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Wang L, Li S, Hao Y, Liu X, Liu Y, Zuo L, Tai F, Yin L, Young LJ, Li D. Exposure to polystyrene microplastics reduces sociality and brain oxytocin levels through the gut-brain axis in mice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:174026. [PMID: 38885706 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174026] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The rising global prevalence of microplastics (MPs) has highlighted their diverse toxicological effects. The oxytocin (OT) system in mammals, deeply intertwined with social behaviors, is recognized to be vulnerable to environmental stressors. We hypothesized that MP exposure might disrupt this system, a topic not extensively studied. We investigated the effects of MPs on behavioral neuroendocrinology via the gut-brain axis by exposing adolescent male C57BL/6 mice to varied sizes (5 μm and 50 μm) and concentrations (100 μg/L and 1000 μg/L) of polystyrene MPs over 10 weeks. The results demonstrated that exposure to 50 μm MPs significantly reduced colonic mucin production and induced substantial alterations in gut microbiota. Notably, the 50 μm-100 μg/L group showed a significant reduction in OT content within the medial prefrontal cortex and associated deficits in sociality, along with damage to the blood-brain barrier. Importantly, blocking the vagal pathway ameliorated these behavioral impairments, emphasizing the pivotal role of the gut-brain axis in mediating neurobehavioral outcomes. Our findings confirm the toxicity of MPs on sociality and the corresponding neuroendocrine systems, shedding light on the potential hazards and adverse effects of environmental MPs exposure on social behavior and neuroendocrine frameworks in social mammals, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China; Ecology Postdoctoral Research Station at Hebei Normal University, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Shuxin Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Yaotong Hao
- Ocean College, Hebei Agricultural University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066003, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Yaqing Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Lirong Zuo
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Fadao Tai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710062, China
| | - Liyun Yin
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Larry J Young
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 3032, United States; Center for Social Neural Networks, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-857, Japan
| | - Dongming Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China.
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2
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Jing L, Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Zhao H. Polystyrene microplastics disrupted physical barriers, microbiota composition and immune responses in the cecum of developmental Japanese quails. J Environ Sci (China) 2024; 144:225-235. [PMID: 38802233 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, a new type of emerging pollutant, is ubiquitous in terrestrial and water environments. Microplastics have become a growing concern due to their impacts on the environment, animal, and human health. Birds also suffer from microplastics contamination. In this study, we examined the toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) exposure on physical barrier, microbial community, and immune function in the cecum of a model bird species-Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). The one-week-old birds were fed on environmentally relevant concentrations of 20 µg/kg, 400 µg/kg, and 8 mg/kg PS-MPs in the diet for 5 weeks. The results showed that microplastics could cause microstructural damages characterized by lamina propria damage and epithelial cell vacuolation and ultrastructural injuries including microvilli breakage and disarrangement as well as mitochondrial vacuolation in the cecum of quails. In particular, blurry tight junctions, wider desmosomes spacing, and gene expression alteration indicated cecal tight junction malfunction. Moreover, mucous layer breakdown and mucin decrease indicated that chemical barrier was disturbed by PS-MPs. PS-MPs also changed cecal microbial diversity. In addition, structural deformation of cecal tonsils and increasing proinflammatory cytokines suggested cecal immune disorder and inflammation responses by PS-MPs exposure. Our results suggested that microplastics negatively affected digestive system and might pose great health risks to terrestrial birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyang Jing
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Qingyu Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Hongfeng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
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3
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Stocker J, Wolfarth M, Dias JF, Niekraszewicz LAB, Cademartori CV, da Silva FR. Presence of micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities in Caracara (Polyborus) plancus living in an airport area in southern Brazil. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2024; 87:675-686. [PMID: 38828979 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2024.2361247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The aviation sector is believed to be responsible for considerable environmental damage attributed to emission of a large number and amount of pollutants. Airports are often surrounded by forest fragments and humid areas that attract birds of prey and hence may potentially serve as useful bioindicators. The aim of the present study was to examine genotoxic potential in raptors exposed to airport pollution using the micronucleus (MN) test and morphological changes as evidenced by bilateral symmetry. This investigation was conducted at Salgado Filho International Airport of Porto Alegre - RS as well as in private and zoological breeding grounds. The presence of metals was measured in the blood cells of the collected birds. Seventeen birds (Caracara (Polyborus) plancus) were used in this study 11 from exposed and 6 from non-exposed group. The nuclear alterations clearly indicate that organisms exposed to airport pollution exhibited a significantly higher frequency of genetic damage compared to non-exposed birds. Further, manganese and chromium were detected exclusively in the blood of the exposed group. In contrast, the analysis of bilateral symmetry did not detect any significant morphologic differences between the two groups. Therefore, data indicate that blood genotoxic stress occurs in birds of prey living in civil aviation areas as evidenced by MN frequency increase and presence of manganese and chromium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Stocker
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Universidade La Salle, Canoas, Brazil
| | - Micaele Wolfarth
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular Aplicada à Saúde, Universidade Luterana do Brazil, Canoas, Brazil
| | - Johnny Ferraz Dias
- Laboratório de Implantação Iônica, Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Cristina V Cademartori
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Memória Social e Bens Culturais, Universidade La Salle, Canoas, Brazil
| | - Fernanda R da Silva
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Universidade La Salle, Canoas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade La Salle, Canoas, Brazil
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Espinoza MJ, Laviada I, Taberner Cerezo A, Luna Á, Gil-Delgado JA, Bernat-Ponce E. Do birds select the plastics debris used for nest construction? A case study in a Mediterranean agricultural landscape. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 255:119117. [PMID: 38729409 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is becoming a global problem due to its ubiquitous occurrence and the impacts detected for many species. However, the research about plastics in nests of terrestrial bird species has remained relatively overlooked in comparison to those devoted to marine ecosystems. Here we study the occurrence and patterns of use of anthropogenic material in nests of two passerine birds, the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica) and the European serin (Serinus serinus), breeding in an orange tree cultivation in Mediterranean Spain. Our results show that both species use extensively plastic debris as nest material; almost 71% of the European serin nests and 96% of nests of Eurasian magpies contained plastic debris. Furthermore, by analyzing the plastic debris availability in the agricultural landscape surveyed we confirmed a selection pattern in the two species. Thus, both species preferably select plastic filaments over other plastic debris. The Eurasian magpie does not select plastic based on size or color but the European serin avoid black plastics prefer smaller fragments in comparison to the average size available. Moreover, we suggest the apparent similarity of plastic filaments with the natural materials typically used by these species, as well as how they use the plastic in their nests could influence their selection behavior. More studies focused on terrestrial birds inhabiting human modified habitats could offer a deeper approach to how plastic debris interacts with wildlife in different ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Espinoza
- Department of Microbiology and Ecology, Terrestrial Vertebrates Ecology, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, c/ Catedrático José Beltrán, 2, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Iván Laviada
- Department of Microbiology and Ecology, Terrestrial Vertebrates Ecology, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, c/ Catedrático José Beltrán, 2, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Aina Taberner Cerezo
- Department of Microbiology and Ecology, Terrestrial Vertebrates Ecology, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, c/ Catedrático José Beltrán, 2, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Álvaro Luna
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A Gil-Delgado
- Department of Microbiology and Ecology, Terrestrial Vertebrates Ecology, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, c/ Catedrático José Beltrán, 2, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Edgar Bernat-Ponce
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Paseo de la Alameda, 7, 46010, Valencia, Spain
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5
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Kibria G. Contamination of coastal and marine bird species with plastics: Global analysis and synthesis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116687. [PMID: 39024909 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
This review article provides an account of coastal and marine bird species contaminated with plastics in light of ingestion, taxonomy, feeding clusters, types, shapes, colours and lethal and sublethal effects. Bird species were found contaminated with plastics in 39 locations/countries across the seven continents. Global analysis shows that low, medium and high plastic ingestion occurred in bird species across the globe. Fulmars, shearwaters, petrels, albatrosses, gulls, and kittiwakes (all marine/seabirds) were found contaminated with plastics in several locations in the world. Bird species belonging to the Procellariidae, Laridae, Diomedeidae (by taxonomy), piscivorous, molluscivorous, and cancrivorous (by feeding habits) were most contaminated with plastics. Microplastic, mesoplastic and macroplastic (by sizes), PP, PE, PS, PET, PAN and PVC (by types), fragments, pellets, fibres, foams, sheets, threads, fishing lines and films (by shapes) and white, blue, green, black, clear, red and yellow (by colours) were the most common plastics ingested by birds. Several bird species contaminated with plastics fall within the critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable categories. The ingestion of plastics can cause direct harm to birds resulting in death. In addition, plastic-derived toxic chemical additives and plastic-adsorbed toxic chemicals would be an additional stressor causing both lethal and sublethal effects that can cause greater harm to the health of birds. Several measures are suggested to reduce plastic pollution in the environment to safeguard birds and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golam Kibria
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia; Global Artificial Mussel Pollution Watch Program, Australia.
