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Pakhomova S, Berezina A, Zhdanov I, Mekhova O, Ilinskaya A, Golyakov A, Polivanova T, Gebruk A, Lusher AL, Yakushev E. Floating microplastics in Svalbard fjords: High spatial variability requires methodological consistency in estuarine systems. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 207:116803. [PMID: 39116467 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution was studied in surface waters of Isfjorden, Svalbard in July 2021 as a part of an international regional harmonisation exercise. Surface microplastics (0.5-5 mm) were sampled with a neuston net in triplicate per study site in several branches of Isfjorden, covering populated and unpopulated fjords. High spatial variability of microplastic abundance (0-32,700 items/km2) was observed within a single fjord resulting from the hydrodynamic pattern formed through the interaction of surface currents, freshwater runoff, and wind conditions. Maximum microplastic abundance was not correlated with the distance from the local source and was instead defined by local small-scale hydrodynamics. Future recommendations for correct assessment of surface microplastics concentration in estuarine environments are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Pakhomova
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Anfisa Berezina
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
| | - Igor Zhdanov
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Nakhimovskii prosp. 36, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Mekhova
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Nakhimovskii prosp. 36, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alisa Ilinskaya
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Larsgårdsvegen 2, 6009 Ålesund, Norway
| | - Alexey Golyakov
- North-West Branch of RPA "Typhoon", Beringa str. 38, 199397 St Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tatiana Polivanova
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Nakhimovskii prosp. 36, Moscow, Russia; Geography Faculty of Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Gebruk
- University of Edinburgh, School of GeoSciences, The King's Buildings, James Hutton Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FE, UK
| | - Amy L Lusher
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
| | - Evgeniy Yakushev
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
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2
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Wootton N, Gillanders BM, Leterme S, Noble W, Wilson SP, Blewitt M, Swearer SE, Reis-Santos P. Research priorities on microplastics in marine and coastal environments: An Australian perspective to advance global action. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116660. [PMID: 38981192 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116660] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Plastic and microplastic contamination in the environment receive global attention, with calls for the synthesis of scientific evidence to inform actionable strategies and policy-relevant practices. We provide a systematic literature review on microplastic research across Australian coastal environments in water, sediment and biota, highlighting the main research foci and gaps in information. At the same time, we conducted surveys and workshops to gather expert opinions from multiple stakeholders (including researchers, industry, and government) to identify critical research directions to meet stakeholder needs across sectors. Through this consultation and engagement process, we created a platform for knowledge exchange and identified three major priorities to support evidence-based policy, regulation, and management. These include a need for (i) method harmonisation in microplastic assessments, (ii) information on the presence, sources, and pathways of plastic pollution, and (iii) advancing our understanding of the risk of harm to individuals and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Wootton
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
| | - Bronwyn M Gillanders
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Sophie Leterme
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia; Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Warwick Noble
- Water Quality, Environment Protection Authority, GPO Box 2607, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Scott P Wilson
- AUSMAP, Total Environment Centre, PO Box K61, Haymarket, New South Wales 1240, Australia; School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michelle Blewitt
- AUSMAP, Total Environment Centre, PO Box K61, Haymarket, New South Wales 1240, Australia
| | - Stephen E Swearer
- Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Patrick Reis-Santos
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
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3
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Bornt K, Linge K, How J, de Lestang S, Hovey R, Langlois T. Microplastic extraction from digestive tracts of large decapods. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116709. [PMID: 38991607 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The reliable quantification of microplastic contamination in chitinous organisms requires validated methods to remove interfering complex organic and inorganic material. This study trialled KOH, H2O2 and HNO3 digestion methods on the digestive tracts of two large decapods (Panulirus cygnus and Portunus armatus) to validate a protocol that facilitates reliable microplastic extraction. KOH digestion provided the best recovery (>95 %) of all polymers (e.g. polyamide, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride), with the lowest impact to their physical morphology and chemical spectra. While HNO3, and HNO3 + H2O2 treatments were more effective at digesting chitin, they destroyed polyamide, and altered several other polymers. High digestion efficiency did not result in high matrix clarification or high microplastic recovery for large decapods. This study emphasises the importance of validating species-specific microplastic extraction methods, whilst proposing additional post-digestion protocols, such as density separation, for complex samples, that can be applied in future research investigating plastic contamination in large decapods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Bornt
- School of Biological Sciences and the Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
| | - Kathryn Linge
- ChemCentre, PO Box 1250, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Jason How
- Western Australian Fisheries and Marine Research Laboratories, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 39 Northside Drive, Hillarys, Western Australia 6025, Australia
| | - Simon de Lestang
- Western Australian Fisheries and Marine Research Laboratories, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 39 Northside Drive, Hillarys, Western Australia 6025, Australia
| | - Renae Hovey
- School of Biological Sciences and the Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Tim Langlois
- School of Biological Sciences and the Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
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Milne MH, Helm PA, Munno K, Bhavsar SP, Rochman CM. Microplastics and Anthropogenic Particles in Recreationally Caught Freshwater Fish from an Urbanized Region of the North American Great Lakes. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:77004. [PMID: 39016599 PMCID: PMC11253813 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microplastics are a pervasive contaminant cycling through food webs-leading to concerns regarding exposure and risk to humans. OBJECTIVES We aimed to quantify and characterize anthropogenic particle contamination (including microplastics) in fish caught for human consumption from the Humber Bay region of Lake Ontario. We related quantities of anthropogenic particles to other factors (e.g., fish size) that may help in understanding accumulation of microplastics in fish. METHODS A total of 45 samples of six fish species collected from Humber Bay in Lake Ontario near Toronto, Ontario, Canada, were examined for anthropogenic particles in their gastrointestinal (GI) tracts and fillets. Using microscopy and spectroscopy, suspected anthropogenic particles were identified and characterized. RESULTS We observed anthropogenic particles in the GI tracts and fillets of all species. Individual fish had a mean ± standard deviation of 138 ± 231 anthropogenic particles, with a single fish containing up to 1,508 particles. GI tracts had 93 ± 226 particles/fish (9.8 ± 32.6 particles/gram), and fillets had 56 ± 61 particles/fish (0.5 ± 0.8 particles/gram). Based on a consumption rate of 2 servings/week, the average yearly human exposure through the consumption of these fish fillets would be 12,800 ± 18,300 particles. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that consumption of recreationally caught freshwater fish can be a pathway for human exposure to microplastics. The elevated number of particles observed in fish from Humber Bay highlights the need for large-scale geographic monitoring, especially near sources of microplastics. Currently, it is unclear what the effects of ingesting microplastics are for humans, but given that recreationally caught freshwater fish are one pathway for human exposure, these data can be incorporated into future human health risk assessment frameworks for microplastics. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13540.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine H. Milne
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul A. Helm
- Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Keenan Munno
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Satyendra P. Bhavsar
- Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chelsea M. Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Mladinich K, Holohan BA, Shumway SE, Ward JE. Abundance of microplastics at and near a shellfish aquaculture farm: An eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) transplant study. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 199:106606. [PMID: 38917662 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) have repeatedly been found in commercially cultured species of bivalves. There are concerns regarding the amount of MP released into the environment by aquaculture activities, and questions regarding possible higher MP loads in farm-grown shellfish compared to levels in shellfish collected from recreational beds. To explore this concept, seawater, aquaculture gear, and eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) were sampled from an aquaculture site in Niantic Bay, CT, USA, and a 2-week transplantation experiment was performed in which oysters were transplanted between the aquaculture site and a plastic-free cage off the dock at the University of Connecticut-Avery Point campus. The digestive gland-stomach complex (gut) was dissected from the oysters and MP were extracted from the adjacent seawater and oyster gut samples using previously validated extraction methods. Extensive quality assurance and control measures were taken to reduce MP contamination. Particles in all samples were isolated, imaged under a stereomicroscope, and characterized (size, shape, polymer) using ImageJ software and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Water samples contained 0-0.3 MP/L and oyster gut samples contained 0-1.3 MP/g wet weight indicating very low concentrations of MP at the farm (0-2 MP/individual) or away from the farm (0-3 MP/individual). Aquaculture gear in this area is not contributing to MP ingestion in farmed oysters or elevated MP levels in the surrounding water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Mladinich
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecosset Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States.
| | - Bridget A Holohan
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecosset Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States
| | - Sandra E Shumway
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecosset Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States
| | - J Evan Ward
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecosset Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States
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De Benedetto GE, Fraissinet S, Tardio N, Rossi S, Malitesta C. Microplastics determination and quantification in two benthic filter feeders Sabella spallanzanii, Polychaeta and Paraleucilla magna, Porifera. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31796. [PMID: 38845917 PMCID: PMC11153181 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a worldwide problem especially in the marine environment. Plastic items once fragmented into microplastics (MPs), can be captured by different marine species. Benthic filter feeders like sponges and polychaetas, due to their trophic strategy, are highly exposed to MPs pollution. Herein a simple but effective method to digest the fan worm Sabella spallanzanii and the calcareous sponge Paraleucilla magna is presented: a solution with KOH and H2O2 was able to remove quantitatively (more than 98 %) the organic matter in 3 h while an acid treatment dissolved most of spicules and chaetes in less than 30 min. MPs were easily identified both microscopically and spectroscopically on filters. Quantification in animals collected from the same environment showed that, on average, sponges accumulate fewer MPs than polychaetes (66 ± 31 and 117 ± 46 particles/g dry weight, respectively). The plastic recovery of the method was validated using three different approaches (spiking of standard PS microspheres, of common-use plastic objects, and of microplastics already weathered in marine environment). This procedure can make it easier and cost-effective to process biota in monitoring studies, providing information about bioindicator/bioremediation species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe E. De Benedetto
- Laboratorio di Spettrometria di Massa Analitica e Isotopica, Dipartimento di Beni Culturali, Universita' del Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Silvia Fraissinet
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (DISTEBA), Universita' del Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Tardio
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (DISTEBA), Universita' del Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Sergio Rossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (DISTEBA), Universita' del Salento, Lecce, Italy
- CoNISMa Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Marine Sciences (LABOMAR), Federal University of Ceará, Av, Abolicao 230, Fortaleza, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Cosimino Malitesta
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (DISTEBA), Universita' del Salento, Lecce, Italy
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Ledet J, Tan C, Guan XH, Yong CLX, Ying L, Todd P. Trapping of microplastics and other anthropogenic particles in seagrass beds: Ubiquity across a vertical and horizontal sampling gradient. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 197:106487. [PMID: 38583358 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106487] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Seagrass beds can trap large amounts of marine debris leading to areas of accumulation, known as 'sinks', of anthropogenic particles. While the presence of vegetation can enhance accumulation, less is known about how the trapping effect changes from vegetated to less vegetated patches. To test this, vegetation and sediment were sampled along a vegetation percent cover gradient from the centre of seagrass beds to nearby less vegetated patches. To determine whether trapped particles can lead to increased accumulation in associated fauna, gastropods were also collected from the transects laid across this gradient. Extracted anthropogenic particles were counted and characterised. Particles were detected in all sample types and reached quantifiable limits in at least 50% of sediment and gastropod samples. There was no significant difference in the distribution of particles found in seagrass beds compared to less vegetated patches, suggesting other factors contribute to the trapping efficiency of biogenic habitats besides simply the presence or absence of vegetation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Ledet
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3 Level 2, Singapore, 117558
| | - Chloe Tan
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3 Level 2, Singapore, 117558
| | - Xing Hua Guan
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3 Level 2, Singapore, 117558
| | - Clara Lei Xin Yong
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3 Level 2, Singapore, 117558
| | - Lynette Ying
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3 Level 2, Singapore, 117558
| | - Peter Todd
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3 Level 2, Singapore, 117558.
