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Santonicola S, Volgare M, Rossi F, Castaldo R, Cocca M, Colavita G. Detection of fibrous microplastics and natural microfibers in fish species (Engraulis encrasicolus, Mullus barbatus and Merluccius merluccius) for human consumption from the Tyrrhenian sea. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142778. [PMID: 38971436 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142778] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
The occurrence of natural/artificial and synthetic microfibers was assessed in three commercial fish species (Engraulis encrasicolus, Mullus barbatus, Merluccius merluccius) from the Tyrrhenian Sea sold for human consumption. The gastrointestinal tracts of n. 150 samples were analyzed, the isolated microfibers were classified applying a morphological approach, based on the analysis of their morphological features, coupled with the identification of the chemical composition of a subsample of microfibers. All the species contained microfibers at levels ranging from 0 to 49 items/individual and the number of ingested microfibers significantly differed between pelagic and demersal fishes. The evaluation of fiber morphologies highlighted that natural/artificial microfibers were the most numerous among the isolated microfibers, while the dominant colors were blue, black, and clear in all the species. Chemical characterization confirmed the morphological identification and indicated cellulose and polyester as the most common polymer types. Considering the analytical issues that may affect the evaluation of microfiber pollution, the results pointed out the importance of an accurate morphological approach that allows the distinction between different fiber types, before the spectroscopic analyses. Moreover, the implementation of fast and accessible methods to identify microfibers in fish species intended for human consumption will be beneficial also to make an adequate risk assessment to consumer health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Santonicola
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Via F. De Santis, 86100, Campobasso, Italy; Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Michela Volgare
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Materials, and Industrial Production, University of Naples Federico II, P. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Franca Rossi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise (IZSAM), Teramo, Diagnostic Laboratory, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Rachele Castaldo
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Cocca
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy.
| | - Giampaolo Colavita
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Via F. De Santis, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
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2
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Mateos-Cárdenas A, Wheeler AJ, Lim A. Microplastics and cellulosic microparticles in North Atlantic deep waters and in the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116741. [PMID: 39089204 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116741] [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: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
This study explores microplastic and cellulosic microparticle occurrences in the NE Atlantic, focusing on the Porcupine Bank Canyon and Porcupine Seabight. Water samples from depths ranging between 605 and 2126 m and Lophelia pertusa coral samples from 950 m depth were analysed. Microparticles were detected in deep-water habitats, with concentrations varying from 2.33 to 9.67 particles L-1 in the Porcupine Bank Canyon, notably lower at greater depths. This challenges the assumption of deeper habitats solely acting as microplastic sinks. We also found evidence of microparticle adsorption and ingestion by L. pertusa. The presence of microparticles in cold-water corals underscores their vulnerability to pollutants. Furthermore, the dominance of rayon microparticles in both water and coral samples raises questions about marine pollution sources, potentially linked to terrestrial origins. This research emphasises the critical need for comprehensive exploration and conservation efforts in deep-sea environments, especially to protect vital ecosystems like L. pertusa reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Mateos-Cárdenas
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences/iCRAG, University College Cork, Ireland; Environmental Research Institute, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Andrew J Wheeler
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences/iCRAG, University College Cork, Ireland; Environmental Research Institute, Cork, Ireland
| | - Aaron Lim
- Department of Geography, University College Cork, Ireland
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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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Higueruelo A, Constenla M, Padrós F, Sánchez-Marín P, Carrassón M, Soler-Membrives A, Dallarés S. Coping with current impacts: The case of Scyliorhinus canicula in the NW Mediterranean Sea and implications for human consumption. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116200. [PMID: 38430679 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) is a bottom-dwelling elasmobranch that represents the most discarded catch in terms of biomass in the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean). Potential impacts affecting its population and food safety implications have been assessed in three localities along the Catalan coast. Distinct indicators were integrated, such as biological data, ingested anthropogenic items (plastic and cellulose-like items), parasitological indices, trace metal concentrations and histopathology using liver as target organ. Although high ingestion rates of fibres and levels of some heavy metals, they do not seem negatively affected by any major pathology nor by the current levels of pollutants. Small-scale differences among localities and depths were found and discussed. No zoonotic parasites were found. Encysted larvae of Grillotia adenoplusia and, above all, the levels of Hg found in the musculature, that are well over the European Commission limits, rise concerns regarding human consumption of S. canicula in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Higueruelo