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6
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Wayman C, Fernández-Piñas F, Fernández-Valeriano R, García-Baquero GA, López-Márquez I, González-González F, Rosal R, González-Pleiter M. The potential use of birds as bioindicators of suspended atmospheric microplastics and artificial fibers. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 282:116744. [PMID: 39018735 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and artificial fibers (AFs) have been detected suspended tens of meters above ground level in the atmosphere, yet empirical data on them remain scarce. This study aimed to investigate the presence of MPs and AFs in the digestive and respiratory systems of two abundant bird species, the Common House Martin (Delichon urbicum) and the Common Swift (Apus apus), within the Community of Madrid, Spain. Given that these birds spend the majority of their lives airborne, engaging in activities such as mating and sleeping during flight, the research sought to assess the potential of using these bird species as bioindicators for suspended atmospheric MPs and AFs. Samples were obtained from necropsies of birds (N = 24) collected primarily between spring and summer from 2021 to 2023. Only individuals that died within the initial 24-hour period and had not been fed were selected for examination to avoid contamination. MPs and AFS were identified by micro-FTIR, characterized and quantified. Results revealed that 75 % of the sampled birds exhibited at least one MPs in their respiratory and/or digestive system. All identified MPs were fibers, with polyester (PES) being the most predominant (48 %), followed by acrylic fibers (ACR; 28 %), and polyethylene (PE; 18 %). The average concentrations in the respiratory system were 1.12 ± 0.45 MPs/specimen and 2.78 ± 1.04 AFs/specimen for Common Swift and 0.75 ± 0.30 MPs/specimen and 0.75 ± 0.36 AFs/specimen for House Martin. In the digestive system, these were 1.92 ± 0.72 MPs/specimen and 3.42 ± 0.69 AFs/specimen for Common Swift, and 1.34 ± 0.50 MPs/specimen and 1.39 ± 0.47 AFs/specimen for House Martin. Birds collected areas with high population density located in the direction of the prevailing winds showed a concentration of MPs significantly higher in the digestive system. Taken together, these findings confirmed the potential use of these birds as bioindicators for monitoring of suspended atmospheric MPs and AFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Wayman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Alcalá de Henares E-28871, Spain
| | - Francisca Fernández-Piñas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid E-28049, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C Darwin 2, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Rocío Fernández-Valeriano
- Wildlife Hospital, Group of Rehabilitation of the Autochthonous Fauna and Their Habitat (GREFA), Monte del Pilar, Majadahonda, Madrid 28220, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Anibarro García-Baquero
- Wildlife Hospital, Group of Rehabilitation of the Autochthonous Fauna and Their Habitat (GREFA), Monte del Pilar, Majadahonda, Madrid 28220, Spain
| | - Irene López-Márquez
- Wildlife Hospital, Group of Rehabilitation of the Autochthonous Fauna and Their Habitat (GREFA), Monte del Pilar, Majadahonda, Madrid 28220, Spain
| | - Fernando González-González
- Wildlife Hospital, Group of Rehabilitation of the Autochthonous Fauna and Their Habitat (GREFA), Monte del Pilar, Majadahonda, Madrid 28220, Spain; Departmental Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University Complutense of Madrid, Madrid 28020, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Alcalá de Henares E-28871, Spain
| | - Miguel González-Pleiter
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid E-28049, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C Darwin 2, Madrid 28049, Spain.
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7
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Schutten K, Morrill A, Chandrashekar A, Stevens B, Parmley EJ, Cunningham JT, Robertson GJ, Mallory ML, Jardine C, Provencher JF. Plastic ingestion, accumulated heavy metals, and health metrics of four Larus gull species feeding at a coastal landfill in eastern Canada. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135107. [PMID: 39013322 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
The objectives of this research were to assess ingested plastics and accumulated heavy metals in four urban gull species. Additionally, the relationships between ingested plastics and selected demographic and health metrics were assessed. Between 2020-2021 during the non-breeding seasons, 105 gulls (46 American herring gulls (HERG, Larus argentatus smithsonianus), 39 great black-backed gulls (GBBG, Larus marinus), 16 Iceland gulls (Larus glaucoides), 4 glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus)) were killed at a landfill in coastal Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, as part of separate, permitted kill-to-scare operations related to aircraft safety. Birds were necropsied, the upper gastrointestinal tract contents were processed using standard techniques, and livers were analyzed for accumulated As, Cd, Hg, and Pb. The relationships between ingested plastics, demographics, and health metrics were assessed in HERG and GBBG. Across all four species, 85 % of birds had ingested at least one piece of anthropogenic debris, with 79 % ingesting at least one piece of plastic. We detected interspecific differences in plastic ingestion and hepatic trace metals, with increased ingested plastics detected in GBBG compared with HERG. For GBBG, levels of ingested plastic were relatively greater for birds with higher scaled mass index, while HERG with more ingested plastic had higher liver lead concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Schutten
- University of Guelph, Department of Pathobiology, 50 Stone Rd E., Guelph, N1G 2W1 Ontario, Canada.
| | - André Morrill
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, K1A 0H3 Ontario, Canada
| | - Akshaya Chandrashekar
- University of Guelph, Department of Pathobiology, 50 Stone Rd E., Guelph, N1G 2W1 Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian Stevens
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E., Guelph, N1G 2W1 Ontario, Canada
| | - E Jane Parmley
- University of Guelph, Department of Population Medicine, 50 Stone Rd E., N1G 2W1 Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joshua T Cunningham
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, 6 Bruce St, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, 6 Bruce St, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Acadia University, Department of Biology, 15 University Ave, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Claire Jardine
- University of Guelph, Department of Pathobiology, 50 Stone Rd E., Guelph, N1G 2W1 Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, K1A 0H3 Ontario, Canada
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Tarricone S, Colonna MA, Freschi P, Cosentino C, La Gioia G, Carbonara C, Ragni M. The Presence of Microplastics in the Gastrointestinal Tracts of Song Thrushes ( Turdus philomelos) Wintering in Apulia (Southern Italy)-Preliminary Results. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2050. [PMID: 39061512 PMCID: PMC11273484 DOI: 10.3390/ani14142050] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The term microplastics (MPs) describes a heterogeneous mixture of particles that can vary in size, color, and shape. Once released into the environment, MPs have various toxicological and physical effects on wildlife. The Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) is a migratory species, staying in Italy in late autumn and winter. The aim of this study is to assess, quantify, and characterize the presence of microplastics in Song Thrushes hunted in the Apulia region of Italy. The birds (n = 360) were hunted in the Bari countryside and donated for research purposes by hunters. MPs were classified in relation to their shape in fibers, films, fragments, and pellets; then, they were divided according to their color and the length of the particles was measured. Nikon image analysis software was applied to the litter size measurements. Of the total of 360 birds, MPs were detected in the stomachs of 129 birds shot in December and 128 birds shot in January. The majority of ingested MPs were fibers that were observed in all contaminated birds. Film fragments were observed in every contaminated specimen. Among all the MPs found, 31.75% were red, 30.13% were black, and 25.91% were blue, while the other colors were less represented. This study provides the first analysis of MPs bioaccumulation in Song Thrushes wintering in the Apulia region, and the high contamination of thrushes confirmed the ubiquity of MPs in terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Tarricone
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70126 Bari, Italy; (S.T.); (M.A.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Maria Antonietta Colonna
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70126 Bari, Italy; (S.T.); (M.A.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Pierangelo Freschi
- School of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences (SAFE), University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (P.F.); (C.C.)
| | - Carlo Cosentino
- School of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences (SAFE), University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (P.F.); (C.C.)
| | | | - Claudia Carbonara
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70126 Bari, Italy; (S.T.); (M.A.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Marco Ragni
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70126 Bari, Italy; (S.T.); (M.A.C.); (M.R.)
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9
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Prikler B, Bordós G, Kriszt B, Micsinai A, Szabó I, Nyírő-Fekete B, Palotai Z, Kaszab E, Szoboszlay S, Csenki Z. Detection of microplastics in zebrafish housing systems: Can microplastic background contamination affect the final results of microplastic-related toxicological tests? AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 273:107020. [PMID: 39002427 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.107020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Concentrations of microplastics (MPs) were determined in three commonly used zebrafish housing systems to see if their levels could affect the final results of laboratory microplastic-related toxicology tests. MPs have received notable attention in the last few years, and their toxicology tests have also come to the fore. Zebrafish (Danio rerio), kept in fish housing systems, are widely used as models for MPs studies. Most of these systems contain a significant number of parts made of different polymers. As usage and amortization can erode these parts, MPs might appear in the keeping water or the fish body, which may represent a background load and possibly influence the results of microplastic-related toxicological tests. To take representative water samples from systems, two in-situ filtration techniques, a newly developed peristaltic pump-, and a jet pump-driven method were applied. The collected MP particles were analyzed with a Fourier-transform infrared microscope (detection limit 50 μm), and their possible origin was also investigated. The newly developed technique was more sufficient for sampling as it had a higher MPs recovery, especially in the smaller size range. Polyester, polyethylene and polypropylene were the most frequently detected polymers in the examined fish housing systems, the highest detected concentration was 0.31±0.12 particles/liter (0.22±0.16 μg/liter). These values are negligible compared to the literature data reporting enormously high applied MPs concentrations (104 - 2.21 × 108 particles/liter) during toxicology tests. The results also show that some detected MPs did not originate from the systems, their origin was presumed to be external.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bence Prikler
- Eurofins Analytical Services Hungary Ltd., Budapest 1045, Hungary; Department of Environmental Safety, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gödöllő 2100, Hungary
| | - Gábor Bordós
- Eurofins Analytical Services Hungary Ltd., Budapest 1045, Hungary
| | - Balázs Kriszt
- Department of Environmental Safety, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gödöllő 2100, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Micsinai
- Eurofins Analytical Services Hungary Ltd., Budapest 1045, Hungary
| | - István Szabó
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gödöllő 2100, Hungary
| | | | - Zoltán Palotai
- Eurofins Analytical Services Hungary Ltd., Budapest 1045, Hungary
| | - Edit Kaszab
- Department of Environmental Safety, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gödöllő 2100, Hungary.
| | - Sándor Szoboszlay
- Department of Environmental Safety, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gödöllő 2100, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Csenki
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gödöllő 2100, Hungary
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10
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De Michelis S, Pietrelli L, Battisti C, Carosi M. First evidence of plastics in coypu (Myocastor coypus)'s platforms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:45452-45458. [PMID: 38965107 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34084-1] [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: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Platforms are structures built by coypus for various purposes, such as reproduction, resting, and thermoregulation. In a coastal wetland of central Italy, during a study aimed at investigating the characteristics of coypu's platforms, it was recorded, for the first time worldwide, the presence of plastic in these structures. Through a transect survey, we censused 83 platforms, among which three (3.61%) were found with presence of macro- and megaplastics (polystyrene, polypropylene, and low-density polyethylene in film form; polyester, polyamide, and expanded polystyrene in fragments). Through the FTIR spectra, it was possible to highlight the degradation of the polymeric materials. To stimulate possible in-depth investigations at the level of the food chain (e.g., coypu predators, including canids) in wet habitats, we discussed possible causes and implications of plastic presence in coypus' nest structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia De Michelis
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Loris Pietrelli
- Legambiente, Scientific Committee, Via Salaria 403, 00199, Rome, Italy.