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Lao W, Dial S, Salmon M, Wong CS. Development and validation of an acid/alkaline digestion method for efficient microplastic extraction from wastewater treatment plant effluents: Sulfuric acid concentration and contact time do matter. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170528. [PMID: 38296103 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Accurate analysis of microplastic particles (MPs) in environmental samples requires removal of interferences during sample preparation. Wastewater samples are interference-rich and thus particularly challenging, with concentrated sulfuric acid currently deemed impractical as a reagent. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a straightforward, effective, and safe method employing concentrated sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide to eliminate interferents from effluent samples obtained from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). We found that 80 % sulfuric acid at room temperature with a brief contact time of 5 min was viable through a qualitative spot test involving 37 plastics categorized into three types (I, II, and III) based on their polymer structure's oxygen position. A quantitative assessment revealed that treatments involving H2SO4 and KOH (20 %, 24 h, 48 °C), either separately or in combination, had no discernible physical impact on the overall plastics, except for a subtle one for Type III plastics (e.g., nylon and PMMA) known to be labile under harsh pH conditions. This acid/alkaline digestion (AAD) method, incorporating such conditions for H2SO4 and KOH treatments, yielded a high mass removal efficacy (97.8 ± 2.4 %, n = 13) for eliminating natural particle interferents for primary, secondary, and tertiary effluent samples. Furthermore, the AAD method allowed for the determination of MPs in effluents with high surrogate particle recoveries (e.g., 95.1 % for larger than 500 μm size fraction). This method is readily adaptable to create appropriate protocols for different types of environmental matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjian Lao
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA.
| | - Sydney Dial
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
| | - Marina Salmon
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
| | - Charles S Wong
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
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Rivas-Mena G, Sánchez-Guerrero-Hernández MJ, Yeste MP, Ramos F, González-Ortegón E. Microplastics in the stomach content of the commercial fish species Scomber colias in the Gulf of Cadiz, SW Europe. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116049. [PMID: 38290360 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116049] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Concerning microplastics (MPs) contamination is increasing due their negative impacts on marine food webs and their potential toxicity to wildlife and humans. In this study, we analyze the presence of MPs in the stomachs of the commercial fish species Scomber colias (Atlantic chub mackerel) in the Gulf of Cadiz (GoC). Out of the 104 analyzed stomachs, 90.4 % contained some type of MPs, with an average of 5.4 MPs per individual. Of the 1152 MPs analyzed, 91.1 % were fibers, and 8.9 % fragments type. Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectrometry analysis was performed on 152 items, revealing that 73.6 % were MPs. The most common synthetic polymers found were polyamide (64 %), polypropylene (15 %), polystyrene (12 %), polyvinyl chloride (5 %), and polyethylene (4 %). The consistent ingestion of synthetic polymers by the individuals of Atlantic chub mackerel across different zones might suggest an even distribution of MP contamination throughout the GoC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Rivas-Mena
- Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalusia, Spanish National Research Council (ICMAN-CSIC), Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Miguel Jorge Sánchez-Guerrero-Hernández
- Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalusia, Spanish National Research Council (ICMAN-CSIC), Puerto Real, Spain; Spanish Institute of Oceanography, C.O. de Cádiz (IEO-CSIC), 11006 Cadiz, Spain
| | - María Pilar Yeste
- Department of Material Science, Metallurgical Engineering and Inorganic Chemistry, Institute of Research on Electron Microscopy and Materials (IMEYMAT), Faculty of Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Fernando Ramos
- Spanish Institute of Oceanography, C.O. de Cádiz (IEO-CSIC), 11006 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Enrique González-Ortegón
- Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalusia, Spanish National Research Council (ICMAN-CSIC), Puerto Real, Spain.
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Munno K, Hoopes L, Lyons K, Drymon M, Frazier B, Rochman CM. High microplastic and anthropogenic particle contamination in the gastrointestinal tracts of tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) caught in the western North Atlantic Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123185. [PMID: 38147950 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have documented microplastics (<5 mm) in shark gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. Here, we report microplastic contamination in the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), an apex predator and generalist feeder, at several different life stages. We examined seven stomachs and one spiral valve from eight individuals captured off the United States Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts (eastern US) and conducted a literature review of publications reporting anthropogenic debris ingestion in elasmobranchs. Specimens were chemically digested in potassium hydroxide (KOH) and density separated using calcium chloride (CaCl2) before quantifying and categorizing suspected anthropogenic particles (>45 μm) by size, morphology, and colour. Anthropogenic particles were found in the stomachs and spiral valve of all sharks. A total of 3151 anthropogenic particles were observed across all stomachs with 1603 anthropogenic particles observed in a single specimen. A subset of suspected anthropogenic particles (14%) were chemically identified using Raman spectroscopy and μ-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy to confirm anthropogenic origin. Overall, ≥95% of particles analyzed via spectroscopy were confirmed anthropogenic, with 45% confirmed as microplastics. Of the microplastics, polypropylene (32%) was the most common polymer. Diverse microparticle morphologies were found, with fragments (57%) and fibers (41%) most frequently observed. The high occurrence and abundance of anthropogenic particle contamination in tiger sharks is likely due to their generalist feeding strategy and high trophic position compared to other marine species. The literature review resulted in 32 studies published through 2022. Several methodologies were employed, and varying amounts of contamination were reported, but none reported contamination as high as detected in our study. Anthropogenic particle ingestion studies should continue in the tiger shark, in addition to other elasmobranch species, to further understand the effects of anthropogenic activities and associated pollution on these predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keenan Munno
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Lisa Hoopes
- Georgia Aquarium, IUCN Center for Species Survival, 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA, 30313, USA
| | - Kady Lyons
- Georgia Aquarium, IUCN Center for Species Survival, 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA, 30313, USA
| | - Marcus Drymon
- Mississippi State University, Coastal Research and Extension Center, 1815 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS, 39532, USA; Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, MS, 39564, USA
| | - Bryan Frazier
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Research Institute, 217 Ft. Johnson Rd. Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Papini G, Petrella G, Cicero DO, Boglione C, Rakaj A. Identification and quantification of polystyrene microplastics in marine sediments facing a river mouth through NMR spectroscopy. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115784. [PMID: 38016207 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115784] [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: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Accurate identification and quantification of microplastic pollution in marine sediments are crucial for assessing their ecological impact. In this study, we explored the potential of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy as an analytical tool for the analysis of microplastics in complex environmental matrices such as marine sediments. Two common plastic polymers, polystyrene (PS) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), were investigated. The marine sediments facing the Tiber River mouth (Italy) were collected according to a bathymetric gradient. Results demonstrated the successful detection and quantification of PS in all sediment samples (within a range of 12.3-64.6 μg/L), while no ABS significant signals were found. An increment trend with depth was observed in the PS signal, relatable to its physicochemical properties and the Tiber River plume hydrodynamic characteristics. The NMR's non-destructive nature and minimal sample preparation represent a promising avenue for standardizing protocols to assess the microplastic distribution and impact in marine sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Papini
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Dept. of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Italy; Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture, Dept. of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Italy.
| | - Greta Petrella
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Italy.