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Constenla
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Padrós
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Sánchez-Marín
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Subida a Radio Faro, s/n, 36390 Vigo, Spain
| | - Maite Carrassón
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Soler-Membrives
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sara Dallarés
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Tsuchiya M, Kitahashi T, Nakajima R, Oguri K, Kawamura K, Nakamura A, Nakano K, Maeda Y, Murayama M, Chiba S, Fujikura K. Distribution of microplastics in bathyal- to hadal-depth sediments and transport process along the deep-sea canyon and the Kuroshio Extension in the Northwest Pacific. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:115466. [PMID: 37806825 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115466] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Understanding microplastic (MP) behavior in oceans is crucial for reducing marine plastic pollution. However, the complex process underlying MP transportation to the deep seafloor remains unknown despite the deep sea being considered its major sink. We focused on MP distribution in Sagami Bay (adjacent to highly populated areas of Japan), the plate triple junction connected through the Sagami Trough, and the abyssal plain immediately below the Kuroshio Extension. We observed the highest number of MPs in the abyssal stations, more than previously reported. The polymer types and aspect ratio of MPs in the abyssal stations significantly differed from those in the bathyal/hadal stations. The study suggests that MPs accumulated in the open ocean surface layer sink to the abyssal plains immediately below it, while MPs from land sources accumulate in the bathyal depth and are transported to the hadal depth near the coast through turbidity currents along the submarine canyon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Tsuchiya
- Research Institute for Global Change (RIGC), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan.
| | - Tomo Kitahashi
- Research Institute for Global Change (RIGC), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan; KANSO Technos Co., Ltd., 14 Kandahigashimatsushita-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0042, Japan
| | - Ryota Nakajima
- Research Institute for Global Change (RIGC), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Oguri
- Research Institute for Global Change (RIGC), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan; Danish Center for Hadal Research (HADAL) and Nordcee, Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Kiichiro Kawamura
- Graduate School of Science and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi-city, Yamaguchi 753-8512, Japan
| | - Akimu Nakamura
- Graduate School of Science and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi-city, Yamaguchi 753-8512, Japan
| | - Kengo Nakano
- Graduate School of Science and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi-city, Yamaguchi 753-8512, Japan
| | - Yosaku Maeda
- Institute for Marine-Earth Exploration and Engineering Division (MarE3), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan
| | - Masafumi Murayama
- Center for Advanced Marine Core Research, Kochi University, Monobe, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8502, Japan; Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, Monobe, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8502, Japan
| | - Sanae Chiba
- Research Institute for Global Change (RIGC), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan; North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES), 9860 West Saanich Road, Sidney, BC, Canada V8L 4B2
| | - Katsunori Fujikura
- Research Institute for Global Change (RIGC), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan
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6
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Martynova A, Genchi L, Laptenok SP, Cusack M, Stenchikov GL, Liberale C, Duarte CM. Atmospheric microfibrous deposition over the Eastern Red Sea coast. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:167902. [PMID: 37858811 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The transport of microplastics through the atmosphere has been acknowledged as a significant route for their dispersion across different environments. Microplastics of fibrous shape often prevail in environmental samples, although their composition identification might be challenging and lead to an overestimation of plastic microfibers (MFs). Conversely, MFs of natural origin are rarely reported in microplastics studies despite the lack of consensus on the risks they may pose to the environment. In this study, airborne MFs collected in a sparsely populated residential area on the shore of the Eastern Red Sea were analyzed to investigate their abundance and polymer composition and assess their potential transport and deposition rates. The length of observed fibers ranged from 183 μm to 11,877 μm, with 3 % of fibers being >5 mm. The average length of MFs (< 5 mm) was 1378 ± 934 μm. Plastic MFs comprised 10 % of all identified MFs, with polyester being the most common plastic polymer (81.25 %). The mean abundance of airborne MFs was 0.9 ± 0.8 × 10-2 MFs m-3. The estimated mean atmospheric microfibrous deposition was 70 MFs m-2 d-1, with a component of 8 plastic MFs m-2 d-1. Based on the HYSPLIT backward trajectory analysis, fibers of local origin (estimated to travel approximately 25 km before sampling) were deposited at the sampling location. Air masses of northwestern origin traveling along the coast of the Eastern Red Sea dominated, potentially reducing the abundance of airborne MFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia Martynova
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; KAUST Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia; KAUST Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Luca Genchi
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sergey P Laptenok
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael Cusack