| | - Corrado Battisti
- Protected Areas Service, "Torre Flavia" LTER (Long Term Ecological Research) Station, Città Metropolitana Di Roma, Via G. Ribotta 41, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Carosi
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Università Di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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11
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Costanzo A, Ambrosini R, Manica M, Casola D, Polidori C, Gianotti V, Conterosito E, Roncoli M, Parolini M, De Felice B. Microfibers in the Diet of a Highly Aerial Bird, the Common Swift Apus apus. TOXICS 2024; 12:408. [PMID: 38922088 PMCID: PMC11209442 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12060408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a pervasive global issue affecting various ecosystems. Despite the escalating production and well-documented contamination in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, the research focused on airborne microplastics and their interaction with terrestrial birds remains limited. In this study, we collected fecal sacs from Common swifts (Apus apus) to investigate their diet and to evaluate the potential ingestion of microplastics by both adults and nestlings. The diet was mainly composed of Hymenoptera and Coleoptera and did not differ among sexes and age classes. The 33% of nestlings' and 52% of adults' fecal sacs contained anthropogenic items, the totality of which was in the shape form of fibers. The 19.4% of the anthropogenic items were chemically characterized as microplastics, either polyethylene terephthalate (PET; two microfibers) or cellophane (four microfibers). Airborne anthropogenic items, including microplastic, might be passively ingested during the Common swift aerial feeding. In addition, our findings suggest that these ingested microparticles have the potential to be transferred to the offspring through food. While further research is essential to elucidate the pathways of microplastic ingestion, our results reinforce the evidence of the transfer of anthropogenic items from the atmosphere to the biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Costanzo
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy; (R.A.); (C.P.); (M.P.); (B.D.F.)
| | - Roberto Ambrosini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy; (R.A.); (C.P.); (M.P.); (B.D.F.)
| | - Milo Manica
- Gruppo Insubrico di Ornitologia OdV, Via Manzoni 21, Clivio, I-21050 Varese, Italy; (M.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Daniela Casola
- Gruppo Insubrico di Ornitologia OdV, Via Manzoni 21, Clivio, I-21050 Varese, Italy; (M.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Carlo Polidori
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy; (R.A.); (C.P.); (M.P.); (B.D.F.)
| | - Valentina Gianotti
- Dipartimento dello Sviluppo Sostenibile e della Transizione Ecologica, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Piazza S. Eusebio 5, I-13100 Vercelli, Italy; (V.G.); (E.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Eleonora Conterosito
- Dipartimento dello Sviluppo Sostenibile e della Transizione Ecologica, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Piazza S. Eusebio 5, I-13100 Vercelli, Italy; (V.G.); (E.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Maddalena Roncoli
- Dipartimento dello Sviluppo Sostenibile e della Transizione Ecologica, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Piazza S. Eusebio 5, I-13100 Vercelli, Italy; (V.G.); (E.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy; (R.A.); (C.P.); (M.P.); (B.D.F.)
| | - Beatrice De Felice
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy; (R.A.); (C.P.); (M.P.); (B.D.F.)
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12
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Tremolada P, Saliu F, Winkler A, Carniti CP, Castelli M, Lasagni M, Andò S, Leandri-Breton DJ, Gatt MC, Obiol JF, Parolini M, Nakajima C, Whelan S, Shoji A, Hatch SA, Elliott KH, Cecere JG, Rubolini D. Indigo-dyed cellulose fibers and synthetic polymers in surface-feeding seabird chick regurgitates from the Gulf of Alaska. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 203:116401. [PMID: 38713925 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116401] [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: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
We provide evidence of anthropogenic materials ingestion in seabirds from a remote oceanic area, using regurgitates obtained from black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) chicks from Middleton Island (Gulf of Alaska, USA). By means of GPS tracking of breeding adults, we identified foraging grounds where anthropogenic materials were most likely ingested. They were mainly located within the continental shelf of the Gulf of Alaska and near the Alaskan coastline. Anthropogenic cellulose fibers showed a high prevalence (85 % occurrence), whereas synthetic polymers (in the micro- and mesoplastics dimensional range) were less frequent (20 %). Most fibers (60 %) were blue and we confirmed the presence of indigo-dyed cellulosic fibers, characteristic of denim fabrics. In terms of mass, contamination levels were 0.077 μg g-1 wet weight and 0.009 μg g-1 wet weight for anthropogenic microfibers and synthetic polymers, respectively. These results represent the only recent report of contamination by anthropogenic fibers in seabirds from the Gulf of Alaska.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Tremolada
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ambiente e della Terra, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, p.zza della Scienza 1, I-20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Anna Winkler
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Cecilia P Carniti
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Melisa Castelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ambiente e della Terra, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, p.zza della Scienza 1, I-20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Sergio Andò
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ambiente e della Terra, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, p.zza della Scienza 1, I-20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Don-Jean Leandri-Breton
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Marie Claire Gatt
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Joan Ferrer Obiol
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Parolini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Chinatsu Nakajima
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shannon Whelan
- Institute for Seabird Research and Conservation, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Akiko Shoji
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Scott A Hatch
- Institute for Seabird Research and Conservation, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Kyle H Elliott
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Diego Rubolini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milano, Italy
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13
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Gautam K, Pandey N, Yadav D, Parthasarathi R, Turner A, Anbumani S, Jha AN. Ecotoxicological impacts of landfill sites: Towards risk assessment, mitigation policies and the role of artificial intelligence. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:171804. [PMID: 38513865 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171804] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Waste disposal in landfills remains a global concern. Despite technological developments, landfill leachate poses a hazard to ecosystems and human health since it acts as a secondary reservoir for legacy and emerging pollutants. This study provides a systematic and scientometric review of the nature and toxicity of pollutants generated by landfills and means of assessing their potential risks. Regarding human health, unregulated waste disposal and pathogens in leachate are the leading causes of diseases reported in local populations. Both in vitro and in vivo approaches have been employed in the ecotoxicological risk assessment of landfill leachate, with model organisms ranging from bacteria to birds. These studies demonstrate a wide range of toxic effects that reflect the complex composition of leachate and geographical variations in climate, resource availability and management practices. Based on bioassay (and other) evidence, categories of persistent chemicals of most concern include brominated flame retardants, per- and polyfluorinated chemicals, pharmaceuticals and alkyl phenol ethoxylates. However, the emerging and more general literature on microplastic toxicity suggests that these particles might also be problematic in leachate. Various mitigation strategies have been identified, with most focussing on improving landfill design or leachate treatment, developing alternative disposal methods and reducing waste volume through recycling or using more sustainable materials. The success of these efforts will rely on policies and practices and their enforcement, which is seen as a particular challenge in developing nations and at the international (and transboundary) level. Artificial intelligence and machine learning afford a wide range of options for evaluating and reducing the risks associated with leachates and gaseous emissions from landfills, and various approaches tested or having potential are discussed. However, addressing the limitations in data collection, model accuracy, real-time monitoring and our understanding of environmental impacts will be critical for realising this potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Gautam
- Ecotoxicology Laboratory, REACT Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, CRK Campus, Lucknow 226008, Uttar Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Namrata Pandey
- Ecotoxicology Laboratory, REACT Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, CRK Campus, Lucknow 226008, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dhvani Yadav
- Computational Toxicology Facility, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ramakrishnan Parthasarathi
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Computational Toxicology Facility, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Sadasivam Anbumani
- Ecotoxicology Laboratory, REACT Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, CRK Campus, Lucknow 226008, Uttar Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Awadhesh N Jha
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
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14
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Jebashalomi V, Emmanuel Charles P, Rajaram R. Microbial degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polystyrene using Bacillus cereus (OR268710) isolated from plastic-polluted tropical coastal environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171580. [PMID: 38462004 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171580] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The study focused on marine bacteria, specifically Bacillus cereus, sourced from heavily polluted coastal areas in Tamil Nadu, aiming to assess their efficacy in degrading low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polystyrene over a 42-day period. When LDPE and polystyrene films were incubated with Bacillus cereus, they exhibited maximum weight losses of 4.13 ± 0.81 % and 14.13 ± 2.41 %, respectively. Notably, polystyrene exhibited a higher reduction rate (0.0036 day-1) and a shorter half-life (195.29 days). SEM images of the treated LDPE and polystyrene unveiled surface erosion with cracks. The energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis revealed elevated carbon content and the presence of oxygen in the treated LDPE and polystyrene films. The ATR-FTIR spectra exhibited distinctive peaks corresponding to functional groups, with observable peak shifts in the treated films. Notable increases were detected in carbonyl, internal double bond, and vinyl indices across all treated groups. Additionally, both treated LDPE and polystyrene showed reduced crystallinity. This research sheds light on Bacillus cereus (OR268710) biodegradation capabilities, emphasizing its potential for eco-friendly waste management in coastal regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vethanayaham Jebashalomi
- Department of Marine Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Rajendran Rajaram
- Department of Marine Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024, Tamil Nadu, India.