| | - Daniel Oscar Cicero
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Italy
| | - Clara Boglione
- Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture, Dept. of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Italy
| | - Arnold Rakaj
- Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture, Dept. of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Italy; National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, CoNISMa, Rome, Italy
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12
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Cofano V, Mele D, Lacalamita M, Di Leo P, Scardino G, Bravo B, Cammarota F, Capolongo D. Microplastics in inland and offshore sediments in the Apulo-Lucanian region (Southern Italy). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115775. [PMID: 37979531 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115775] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Inland and offshore sediments from Southern Italy were studied in order to evaluate the occurrence and nature of microplastics (MPs). Inland sediments were collected in the Bradano and Basento rivers (Apulo-Lucanian region, Southern Italy), while offshore sediments were collected on the continental shelf near Bari (Adriatic Sea) and Metaponto (Ionian Sea). MPs were detected and characterized using optical microscopy, micro-Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR) and micro-Raman analyses. The number of MPs present varied between 144 and 1246 kg-1 of dry sediment (468.8 ± 410,7 MPs kg-1) with a predominance of black fibers; no correlation emerged between MPs and sediment grain size. In river sediments, the occurrence of MPs is associated with local pollution, whereas the offshore occurrence of MPs depends on seasonal river flow and submarine canyons. Compositional analyses suggest that the main source of MPs in the studied sediments is sewage discharge from residential areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Cofano
- Department of Earth and Geoenvironmental Sciences, Campus Universitario, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Daniela Mele
- Department of Earth and Geoenvironmental Sciences, Campus Universitario, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Lacalamita
- Department of Earth and Geoenvironmental Sciences, Campus Universitario, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Di Leo
- CNR-IMAA, Tito Scalo, Potenza I-85050, Italy; School of Specialization in Archaeological Heritage, SSBA DiCEM - Department of European and Mediterranean Cultures, University of Basilicata, Matera, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scardino
- Department of Earth and Geoenvironmental Sciences, Campus Universitario, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Barbara Bravo
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Str. Rivoltana, Km 4, 20090 Rodano, MI, Italy
| | - Francesca Cammarota
- ARPAB, Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Basilicata, Matera, Italy
| | - Domenico Capolongo
- Department of Earth and Geoenvironmental Sciences, Campus Universitario, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
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13
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Liu Y, Prikler B, Bordós G, Lorenz C, Vollertsen J. Does microplastic analysis method affect our understanding of microplastics in the environment? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166513. [PMID: 37619728 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Two analytical methods - both in active use at different laboratories - were tested and compared against each other to investigate how the procedure influences microplastic (MP) detection with micro Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μFTIR) imaging. A representative composite water sample collected from the Danube River was divided into 12 subsamples, and processed following two different methods, which differed in MP isolation procedures, the optical substrate utilized for the chemical imaging, and the detection limit of the spectroscopic instruments. The first instrument had a nominal pixel resolution of 5.5 μm, while the second had a nominal resolution of 25 μm. These two methods led to different MP abundance, MP mass estimates, but not MP characteristics. Only looking at MPs > 50 μm, the first method showed a higher MP abundance, namely 418-2571 MP m-3 with MP mass estimates of 703-1900 μg m-3, while the second method yielded 16.7-72.1 MP m-3 with mass estimates of 222-439 μg m-3. Looking deeper into the steps of the methods showed that the MP isolation procedure contributed slightly to the difference in the result. However, the variability between individual samples was larger than the difference caused by the methods. Somewhat sample-dependent, the use of two different substrates (zinc selenide windows versus Anodisc filters) caused a substantial difference between results. This was due to a higher tendency for particles to agglomerate on the Anodisc filters, and an 'IR-halo' around particles on ZnSe windows when scanning with μFTIR. Finally, the μFTIR settings and nominal resolution caused significant differences in identifying MP size and mass estimate, which showed that the smaller the pixel size, the more accurately the particle boundary can be defined. These findings contributed to explaining disagreements between studies and addressed the importance of harmonization of methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanli Liu
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - Bence Prikler
- Eurofins Analytical Services Hungary Ltd., 6. Anonymus st., Budapest 1045, Hungary; Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Gábor Bordós
- Eurofins Analytical Services Hungary Ltd., 6. Anonymus st., Budapest 1045, Hungary
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
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14
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Hove HTB, Næsheim T, Kögel T. Quick and efficient microplastic isolation from fatty fish tissues by surfactant-enhanced alkaline digestion. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115726. [PMID: 37925993 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
For monitoring microplastic contamination in fish tissues, tissue digestion into filterable components prior to microplastic identification and quantification should be quick and efficient, providing satisfying microplastic recoveries of relevant particle sizes. Filtration with a small pore size, necessary to target small particles, is a challenge. Some proposed protocols take several days. To improve this, a combination of surfactants (Tween®-20 and Triton™ X-100) with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and pH neutralization was used. Fish bones were removed in tissue preparation prior to digestion. Recovery down to ca. 60-80 μm worked well for PA-66, PE, PET, PP, PS and PVC. In conclusion, we developed a comparatively swift digestion protocol, enabling filtration of 100 g samples with a pore size of 10 μm, for fish fillets with high (mackerel), intermediate (salmon, plaice) and low (cod) fat contents, fish liver, head kidney and oil samples, within 16-24 h.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Næsheim
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway; EUROFINS, Sandviksveien 110, 5035 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Tanja Kögel
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway.
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15
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Thornton Hampton LM, De Frond H, Gesulga K, Kotar S, Lao W, Matuch C, Weisberg SB, Wong CS, Brander S, Christansen S, Cook CR, Du F, Ghosal S, Gray AB, Hankett J, Helm PA, Ho KT, Kefela T, Lattin G, Lusher A, Mai L, McNeish RE, Mina O, Minor EC, Primpke S, Rickabaugh K, Renick VC, Singh S, van Bavel B, Vollnhals F, Rochman CM. The influence of complex matrices on method performance in extracting and monitoring for microplastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 334:138875. [PMID: 37187379 PMCID: PMC10441247 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have evaluated method performance for quantifying and characterizing microplastics in clean water, but little is known about the efficacy of procedures used to extract microplastics from complex matrices. Here we provided 15 laboratories with samples representing four matrices (i.e., drinking water, fish tissue, sediment, and surface water) each spiked with a known number of microplastic particles spanning a variety of polymers, morphologies, colors, and sizes. Percent recovery (i.e., accuracy) in complex matrices was particle size dependent, with ∼60-70% recovery for particles >212 μm, but as little as 2% recovery for particles <20 μm. Extraction from sediment was most problematic, with recoveries reduced by at least one-third relative to drinking water. Though accuracy was low, the extraction procedures had no observed effect on precision or chemical identification using spectroscopy. Extraction procedures greatly increased sample processing times for all matrices with the extraction of sediment, tissue, and surface water taking approximately 16, 9, and 4 times longer than drinking water, respectively. Overall, our findings indicate that increasing accuracy and reducing sample processing times present the greatest opportunities for method improvement rather than particle identification and characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hannah De Frond
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Room 3055, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Kristine Gesulga
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Syd Kotar
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Wenjian Lao
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Cindy Matuch
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Stephen B Weisberg
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Charles S Wong
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Susanne Brander
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, And Conservation Sciences, Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, 97365, USA
| | - Silke Christansen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramics Technology and Systems (IKTS), Äußere Nürnberger Str. 62, 91301, Forchheim, Germany; Institute for Nanotechnology and Correlative Microscopy (INAM), Äußere Nürnberger Str. 62, 91301, Forchheim, Germany
| | - Cayla R Cook
- Hazen and Sawyer, 1400 East Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA; Carollo Engineers, 4600 E Washington St Ste 500, Phoenix, AZ, 85034, USA
| | - Fangni Du
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Sutapa Ghosal
- Environmental Health Laboratory, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, 94804, USA
| | - Andrew B Gray
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Jeanne Hankett
- BASF Corporation, 1609 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte, MI, 48192, USA
| | - Paul A Helm
- Environmental Monitoring & Reporting Branch, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 125 Resources Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M9P 3V6
| | - Kay T Ho
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA
| | - Timnit Kefela
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California Santa Barbara, 2400 Bren Hall, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Gwendolyn Lattin
- The Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, Long Beach, CA, 90803, USA
| | - Amy Lusher
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lei Mai
- Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Rachel E McNeish
- Department of Biology, California State University Bakersfield, 9001 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA, 93311, USA
| | - Odette Mina
- The Energy and Environmental Sustainability Laboratories, The Pennsylvania State University, 123 Land and Water Research Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Minor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Large Lakes Observatory, University of Minnesota Duluth, 2205 East 5th St, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Kurpromenade 201, D-27498, Helgoland, Germany
| | | | - Violet C Renick
- Orange County Sanitation District, 10844 Ellis Ave, Fountain Valley, CA, 92708, USA
| | - Samiksha Singh
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | | | - Florian Vollnhals
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Correlative Microscopy (INAM), Äußere Nürnberger Str. 62, 91301, Forchheim, Germany
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Room 3055, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3B2, Canada
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16
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Rani M, Ducoli S, Depero LE, Prica M, Tubić A, Ademovic Z, Morrison L, Federici S. A Complete Guide to Extraction Methods of Microplastics from Complex Environmental Matrices. Molecules 2023; 28:5710. [PMID: 37570680 PMCID: PMC10420958 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustainable development is a big global challenge for the 21st century. In recent years, a class of emerging contaminants known as microplastics (MPs) has been identified as a significant pollutant with the potential to harm ecosystems. These small plastic particles have been found in every compartment of the planet, with aquatic habitats serving as the ultimate sink. The challenge to extract MPs from different environmental matrices is a tangible and imperative issue. One of the primary specialties of research in environmental chemistry is the development of simple, rapid, low-cost, sensitive, and selective analytical methods for the extraction and identification of MPs in the environment. The present review describes the developments in MP extraction methods from complex environmental matrices. All existing methodologies (new, old, and proof-of-concept) are discussed and evaluated for their potential usefulness to extract MPs from various biotic and abiotic matrices for the sake of progress and innovation. This study concludes by addressing the current challenges and outlining future research objectives aimed at combating MP pollution. Additionally, a set of recommendations is provided to assist researchers in selecting appropriate analytical techniques for obtaining accurate results. To facilitate this process, a proposed roadmap for MP extraction is presented, considering the specific environmental compartments under investigation. By following this roadmap, researchers can enhance their understanding of MP pollution and contribute to effective mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Rani
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
| | - Serena Ducoli
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
| | - Laura Eleonora Depero
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
| | - Miljana Prica
- Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Aleksandra Tubić
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Zahida Ademovic
- Faculty of Forestry, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Liam Morrison
- Earth and Ocean Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, University of Galway, H91TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Stefania Federici
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
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17
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Hagelskjær O, Le Roux G, Liu R, Dubreuil B, Behra P, Sonke JE. The recovery of aerosol-sized microplastics in highly refractory vegetal matrices for identification by automated Raman microspectroscopy. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 328:138487. [PMID: 37004825 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138487] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Ombrotrophic peatlands are fed uniquely by atmospheric inputs and therefore have much potential as temporal archives of atmospheric microplastic (MP) deposition, yet the recovery and detection of MP within an almost purely organic matrix is challenging. This study presents a novel peat digestion protocol using sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) as a reagent for biogenic matrix removal. NaClO is more efficient than hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). By using purged air-assisted digestion, NaClO (50 vol%) reached 99% matrix digestion compared with 28% and 75% by H2O2 (30 vol%) and Fenton's reagent, respectively. At a concentration of 50 vol% NaClO did however chemically disintegrate small amounts (<10 mass %) of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyamide (PA) fragments in the millimeter size range. Observation of PA6 in natural peat samples, while not found in the procedural blanks, questions whether PA is fully disintegrated by NaClO. The protocol was applied to three commercial sphagnum moss test samples, in which MP particles in the range of 0.8-65.4 μm were detected by Raman microspectroscopy. The MP mass% was determined at 0.012% corresponding to 129 thousand MP particles/g, of which 62% were smaller than 5 μm and 80% were smaller than 10 μm, yet were accountable for only 0.4% (500 ng) and 3.2% (4 μg) of the total mass of MP, respectively. These findings underline the importance of the identification of particles Ø < 5 μm when investigating atmospheric MP deposition. The MP counts were corrected for MP recovery loss and procedural blank contamination. MP spike recovery following the full protocol was estimated at 60%. The protocol offers an efficient way of isolating and pre-concentrating most aerosol sized MPs in large quantities of refractory vegetal matrices and enables the automated μRaman scanning of thousands of particles at a spatial resolution on the order of 1 μm.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Hagelskjær
- Laboratoire écologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Avenue de l'Agrobiopole, 31326, Toulouse, France; Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, CNRS UMR5563 - IRD UR 234, Université Paul Sabatier, 14 Avenue Edouard Belin, 31400, Toulouse, France.