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Georgiy L Stenchikov
- Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlo Liberale
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlos M Duarte
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; KAUST Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia; KAUST Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia
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7
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Porter A, Godbold JA, Lewis CN, Savage G, Solan M, Galloway TS. Microplastic burden in marine benthic invertebrates depends on species traits and feeding ecology within biogeographical provinces. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8023. [PMID: 38049431 PMCID: PMC10696022 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43788-w] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The microplastic body burden of marine animals is often assumed to reflect levels of environmental contamination, yet variations in feeding ecology and regional trait expression could also affect a species' risk of contaminant uptake. Here, we explore the global inventory of individual microplastic body burden for invertebrate species inhabiting marine sediments across 16 biogeographic provinces. We show that individual microplastic body burden in benthic invertebrates cannot be fully explained by absolute levels of microplastic contamination in the environment, because interspecific differences in behaviour and feeding ecology strongly determine microplastic uptake. Our analyses also indicate a degree of species-specific particle selectivity; likely associated with feeding biology. Highest microplastic burden occurs in the Yellow and Mediterranean Seas and, contrary to expectation, amongst omnivores, predators, and deposit feeders rather than suspension feeding species. Our findings highlight the inadequacy of microplastic uptake risk assessments based on inventories of environmental contamination alone, and the need to understand how species behaviour and trait expression covary with microplastic contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Porter
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Jasmin A Godbold
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Ceri N Lewis
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Georgie Savage
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Martin Solan
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
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Silva MSS, Pires A, Vethaak AD, Martínez-Gómez C, Almeida M, Pinto R, Figueira E, Oliveira M. Effects of polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics on the polychaete Hediste diversicolor: Behavioural, regenerative, and biochemical responses. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 265:106743. [PMID: 37931377 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106743] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Plastics, particularly microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), have been regarded as pollutants of emerging concern due to their effects on organisms and ecosystems, especially considering marine environments. However, in terms of NPs, there is still a knowledge gap regarding the effects of size and polymer on marine invertebrates, such as benthic organisms. Therefore, this study aimed to understand, regarding behavioural, physiological, and biochemical endpoints (neurotransmission, energy metabolism, antioxidant status, and oxidative damage), the effects of 50 nm waterborne polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) NPs (0.5 to 500 µg/L) on the marine benthic polychaete Hediste diversicolor, a key species in estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Results demonstrated that worms exposed to PMMA NPs had a shorter burrowing time than control organisms. Nevertheless, worms exposed to PMMA NPs (0.5 and 500 µg/L) decreased cholinesterase activity. Energy metabolism was decreased at 50 and 500 µg/L, and glycogen content decreased at all concentrations of PMMA NPs. Enzymes related to the antioxidant defence system (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) displayed increased activities in H. diversicolor specimens exposed to concentrations between 0.5 and 500 µg/L, which led to no damage at the cell membrane and protein levels. In this study, polychaetes also displayed a lower regenerative capacity when exposed to PMMA NPs. Overall, the data obtained in this study emphasize the potential consequences of PMMA NPs to benthic worms, particularly between 0.5 and 50 µg/L, with polychaetes exposed to 50 µg/L being the most impacted by the analysed NPs. However, since sediments are considered to be sinks and sources of plastics, further studies are needed to better understand the impacts of different sizes and polymers on marine organisms, particularly benthic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S S Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Adília Pires
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - A Dick Vethaak
- Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Deltares, Marine and Coastal Systems, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Concepción Martínez-Gómez
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), CSIC, Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, C/Varadero, 1, San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia 30740, Spain
| | - Mónica Almeida
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Pinto