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15
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Schutten K, Chandrashekar A, Dougherty L, Stevens B, Parmley EJ, Pearl D, Provencher JF, Jardine CM. How do life history and behaviour influence plastic ingestion risk in Canadian freshwater and terrestrial birds? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123777. [PMID: 38490523 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123777] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Plastic ingestion presents many potential avenues of risk for wildlife. Understanding which species and environments are most exposed to plastic pollution is a critical first step in investigating the One Health implications of plastic exposure. The objectives of this study were the following: 1) Utilize necropsy as part of ongoing passive disease surveillance to investigate ingested mesoplastics in birds collected in Ontario and Nunavut, and examine the relationships between bird-level factors and ingested debris; 2) evaluate microplastic ingestion compared to ingested mesodebris in raptors; and 3) identify potential sentinel species for plastic pollution monitoring in understudied freshwater and terrestrial (inland) environments. Between 2020 and 2022, 457 free-ranging birds across 52 species were received for postmortem examination. The upper gastrointestinal tracts were examined for mesoplastics and other debris (>2 mm) using standard techniques. Twenty-four individuals (5.3%) retained mesodebris and prevalence varied across species, with foraging technique, food type, and foraging substrate all associated with different metrics of debris ingestion. The odds of ingesting any type of anthropogenic mesodebris was nine times higher for non-raptorial species than for raptors. For a subset of raptors (N = 54) across 14 species, the terminal portion of the distal intestinal tract was digested with potassium hydroxide and microparticles were assessed using stereo-microscopy. Although only one of 54 (1.9%) raptors included in both analyses retained mesodebris in the upper gastrointestinal tract, 24 (44.4%) contained microparticles in the distal intestine. This study demonstrates that a variety of Canadian bird species ingest anthropogenic debris in inland systems, and suggests that life history and behaviour are associated with ingestion risk. For raptors, the mechanisms governing exposure and ingestion of mesoplastics appear to be different than those that govern microplastics. Herring gulls (Larus argentatus) and ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) are proposed as ideal sentinels for plastic pollution monitoring in inland systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Schutten
- University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E., Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | | | - Laura Dougherty
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E., Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Brian Stevens
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E., Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - E Jane Parmley
- University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E., Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - David Pearl
- University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E., Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Claire M Jardine
- University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E., Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
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16
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Xie P, Li P, Zhu X, Chen D, Ommati MM, Wang H, Han L, Xu S, Sun P. Hepatotoxic of polystyrene microplastics in aged mice: Focus on the role of gastrointestinal transformation and AMPK/FoxO pathway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170471. [PMID: 38296072 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) toxicity has attracted widespread attention, whereas before triggering hepatotoxicity, ingested MPs first undergo transportation and digestion processes in the gastrointestinal tract, possibly interacting with the gastrointestinal contents (GIC). More alarming is the need for more understanding of how this process may impact the liver health of aged animals. This study selected old mice. Firstly, we incubated polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs, 1 μm) with GIC extract. The results of SEM/EDS indicated a structural alteration in PS-MPs. Additionally, impurities resembling corona, rich in heteroatoms (O, N, and S), were observed. This resulted in an enhanced aggregating phenomenon of MPs. We conducted a 10-day experiment exposing aged mice to four concentrations of PS-MPs, ranging from 1 × 103 to 1 × 1012 particles/L. Subsequent measurements of tissue pathology and body and organ weights were conducted, revealing alterations in liver structure. In the liver, 12 crucial metabolites were found by LC-MS technology, including purines, lipids, and amino acids. The AMPK/FoxO pathway was enriched, activated, and validated in western blotting results. We also comprehensively examined the innate immune system, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress indicators. The results indicated decreased C3 levels, stable C4 levels, inflammatory factors (IL-6 and IL-8), and antioxidant enzymes were increased to varying degrees. PS-MPs also caused DNA oxidative damage. These toxic effects exhibited a specific dose dependence. Overall, after the formation of the gastrointestinal corona, PS-MPs subsequently impact various cellular processes, such as cycle arrest (p21), leading to hepatic and health crises in the elderly. The presence of gastrointestinal coronas also underscores the MPs' morphology and characteristics, which should be distinguished after ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Xie
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan 471003, China
| | - Pengcheng Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan 471003, China
| | - Xiaoshan Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan 471003, China
| | - Deshan Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan 471003, China
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan 471003, China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan 471003, China
| | - Lei Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan 471003, China
| | - Shixiao Xu
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China
| | - Ping Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan 471003, China.
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17
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Wayman C, González-Pleiter M, Fernández-Piñas F, Sorribes EL, Fernández-Valeriano R, López-Márquez I, González-González F, Rosal R. Accumulation of microplastics in predatory birds near a densely populated urban area. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170604. [PMID: 38309362 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170604] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The pollution due to plastic and other anthropogenic particles has steadily increased over the last few decades, presenting a significant threat to the environment and organisms, including avian species. This research aimed to investigate the occurrence of anthropogenic pollutants in the digestive and respiratory systems of four birds of prey: Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), and Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). The results revealed widespread contamination in all species with microplastics (MPs) and cellulosic anthropogenic fibers (AFs), with an average of 7.9 MPs and 9.2 AFs per specimen. Every digestive system contained at least one MP, while 65 % of specimens exhibited MPs in their respiratory systems. This is the work reporting a high incidence of MPs in the respiratory system of birds, clearly indicating inhalation as a pathway for exposure to plastic pollution. The content of MPs and AFs varied significantly when comparing specimens collected from central Madrid with those recovered from other parts of the region, including rural environments, suburban areas, or less populated cities. This result aligns with the assumption that anthropogenic particles disperse from urban centers to surrounding areas. Additionally, the dominant particle shape consisted of small-sized fibers (> 98 %), primarily composed of polyester, polyethylene, acrylic materials, and cellulose fibers exhibiting indicators of industrial treatment. These findings emphasize the necessity for further research on the impact of plastic and other anthropogenic material contamination in avian species, calling for effective strategies to mitigate plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Wayman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, E-28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel González-Pleiter
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Fernández-Piñas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C Darwin 2, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa L Sorribes
- Wildlife Hospital, Group of Rehabilitation of the Autochthonous Fauna and their Habitat (GREFA), Monte del Pilar, Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Fernández-Valeriano
- Wildlife Hospital, Group of Rehabilitation of the Autochthonous Fauna and their Habitat (GREFA), Monte del Pilar, Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene López-Márquez
- Wildlife Hospital, Group of Rehabilitation of the Autochthonous Fauna and their Habitat (GREFA), Monte del Pilar, Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando González-González
- Wildlife Hospital, Group of Rehabilitation of the Autochthonous Fauna and their Habitat (GREFA), Monte del Pilar, Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain; Departmental Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28020, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, E-28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
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18
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Shi W, Wu N, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Chen J, Li J. A global review on the abundance and threats of microplastics in soils to terrestrial ecosystem and human health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169469. [PMID: 38154650 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169469] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Soil is the source and sink of microplastics (MPs), which is more polluted than water and air. In this paper, the pollution levels of MPs in the agriculture, roadside, urban and landfill soils were reviewed, and the influence of MPs on soil ecosystem, including soil properties, microorganisms, animals and plants, was discussed. According to the results of in vivo and in vitro experiments, the possible risks of MPs to soil ecosystem and human health were predicted. Finally, in light of the current status of MPs research, several prospects are provided for future research directions to better evaluate the ecological risk and human health risk of MPs. MPs concentrations in global agricultural soils, roadside soils, urban soils and landfill soils had a great variance in different studies and locations. The participation of MPs has an impact on all aspects of terrestrial ecosystems. For soil properties, pH value, bulk density, pore space and evapotranspiration can be changed by MPs. For microorganisms, MPs can alter the diversity and abundance of microbiome, and different MPs have different effects on bacteria and fungi differently. For plants, MPs may interfere with their biochemical and physiological conditions and produce a wide range of toxic effects, such as inhibiting plant growth, delaying or reducing seed germination, reducing biological and fruit yield, and interfering with photosynthesis. For soil animals, MPs can affect their mobility, growth rate and reproductive capacity. At present epidemiological evidences regarding MPs exposure and negative human health effects are unavailable, but in vitro and in vivo data suggest that they pose various threats to human health, including respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, endocrine system, nervous system, and circulation system. In conclusion, the existence and danger of MPs cannot be ignored and requires a global effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshan Shi
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Nan Wu
- School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Zengli Zhang
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Yuting Liu
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jingsi Chen
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jiafu Li
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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Bodziach K, Staniszewska M, Nehring I, Ożarowska A, Zaniewicz G, Meissner W. Endocrine disrupting bisphenol A, 4-tert-octylphenol and 4-nonylphenol in gonads of long-tailed ducks Clangula hyemalis wintering in the southern Baltic. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 243:117772. [PMID: 38029823 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117772] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
This paper focuses on determining the concentrations of phenol derivatives in the gonads of seabirds and examining the potential factors (age, sex and region) affecting the degree of their bioaccumulation. The study involved assays of bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP) and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) in the gonads of long-tailed ducks taken as bycatch from the Southern Baltic region in 2015-2016. Among phenol derivatives, 4-NP was found to reach the highest concentrations in the gonads of long-tailed ducks, and its concentrations were in the range of <0.1-717.5 ng g-1 dw. The concentrations of BPA and 4-t-OP were similar and amounted to <0.4-181.6 ng g-1 dw and <0.1-192.4 ng g-1 dw respectively. The concentration levels of phenol derivatives in the birds' gonads were similar to the levels which had been observed to have negative endocrine effects in other authors studies. This shows that the studied xenoestrogens can interfere with the reproduction and development of birds. Moreover, adult long-tailed ducks had higher concentrations of phenol derivatives compared to immature ones, possibly resulting from long-term bioaccumulation, as well as from diverse pollution in their respective habitats. Particularly in the case of 4-NP, the median concentrations in gonads of adult birds were 2-fold higher than in immature ones. In turn, among adult long-tailed ducks, phenol derivatives were characterized by higher concentrations in males than in females, with almost 3 times and approx. 3.5 times higher median concentrations of BPA and 4-t-OP, respectively. Lower concentrations of phenol derivatives in female gonads may result from the additional elimination of pollutants from their bodies through the transfer of pollutants from mother to egg. The results show the need for further research on phenol derivatives in the gonads of birds, focusing on their impact on the reproductive system and early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Bodziach
- Toxic Substances Transformation Unit, Department of Chemical Oceanography and Marine Geology, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdansk, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Marta Staniszewska
- Toxic Substances Transformation Unit, Department of Chemical Oceanography and Marine Geology, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdansk, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378, Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Iga Nehring
- Toxic Substances Transformation Unit, Department of Chemical Oceanography and Marine Geology, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdansk, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Ożarowska
- Ornithology Unit, Department of Vertebrate Ecology & Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Zaniewicz
- Ornithology Unit, Department of Vertebrate Ecology & Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Włodzimierz Meissner
- Ornithology Unit, Department of Vertebrate Ecology & Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
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20
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Ding R, Li Q, Wang K, Tian J, Lu L, Li W, Xu L. Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in the adjacent environment of Yellow River Delta, China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:116019. [PMID: 38184859 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.116019] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
In the precent study, the microplastics (MPs) pollution level was evaluated in diverse environmental samples from the Yellow River Delta. The results indicated that the abundance of MPs in water, sediment and soil samples ranged from 0.50 to 7.83 items·L-1, 200 to 4200 items·kg-1, and 100 to 1400 items·kg-1, respectively. Film form of MPs was dominant in water, while fiber MPs were dominant in both sediment and soil samples. In all samples, most MPs were < 1 mm in size. White was the main color in water, black was the main color in sediment and soil samples. The most common MPs type was polyethylene (33 %) in water, while rayon accounted for the majority of MPs in sediment (42 %) and soil (70 %) samples. The redundancy analysis results showed that MPs in water and sediment were more affected by water quality, while soil MPs were easily affected by landscape pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruibo Ding
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Agriculture Environment Monitoring, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Qiaoling Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Kang Wang
- Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Agriculture Environment Monitoring, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Jiayu Tian
- Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Agriculture Environment Monitoring, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Luli Lu
- Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Agriculture Environment Monitoring, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Wenxing Li
- Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Agriculture Environment Monitoring, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Li Xu
- Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Agriculture Environment Monitoring, Beijing 100097, China.