| | - G Le Roux
- Laboratoire écologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Avenue de l'Agrobiopole, 31326, Toulouse, France
| | - R Liu
- Laboratoire écologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Avenue de l'Agrobiopole, 31326, Toulouse, France
| | - B Dubreuil
- Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-industrielle, LCA, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, 4 Allée Emile Monso, 31030, Toulouse Cedex, France
| | - P Behra
- Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-industrielle, LCA, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, 4 Allée Emile Monso, 31030, Toulouse Cedex, France
| | - J E Sonke
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, CNRS UMR5563 - IRD UR 234, Université Paul Sabatier, 14 Avenue Edouard Belin, 31400, Toulouse, France
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18
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Rowlands E, Galloway T, Cole M, Peck VL, Posacka A, Thorpe S, Manno C. Vertical flux of microplastic, a case study in the Southern Ocean, South Georgia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115117. [PMID: 37331275 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Estimated plastic debris floating at the ocean surface varies depending on modelling approaches, with some suggesting unaccounted sinks for marine plastic debris due to mismatches between plastic predicted to enter the ocean and that accounted for at the surface. A major knowledge gap relates to the vertical sinking of oceanic plastic. We used an array of floating sediment traps combined with optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy to measure the microplastic flux between 50 and 150 m water depth over 24 h within a natural harbour of the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. This region is influenced by fishing, tourism, and research activity. We found a 69 % decrease in microplastic flux from 50 m (306 pieces/m2/day) to 150 m (94pieces/m2/day). Our study confirms the occurrence of a vertical flux of microplastic in the upper water column of the Southern Ocean, which may influence zooplankton microplastic consumption and the carbon cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Rowlands
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; University of Exeter, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Streatham Campus, Stocker Rd, Exeter EX4 4PY, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Tamara Galloway
- University of Exeter, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Streatham Campus, Stocker Rd, Exeter EX4 4PY, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Matthew Cole
- Plymouth marine laboratory, Prospect Pl, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Victoria L Peck
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Anna Posacka
- Ocean Diagnostics, Suite 1102, 4464 Markham Street, Victoria, BC V8Z 7X8, Canada
| | - Sally Thorpe
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Clara Manno
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
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19
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Mladinich K, Holohan BA, Shumway SE, Ward JE. The relationship between microplastics in eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and surrounding environmental compartments in Long Island Sound. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 189:106040. [PMID: 37321021 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP, <5 mm) are found in coastal waters across various environmental compartments (biota, water, marine snow, sediment). The eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is a commercially important species that ingests MP; however, oysters are discriminant suspension feeders that do not consume all particles to which they are exposed. This study explored the relationship between MP in oysters on a recreational oyster bed and the surrounding environmental compartments in Long Island Sound (LIS; USA). The quantity and types of MP in oysters, water, marine snow, and sediment samples were determined. Precautions were taken to minimize and monitor MP contamination in the field and laboratory to improve the quality of data collected. Microplastics were isolated from samples via chemical digestion, and any suspected particles were identified using micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A total of 86 MP were identified out of 885 suspected particles across environmental media. The highest MP count in an individual oyster was nine, indicating low concentrations of MP in oysters and the surrounding environment. Few polymers, except polyethylene terephthalate, were shared between oysters and the surrounding environmental compartments. Sediments contained the highest number of MP across all environmental compartments (42 total). These data aid in determining the types of MP (polymer composition, shape, size) to which oysters are exposed and identified those ingested. The low numbers of MP recorded, coupled with the lack of alignment of polymers between oysters and their surrounding environment, demonstrates further that oysters are a poor bioindicator species for MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Mladinich
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecosset Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States.
| | - Bridget A Holohan
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecosset Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States
| | - Sandra E Shumway
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecosset Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States
| | - J Evan Ward
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecosset Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States
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20
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Seeley ME, Lynch JM. Previous successes and untapped potential of pyrolysis-GC/MS for the analysis of plastic pollution. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023:10.1007/s00216-023-04671-1. [PMID: 37036484 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04671-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
There is growing concern from scientists, policy makers, and the public about the contamination of natural and indoor environments with plastics, particularly micro/nanoplastics. Typically, characterizing microplastics in environmental samples requires extensive sample processing to isolate particles, followed by spectroscopic methodologies to identify particle polymer composition. Spectroscopic techniques are limited in their ability to provide polymer mass or advanced chemical composition (e.g., chemical additive content), which are important for toxicological assessments. To achieve mass fraction quantification and chemical characterization of plastics in environmental samples, many researchers have turned to thermoanalytical spectrometric approaches, particularly pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Sample preparation for Py-GC/MS may be approached similarly to techniques needed for spectroscopic approaches (e.g., isolate particles on a filter), employ pressurized solvent extraction, or use ultrafiltration techniques to concentrate nanoplastics. Great strides have been made in using calibration curves to quantify plastics in complex matrices. However, the approaches to the pyrolysis thermal program, as well as calibrant and sample preparation, are inconsistent, requiring refinement and harmonization. This review provides a critical synthesis of previous Py-GC/MS work and highlights opportunities for novel and improved Py-GC/MS analysis of plastics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Evans Seeley
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Waimanalo, HI, 96795, USA.
- Center for Marine Debris Research, Hawaii Pacific University, Waimanalo, HI, 96795, USA.
| | - Jennifer M Lynch
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Waimanalo, HI, 96795, USA
- Center for Marine Debris Research, Hawaii Pacific University, Waimanalo, HI, 96795, USA
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21
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Martínez-Francés E, van Bavel B, Hurley R, Nizzetto L, Pakhomova S, Buenaventura NT, Singdahl-Larsen C, Magni MLT, Johansen JE, Lusher A. Innovative reference materials for method validation in microplastic analysis including interlaboratory comparison exercises. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023:10.1007/s00216-023-04636-4. [PMID: 36947170 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04636-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Reference materials (RMs) are vital tools in the validation of methods used to detect environmental pollutants. Microplastics, a relatively new environmental pollutant, require a variety of complex approaches to address their presence in environmental samples. Both interlaboratory comparison (ILC) studies and RMs are essential to support the validation of methods used in microplastic analysis. Presented here are results of quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) performed on two types of candidate microplastic RMs: dissolvable gelatin capsules and soda tablets. These RMs have been used to support numerous international ILC studies in recent years (2019-2022). Dissolvable capsules containing polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS), in different size fractions from 50 to 1000 µm, were produced for one ILC study, obtaining relative standard deviation (RSD) from 0 to 24%. The larger size fraction allowed for manual addition of particles to the capsules, yielding 0% error and 100% recovery during QA/QC. Dissolvable capsules were replaced by soda tablets in subsequent ILC studies and recovery test exercises because they were found to be a more reliable carrier for microplastic RMs. Batches of soda tablets were produced containing different single and multiple polymer mixtures, i.e., PE, PET, PS, PVC, polypropylene (PP), and polycarbonate (PC), with RSD ranging from 8 to 21%. Lastly, soda tablets consisting of a mixture of PE, PVC, and PS (125-355 µm) were produced and used for recovery testing during pretreatment of environmental samples. These had an RSD of 9%. Results showed that soda tablets and capsules containing microplastics >50 µm could be produced with sufficient precision for internal recovery tests and external ILC studies. Further work is required to optimize this method for smaller microplastics (< 50 µm) because variation was found to be too large during QA/QC. Nevertheless, this approach represents a valuable solution addressing many of the challenges associated with validating microplastic analytical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bert van Bavel
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, NO-0579, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rachel Hurley
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, NO-0579, Oslo, Norway
| | - Luca Nizzetto
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, NO-0579, Oslo, Norway
- RECETOX, Masarik University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Svetlana Pakhomova
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, NO-0579, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nina T Buenaventura
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, NO-0579, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Amy Lusher
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, NO-0579, Oslo, Norway
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22
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Li T, Zhang W, Yu H, Hai C, Wang Y, Yu S, Tsedevdorj SO. Research status and prospects of microplastic pollution in lakes. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:485. [PMID: 36933078 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11043-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As an emerging pollutant, microplastics have attracted widespread concern around the world. Research on microplastics was first conducted in oceans, and in recent years, inland water, especially lakes, has gradually become a hot spot. This paper systematically reviews the sampling, separation, purification, and identification technologies used to assess microplastics in lakes and summarizes the occurrence of lake microplastics worldwide. The results show that microplastics are widespread in lake water and sediment. There are obvious geographical differences in the occurrence of microplastics. The abundance of microplastics in different lakes varies greatly. The forms are mostly fibrous and fragments, and the main polymers are polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). Previous papers have failed to comment in as much detail on the microplastic sampling techniques employed within lake systems. The sampling and analysis methods are critical to accurately evaluating contamination results. Due to the widespread presence of microplastics and the lack of uniform standards, there are various sampling methods. Trawls and grabs are most widely used in the sampling of lake water bodies and sediment, and sodium chloride and hydrogen peroxide are the most widely used media for flotation and digestion, respectively. In the future, it will be critical to establish unified standards for lake microplastic sampling and analysis technology, further explore the migration mechanism of microplastics in lake systems, and pay attention to the impact of microplastics on lake ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- School of Geography, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010022, China
| | - Weiqing Zhang
- School of Geography, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010022, China.
| | - Hui Yu
- School of Geography, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010022, China
| | - Chunxing Hai
- School of Geography, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010022, China
| | - Yong Wang
- School of Geography, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010022, China
| | - Shan Yu
- School of Geography, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010022, China
| | - Ser-Od Tsedevdorj
- Department of Geography, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Mongolian National University of Education, Ulaanbaatar, 14191, Mongolia
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23
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Impact of Microplastics on the Ocular Surface. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043928. [PMID: 36835339 PMCID: PMC9962686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastics are synthetic materials made from organic polymers that are ubiquitous in daily living and are especially important in the healthcare setting. However, recent advances have revealed the pervasive nature of microplastics, which are formed by degradation of existing plastic products. Although the impact on human health has yet to be fully characterised, there is increasing evidence that microplastics can trigger inflammatory damage, microbial dysbiosis, and oxidative stress in humans. Although there are limited studies investigating their effect on the ocular surface, studies of microplastics on other organs provide some insights. The prevalence of plastic waste has also triggered public outcry, culminating in the development of legislation aimed at reducing microplastics in commercial products. We present a review outlining the possible sources of microplastics leading to ocular exposure, and analyse the possible mechanisms of ocular surface damage. Finally, we examine the utility and consequences of current legislation surrounding microplastic regulation.