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Etelvina Figueira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Miguel Oliveira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Moreira-Mendieta A, Garcia-Garin O, Muñoz-Pérez JP, Urquía DO, Drago M, Borrell A, Páez-Rosas D. Detection and quantification of microplastic pollution in the endangered Galapagos sea lion. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:166223. [PMID: 37586531 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166223] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris pollution poses a significant global threat to biodiversity, with plastics being the primary debris type found in oceans due to their low-cost production and high demand worldwide. Microplastics (MPs, <5 mm in size) are highly bioavailable to a wide range of marine taxa, including marine mammals, through direct and indirect ingestion routes (i.e., trophic transfer). Recently, MP pollution has been detected on the Galapagos Marine Reserve, so in this study we developed a baseline framework for MP pollution in the Galapagos sea lion (GSL, Zalophus wollebaeki) through scat-based analysis. We collected 180 GSL scat samples from the southeast region following strict quality assurance/quality control protocols to detect, quantify and characterize physical-chemical properties of MPs through visual observations and μFT-IR spectroscopy. We recovered 81 MPs of varying sizes and colors in 37 % of samples (n = 66/180), consisting mostly of fibers (69 %, x¯ = 0.31 ± 0.57 particles scat-1). The number of particles per gram of sample wet weight ranged from 0.02 to 0.22 (x¯ = 0.04 ± 0.05 particles scat wet g-1). El Malecón and Punta Pitt rookeries at San Cristobal Island had the highest number of MPs (x¯ = 0.67 ± 0.51 and 0.43 ± 0.41 particles scat-1, respectively), and blue-colored particles were the most common in all samples. We identified eleven polymers in 46 particles, consisting mostly of polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer, polypropylene, cellulose, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride. The textile, fishing, and packaging industries are likely significant sources of microfibers into this insular ecosystem. Our results suggest that the GSL is exposed to MPs due to anthropogenic contamination that is subsequently transferred through trophic processes. These findings provide an important baseline framework and insights for future research on MP pollution in the region, as well as for management actions that will contribute to the long-term conservation of the GSL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Moreira-Mendieta
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Maestría en Ecología Tropical y Conservación, Diego de Robles s/n y Pampite, Quito, Ecuador; Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Galapagos Science Center, Av. Alsacio Northia s/n, Isla San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador.
| | - Odei Garcia-Garin
- Universitat de Barcelona, Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Barcelona 08028, Spain; Universitat de Barcelona, Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Juan Pablo Muñoz-Pérez
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Galapagos Science Center, Av. Alsacio Northia s/n, Isla San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador; University of the Sunshine Coast UniSC, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia
| | - Diego O Urquía
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Maestría en Ecología Tropical y Conservación, Diego de Robles s/n y Pampite, Quito, Ecuador; Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Galapagos Science Center, Av. Alsacio Northia s/n, Isla San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Massimiliano Drago
- Universitat de Barcelona, Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Barcelona 08028, Spain; Universitat de Barcelona, Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Asunción Borrell
- Universitat de Barcelona, Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Barcelona 08028, Spain; Universitat de Barcelona, Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Diego Páez-Rosas
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Galapagos Science Center, Av. Alsacio Northia s/n, Isla San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador; Dirección del Parque Nacional Galápagos, Unidad Técnica Operativa San Cristóbal, Isla San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador
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10
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Pellegrini C, Saliu F, Bosman A, Sammartino I, Raguso C, Mercorella A, Galvez DS, Petrizzo A, Madricardo F, Lasagni M, Clemenza M, Trincardi F, Rovere M. Hotspots of microplastic accumulation at the land-sea transition and their spatial heterogeneity: The Po River prodelta (Adriatic Sea). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:164908. [PMID: 37385497 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Deltas are the locus of river-borne sediment accumulation, however, their role in sequestering plastic pollutants is still overlooked. By combining geomorphological, sedimentological, and geochemical analyses, which include time-lapse multibeam bathymetry, sediment provenance, and μFT-IR analyses, we investigate the fate of plastic particles after a river flood event providing an unprecedented documentation of the spatial distribution of sediment as well as of microplastics (MPs), including particles fibers, and phthalates (PAEs) abundances in the subaqueous delta. Overall sediments are characterized by an average of 139.7 ± 80 MPs/kg d.w., but display spatial heterogeneity of sediment and MPs accumulation: MPs are absent within the active sandy delta lobe, reflecting dilution by clastic sediment (ca. 1.3 Mm3) and sediment bypass. The highest MP concentration (625 MPs/kg d.w.) occurs in the distal reaches of the active lobe where flow energy dissipates. In addition to MPs, cellulosic fibers are relevant (of up to 3800 fibers/kg d.w.) in all the analyzed sediment samples, and dominate (94 %) with respect to synthetic polymers. Statistically significant differences in the relative concentration of fiber fragments ≤0.5 mm in size were highlighted between the active delta lobe and the migrating bedforms in the prodelta. Fibers were found to slightly follow a power law size distribution coherent with a one-dimensional fragmentation model and thus indicating the absence of a size dependent selection mechanism during burial. Multivariate statistical analysis suggests traveling distance and bottom-transport regime as the most relevant factors controlling particle distribution. Our findings suggest that subaqueous prodelta should be considered hot spots for the accumulation of MPs and associated pollutants, albeit the strong lateral heterogeneity in their abundances reflects changes in the relative influence of fluvial and marine processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Pellegrini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy.