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21
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Najafighodousi A, Nemati F, Rayegani A, Saberian M, Zamani L, Li J. Recycling facemasks into civil construction material to manage waste generated during COVID-19. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:12577-12590. [PMID: 38168852 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31726-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Growing plastic pollution in the context of COVID-19 has caused significant challenges, exacerbating this already out-of-control issue. The pandemic has considerably boosted the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), such as facemasks and gloves, all over the globe, and mismanaging this growing plastic pollution has harmed the environment and wildlife significantly. To mitigate negative environmental impacts, it is necessary to develop and implement effective waste management strategies. This present study estimated the daily facemask generation throughout the pandemic in Iran based on the distribution of urban and rural populations and, likewise, the daily generation of hand gloves in the COVID-19 era and the amount of medical waste generated by COVID-19 patients were calculated. In the next step, the quantities of discarded facemasks dumped into the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman from the coastal cities were determined. Finally, the innovative alternatives for repurposing discarded facemasks in civil construction materials such as concrete, pavement, and partition wall panel were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atiyeh Najafighodousi
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Nemati
- Department of Civil Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Rayegani
- Centre for Infrastructure Engineering, Western Sydney University, Kingswood, NSW, 2747, Australia
| | - Mohammad Saberian
- Vice Chancellor's Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Leila Zamani
- Center for Environmental Economics and Technology, Department of Environment of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jie Li
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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22
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Zhang Q, Zhang Y, Jing L, Zhao H. Microplastics induced inflammation in the spleen of developmental Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) via ROS-mediated p38 MAPK and TNF signaling pathway activation 1. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122891. [PMID: 37951530 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been found in virtually every environment on earth and become a source of pollution around the world. The toxicology of microplastics on immunity is an emerging area of research, and more studies are needed to fully understand the effects of microplastics exposure on animal health. Therefore, we tried to determine the immunotoxic effects of microplastics on avian spleen by using an animal model- Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). One-week chicks were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of 0.02 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg polystyrene microplastics in the feed for 5 weeks. The results demonstrated that microplastics induced microstructural injuries featured by cell disarrangement and vacuolation indicating splenic inflammation. Ultrastructural damages including membrane lysis and mitochondrial vacuolation also suggested inflammatory responses in the spleen by microplastics exposure. Meanwhile, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) while the inactivation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) indicated oxidative stress in the spleen. Moreover, the increasing level of proinflammatory cytokines including Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and decreasing level of anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) implied splenic inflammation. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis showed that microplastics induced inflammatory responses in the spleen through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK) pathway activation and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling stimulation. The signaling stimulation also aggravated cell apoptosis in the spleen. The present study may benefit to understand potential mechanisms of developmental immunotoxicology of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Lingyang Jing
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Hongfeng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China.
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23
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Le VG, Nguyen MK, Nguyen HL, Lin C, Hadi M, Hung NTQ, Hoang HG, Nguyen KN, Tran HT, Hou D, Zhang T, Bolan NS. A comprehensive review of micro- and nano-plastics in the atmosphere: Occurrence, fate, toxicity, and strategies for risk reduction. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166649. [PMID: 37660815 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) have received considerable attention over the past 10 years due to their environmental prevalence and potential toxic effects. With the increase in global plastic production and disposal, MNP pollution has become a topic of emerging concern. In this review, we describe MNPs in the atmospheric environment, and potential toxicological effects of exposure to MNPs. Studies have reported the occurrence of MNPs in outdoor and indoor air at concentrations ranging from 0.0065 items m-3 to 1583 items m-3. Findings have identified plastic fragments, fibers, and films in sizes predominantly <1000 μm with polyamide (PA), polyester (PES), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), rayon, polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) as the major compounds. Exposure through indoor air and dust is an important pathway for humans. Airborne MNPs pose health risks to plants, animals, and humans. Atmospheric MNPs can enter organism bodies via inhalation and subsequent deposition in the lungs, which triggers inflammation and other adverse health effects. MNPs could be eliminated through source reduction, policy/regulation, environmental awareness and education, biodegradable materials, bioremediation, and efficient air-filtration systems. To achieve a sustainable society, it is crucial to implement effective strategies for reducing the usage of single-use plastics (SUPs). Further, governments play a pivotal role in addressing the pressing issue of MNPs pollution and must establish viable solutions to tackle this significant challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van-Giang Le
- Central Institute for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Vietnam National University (CRES-VNU), Hanoi, 111000, Viet Nam
| | - Minh-Ky Nguyen
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University of Ho Chi Minh City, Hamlet 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam; Ph.D. Program in Maritime Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan.
| | - Hoang-Lam Nguyen
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Ph.D. Program in Maritime Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Mohammed Hadi
- Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | - Nguyen Tri Quang Hung
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University of Ho Chi Minh City, Hamlet 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Hong-Giang Hoang
- Faculty of Medicine, Dong Nai Technology University, Bien Hoa, Dong Nai 810000, Viet Nam
| | - Khoi Nghia Nguyen
- Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho City 270000, Viet Nam
| | - Huu-Tuan Tran
- Laboratory of Ecology and Environmental Management, Science and Technology Advanced Institute, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam; Faculty of Applied Technology, School of Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam.
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia
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24
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Mallick K, Sahu A, Dubey NK, Das AP. Harvesting marine plastic pollutants-derived renewable energy: A comprehensive review on applied energy and sustainable approach. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119371. [PMID: 37925980 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119371] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The inevitable use of plastics in the existing standard of life makes its way to ecosystems, predominantly into the marine ecosystem. Recent research on energy recycling from marine discarded plastics through biological, chemical, and thermal processes is summarized, which degrade plastic debris and transform it into energy-efficient products. In a system-oriented approach, different boundaries like carbon efficiency, global warming potential, cumulative energy demand, and cost of the product have been evaluated. Even these technologies may successfully reduce the yearly volume of marine plastics by up to 89% while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. Conversely, recycling a ton of marine discarded plastics may save 915 cubic feet of landfill space, 6500 kWh of energy, and barrels of oil. Energy may be recovered up to 79% from waste plastics using various techniques. Up to 84% liquid fuel had been generated, with a maximum calorific power of 45 MJ/kg. It has been shown that in Asian countries, the power generation capacity of throw-away facemask wastes regularly varies from 2256 kWh/day to 18.52 million kWh/day. Hence, the conversion of marine plastics into biofuel, syngas, biochar, hydrocarbons, electricity, and value-added functional materials by various biotechnological and chemical processes like biodegradation, pyrolysis, gasification, methanolysis, and hydrolysis should be improvised as a source of alternative energy in the immediate future. Our review signifies the potential benefits of energy harvesting technologies from marine plastics pollutants to overcome the growing challenge of energy demands and provide a long-term solution to underdeveloped and developing countries as a sustainable source of energy. Endorsing current strategies to harvest energy from marine plastic wastes that enhance power generation technologies will help in building a more sustainable and greener environment that imparts a healthy and circular economy while shielding natural resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnamayee Mallick
- Department of Life Sciences, Rama Devi Women's University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Aishwarya Sahu
- Department of Life Sciences, Rama Devi Women's University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | | | - Alok Prasad Das
- Department of Life Sciences, Rama Devi Women's University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
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25
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Bilal M, Yaqub A, Hassan HU, Akhtar S, Rafiq N, Ali Shah MI, Hussain I, Salman Khan M, Nawaz A, Manoharadas S, Rizwan Khan M, Arai T, Ríos-Escalante PDL. Microplastic Quantification in Aquatic Birds: Biomonitoring the Environmental Health of the Panjkora River Freshwater Ecosystem in Pakistan. TOXICS 2023; 11:972. [PMID: 38133373 PMCID: PMC10748139 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11120972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has become a global concern, with potential negative impacts on various ecosystems and wildlife species. Among these species, ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) are particularly vulnerable due to their feeding habits and proximity to aquatic environments contaminated with microplastics. The current study was designed to monitor microplastic (MP) pollutants in the freshwater ecosystem of the Panjkora River, Lower Dir, Pakistan. A total of twenty (20) duck samples were brought up for four months and 13 days on the banks of the river, with no food intake outside the river. When they reached an average weight of 2.41 ± 0.53 kg, all samples were sacrificed, dissected, and transported in an ice box to the laboratory for further analysis. After sample preparation, such as digestion with 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH), density separation, filtration, and identification, the MP content was counted. A total of 2033 MP particles were recovered from 20 ducks with a mean value of 44.6 ± 15.8 MPs/crop and 57.05 ± 18.7 MPs/gizzard. MPs detected in surface water were 31.2 ± 15.5 MPs/L. The major shape types of MPs recovered were fragments in crop (67%) and gizzard (58%) samples and fibers in surface water (56%). Other types of particles recovered were fibers, sheets, and foams. The majority of these detected MP particles were in the size range of 300-500 µm (63%) in crops, and 50-150 µm (55%) in gizzards, while in water samples the most detected particles were in the range of 150-300 µm (61%). Chemical characterization by FTIR found six types of polymers. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) had the greatest polymer detection rate (39.2%), followed by polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (28.3%), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) (22.7%), polystyrene (6.6%), co-polymerized polypropylene (2.5%), and polypropylene homopolymer (0.7%). This study investigated the presence of microplastics in the crops and gizzards of ducks, as well as in river surface water. The results revealed the significant and pervasive occurrence of microplastics in both the avian digestive systems and the surrounding water environment. These findings highlight the potential threat of microplastic pollution to wildlife and ecosystems, emphasizing the need for further research and effective mitigation strategies to address this pressing environmental concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Bilal
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (M.B.); (A.Y.)