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24
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Leads RR, Weinstein JE, Kell SE, Overcash JM, Ertel BM, Gray AD. Spatial and temporal variability of microplastic abundance in estuarine intertidal sediments: Implications for sampling frequency. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:160308. [PMID: 36403830 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (<5 mm) are well documented across shorelines worldwide; however, high variability in microplastic abundance is often observed within and among field studies. The majority of microplastic surveys to date consist of single sampling events that do not consider spatiotemporal variability as a potential confounding factor in the interpretation of their results. Therefore, these surveys may not accurately capture or reflect levels of microplastic contamination in the environment. Here, we provide the first investigation of small-scale spatial and temporal variability of microplastic abundance, distribution, and composition in the intertidal zone of an urbanized US estuary to better understand the short-term, daily spatiotemporal variability of microplastics in dynamic coastal environments. Intertidal sediment was collected from both the low and high intertidal zones of a sandy estuarine beach located in South Carolina, southeastern US every 1 to 2 days at low tide over 17 days (12 sampling events; total n = 72). Study-wide, microplastic abundance ranged from 44 to 912 microplastics/m2 and consisted primarily of polyethylene, nylon, polyester, and tire (or tyre) wear particles. High temporal variability was observed, with microplastic abundance differing significantly among sampling events (p = 0.00025), as well as among some consecutive tidal cycles occurring within 12 h of each other (p = 0.007). By contrast, low spatial variability was observed throughout the study with no significant differences in microplastic abundance detected between the low and high intertidal zones (p = 0.76). Of the environmental factors investigated, wind direction on the day of sampling had the greatest effect on temporal microplastic variability. Our results demonstrate that there can be significant temporal variability of microplastic abundance in estuarine intertidal sediments and are important for informing the methods and interpretation of future microplastic surveys in dynamic coastal environments worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R Leads
- Grice Marine Laboratory, College of Charleston, 205 Ft. Johnson Rd., Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
| | - John E Weinstein
- Department of Biology, The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, SC 29409, USA.
| | - Sarah E Kell
- Grice Marine Laboratory, College of Charleston, 205 Ft. Johnson Rd., Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
| | - Johnathan M Overcash
- Department of Biology, The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, SC 29409, USA.
| | - Bonnie M Ertel
- Department of Biology, The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, SC 29409, USA.
| | - Austin D Gray
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Department of Biological Sciences, 926 W Campus Dr., Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA.
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25
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Dawson AL, Santana MFM, Nelis JLD, Motti CA. Taking control of microplastics data: A comparison of control and blank data correction methods. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130218. [PMID: 36367473 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although significant headway has been achieved regarding method harmonisation for the analysis of microplastics, analysis and interpretation of control data has largely been overlooked. There is currently no consensus on the best method to utilise data generated from controls, and consequently many methods are arbitrarily employed. This study identified 6 commonly implemented strategies: a) No correction; b) Subtraction; c) Mean Subtraction; d) Spectral Similarity; e) Limits of detection/ limits of quantification (LOD/LOQ) or f) Statistical analysis, of which many variations are possible. Here, the 6 core methods and 45 variant methods (n = 51) thereof were used to correct a dummy dataset using control data. Most of the methods tested were too inflexible to account for the inherent variation present in microplastic data. Only 7 of the 51 methods tested (six LOD/LOQ methods and one statistical method) showed promise, removing between 96.3 % and 100 % of the contamination data from the dummy set. The remaining 44 methods resulted in deficient corrections for background contamination due to the heterogeneity of microplastics. These methods should be avoided in the future to avoid skewed results, especially in low abundance samples. Overall, LOD/LOQ methods or statistical analysis comparing means are recommended for future use in microplastic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Dawson
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; CSIRO Agriculture and Food, 306 Carmody Rd, St Lucia, Queensland 4067, Australia.
| | - Marina F M Santana
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Joost L D Nelis
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, 306 Carmody Rd, St Lucia, Queensland 4067, Australia
| | - Cherie A Motti
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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26
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Langknecht T, Lao W, Wong CS, Kotar S, El Khatib D, Robinson S, Burgess RM, Ho KT. Comparison of two procedures for microplastics analysis in sediments based on an interlaboratory exercise. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137479. [PMID: 36513195 PMCID: PMC9839611 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are distributed throughout ecosystems and settle into sediments where they may threaten benthic communities; however, methods for quantifying MP in sediments have not been standardized. This study compares two methods for analyzing MP in sediments, including extraction and identification, and provides recommendations for improvement. Two laboratories processed sediment samples using two methods, referred to as "core" and "augmentation", and identified particles with visual microscopy and spectroscopy. Using visual microscopy, the augmentation method yielded mean recoveries (78%) significantly greater than the core (47%) (p = 0.03), likely due to the use of separatory funnels in the former. Spectroscopic recovery of particles was lower at 42 and 54% for the core and augmentation methods, respectively. We suspect the visual identification recoveries are overestimations from erroneous identification of non-plastic materials persisting post-extraction, indicating visual identification alone is not an accurate method to identify MP, particularly in complex matrices like sediment. However, both Raman and FTIR proved highly accurate at identifying recovered MP, with 96.7% and 99.8% accuracy, respectively. Low spectroscopic recovery of spiked particles indicates that MP recovery from sediments is lower than previously assumed, and MP may be more abundant in sediments than current analyses suggest. To our knowledge, likely due to the excessive time/labor-intensity associated with MP analyses, this is the first interlaboratory study to quantify complete method performance (extraction, identification) for sediments, with regards to capabilities and limitations. This is essential as regulatory bodies move toward long-term environmental MP monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy Langknecht
- Oak Ridge Institute of Science Education, C/o U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA.
| | - Wenjian Lao
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, 3535 Harbor Blvd., Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Charles S Wong
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, 3535 Harbor Blvd., Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Syd Kotar
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, 3535 Harbor Blvd., Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Dounia El Khatib
- Oak Ridge Institute of Science Education, C/o U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA
| | - Sandra Robinson
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA
| | - Robert M Burgess
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA
| | - Kay T Ho
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA
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27
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Efficient extraction of small microplastic particles from rat feed and feces for quantification. Heliyon 2023; 9:e12811. [PMID: 36711289 PMCID: PMC9876835 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e12811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, microplastic is ubiquitously encountered in the environment. Studies analyzing microplastic in terrestrial ecosystems, including animal feces and feed, are few. Microplastic quantification method validation and harmonization are not yet far developed. For the analysis of small microplastic, approximately <0.5 mm, extraction from organic and inorganic materials is fundamental prior to quantitative and qualitative analysis. Method validation, including recovery studies, are necessary throughout the analytical chain. In this study, we developed an optimized, efficient protocol with a duration of 72 h for the digestion of laboratory rat feed and feces. A combination of a mild acidic (H2O2 15%; HNO3 5%) and an alkaline treatment (10% KOH) dissolving the previous filter, followed by enzymatic digestion (Viscozyme®L) proved to be efficient for the extraction and identification of spiked polyamide (15-20 μm) and polyethylene (40-48 μm) from feed and feces samples from rats, showing high recovery rates. Extracted rat feces samples from an in vivo study in which Wistar rats were fed with feed containing microplastic were analyzed with pyrolysis-gas chromatography-Orbitrap™ mass spectrometry, quantifying recovered microplastic in rat feces in environmentally relevant concentrations. The presented three-step protocol provides a suitable, time and cost-effective method to extract microplastic from rat feed and feces.
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28
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Issaka E, Yakubu S, Sulemana H, Kerkula A, Nyame-do Aniagyei O. Current status of the direct detection of MPs in environments and implications for toxicology effects. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL ADVANCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2023.100449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
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29
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Nessi A, Winkler A, Tremolada P, Saliu F, Lasagni M, Ghezzi LLM, Balestrieri A. Microplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystems: A study using barn owl (Tyto alba) pellets. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136281. [PMID: 36064015 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are recognised as an emerging environmental problem that needs to be carefully monitored. So far, MPs have been widely recorded in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Still, few studies have focused on MP occurrence in terrestrial ecosystems, although soils are suspected to be one of the main MP reservoirs. To test a non-invasive method for assessing MP contamination in terrestrial ecosystems, we analysed the pellets of a top terrestrial predator, the barn owl (Tyto alba). Sixty pellets were collected from three agricultural areas (20 pellets each) and analysed to assess both barn owl diet and MP content. Thirty-four MPs were confirmed by micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μ-FTIR) analysis in 33% of the pellets (min-max 1-5 MPs per pellet). Most of the detected items were microfibres (88.2%). Polyethylene terephthalate, polyacrylonitrile and polyamide were the most abundant polymers. One of the three sites was significantly less contaminated. In the two sites with the highest MP occurrences, barn owl diet was characterised by predation on synanthropic rodents, particularly brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), which may indicate habitat degradation and increased exposure to MPs. Analyses also suggest that Savi's pine vole (Microtus savii) is the prey least at risk of MP contamination, probably due to its strictly herbivorous diet. We argue that the analysis of barn owl pellets may represent a cost-effective method for monitoring MP contamination in terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Nessi
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Anna Winkler
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Tremolada
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Balestrieri
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
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30
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Böke JS, Popp J, Krafft C. Optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy with simultaneously acquired Raman spectroscopy for two-dimensional microplastic identification. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18785. [PMID: 36335148 PMCID: PMC9637219 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23318-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, vibrational spectroscopic techniques based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) or Raman microspectroscopy have been suggested to fulfill the unmet need for microplastic particle detection and identification. Inter-system comparison of spectra from reference polymers enables assessing the reproducibility between instruments and advantages of emerging quantum cascade laser-based optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy. In our work, IR and Raman spectra of nine plastics, namely polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, silicone, polylactide acid and polymethylmethacrylate were simultaneously acquired using an O-PTIR microscope in non-contact, reflection mode. Comprehensive band assignments were presented. We determined the agreement of O-PTIR with standalone attenuated total reflection FTIR and Raman spectrometers based on the hit quality index (HQI) and introduced a two-dimensional identification (2D-HQI) approach using both Raman- and IR-HQIs. Finally, microplastic particles were prepared as test samples from known materials by wet grinding, O-PTIR data were collected and subjected to the 2D-HQI identification approach. We concluded that this framework offers improved material identification of microplastic particles in environmental, nutritious and biological matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Sophie Böke
- grid.418907.30000 0004 0563 7158Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen Popp
- grid.418907.30000 0004 0563 7158Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany ,grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Christoph Krafft
- grid.418907.30000 0004 0563 7158Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
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31
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Panacea for the nanoplastic surge in Africa: A state-of-the-art review. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11562. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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32
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López-Rosales A, Andrade JM, López-Mahía P, Muniategui-Lorenzo S. Development of an analytical procedure to analyze microplastics in edible macroalgae using an enzymatic-oxidative digestion. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 183:114061. [PMID: 36055080 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Besides being food and a refuge to marine species, macroalgae are a powerful and renewable economic resource. However, they may introduce microplastics (MPs) in the trophic chain. We developed a reliable analytical method to characterize and quantify MPs in common and edible macroalgae. Several digestion methods and filters, along with various measurement options, were studied. A new enzymatic-oxidative protocol with a unique final filtration was selected and validated with a mixture of 5 commercial macroalgae (Undaria pinnatifida spp, Porphyra spp, Ulva spp, Laminaria ochroleuca and Himanthalia elongate). Further, it was shown that washing the macroalgae to release MPs is suboptimal and the potential adhesion of MPs to macroalgae was evaluated. A filter subsampling strategy that scans 33.64 % of its surface reduced the time required to characterize <70 μm particles and fibres directly on the 47 mm diameter filter using an IR microscope (1 sample/day).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián López-Rosales
- Grupo Química Analítica Aplicada (QANAP), Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Jose M Andrade
- Grupo Química Analítica Aplicada (QANAP), Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain.