| | - F Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - A Bosman
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Geologia Ambientale e Geoingegneria (IGAG), Italy
| | - I Sammartino
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy
| | - C Raguso
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - A Mercorella
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy
| | - D S Galvez
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy
| | - A Petrizzo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy
| | - F Madricardo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy
| | - M Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - M Clemenza
- INFN Sezione di Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 3, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - F Trincardi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Dipartimento di Scienze del Sistema Terra e Tecnologie per l'Ambiente (DSSTTA), Rome, Italy
| | - M Rovere
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy
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11
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Gao P, Mohd Noor NQI, Mohamad Razali UH, Mohd Yusop MH, Md Shaarani S. Anthropogenic particles in the muscle, gill, and gastrointestinal tract of marine fish sold for human consumption. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20835. [PMID: 37916100 PMCID: PMC10616158 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Contamination of marine fish with the widespread distribution of anthropogenic particles (APs) becomes increasingly severe, however, related research on the assessment of the occurrence of APs in the edible tissue of commercial fish is scarce. The objective of this study was to evaluate the features of APs pollution based on seven species of commercial marine fish (n = 12 per species) and investigate the accumulation of APs in different tissues of fish namely gill and gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and muscle. The results show that a total of 62 APs were detected in 33 out of 84 (39.3%) fresh fish samples using a micro-Raman spectrometer which in particular is characterized by a blue color, shape-like fiber, and size smaller than 0.5 mm. Among them, 47 (75.8%) particles were identified as pigments such as indigo, chrome yellow-orange, disperse yellow, and pigment black. The other 11 (17.7%) particles were plastic including polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyacrylonitrile (PAN). And the rest 4 (6.5%) particles were anthropogenic cellulose fibers. Muscle tissue from six species of fish was detected to contain a total of 15 APs. Based on the total mean of APs found in fish muscle (0.018 AP items/g tissue) and on the consumption of fish in Malaysia (59 kg/capita/year), the estimated human intake of APs through fish consumption was 1062 AP items/year/capita. Considering that food consumption is an important route of human exposure to APs, it is suggested to add APs testing into the guidelines of food safety management systems and adopt mitigation measures to reduce the APs pollution in food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiru Gao
- Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | | | - Umi Hartina Mohamad Razali
- Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hazim Mohd Yusop
- Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Sharifudin Md Shaarani
- Food Biotechnology Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
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12
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Miranda-Peña L, Buitrago-Duque L, Rangel-Buitrago N, Gracia C A, Arana VA, Trilleras J. Geographical heterogeneity and dominant polymer types in microplastic contamination of lentic ecosystems: implications for methodological standardization and future research. RSC Adv 2023; 13:27190-27202. [PMID: 37701274 PMCID: PMC10494489 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra04016j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examines the prevalence and distribution of microplastic polymer types in lentic ecosystems, revealing significant heterogeneity across different geographical regions and ecosystems. The most dominant type of microplastic observed was polyethylene (PE), followed by polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS), which aligns with global production rates. North America, Asia, and Europe were identified as the regions with the highest microplastic contamination, with the United States, China, Italy, and Spain being the most affected countries. The physical characteristics of each ecosystem, such as wind speed, depth, and eutrophication, alongside seasonal variations, and anthropogenic activities, contributed to the observed heterogeneity in microplastics concentrations. The study highlights the need for further research on microplastics in lentic ecosystems, considering their unique physical characteristics and anthropogenic influences. A significant lack of methodological standardization in microplastics research was identified, leading to underestimation of microplastics prevalence and high heterogeneity in meta-analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindys Miranda-Peña
- Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico Puerto Colombia Atlántico Colombia
| | - Laura Buitrago-Duque
- Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico Puerto Colombia Atlántico Colombia
| | - Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programa de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico Puerto Colombia Atlántico Colombia
| | - Adriana Gracia C
- Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico Puerto Colombia Atlántico Colombia
| | - Victoria Andrea Arana
- Programa de Maestría en Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico Puerto Colombia Atlántico Colombia +57-3165288489
| | - Jorge Trilleras