| | - Atif Yaqub
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (M.B.); (A.Y.)
| | - Habib Ul Hassan
- Department of Zoology, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
- Fisheries Development Board, Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Sohail Akhtar
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Haripur, Haripur 22620, Pakistan;
| | - Naseem Rafiq
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (N.R.); (M.S.K.)
| | | | - Ibrar Hussain
- Department of Statistics, Government College University Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Salman Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (N.R.); (M.S.K.)
| | - Asad Nawaz
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China;
| | - Salim Manoharadas
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammad Rizwan Khan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Takaomi Arai
- Environmental and Life Sciences Programme, Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong BE 1410, Brunei;
| | - Patricio De Los Ríos-Escalante
- Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Químicas, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco 4780000, Chile;
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26
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Wan X, Li J, Ao M, McLaughlin RW, Fan F, Wang D, Zheng J. The intestinal microbiota of a Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus): possible relationships with starvation raised by macro-plastic ingestion. Int Microbiol 2023; 26:1001-1007. [PMID: 37059916 PMCID: PMC10104690 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00355-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Ingesting marine plastics is increasingly common in cetaceans, but little is known about their potential effects. Here, by utilizing 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we profiled the intestinal bacterial communities of a stranded Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) which died because of the ingestion of rubber gloves. In this study, we explored the potential relationships between starvation raised by plastic ingestion with the dolphin gut microbiota. Our results showed significant differences in bacterial diversity and composition among the different anatomical areas along the intestinal tract, which may be related to the intestinal emptying process under starvation. In addition, the intestinal bacterial composition of the Risso's dolphin showed both similarity and divergence to that of other toothed whales, suggesting potential roles of both host phylogeny and habitat shaping of the cetacean intestinal microbiome. Perhaps, the microbiota is reflecting a potentially disordered intestinal microbial profile caused by the ingestion of macro-plastics which led to starvation. Moreover, two operational taxonomic units (0.17% of the total reads) affiliated with Actinobacillus and Acinetobacter lwoffii were detected along the intestinal tract. These bacterial species may cause infections in immunocompromised dolphins which are malnourished. This preliminary study profiles the intestinal microbiota of a Risso's dolphin, and provides an additional understanding of the potential relationships between starvation raised by ingesting macro-plastics with cetacean gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Wan
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Jia Li
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Mengxue Ao
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | | | - Fei Fan
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Ding Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Jinsong Zheng
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, Wuhan, 430072, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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27
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Tesfahunegny W, Assefa A. Diversity and abundance of birds in dumpsites of Afar region, Ethiopia: implication for conservation. BMC ZOOL 2023; 8:16. [PMID: 37653462 PMCID: PMC10468859 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-023-00177-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dumpsites play key role in conservation of birds. A study was conducted to assess the diversity and abundance of birds in dumpsites of Afar region, Ethiopia from August, 2019 to March, 2020, covering both the wet and dry seasons. A total of nine dumpsites that contain domestic wastes found in different towns of Afar region were selected. Point count technique was employed to identify and count the birds. Shannon-Weiner diversity index was used to estimate species diversity and Two-way ANOVA was used to test birds' species richness and abundance variation across dumpsites and seasons. RESULTS A total of 48 bird species consisting of one endemic and 10 globally threatened species were recorded. Red-billed Quelea, Marabou Stork and Egyptian Vulture were the most abundant species. There was a significant difference in bird species richness and abundance among dumpsites (F = 8.44, df = 8, P < 0.05) and F = 15.507, df = 8, P < 0.05), respectively. Moreover, a significant difference in abundance was also observed between the two seasons (F = 19.339, df = 1, P < 0.05). The highest species diversity (H' = 3.18) was observed during wet season in Abala and Afambo dumpsites and the highest species evenness (E = 0.86) was observed during dry season in Afdera. CONCLUSION Bird species diversity and abundance among dumpsites was high, and man-made disturbance are main threats for conservation of birds in the area. Therefore, conservation measures are needed to maintain survival of birds mainly the globally threatened species. Moreover, proper management of dumpsites is vital to support the waste dependent birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weldemariam Tesfahunegny
- Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Mekelle Biodiversity Center, Animals Biodiversity Case Team, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia
| | - Alembrhan Assefa
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Science, Aksum University, P.O. Box, 1010, Axum, Tigray, Ethiopia.
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Schutten K, Chandrashekar A, Bourdages M, Bowes V, Elliott J, Lee S, Redford T, Provencher J, Jardine C, Wilson L. Assessing plastic ingestion in birds of prey from British Columbia, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:76631-76639. [PMID: 37243770 PMCID: PMC10300153 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27830-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Since first being introduced for public use in the 1960s, plastic has become one of the most pervasive and ubiquitous forms of pollution globally. The potential fate and effects of plastic pollution on birds is a rapidly growing area of research, but knowledge of terrestrial and freshwater species is limited. Birds of prey have been particularly understudied, with no published data on plastic ingestion in raptors in Canada to date, and very few studies globally. To assess the ingestion of plastic in raptors, we analysed the contents of the upper gastrointestinal tracts from a total of 234 individuals across 15 raptor species, collected between 2013 and 2021. Upper gastrointestinal tracts were assessed for plastics and anthropogenic particles > 2 mm in size. Of the 234 specimens examined, only five individuals across two species had evidence of retained anthropogenic particles in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Two of 33 bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, 6.1%) had retained plastics in the gizzard, while three of 108 barred owls (Strix varia, 2.8%) had retained plastic and non-plastic anthropogenic litter. The remaining 13 species were negative for particles > 2 mm in size (N = 1-25). These results suggest that most hunting raptor species do not appear to ingest and retain larger anthropogenic particles, though foraging guild and habitat may influence risk. We recommend that future research investigate microplastic accumulation in raptors, in order to gain a more holistic understanding of plastic ingestion in these species. Future work should also focus on increasing sample sizes across all species to improve the ability to assess landscape- and species-level factors that influence vulnerability and susceptibility of plastic pollution ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Schutten
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Akshaya Chandrashekar
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | | | - Victoria Bowes
- Government of British Columbia, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John Elliott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sandi Lee
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Tony Redford
- Government of British Columbia, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Claire Jardine
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Laurie Wilson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Canada
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Li J, Yin K, Hou L, Zhang Y, Lu H, Ma C, Xing M. Polystyrene microplastics mediate inflammatory responses in the chicken thymus by Nrf2/NF-κB pathway and trigger autophagy and apoptosis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 100:104136. [PMID: 37127111 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are now a hot environmental contaminant. However, researchers paid little attention to their effects on immune organs such as the thymus. Here, we exposed chickens to a concentration gradient of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and then followed the decrease in the thymus index. HE staining showed cellular infiltration in the thymus. The assay kit corroborated that PS-MPs impelled oxidative stress in the thymus: increased MDA levels, downregulated antioxidants such as SOD, CAT, and GSH, and significantly undermined total antioxidant capacity. Western blotting and qRT-PCR results showed that Nrf2/NF-κB, Bcl-2/Bax, and AKT signaling pathways were activated in the thymus after exposure to PS-MPs. It stimulated the increased expression of downstream such as IL-1β, caspase-3, and Beclin1, triggering thymus inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy. This study provides new insights into the field of microplastic immunotoxicity and highlights potential environmental hazards in poultry farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junbo Li
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Kai Yin
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Lulu Hou
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Yue Zhang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Hongmin Lu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Chengxue Ma
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China.
| | - Mingwei Xing
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China.