| | - Purificación López-Mahía
- Grupo Química Analítica Aplicada (QANAP), Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo
- Grupo Química Analítica Aplicada (QANAP), Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
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33
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Jin M, Liu J, Yu J, Zhou Q, Wu W, Fu L, Yin C, Fernandez C, Karimi-Maleh H. Current development and future challenges in microplastic detection techniques: A bibliometrics-based analysis and review. Sci Prog 2022; 105:368504221132151. [PMID: 36263507 PMCID: PMC10306156 DOI: 10.1177/00368504221132151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been considered a new type of pollutant in the marine environment and have attracted widespread attention worldwide in recent years. Plastic particles with particle size less than 5 mm are usually defined as microplastics. Because of their similar size to plankton, marine organisms easily ingest microplastics and can threaten higher organisms and even human health through the food chain. Most of the current studies have focused on the investigation of the abundance of microplastics in the environment. However, due to the limitations of analytical methods and instruments, the number of microplastics in the environment can easily lead to overestimation or underestimation. Microplastics in each environment have different detection techniques. To investigate the current status, hot spots, and research trends of microplastics detection techniques, this review analyzed the papers related to microplastics detection using bibliometric software CiteSpace and COOC. A total of 696 articles were analyzed, spanning 2012 to 2021. The contributions and cooperation of different countries and institutions in this field have been analyzed in detail. This topic has formed two main important networks of cooperation. International cooperation has been a common pattern in this topic. The various analytical methods of this topic were discussed through keyword and clustering analysis. Among them, fluorescent, FTIR and micro-Raman spectroscopy are commonly used optical techniques for the detection of microplastics. The identification of microplastics can also be achieved by the combination of other techniques such as mass spectrometry/thermal cracking gas chromatography. However, these techniques still have limitations and cannot be applied to all environmental samples. We provide a detailed analysis of the detection of microplastics in different environmental samples and list the challenges that need to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqing Jin
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinsong Liu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Ecological and Environmental Monitoring, Forewarning and Quality Control, Zhejiang Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Environment Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingwei Zhou
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weihong Wu
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Fu
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengliang Yin
- National Engineering Laboratory for Medical Big Data Application Technology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical Big Data Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Carlos Fernandez
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Hassan Karimi-Maleh
- School of Resources and Environment, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, PR China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Quchan University of Technology, Quchan, Iran
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Le Quoc P, Fokina MI, Martynova DM, Olekhnovich RO, Uspenskaya MV. Method of manufacturing and staining microplastics for using in the biological experiments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:67450-67455. [PMID: 36042134 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22776-5] [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: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, plastic pollution attracts much attention both from society and scientists. The plastic pollution impact on the environment and human health requires assessment urgently, especially through experimental studies. However, such studies are still scarce because of the lack of standard methods for assessing their effects on living organisms. We have developed a process for manufacturing and staining PVC microparticles for using them in biological and ecological experiments. The electrospinning method has been used to manufacture PVC particles; their morphology and size have been analyzed. The obtained PVC particles are of narrow size range averaging 2-4 µm in diameter. They are successfully stained with the fluorescent dye Rhodamine B, which stands for the experiments performed in the seawater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pham Le Quoc
- Center of Chemical Engineering, ITMO University, Kronverkskiy prospect, 49A, St. Petersburg, 197101, Russia.
| | - Maria I Fokina
- Center of Chemical Engineering, ITMO University, Kronverkskiy prospect, 49A, St. Petersburg, 197101, Russia
| | - Daria M Martynova
- White Sea Biological Station, Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, University emb. 1, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia
| | - Roman O Olekhnovich
- Institute BioEngineering, ITMO University, Kronverkskiy prospekt, 49A, St. Petersburg, 197101, Russia
| | - Mayya V Uspenskaya
- Institute BioEngineering, ITMO University, Kronverkskiy prospekt, 49A, St. Petersburg, 197101, Russia
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Bom FC, Sá F. Are bivalves a source of microplastics for humans? A case study in the Brazilian markets. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113823. [PMID: 35752509 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113823] [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: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are a ubiquitous contaminant worldwide, damaging the environment and human health. These particles have been identified in important seafood species, which are a possible source of contamination for humans and must be investigated. This study therefore aimed to identify the concentrations of microplastics in four important species of bivalves commercialized in Brazilian markets. The presence of microplastics was identified in all bivalves, with an average concentration of 1.64 MPs/g and 10.69 MPs/ind. We concluded that bivalves are a source of microplastics for the Brazilian population. However, further studies must evaluate other species sold in different regions of the country, estimating microplastics ingested by this population through bivalves. Finally, this contamination must be controlled by regulations such as mandatory depuration, in which can effectively minimize this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Cavalca Bom
- Laboratório de Geoquímica Ambiental (LabGAm), Departamento de Oceanografia e Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil.
| | - Fabian Sá
- Laboratório de Geoquímica Ambiental (LabGAm), Departamento de Oceanografia e Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
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Pinho I, Amezcua F, Rivera JM, Green-Ruiz C, Piñón-Colin TDJ, Wakida F. First report of plastic contamination in batoids: Plastic ingestion by Haller's Round Ray (Urobatis halleri) in the Gulf of California. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 211:113077. [PMID: 35276199 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics has been reported in the marine environment and these pollutants have also been reported in food webs. Information about the presence of microplastics in the Haller's Round Ray (Urobatis halleri) and bottom sediments off the east coast of the Gulf of California is non-existent. The digestive tracts of individuals of this species and sediment samples were examined for plastic particles in this region. In total, 107 plastic particles were found in the sediment. All were fibers and 94.4% were microplastics, the rest were mesoplastics. The gastrointestinal tracts of 142 rays were analysed, and it was determined that this is a benthic feeder. A total of 386 plastic particles were recovered from 46 individuals (32.4%). On average 10.2 (±7.4) plastic particles were found per specimen, with plastic lengths ranging from 0.00821 mm to 0.953 mm. The FTIR-ATR analysis revealed the presence of six types of polymers: polyamide or nylon polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyacrylic were found in both sediments and gastrointestinal tracts of Haller's Round Ray. Polyethylene terephthalate and polyacrylamide were only found in the gastrointestinal tracts of the ray. These polymers are consistent with the human activities undertaken in this area, specifically intensive small-scale and industrial fisheries, as they are used for the elaboration of fishing nets, plastic bags, storage containers, clothing, and fishing boats maintenance. Our results show that benthic feeders are exposed to plastic debris, and its presence is another potential threat to batoids, which are already threatened by bycatch, overfishing, and other pollutants. However, studies on the ingestion of plastic debris in batoids and its presence in the sediment are still scarce or non-existent for this region. As such, these studies are necessary to help in the preservation of these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Pinho
- International MSc in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Ghent University, Marine Biology Research Group, Krijgslaan 281/S8, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Felipe Amezcua
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Joel Montes Camarena S/N, Mazatlán, Sin, 82040, Mexico.
| | - Jessica M Rivera
- Departamento de Ecología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Ramón Padilla Sánchez 2100, Las Agujas, 44600, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Carlos Green-Ruiz
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Joel Montes Camarena S/N, Mazatlán, Sin, 82040, Mexico
| | - Teresita de Jesus Piñón-Colin
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas e Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Calzada Universidad 14418, Parque Industrial Internacional Tijuana, C.P. 22390, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Fernando Wakida
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas e Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Calzada Universidad 14418, Parque Industrial Internacional Tijuana, C.P. 22390, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
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Sharma S, Sharma B, Dey Sadhu S. Microplastic profusion in food and drinking water: are microplastics becoming a macroproblem? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:992-1009. [PMID: 35699396 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00553g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are extremely complex, and as the food chain comes full circle, it is dreaded that these could have a deleterious influence on humans. Although the risk of plastics to humans is not yet established, their occurrence in food and water destined for human consumption has been reported. The prevalence of micro-sized plastics in the ecosystem and living organisms, their trophic transfer along the food web, and the discernment of food species as competent indicators have become research priorities. The scale of the issue is massive, but what are the main culprits and causes, and could there be a solution in sight for this global problem? Despite the massive amount of research in the field, a collation of available data and pertinent hazard evaluation remains difficult. In order to identify the knowledge gaps and exposure pathways, several traits related to food chain assessment are presented with the goal of properly evaluating and managing this emerging risk. We apprehend three possible noxious consequences of small plastic particles, firstly, due to the plastic particles themselves; secondly, due to the extrication of tenacious organic pollutants adsorbed onto the plastics; and thirdly, due to the leaching of components such as monomers and additives from the plastics. The exigency for the standardization of protocols to bring about consistency in data collection and analysis, involving solutions, stakeholder costs, and benefits, are discussed. Harmonized methods will enable meticulous assessment of the impacts and threats that microplastics pose to the biota and increase the comparability between studies. We emphasize the contribution of the "honest broker" in science, providing an overarching analysis to devise the most viable solutions to microplastic pollution for private and public leadership to utilize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Dwarka Sec-3, Delhi, India
| | - Bhasha Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Shivaji College, University of Delhi, India
| | - Susmita Dey Sadhu
- Department of Polymer Science, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, Dwarka Sec-2, Delhi, India.