- Programa de Maestría en Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico Puerto Colombia Atlántico Colombia +57-3165288489
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13
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Hasan M, Islam ARMT, Jion MMMF, Rahman MN, Peu SD, Das A, Bari ABMM, Islam MS, Pal SC, Islam A, Choudhury TR, Rakib MRJ, Idris AM, Malafaia G. Personal protective equipment-derived pollution during Covid-19 era: A critical review of ecotoxicology impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 887:164164. [PMID: 37187394 PMCID: PMC10182863 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people used personal protective equipment (PPE) to lessen the spread of the virus. The release of microplastics (MPs) from discarded PPE is a new threat to the long-term health of the environment and poses challenges that are not yet clear. PPE-derived MPs have been found in multi-environmental compartments, e.g., water, sediments, air, and soil across the Bay of Bengal (BoB). As COVID-19 spreads, healthcare facilities use more plastic PPE, polluting aquatic ecosystems. Excessive PPE use releases MPs into the ecosystem, which aquatic organisms ingest, distressing the food chain and possibly causing ongoing health problems in humans. Thus, post-COVID-19 sustainability depends on proper intervention strategies for PPE waste, which have received scholarly interest. Although many studies have investigated PPE-induced MPs pollution in the BoB countries (e.g., India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar), the ecotoxicity impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges of PPE-derived waste have largely gone unnoticed. Our study presents a critical literature review covering the ecotoxicity impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges across the BoB countries (e.g., India (162,034.45 tons), Bangladesh (67,996 tons), Sri Lanka (35,707.95 tons), and Myanmar (22,593.5 tons). The ecotoxicity impacts of PPE-derived MPs on human health and other environmental compartments are critically addressed. The review's findings infer a gap in the 5R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Redesign, and Restructure) Strategy's implementation in the BoB coastal regions, hindering the achievement of UN SDG-12. Despite widespread research advancements in the BoB, many questions about PPE-derived MPs pollution from the perspective of the COVID-19 era still need to be answered. In response to the post-COVID-19 environmental remediation concerns, this study highlights the present research gaps and suggests new research directions considering the current MPs' research advancements on COVID-related PPE waste. Finally, the review suggests a framework for proper intervention strategies for reducing and monitoring PPE-derived MPs pollution in the BoB countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh; Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Md Naimur Rahman
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Susmita Datta Peu
- Department of Agriculture, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Arnob Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, 6 Rajshahi 6204, Bangladesh
| | - A B M Mainul Bari
- Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Subodh Chandra Pal
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman 713104, West Bengal, India
| | - Aznarul Islam
- Department of Geography, Aliah University, 17 Gorachand Road, Kolkata 700 014, West Bengal, India.
| | - Tasrina Rabia Choudhury
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre Dhaka (AECD), Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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14
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Pinheiro M, Martins I, Raimundo J, Caetano M, Neuparth T, Santos MM. Stressors of emerging concern in deep-sea environments: microplastics, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and deep-sea mining. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 876:162557. [PMID: 36898539 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Although most deep-sea areas are remote in comparison to coastal zones, a growing body of literature indicates that many sensitive ecosystems could be under increased stress from anthropogenic sources. Among the multiple potential stressors, microplastics (MPs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs/PCPs) and the imminent start of commercial deep-sea mining have received increased attention. Here we review recent literature on these emerging stressors in deep-sea environments and discuss cumulative effects with climate change associated variables. Importantly, MPs and PPCPs have been detected in deep-sea waters, organisms and sediments, in some locations in comparable levels to coastal areas. The Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea are the most studied areas and where higher levels of MPs and PPCPs have been detected. The paucity of data for most other deep-sea ecosystems indicates that many more locations are likely to be contaminated by these emerging stressors, but the absence of studies hampers a better assessment of the potential risk. The main knowledge gaps in the field are identified and discussed, and future research priorities are highlighted to improve hazard and risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Pinheiro
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Irene Martins
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Joana Raimundo
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; IPMA - Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere, Avenida Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Algés, Portugal
| | - Miguel Caetano
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; IPMA - Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere, Avenida Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Algés, Portugal
| | - Teresa Neuparth
