranged from 3.3 to 46.6 particles L-1), resulting in microplastic accumulation in P. pukoensis (0.4-2.4 particles cm-2). The accumulation of microplastics was negatively correlated to algal symbiont density in the corals but not to caspase3 activities in the two symbiotic partners, demonstrating that P. pukoensis could tolerate accumulated microplastics despite the decrease of algal symbiont density. Furthermore, results from the carbon stable isotope and cellular energy allocation assay indicated that P. pukoensis obtained energy availability (mainly as lipid reserves) using the switch between heterotrophy and autotrophy to maintain energy balance and cope with accumulated microplastics. Collectively, P. pukoensis achieved tolerance to microplastic pollution by maintaining energy availability, which was largely attributed to its high heterotrophic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Jia Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Xiaocong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Chuanliang Wu
- Sanya Institute of Coral Reef Ecosystem, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Wenqi Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Senjie Lin
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
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23
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Puntin G, Sweet M, Fraune S, Medina M, Sharp K, Weis VM, Ziegler M. Harnessing the Power of Model Organisms To Unravel Microbial Functions in the Coral Holobiont. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2022; 86:e0005322. [PMID: 36287022 PMCID: PMC9769930 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00053-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stony corals build the framework of coral reefs, ecosystems of immense ecological and economic importance. The existence of these ecosystems is threatened by climate change and other anthropogenic stressors that manifest in microbial dysbiosis such as coral bleaching and disease, often leading to coral mortality. Despite a significant amount of research, the mechanisms ultimately underlying these destructive phenomena, and what could prevent or mitigate them, remain to be resolved. This is mostly due to practical challenges in experimentation on corals and the highly complex nature of the coral holobiont that also includes bacteria, archaea, protists, and viruses. While the overall importance of these partners is well recognized, their specific contributions to holobiont functioning and their interspecific dynamics remain largely unexplored. Here, we review the potential of adopting model organisms as more tractable systems to address these knowledge gaps. We draw on parallels from the broader biological and biomedical fields to guide the establishment, implementation, and integration of new and emerging model organisms with the aim of addressing the specific needs of coral research. We evaluate the cnidarian models Hydra, Aiptasia, Cassiopea, and Astrangia poculata; review the fast-evolving field of coral tissue and cell cultures; and propose a framework for the establishment of "true" tropical reef-building coral models. Based on this assessment, we also suggest future research to address key aspects limiting our ability to understand and hence improve the response of reef-building corals to future ocean conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Puntin
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Marine Holobiomics Lab, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael Sweet
- Aquatic Research Facility, Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Fraune
- Institute for Zoology and Organismic Interactions, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mónica Medina
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Koty Sharp
- Department of Biology, Marine Biology, and Environmental Science, Roger Williams University, Bristol, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Virginia M. Weis
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Maren Ziegler
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Marine Holobiomics Lab, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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24
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Soares GM, Barros F, Lanna E, da Silva MVS, Cavalcanti FF. Sponges as libraries: Increase in microplastics in Cinachyrella alloclada after 36 years. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114339. [PMID: 36395712 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114339] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Many studies investigated the presence and effects of microplastics in marine species, but data about sponges are still incipient. We quantified these pollutants in a population of the tropical sponge Cinachyrella alloclada, comparing museum specimens sampled in 1981 with specimens sampled in 2017. The mean number of microplastics in specimens collected decades ago was one order of magnitude lower (0.13 ± 0.40/g of sponge tissue) than those sampled more recently (1.37 ± 0.94/g). We observed microplastics in only 10 % of the specimens collected in 1981 but in 80 % of those from 2017. According to Raman spectroscopy, fibers in C. alloclada consisted of polypropylene. Our results reinforce the importance of natural history collections to reduce the gap of knowledge on the interaction between marine sponges and microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Moreira Soares
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo, s/n, Campus Ondina, Salvador 40170-115, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Francisco Barros
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo, s/n, Campus Ondina, Salvador 40170-115, Bahia, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Estudos Interdisciplinares e Transdisciplinares em Ecologia e Evolução (IN-TREE), Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo s/n, Campus Ondina, Salvador 40170-115, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Emilio Lanna
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo, s/n, Campus Ondina, Salvador 40170-115, Bahia, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Estudos Interdisciplinares e Transdisciplinares em Ecologia e Evolução (IN-TREE), Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo s/n, Campus Ondina, Salvador 40170-115, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Marcus Vinicius Santos da Silva
- Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo, s/n, Campus Ondina, Salvador 40170-115, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F Cavalcanti
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo, s/n, Campus Ondina, Salvador 40170-115, Bahia, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Estudos Interdisciplinares e Transdisciplinares em Ecologia e Evolução (IN-TREE), Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo s/n, Campus Ondina, Salvador 40170-115, Bahia, Brazil.