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Liang W, Li B, Jong MC, Ma C, Zuo C, Chen Q, Shi H. Process-oriented impacts of microplastic fibers on behavior and histology of fish. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 448:130856. [PMID: 36753910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has raised global concern for its hazards to biota. To determine the direct impact of microplastics during their contact with fish, we exposed goldfish (Carassius auratus) to 100 and 1000 items/L waterborne microplastic fibers in the short- and long-term. In the presence of 1000 items/L of microplastic fibers, the coughing behavior of fish increased significantly after 2 h of exposure. Predatory behaviors decreased significantly by 53.0% after 45 d of exposure, and the reduction in daily food intake was negatively related to exposure duration in the 1000 items/L group. In addition, microplastic fibers stimulated dynamic mucus secretion across different fish tissues during the different processes evaluated in this study, with 30.0% and 62.9% overall increases in the secretory capacity of mucus cells in the 100 and 1000 items/L groups, respectively. These behavioral and histological alterations were derived from the ventilation, feeding, and swimming processes of goldfish. We regarded these changes as process-oriented impacts, suggesting the effects of microplastics on fish and how fish cope with microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwenhui Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Bowen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Mui-Choo Jong
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Cuizhu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Chencheng Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Qiqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
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31
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Tokunaga Y, Okochi H, Tani Y, Niida Y, Tachibana T, Saigawa K, Katayama K, Moriguchi S, Kato T, Hayama SI. Airborne microplastics detected in the lungs of wild birds in Japan. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 321:138032. [PMID: 36739985 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been found in a wide range of animal species including humans. The detection of MPs in human lungs suggests that humans inhale airborne microplastics (AMPs). Although birds respire more efficiently than mammals and are therefore more susceptible to air pollution, little is known about their inhalation exposure to MPs. In this study, we analyzed samples isolated from the lungs of several species of wild birds in Japan by attenuated total reflection (ATR) imaging method of micro-Fourier transform infrared (μFTIR) spectroscopy to clear whether AMPs can be inhaled and accumulate within the lungs of wild birds. To isolate MPs from lung samples of rock doves (Columba livia), black kites (Milvus migrans), and barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) euthanized for pest control, digestion and density separation were performed. After each sample collected on an alumina filter was measured by ATR imaging method using μFTIR spectroscopy, the physical and chemical characteristics of the detected MPs were evaluated. Six MPs were detected in 3 of 22 lung samples. Polypropylene and polyethylene were found in rock doves and ethylene vinyl acetate was found in a barn swallow. Most MPs were fragments of 28.0-70.5 μm. Our results demonstrated that in addition to dietary sources, some wild birds are exposed to MPs by inhalation, and these MPs reach the lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurika Tokunaga
- Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kinya Katayama
- Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Takuya Kato
- Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan
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Fernández-Míguez M, Puvanendran V, Burgerhout E, Presa P, Tveiten H, Vorkamp K, Hansen ØJ, Johansson GS, Bogevik AS. Effects of weathered polyethylene microplastic ingestion on sexual maturation, fecundity and egg quality in maturing broodstock Atlantic cod Gadus morhua. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 320:121053. [PMID: 36632969 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have become a global issue as they are omnipresent in the ocean. Fish ingesting MPs through feed could be affected in their physiological function, e.g., disrupted enzyme production and function, reduction of feeding and reproductive failure. This study assessed the effects of feed containing naturally weathered MPs from the Oslofjord (Norway) on the reproductive physiology of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Farmed cod broodstock were fed either control (C-diet) or feeds containing 1% microplastic (MP-diet) starting nine months prior to spawning, from June until May. No major differences were found between diet groups in overall biometrics or gonad histology. Sex steroid levels (testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone and 17β-estradiol) resulted in expected profiles increasing over time without any significant differences between treatments. Gene expression levels of the steroidogenic enzyme 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20β-hsd) and vitellogenin1 (vtg1) showed significant differences between dietary treatments with lower expression in the control group. This can be a direct effect of MPs, but endocrine disrupting effects of potentially leachable plastic additives cannot be completely ruled out. Thus, these enzymes could be indicators of exposure to contaminants that disrupt sexual maturation by affecting the production of primarily maturation-inducing steroid. Although the concentration of MPs employed in this study may not be high enough to elicit any observable short-term biological effects, the observed gene expression suggests that long-term consequences should be considered caused by an expected increase of MPs in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fernández-Míguez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, CSIC, Vigo, Spain; Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, CIM-Universidad de Vigo, Spain
| | | | | | - P Presa
- Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, CIM-Universidad de Vigo, Spain
| | - H Tveiten
- Nofima AS, Norway; UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - K Vorkamp
- Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Roskilde, Denmark
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Hollerova A, Hodkovicova N, Blahova J, Faldyna M, Franc A, Pavlokova S, Tichy F, Postulkova E, Mares J, Medkova D, Kyllar M, Svobodova Z. Polystyrene microparticles can affect the health status of freshwater fish - Threat of oral microplastics intake. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159976. [PMID: 36347295 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste pollution is considered one of the biggest problems facing our planet. The production and use of these materials has led to huge amounts of plastic waste entering the aquatic environment and affecting aquatic life. In our experiment, the effect of polystyrene microparticles (PS-MPs; 52.5 ± 11.5 μm) on individual juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was tested at three different dietary concentrations of 0.5, 2 and 5 % for six weeks. At the end of the experiment, various health parameters of exposed organisms were compared with the control group. The haematological profile revealed an immune response by a decrease in lymphocyte count with a concurrent increase in the number of neutrophil segments at the highest concentration of PS-MPs (5 %). Biochemical analysis showed significant reductions in plasma ammonia in all tested groups, which may be related to liver and gill damage, as determined by histopathological examination and analysis of inflammatory cytokines expression. In addition, liver damage can also cause a significant decrease in the plasma protein ceruloplasmin, which is synthesized in the liver. PS-MPs disrupted the antioxidant balance in the caudal kidney, gill and liver, with significant changes observed only at the highest concentration. In summary, PS-MPs negatively affect the health status of freshwater fish and represent a huge burden on aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hollerova
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Animal Protection and Welfare & Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - N Hodkovicova
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - J Blahova
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare & Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M Faldyna
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - A Franc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - S Pavlokova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - F Tichy
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - E Postulkova
- Department of Zoology, Fisheries, Hydrobiology and Apiculture, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic
| | - J Mares
- Department of Zoology, Fisheries, Hydrobiology and Apiculture, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic
| | - D Medkova
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare & Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Zoology, Fisheries, Hydrobiology and Apiculture, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M Kyllar
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Morphology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Z Svobodova
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare & Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
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Bacha AUR, Nabi I, Zaheer M, Jin W, Yang L. Biodegradation of macro- and micro-plastics in environment: A review on mechanism, toxicity, and future perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:160108. [PMID: 36370786 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste has gained remarkable research attention due to its accumulation, associated environmental issues, and impact on living organisms. In order to overcome this challenge, there is an urgent need for its removal from the environment. Under this menace, finding appropriate treatment methods like biodegradation instead of typical treatment methods is of supreme importance. However, there is a limited review on bio-decomposition of plastics, existing microbial species, their degradation efficacy, and mechanism. From this point of view, this study focused on a brief overview of biodegradation such as influencing factors on biodegradation, existing species for macro- and micro-plastics, and present research gap. Degradation percentage, limitations of existing species, and future recommendations are proposed. Microbial species such as bacteria, algae, and fungi have the ability to decompose plastics but they are unable to completely mineralize the plastics. Meanwhile, there is limited knowledge about the involved enzymes in plastics degradation, especially in the case of algae. Bio-decomposition of plastics requires more stringent conditions which are usually feasible for field application. This work will be a reference for new researchers to use this effective strategy for plastic pollution removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziz-Ur-Rahim Bacha
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Prevention and Control, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Iqra Nabi
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Muhammad Zaheer
- School of Microelectronics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wenbiao Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Prevention and Control, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Prevention and Control, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
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Briggs KB, Deeming DC, Mainwaring MC. Plastic is a widely used and selectively chosen nesting material for pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) in rural woodland habitats. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158660. [PMID: 36089011 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing concern about the burgeoning effects of discarded plastic on the earth's biodiversity. Quantifying the presence of plastic and other anthropogenic waste in the environment can be logistically and financially challenging, although it is possible that bird' nests can be used as bioindicators. Many birds in heavily modified terrestrial ecoystems, such as urban environments, incorporate plastic and other anthropogenic materials into their nests but our understanding of the presence of discarded plastic in nests in rural woodlands remains poor. Here, we show that plastic and other anthropogenic materials were present in 35 % of 325 pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) nests from 17 rural woodlands throughout Great Britain, although the woodlands did vary in the amount of material incorporated into nests. Then, in an experimental test at one study site, where flycatchers were provided with a choice of two types of natural and two types of anthropogenic nest materials, they preferentially selected one natural and one anthropogenic material. In another test, the flycatchers were provided with plastic of four colours and overwhelmingly selected white and avoided orange, blue and yellow plastic. Although the flycatcher's selectivity for certain material types and colours preclude their nests being a reliable indicator of plastic in the environment, our study nonetheless demonstrates that bird species incorporate anthropogenic materials, such as plastic, into their nests in rural woodlands.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D Charles Deeming
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK
| | - Mark C Mainwaring
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA.