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Miguel M Santos
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
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15
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Isa V, Becchi A, Napper IE, Ubaldi PG, Saliu F, Lavorano S, Galli P. Effects of polypropylene nanofibers on soft corals. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 327:138509. [PMID: 36996920 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138509] [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: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Current information regarding the effects of both micro- and nano-plastic debris on coral reefs is limited; especially the toxicity onto corals from nano-plastics originating from secondary sources such as fibers from synthetic fabrics. Within this study, we exposed the alcyonacean coral Pinnigorgia flava to different concentrations of polypropylene secondary nanofibers (0.001, 0.1, 1.0 and 10 mg/L) and then assayed mortality, mucus production, polyps retraction, coral tissue bleaching, and swelling. The assay materials were obtained by artificially weathering non-woven fabrics retrieved from commercially available personal protective equipment. Specifically, polypropylene (PP) nanofibers displaying a hydrodynamic size of 114.7 ± 8.1 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.431 were obtained after 180 h exposition in a UV light aging chamber (340 nm at 0.76 Wˑm-2ˑnm-1). After 72 h of PP exposure no mortality was observed but there were evident stress responses from the corals tested. Specifically, the application of nanofibers at different concentrations caused significant differences in mucus production, polyps retraction and coral tissue swelling (ANOVA, p < 0.001, p = 0.015 and p = 0.015, respectively). NOEC (No Observed Effect Concentration) and LOEC (Lowest Observed Effect concentration) at 72 h resulted 0.1 mg/L and 1 mg/L, respectively. Overall, the study indicates that PP secondary nanofibers can cause adverse effects on corals and could potentially act as a stress factor in coral reefs. The generality of the method of producing and assaying the toxicity of secondary nanofibers from synthetic textiles is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Isa
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, MI, 20126, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives; Costa Edutainment SpA - Acquario di Genova, GE, 16128, Italy
| | - Alessandro Becchi
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, MI, 20126, Italy
| | - Imogen Ellen Napper
- International Marine Litter Research Unit, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake's Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Paolo Giuseppe Ubaldi
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, MI, 20126, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, MI, 20126, Italy.
| | - Silvia Lavorano
- Costa Edutainment SpA - Acquario di Genova, GE, 16128, Italy
| | - Paolo Galli
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, MI, 20126, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives; University of Dubai, Dubai, P.O. Box 14143, United Arab Emirates
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16
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Rathinamoorthy R, Raja Balasaraswathi S. Characterization of microfibers originated from the textile screen printing industry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162550. [PMID: 36870509 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Textile industries are known for their higher levels of environmental impact due to their nature of processes. However, the impact of the textile manufacturing process on emerging microfiber pollution is less explored. This research focuses on analyzing the microfiber release behavior of textile fabrics during the screen printing process. The effluent released in the screen printing process was carefully collected at the point of origin and characterized for microfiber count and length. The analysis revealed a higher amount of microfiber release of 1,394,205.22 ± 426,262.50 microfibers/L of printing effluent. This result was 25 times higher than previous research that analyzed the influent of textile wastewater treatment plants. The lower water usage throughout the cleaning process was noted as the main reason for the higher concentration. Based on the total amount of textile (fabrics) processed, it was noted that the print process releases 23.10 ± 7.06 microfibers/sq.cm of fabric. The majority of identified microfibers were in the length range of 100-500 μm (61.25 %), with an average length of 519.1 μm. The use of adhesives and raw cut edges of the fabric panels were noted as the primary reason for microfiber emission, even in the absence of water. Significantly a higher amount of microfiber release was noted with the lab-scale simulation of the adhesive process. A comparative analysis of microfiber quantity with industry effluent, lab-scale simulation, and household laundry of the same fabric showed that, out of all phases, the lab-scale simulation caused higher fiber release (1156.63 ± 21.74 microfibers per sq.cm of fabric). This shows that the adhesive process during the printing process was the key reason for higher microfiber emissions. When domestic laundry and the adhesive process were compared, domestic laundry showed significantly lesser release (320.31 ± 49 microfibers/sq.cm of fabric). Though various studies have explored the impact of microfiber released from domestic laundry, the results of the current study alarm that the textile printing process is an underestimated source of microfiber release into the environment, which requires greater attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rathinamoorthy
- Department of Fashion Technology, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore 641004, India.