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25
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Cozzolino L, Nicastro KR, Seuront L, McQuaid CD, Zardi GI. The relative effects of interspecific and intraspecific diversity on microplastic trapping in coastal biogenic habitats. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 848:157771. [PMID: 35926622 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of how anthropogenic stressors such as climate change and plastic pollution interact with biodiversity is being widened to include diversity below the species level, i.e., intraspecific variation. The emerging appreciation of the key ecological importance of intraspecific diversity and its potential loss in the Anthropocene, further highlights the need to assess the relative importance of intraspecific versus interspecific diversity. One such issue is whether a species responds as a homogenous whole to plastic pollution. Using manipulative field transplant experiments and laboratory-controlled hydrodynamic simulations, we assessed the relative effects of intraspecific and interspecific diversity on microplastic trapping in coastal biogenic habitats dominated by two key bioengineers, the brown intertidal macroalgae Fucus vesiculosus and F. guiryi. At the individual level, northern morphotypes of F. guiryi trapped more microplastics than southern individuals, and F. vesiculosus trapped more microplastics than F. guiryi. Canopy density varied among species, however, leading to reversed patterns of microplastic accumulation, with F. guiryi canopies accumulating more microplastics than those of F. vesiculosus, while no differences were observed between the canopies of F. guiryi morphotypes. We emphasize the importance of assessing the effects of intraspecific variation which, along with other crucial factors such as canopy density, flow velocity and polymer composition, modulates the extent of microplastic accumulation in coastal biogenic habitats. Our findings indicate that a realistic estimation of plastic accumulation in biogenic habitats requires an understanding of within- and between-species traits at both the individual and population levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Cozzolino
- CCMAR-Centro de Ciencias do Mar, CIMAR Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8005-139, Portugal.
| | - Katy R Nicastro
- CCMAR-Centro de Ciencias do Mar, CIMAR Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8005-139, Portugal; Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, UMR 8187 - LOG - Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, F-59000 Lille, France; Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
| | - Laurent Seuront
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, UMR 8187 - LOG - Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, F-59000 Lille, France; Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Department of Marine Resources and Energy, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan
| | - Christopher D McQuaid
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
| | - Gerardo I Zardi
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Normandie Université, UNICAEN, Laboratoire Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques, UMR 8067 BOREA (CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, UCBN, IRD-207), CS 14032, 14000 Caen, France
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26
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Joppien M, Westphal H, Chandra V, Stuhr M, Doo SS. Nanoplastic incorporation into an organismal skeleton. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14771. [PMID: 36042226 PMCID: PMC9427768 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18547-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies on the effects of global marine plastic pollution have largely focused on physiological responses of few organism groups (e.g., corals, fishes). Here, we report the first observation of polymer nanoparticles being incorporated into the calcite skeleton of a large benthic foraminifera (LBF), a significant contributor to global carbonate production. While previous work on LBF has documented selectivity in feeding behaviour and a high degree of specialization regarding skeletal formation, in this study, abundant cases of nanoplastic encrustation into the calcite tests were observed. Nanoplastic incorporation was associated with formation of new chambers, in conjunction with rapid nanoplastic ingestion and subsequent incomplete egestion. Microalgae presence in nanoplastic treatments significantly increased the initial feeding response after 1 day, but regardless of microalgae presence, nanoplastic ingestion was similar after 6 weeks of chronic exposure. While ~ 40% of ingesting LBF expelled all nanoplastics from their cytoplasm, nanoplastics were still attached to the test surface and subsequently encrusted by calcite. These findings highlight the need for further investigation regarding plastic pollution impacts on calcifying organisms, e.g., the function of LBF as potential plastic sinks and alterations in structural integrity of LBF tests that will likely have larger ecosystem-level impacts on sediment production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlena Joppien
- Geoecology and Carbonate Sedimentology Group, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany. .,Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. .,Department of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Hildegard Westphal
- Geoecology and Carbonate Sedimentology Group, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany.,Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Viswasanthi Chandra
- Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marleen Stuhr
- Geoecology and Carbonate Sedimentology Group, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany
| | - Steve S Doo
- Geoecology and Carbonate Sedimentology Group, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany.,Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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27
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Zhou Z, Wan L, Cai W, Tang J, Wu Z, Zhang K. Species-specific microplastic enrichment characteristics of scleractinian corals from reef environment: Insights from an in-situ study at the Xisha Islands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 815:152845. [PMID: 34990693 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The microplastic pollution has become a worldwide ecological concerns and imposed negative impacts on the coral reef ecosystems. In the present study, the distribution and characteristics of microplastics in the seawater, marine sediment and three scleractinian coral species (Pocillopora damicornis, Galaxea fascicularis, and Porites lutea) at five representative atolls in the Xisha Islands were investigated. The average microplastic abundances in the seawater and marine sediment were 9.5 ± 3.7 particles L-1 and 280.9 ± 231.9 particles kg-1 (dry weight), and the average contents of microplastics in P. damicornis, G. fascicularis and P. lutea were 0.9 ± 0.5 particles cm-2, 1.2 ± 0.6 particles cm-2, and 2.5 ± 1.6 particles cm-2, respectively. There were no significant correlations for the microplastic concentration between the reef environment and the corals. These results infer that the microplastic pollution is severe in the coral reef ecosystem in the Xisha Islands, and scleractinian corals could enrich microplastics from the reef environment. In addition, more than 80% of the microplastics in the seawater, marine sediment and corals were smaller than 2 mm, and the most common types of microplastics were cellophane (61.13%) and polyethylene terephthalate (33.49%). Black and fibers were the most common color and shape of the microplastics in the seawater and marine sediment, respectively. The microplastics in transparent color, film shape and small size (<2 mm) were highly accumulated in corals. Besides, cluster analysis showed that significant difference of microplastic characteristics existed between the corals and the reef environment, and the features of enriched microplastics among three coral species were also different. Moreover, P. lutea exhibited a stronger ability in enriching microplastics than G. fascicularis and P. damicornis. These results suggest that the microplastic-enriching capacities of scleractinian corals are species-specific, and species acclimated to microplastic pollution might become predominant in future coral community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, Key Laboratory of Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Lu Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, Key Laboratory of Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Wenqi Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, Key Laboratory of Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Jia Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, Key Laboratory of Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Zhongjie Wu
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou 571126, China
| | - Kaidian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, Key Laboratory of Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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