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Zheng X, Wu X, Zheng Q, Mai BX, Qiu R. Transfer of Microplastics in Terrestrial and Aquatic Food Webs: The Impact of E-Waste Debris and Ecological Traits. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 57:1300-1308. [PMID: 36577390 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Factors affecting the trophic transfer of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems remain to be clarified. Here, we determined the abundances of MPs in multiple terrestrial and aquatic species, including insects, snails, crustaceans, fishes, snakes, birds, and voles, from an abandoned e-waste recycling site. Approximately 80% of MPs were within the size range 20-50 μm. In wildlife, the MP abundances per individual and per body weight were found to be positively and negatively correlated with body weight, respectively. Herein, terrestrial vertebrates, primarily birds, exhibited more complex compositions of polymer types than other organisms owing to the wide foraging areas and diverse food sources. However, according to the MPs modeled and the observed results in bird food chains, MPs do not appear to be preferentially retained in the bird gastrointestinal tract. The species-specific polymer types identified indicate the influences of habitat on MP pollution in organisms, which is further supported by significant correlations between the abundance of MPs and δ13C in the terrestrial food web (p < 0.05). In the analyzed bird species, the low MP abundance detected in birds compared with the amount of food ingested indicates that MPs constitute a negligible factor in the bioaccumulation of chemical pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Zheng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou510642, China
| | - Xiaodan Wu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou510642, China
| | - Qian Zheng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou510642, China
| | - Bi-Xian Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou510640, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou510640, China
| | - Rongliang Qiu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou510642, China
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Deoniziak K, Cichowska A, Niedźwiecki S, Pol W. Thrushes (Aves: Passeriformes) as indicators of microplastic pollution in terrestrial environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 853:158621. [PMID: 36084782 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is one of the leading global conservation issues. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of Common Blackbirds Turdus merula (N = 16) and Song Thrushes Turdus philomelos (N = 18), songbirds with exceptionally terrestrial lifestyles and a wide distribution range. We searched for microplastics of over 100 μm in size and assessed whether their contamination differed regarding the age of the birds and the time of year. We used birds that had died as a result of collision with anthropogenic infrastructure, which were sampled during wildlife monitoring of anthropogenic infrastructures and citizen science projects in north-eastern Poland. We found that all the analysed individuals contained microplastic in their gastrointestinal tracts, which were classified as fibers, fragments, films and pellets. A total number of 1073 microplastics were observed, mostly consisting of fibers (84 %) and films (10 %) below 1 mm in size. The dominant colours of microplastics were transparent (75 %) and brown (14 %). The species average microplastic concentration was higher in Song Thrushes (40.1) than Common Blackbirds (21.9), however the difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, we found no seasonal or age-related differences in microplastic ingestion in either species. While our results show a ubiquity of microplastics in terrestrial environments, they also indicate that thrushes have the potential to be used as indicators of microplastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Deoniziak
- Laboratory of Insect Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Konstantego Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Cichowska
- Laboratory of Insect Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Konstantego Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | | | - Wojciech Pol
- Department of Water Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Konstantego Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
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Klopertanz N, Amestoy M, Abate S, Winter M. Monitoring macroplastic ingestion by birds and marine mammals in northeastern Patagonia, Argentina. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114288. [PMID: 36330942 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114288] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris is of particular concern due to its abundance, and its persistence in the environment. In Argentina, the impact of plastic debris has been documented with a significant increase during the last years. However, evidence of debris ingestion remains low compared to other regions of the world. Between 2020 and 2022, one of the twenty-three individuals analyzed in this study (seven species: five birds and two marine mammals) had ingested plastic debris. A single macroplastic piece was found in the Great Grebe (Podiceps major). It was a hardy yellow elastic band that appears to be a packaging band in agreement with the debris category with the greatest number of reports. This study is a contribution to the few records of plastic ingestion in birds, on the east coast of South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiara Klopertanz
- Universidad Nacional de Río Negro- Sede Atlántica, Av. Don Bosco 500, R8500 Viedma, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Martín Amestoy
- Universidad Nacional de Río Negro- Sede Atlántica, Av. Don Bosco 500, R8500 Viedma, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Sergio Abate
- Universidad Nacional de Río Negro- Sede Atlántica, Av. Don Bosco 500, R8500 Viedma, Río Negro, Argentina; Sede Atlántica del Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia de Río Negro (UNRN-CONICET), Av. Don Bosco 500, Viedma, Río Negro, Argentina.
| | - Marina Winter
- Universidad Nacional de Río Negro- Sede Atlántica, Av. Don Bosco 500, R8500 Viedma, Río Negro, Argentina; Sede Atlántica del Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia de Río Negro (UNRN-CONICET), Av. Don Bosco 500, Viedma, Río Negro, Argentina.
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Ward RM, Casper EM, Clark JA, Botton ML. Microplastic transfer from the American horseshoe crab to shorebirds through consumption of horseshoe crab eggs in Jamaica Bay, NY. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114148. [PMID: 36155411 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114148] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic transfer between horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) and migratory shorebirds through consumption of crab eggs was examined in Jamaica Bay, New York. Fertilized and unfertilized crab eggs, shorebird fecal pellets, beach sand, and bay water were processed with a hydrogen peroxide solution to remove organic material, then stained with a Nile Red to identify microplastics using fluorescence microscopy. Microplastics were present in all samples and ranged from approximately26-1300 μm. Unfertilized and fertilized eggs contained significantly higher numbers of microplastic particles per gram than shorebird fecal pellets, beach sand, and bay water. The presence of microplastics in unfertilized egg samples indicates that microplastics undergo maternal transfer during oogenesis. We estimated that 1 g of horseshoe crab eggs could contain approximately 426 to 840 microplastic particles, suggesting that shorebirds feeding on this resource could be ingesting a substantial burden of microplastics during their migratory stopover, much of which appears to be retained by shorebirds, rather than being eliminated in their fecal pellets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Royall McMahon Ward
- Environmental Science Program, Fordham University, 113 West 60th Street, New York, NY 10023, United States of America.
| | - Emily M Casper
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, 441 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458, United States of America.
| | - J Alan Clark
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, 441 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458, United States of America
| | - Mark L Botton
- Environmental Science Program, Fordham University, 113 West 60th Street, New York, NY 10023, United States of America; Department of Natural Sciences, Fordham University, 113 West 60th Street, New York, NY 10023, United States of America.
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Meng J, Zhang Q, Ma M, Shi H, He G. Persistence of avian influenza virus (H9N2) on plastic surface. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 834:155355. [PMID: 35460779 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155355] [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: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have been found to be colonized with pathogens and may become vectors for transmission of diseases. In this study, we evaluated the persistence of H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) on the surfaces of various plastics (PP, PE, PS, PET, PVC, PMMA) under different environmental conditions using glass and stainless steel for comparison. Our results showed that the RNA abundance of AIV on plastics was decreased over time but still detectable 14 days after AIV had been dropped on plastic surfaces. Low temperature (4 °C) was more favorable for AIV RNA preservation and infectivity maintenance. The abundance of AIV RNA was significantly greater on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) than that on glass and stainless steel at higher temperature (i.e., 25 °C and 37 °C) and lower humidity (<20% and 40-60%) (p < 0.05). Infectivity assay showed that AIV infectivity was only maintained at 4 °C after 24 h of incubation. Taken together, the persistence of AIV was more affected by environmental factors than material types. Plastics were able to preserve viral RNA more effectively in relatively high-temperature or low-humidity environments. Our study indicates that environmental factors should be taken into consideration when we evaluate the capacity of plastics to spread viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Meng
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200162, China; State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Qun Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Process and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Min Ma
- Laboratory of Wildlife Epidemic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Huahong Shi
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200162, China; State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Guimei He
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200162, China; Laboratory of Wildlife Epidemic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China.
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de Souza SS, Freitas ÍN, Gonçalves SDO, Luz TMD, Araújo APDC, Rajagopal R, Balasubramani G, Rahman MM, Malafaia G. Toxicity induced via ingestion of naturally-aged polystyrene microplastics by a small-sized terrestrial bird and its potential role as vectors for the dispersion of these pollutants. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 434:128814. [PMID: 35427965 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing number of studies on the impact of microplastics (MPs) on biota. However, its effects on birds' health are poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the possible effects of ingestion of naturally-aged MPs by Coturnix Coturnix japonica (11 and 22 MP particles/day/bird, once a day, for 9 days), from different toxicity biomarkers. At the end of the experiment, it was found that the ingested MPs in birds showed a significant reduction in body biomass. Also, an increase in malondialdehyde production in the liver, brain, intestine, and gizzard of the birds, as well as a suppressive effect on hepatic nitric oxide production and superoxide dismutase activity in the liver and intestine were observed. Cerebral catalase activity was reduced in birds exposed to MPs and the cholinesterasic effect (marked by increased acetylcholinesterase activity) was observed in the muscle and brain of these animals. Despite these differences, through the main component analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis, and integrated biomarker response assessment, we observed similar toxicological effects in birds exposed to different amounts of MPs. In addition, the size of MPs was reduced, and their shape was altered as they transited through the gastrointestinal system, which probably explains their accumulation in the liver of birds. An expressive number of MPs are released through the feces of the birds throughout the experiment. As far as we know, this is the first report that associates MPs ingestion by small-sized terrestrial birds with biochemical alterations viz., predictive of oxidative stress, redox imbalance, and cholinesterasic effect, in addition to shedding light on the potential role of these birds as vectors for dispersal of MPs in natural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindoval Silva de Souza
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | - Ítalo Nascimento Freitas
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Thiarlen Marinho da Luz
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | - Amanda Pereira da Costa Araújo
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rajakrishnan Rajagopal
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Govindasamy Balasubramani
- Division of Research and Innovation, Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Sriperambudur, 600124 Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Md Mostafizur Rahman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh; Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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Abstract
Microplastic debris is a persistent, ubiquitous global pollutant in oceans, estuaries, and freshwater systems. Some of the highest reported concentrations of microplastics, globally, are in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), which is home to the majority of plastic manufacturers in the United States. A comprehensive understanding of the risk microplastics pose to wildlife is critical to the development of scientifically sound mitigation and policy initiatives. In this review, we synthesize existing knowledge of microplastic debris in the Gulf of Mexico and its effects on birds and make recommendations for further research. The current state of knowledge suggests that microplastics are widespread in the marine environment, come from known sources, and have the potential to be a major ecotoxicological concern for wild birds, especially in areas of high concentration such as the GoM. However, data for GoM birds are currently lacking regarding typical microplastic ingestion rates uptake of chemicals associated with plastics by avian tissues; and physiological, behavioral, and fitness consequences of microplastic ingestion. Filling these knowledge gaps is essential to understand the hazard microplastics pose to wild birds, and to the creation of effective policy actions and widespread mitigation measures to curb this emerging threat to wildlife.
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Environmental and Economic Impacts of Mismanaged Plastics and Measures for Mitigation. ENVIRONMENTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/environments9020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The mismanagement of plastic materials has grown to become a mounting global pollution concern that is closely implicated in unsustainable production and consumption paradigms. The ecological, social, and economic impacts of plastic waste mismanagement are currently transboundary in nature and have necessitated numerous methods of government intervention in order to address and mitigate the globalized and multifaceted dilemmas posed by high rates and volumes of plastic waste generation. This review examines the current landscape of a plastics economy which has operated with a linear momentum, employing large quantities of primary resources and disincentivizing the functioning of a robust recycling market for collecting plastic waste and reintegrating it into the consumer market. This contextualizes an increasing plastic pollution crisis that has required global efforts to address and mitigate the ecological risks and socio-economic challenges of mismanaged plastic waste. A timeline of government interventions regarding plastic pollution is described, including numerous international, regional, and local actions to combat plastic waste, and this is followed by an examination of the relevance of the extended producer responsibility principle to improve plastic waste management and obligate industry to assume responsibility in waste collection and recycling.
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