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Kallenbach EMF, Friberg N, Lusher A, Jacobsen D, Hurley RR. Anthropogenically impacted lake catchments in Denmark reveal low microplastic pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:47726-47739. [PMID: 35181858 PMCID: PMC9232414 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been detected in lake environments globally, including in remote regions. Agricultural and populated areas are known to congregate several inputs and release pathways for microplastic. This study investigated microplastic (50-5000 µm) contamination in five Danish freshwater lakes with catchments dominated by arable land use. The concentrations in sediments (n = 3/site) and the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha (n = 30/site), were calculated and compared with catchment characteristics and environmental parameters. Microplastic concentrations in sediment were relatively low (average 0.028 ± 0.017 items/g dry weight sediment) whilst only a single microplastic was found in the mussels (average 0.067 ± 0.249 items/10 individual). Hence, no relationship between the number of observed microplastics in sediment and mussels could be identified, nor could a relationship between concentration in sediment and environmental parameters. As all lakes studied received their water from moderate to heavily anthropogenically impacted catchments, it was expected that they would be sinks for microplastic with high bioavailability. Based on the results of the present study, D. polymorpha were found to not be contaminated by microplastics in the five study lakes. Thus, our results suggest that these mussels do not interact with microplastics at low concentrations. We speculate that the results on sediment and biota could be explained by several factors related to regional differences in plastic use, species characteristics, sampling size, and the fact that finding no microplastic is not always reported in the scientific literature. Thus, the paper provides insight into the dynamics between the catchment, lake, and biota in systems with low microplastic concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie M. F. Kallenbach
- NIVA Denmark Water Research, Njalsgade 76, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 4, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Nikolai Friberg
- NIVA Denmark Water Research, Njalsgade 76, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 4, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
- NIVA, Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
- School of Geography, water@leeds, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT UK
| | - Amy Lusher
- NIVA, Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Dean Jacobsen
- University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 4, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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Li W, Duo J, Wufuer R, Wang S, Pan X. Characteristics and distribution of microplastics in shoreline sediments of the Yangtze River, main tributaries and lakes in China-From upper reaches to the estuary. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:48453-48464. [PMID: 35194716 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-18284-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pervade the environment and increasingly threaten both natural ecosystems and human health. In this study, we investigated MP particle concentrations in sediment samples collected from 54 sites along the banks of the Yangtze River and its major tributaries and on lakeshores. The main polymer types found in the samples were polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE). MP particle abundance in the various types of locations was 35-51,968 particles/kg dry weight (d.w.) on the banks of the main river, 52-1463 particles/kg (d.w.) on the banks of tributaries and 2574-23,685 particles/kg (d.w.) on lakeshores. Correlation between MP abundance and mean annual runoff of each upstream tributary was significant, which suggests that increased runoff brings more microplastic waste to streambank sediments. The most common shape of MP particles in all upstream samples was flake, and in downstream samples it was foam. Small microplastic particles (< 0.50 mm) were predominant at all sites in this study, and the minimum particle size in samples from the Yangtze river banks was 0.065 mm. Average abundance of MP particles on the shores of the source lake was 9069 particles/kg around the inlet but only 866 particles/kg around the outlet; the difference was due to interception associated with sedimentation and precipitation in the lake. Our study represents the large-scale study of MPs contamination in sediment along the Yangtze River and provides important data regarding the accumulation and distribution of MPs in shoreline sediments of the upper, middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, main tributaries and lakes in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Li
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Desert-Oasis Ecological Construction, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 818 South Beijing Road, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Science, Urumqi, 830011, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jia Duo
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Desert-Oasis Ecological Construction, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 818 South Beijing Road, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Science, Urumqi, 830011, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Rehemanjiang Wufuer
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Desert-Oasis Ecological Construction, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 818 South Beijing Road, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Science, Urumqi, 830011, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Shuzhi Wang
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Desert-Oasis Ecological Construction, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 818 South Beijing Road, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Science, Urumqi, 830011, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Desert-Oasis Ecological Construction, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 818 South Beijing Road, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Science, Urumqi, 830011, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
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Furfaro G, D'Elia M, Mariano S, Trainito E, Solca M, Piraino S, Belmonte G. SEM/EDX analysis of stomach contents of a sea slug snacking on a polluted seafloor reveal microplastics as a component of its diet. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10244. [PMID: 35715497 PMCID: PMC9206003 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14299-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the impacts of microplastics on living organisms in aquatic habitats is one of the hottest research topics worldwide. Despite increased attention, investigating microplastics in underwater environments remains a problematic task, due to the ubiquitous occurrence of microplastic, its multiple modes of interactions with the biota, and to the diversity of the synthetic organic polymers composing microplastics in the field. Several studies on microplastics focused on marine invertebrates, but to date, the benthic sea slugs (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Heterobranchia) were not yet investigated. Sea slugs are known to live on the organisms on which they feed on or to snack while gliding over the sea floor, but also as users of exogenous molecules or materials not only for nutrition. Therefore, they may represent a potential biological model to explore new modes of transformation and/or management of plastic, so far considered to be a non-biodegradable polymer. In this study we analysed the stomachal content of Bursatella leachii, an aplysiid heterobranch living in the Mar Piccolo, a highly polluted coastal basin near Taranto, in the northern part of the Ionian Sea. Microplastics were found in the stomachs of all the six sampled specimens, and SEM/EDX analyses were carried out to characterize the plastic debris. The SEM images and EDX spectra gathered here should be regarded as a baseline reference database for future investigations on marine Heterobranchia and their interactions with microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Furfaro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies - DiSTeBA, University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
| | - Marcella D'Elia
- Department of Mathematics and Physics "Ennio de Giorgi", University of Salento, Via Prov.Le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Stefania Mariano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies - DiSTeBA, University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Egidio Trainito
- Marine Protected Area 'Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo', Olbia, Italy
| | - Michele Solca
- Museo di Biologia Marina "Pietro Parenzan", Via Vespucci 13/17, Porto Cesareo, 73010, Lecce, Italy
| | - Stefano Piraino
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies - DiSTeBA, University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.,Museo di Biologia Marina "Pietro Parenzan", Via Vespucci 13/17, Porto Cesareo, 73010, Lecce, Italy.,Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), P.le Flaminio 9, 00198, Rome, Italy
| | - Genuario Belmonte
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies - DiSTeBA, University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.,Museo di Biologia Marina "Pietro Parenzan", Via Vespucci 13/17, Porto Cesareo, 73010, Lecce, Italy.,Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), P.le Flaminio 9, 00198, Rome, Italy
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Ontogenetic Transfer of Microplastics in Bloodsucking Mosquitoes Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) Is a Potential Pathway for Particle Distribution in the Environment. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14121852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The uptake and accumulation of microplastics (MPs) by bloodsucking mosquitoes Aedes aegypti L., carriers of vector-borne diseases, were investigated in the laboratory. In the experimental group, polystyrene (PS) particles were registered in insects of all life stages from larvae to pupae and adults. Ae. aegypti larvae readily ingested MPs with food, accumulating on average 7.3 × 106 items per larva in three days. The content of PS microspheres significantly decreased in mosquitoes from the larval stage to the pupal stage and was passed to the adult stage from the pupal without significant loss. On average, 15.8 items were detected per pupa and 10.9 items per adult individual. The uptake of MPs by Ae. aegypti did not affect their survival, while the average body weight of mosquitoes of all life stages that consumed PS microspheres was higher than that of mosquitoes in the control groups. Our data confirmed that in insects with metamorphosis, MPs can pass from feeding larvae to nonfeeding pupae in aquatic ecosystems and, subsequently, to adults flying to land. Bloodsucking mosquitoes can participate in MP circulation in the environment.
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F M Santana M, Kroon FJ, van Herwerden L, Vamvounis G, Motti CA. An assessment workflow to recover microplastics from complex biological matrices. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 179:113676. [PMID: 35500374 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A criteria-guided workflow was applied to assess the effectiveness of microplastic separation methods on complex marine biological matrices. Efficacy of four methods (nitric acid, HNO3, and potassium hydroxide, KOH, digestions, and sodium chloride, NaCl, and potassium iodide, KI, density flotations) was evaluated on four taxa (hard coral, sponge, sea squirt, sea cucumber) using five microplastics (polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, PET, polyvinylchloride, rayon). Matrix clarification was only unacceptably low for KOH. PET discoloured regardless of reagent. Rayon threads unravelled into monofilaments after exposure to all reagents, with discolouration also occurring with HNO3. Recovery rates were overall high, except for dense microplastics treated with NaCl and only KI yielded high rayon recovery efficiency. All polymers were accurately assigned, with subtle spectral changes observed. These results demonstrate specific limitations to separation methods applied to different biological matrices and microplastics and highlight the need to assess their suitability to provide estimates of microplastic contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina F M Santana
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University (JCU), Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
| | - Frederieke J Kroon
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Lynne van Herwerden
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University (JCU), Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - George Vamvounis
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University (JCU), Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Cherie A Motti
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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Munyaneza J, Jia Q, Qaraah FA, Hossain MF, Wu C, Zhen H, Xiu G. A review of atmospheric microplastics pollution: In-depth sighting of sources, analytical methods, physiognomies, transport and risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 822:153339. [PMID: 35077799 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Micro-sized plastics were first examined for atmospheric environment in 2016. From then on, they have been detected in both indoor and outdoor atmospheric samples, with indoor environments demonstrated as containing a big proportion of these particles. The sparse distribution of these particles, is attributed to their swift and long distance transportation that is mainly eased by their tiny size (1 μm to 5 mm) and low density. Due to ongoing limitation on detectable size, analysis methods together with a lack of standardized sampling and analytical procedures, few studies were conducted on airborne microplastics (MPs). Thus, the facts regarding the occurrence, global spatial distribution, fate, and threats to ecosystem and human health of airborne MPs, are still far from being fully clarified. This literature review is a broad depiction of a state of knowledge on atmospheric MPs. Within it, robust and concise information on the sources, inspection, transport, and threats pertaining to airborne MPs are presented. Particularly, the paper entails some information concerning traffic-generated MPs pollution, which has not been frequently discussed within previously published reports. In addition, this paper has widely unveiled sectors and aspects in need of further attention, with the gaps to be filled pinpointed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janvier Munyaneza
- Shanghai Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Environmental Standard and Risk Management of Chemical Pollutants, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; State Environmental Protection Key Lab of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Processes, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Qilong Jia
- Shanghai Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Environmental Standard and Risk Management of Chemical Pollutants, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Fahim A Qaraah
- Shanghai Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Environmental Standard and Risk Management of Chemical Pollutants, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Md Faysal Hossain
- Shanghai Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Environmental Standard and Risk Management of Chemical Pollutants, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Chengzi Wu
- Shanghai Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Environmental Standard and Risk Management of Chemical Pollutants, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Huajun Zhen
- Shanghai Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Environmental Standard and Risk Management of Chemical Pollutants, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; State Environmental Protection Key Lab of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Processes, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Guangli Xiu
- Shanghai Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Environmental Standard and Risk Management of Chemical Pollutants, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; State Environmental Protection Key Lab of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Processes, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Savino I, Campanale C, Trotti P, Massarelli C, Corriero G, Uricchio VF. Effects and Impacts of Different Oxidative Digestion Treatments on Virgin and Aged Microplastic Particles. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14101958. [PMID: 35631840 PMCID: PMC9146394 DOI: 10.3390/polym14101958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although several sample preparation methods for analyzing microplastics (MPs) in environmental matrices have been implemented in recent years, important uncertainties and criticalities in the approaches adopted still persist. Preliminary purification of samples, based on oxidative digestion, is an important phase to isolate microplastics from the environmental matrix; it should guarantee both efficacy and minimal damage to the particles. In this context, our study aims to evaluate Fenton’s reaction digestion pre-treatment used to isolate and extract microplastics from environmental matrices. We evaluated the particle recovery efficiency and the impact of the oxidation method on the integrity of the MPs subjected to digestion considering different particles’ polymeric composition, size, and morphology. For this purpose, two laboratory experiments were set up: the first one to evaluate the efficacy of various digestion protocols in the MPs extraction from a complex matrix, and the second one to assess the possible harm of different treatments, differing in temperatures and volume reagents used, on virgin and aged MPs. Morphological, physicochemical, and dimensional changes were verified by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The findings of the first experiment showed the greatest difference in recovery rates especially for polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene terephthalate particles, indicating the role of temperature and the kind of polymer as the major factors influencing MPs extraction. In the second experiment, the SEM analysis revealed morphological and particle size alterations of various entities, in particular for the particles treated at 75 °C and with major evident alterations of aged MPs to virgin ones. In conclusion, this study highlights how several factors, including temperature and polymer, influence the integrity of the particles altering the quality of the final data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Savino
- Italian National Council of Research, Water Research Institute, 70132 Bari, Italy; (I.S.); (C.M.); (V.F.U.)
- Department of Biology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Claudia Campanale
- Italian National Council of Research, Water Research Institute, 70132 Bari, Italy; (I.S.); (C.M.); (V.F.U.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Pasquale Trotti
- Sezione di Entomologia e Zoologia Agraria, Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Carmine Massarelli
- Italian National Council of Research, Water Research Institute, 70132 Bari, Italy; (I.S.); (C.M.); (V.F.U.)
| | - Giuseppe Corriero
- Department of Biology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Vito Felice Uricchio
- Italian National Council of Research, Water Research Institute, 70132 Bari, Italy; (I.S.); (C.M.); (V.F.U.)
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López-Rosales A, Andrade J, Fernández-González V, López-Mahía P, Muniategui-Lorenzo S. A reliable method for the isolation and characterization of microplastics in fish gastrointestinal tracts using an infrared tunable quantum cascade laser system. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 178:113591. [PMID: 35349866 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Societal and environmental concern due to frequent reports of microplastics in fish stomachs raised as they may accumulate along the trophic chain. The request for analysing microplastics in fish stresses two major analytical issues: sample treatment and final characterization. The, so far, workhorse for chemical characterization is infrared spectroscopy which is time-consuming. Here, a quantum cascade laser-based device is used to accelerate the characterization stage. Its novelty poses new challenges for sample processing and particle handling because the unknown particles must be transferred to a reflective slide. In this study, three sample digestion protocols (alkaline-oxidative with H2O2, and alkaline-oxidative with NaClO and enzymatic-oxidative) and three different procedures to transfer the filter cake to reflective slides are compared. A simplified enzymatic-oxidative digestion (validated through an interlaboratory exercise) combined with a Syncore® automatic evaporation system and a Laser Direct Infrared Imaging (LDIR) device is proposed first time as a reliable and relatively fast method to treat gastrointestinal tracts of fish. Analytical recoveries were studied using samples of Scomber scombrus and they were ca. 100% for big -i.e., >500 μm- and ca. 90% for medium -i.e., 200-300 μm- particles and ca. 75% for 10 μm thick fibres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián López-Rosales
- Grupo Química Analítica Aplicada (QANAP), Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Jose Andrade
- Grupo Química Analítica Aplicada (QANAP), Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Verónica Fernández-González
- Grupo Química Analítica Aplicada (QANAP), Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Purificación López-Mahía
- Grupo Química Analítica Aplicada (QANAP), Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo
- Grupo Química Analítica Aplicada (QANAP), Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain.
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46
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Pakhomova S, Berezina A, Lusher AL, Zhdanov I, Silvestrova K, Zavialov P, van Bavel B, Yakushev E. Microplastic variability in subsurface water from the Arctic to Antarctica. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 298:118808. [PMID: 35007674 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Comparative investigations of microplastic (MP) occurrence in the global ocean are often hampered by the application of different methods. In this study, the same sampling and analytical approach was applied during five different cruises to investigate MP covering a route from the East-Siberian Sea in the Arctic, through the Atlantic, and into the Antarctic Peninsula. A total of 121 subsurface water samples were collected using underway pump-through system on two different vessels. This approach allowed subsurface MP (100 μm-5 mm) to be evaluated in five regions of the World Ocean (Antarctic, Central Atlantic, North Atlantic, Barents Sea and Siberian Arctic) and to assess regional differences in MP characteristics. The average abundance of MP for whole studied area was 0.7 ± 0.6 items/m3 (ranging from 0 to 2.6 items/m3), with an equal average abundance for both fragments and fibers (0.34 items/m3). Although no statistical difference was found for MP abundance between the studied regions. Differences were found between the size, morphology, polymer types and weight concentrations. The Central Atlantic and Barents Sea appeared to have more MP in terms of weight concentration (7-7.5 μg/m3) than the North Atlantic and Siberian Arctic (0.6 μg/m3). A comparison of MP characteristics between the two Hemispheres appears to indicate that MP in the Northern Hemisphere mostly originate from terrestrial input, while offshore industries play an important role as a source of MP in the Southern Hemisphere. The waters of the Northern Hemisphere were found to be more polluted by fibers than those of the Southern Hemisphere. The results presented here suggest that fibers can be transported by air and water over long distances from the source, while distribution of fragments is limited mainly to the water mass where the source is located.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Pakhomova
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway; P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Anfisa Berezina
- P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; St. Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Amy L Lusher
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Igor Zhdanov
- P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ksenia Silvestrova
- P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter Zavialov
- P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Evgeniy Yakushev
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway; P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; V.I.Il'ichov Pacific Oceanological Institute, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
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47
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Reuse of Water Contaminated by Microplastics, the Effectiveness of Filtration Processes: A Review. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15072432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Water treatment generally does not specifically address the removal of microplastics (MPs). Nevertheless, treatment plants process water effectively, and the number of synthetic microparticles in effluents is usually very low. Still, discharge volumes from water-treatment plants are often elevated (reaching around 108 L/day), leading to the daily discharge of a substantial number of MPs and microfibers. Furthermore, MPs accumulate in the primary and secondary sludge, which in the end results in another environmental problem as they are currently used to amend soils, both for cultivation and forestry, leading to their dispersion. Something similar occurs with the treatment of water intended for human consumption, which has a much lower but still significant number of MPs. The amount of these pollutants being released into the environment depends on the processes that the water undergoes. One of the most-used treatment processes is rapid sand filtration, which is reviewed in this article. During the filtration process, MPs can break into smaller pieces, resulting in a greater number of plastic particles which mainly accumulate in sewage sludge. Thermal processes, such as incineration, carried out in facilities with the best available techniques in practice, could guarantee the safe disposal of highly MP-contaminated sewage sludges.
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Akarsu C, Sönmez VZ, Altay MC, Pehlivan T, Sivri N. The spatial and temporal changes of beach litter on Istanbul (Turkey) beaches as measured by the clean-coast index. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 176:113407. [PMID: 35168069 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Possible access routes of macro and mesoplastics, acting as the main sources of pollution in the coastal ecosystem, are examined as a case study on four beaches along the Istanbul coast. A total number of 3787 items belonging to 12 categories of debris types were collected as follows: macroplastics 47.8%; mesoplastics 9.2%; and others 43.0% such as paper pieces, glass pieces and metal beverage cans. Clean-coast and carbonyl indexes were also used to identify the level of cleanliness of the sampling sites. The clean-coast index revealed that all of the sample sites were categorized as extremely dirty. Moreover, carbonyl index results indicate that 35.7% of the samples were at a high oxidation level indicating that some of the particles relatively spend more time on beaches. The litter concentration and surface oxidation results were addressing issues that should be taken into consideration to improve litter management strategies of the beaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceyhun Akarsu
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Department of Environmental Engineering, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Vildan Zülal Sönmez
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Department of Environmental Engineering, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Melek Cumbul Altay
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tayfun Pehlivan
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Institute of Graduate Studies, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nüket Sivri
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Department of Environmental Engineering, Istanbul, Turkey
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49
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Guo X, Lin H, Xu S, He L. Recent Advances in Spectroscopic Techniques for the Analysis of Microplastics in Food. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:1410-1422. [PMID: 35099960 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c06085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has become a worldwide concern in aquatic and terrestrial environments. Microplastics could also enter the food chain, causing potential harm to human health. To facilitate the risk assessment of microplastics to humans, it is critically important to have a reliable analytical technique to detect, quantify, and identify microplastics of various materials, sizes, and shapes from environmental, agricultural, and food matrices. Spectroscopic techniques, mainly vibrational spectroscopy (Raman and infrared), are commonly used techniques for microplastic analysis. This review focuses on recent advances of these spectroscopic techniques for the analysis of microplastics in food. The fundamental, recent technical advances of the spectroscopic techniques and their advantages and limitations were summarized. The food sample pretreatment methods and recent applications for detecting and quantifying microplastics in different types of food were reviewed. In addition, the current technical challenges and future research directions were discussed. It is anticipated that the advances in instrument development and methodology innovation will enable spectroscopic techniques to solve critical analytical challenges in microplastic analysis in food, which will facilitate the reliable risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Guo
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Chenoweth Laboratory, 102 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Helen Lin
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Chenoweth Laboratory, 102 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Shuping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Institute of Theorical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili He
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Chenoweth Laboratory, 102 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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50
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Nabi I, Bacha AUR, Zhang L. A review on microplastics separation techniques from environmental media. JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION 2022; 337:130458. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.130458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
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