| | - S Raja Balasaraswathi
- Department of Fashion Technology, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru 560102, India
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17
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Carvalho Ferreira H, Lôbo-Hajdu G. Microplastics in coastal and oceanic surface waters and their role as carriers of pollutants of emerging concern in marine organisms. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 188:106021. [PMID: 37257340 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (Mps) pose a significant environmental challenge with global implications. To examine the effect of Mps on coastal and oceanic surface waters, as well as in marine organisms, 167 original research papers published between January 2013 and September 2022 were analyzed. The study revealed an unequal distribution of research efforts across the world. Fragments and fibers were the most frequently detected particles in ocean surface waters and marine biota, which mainly consisted of colored and transparent microparticles. Sampling of Mps was primarily done using collecting nets with a mesh size of 330 μm. Most articles used a stereomicroscope and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy for identification and composition determination, respectively. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the most frequent polymers found, both in coastal waters and in marine organisms. The major impact observed on marine organisms was a reduction in growth rate, an increase in mortality, and reduced food consumption. The hydrophobic nature of plastics encourages the formation of biofilms called the "plastisphere," which can carry pollutants that are often toxic and can enter the food chain. To better define management measures, it is necessary to standardize investigations that assess Mp pollution, considering not only the geomorphological and oceanographic features of each region but also the urban and industrial occupation of the studied marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hudson Carvalho Ferreira
- Laboratory of Marine Genetics, Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier 524, PHLC, Office 205, Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil; Graduate Program in Oceanography (PPGOCN), State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier 524, PJLF, Bl. E, Office 4018, Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil
| | - Gisele Lôbo-Hajdu
- Laboratory of Marine Genetics, Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier 524, PHLC, Office 205, Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil.
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18
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Sánchez-García N, Sanz-Lázaro C. Darwin's paradise contaminated by marine debris. Understanding their sources and accumulation dynamics. ☆. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 324:121310. [PMID: 36804143 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121310] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a global environmental threat. Remote and pristine islands are not safe from this threat. Here, we estimated beach macro- (>25 mm), meso- (5-25 mm) and microdebris (<5 mm) levels in Galapagos and studied the role of environmental variables determining their accumulation. The vast majority of beach macro- and mesodebris were plastic, while most microdebris were cellulosic. The levels of beach macro-, meso- and microplastics were notably high and comparable with exceptional levels reported in contaminated areas. Oceanic currents and the anthropic pressure of use of the beach were the main factors that determined the level of macro- and mesoplastics, as well as the diversity of items, with more types of items in the beaches facing the predominant current. Microplastic levels were mainly driven by the slope and, to some extent, the grain size of the sediment in the beach. The absence of relationship between the levels of large size debris and the level of microplastics suggests that secondary microplastics that accumulated in the beaches were previously fragmented before arriving to the beach. This differential influence of environmental factors in the accumulation of marine debris according to their size should be taken into account when developing strategies to mitigate plastic pollution. Additionally, this study reports high levels of marine debris reported in a remote and protected area such as Galapagos, which are comparable to areas with direct sources of marine debris. This is especially worrying for Galapagos since the sampled beaches are cleaned at least annually. This fact highlights the global dimension of this environmental threat that demands further extensive international commitment to conserve some of the last paradises on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Sánchez-García
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Studies (MIES), Universidad de Alicante, P.O. Box 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain; Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, PO Box 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain.
| | - Carlos Sanz-Lázaro
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Studies (MIES), Universidad de Alicante, P.O. Box 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain; Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, PO Box 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain.
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19
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Muns-Pujadas L, Dallarés S, Constenla M, Padrós F, Carreras-Colom E, Grelaud M, Carrassón M, Soler-Membrives A. Revealing the capability of the European hake to cope with micro-litter environmental exposure and its inferred potential health impact in the NW Mediterranean Sea. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 186:105921. [PMID: 36827887 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.105921] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Prevalence, abundance, concentration, size and composition of anthropogenic items (AIs) (synthetic and non-synthetic) ingested by Merluccius merluccius juvenile specimens and from near-bottom water samples from different localities off the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean), were characterized. The potential effect of AIs on fish condition was assessed through different health indicators. Virtually all AIs found in fish and near-bottom water samples were fibres. A mean of 0.85 fibres/m3 from the surrounding water was observed. Fish ingested a mean of 1.39 (SD = 1.39) items/individual. Cellulosic fibres were predominant (77.8% of samples), except for Barcelona. No differences in ingested AIs abundance and composition off Barcelona between 2007 and 2019 were found. Small AIs from the environment matched ingested AIs composition. Hakes did not ingest large fibres despite being present in the environment, probably due to their feeding behaviour. No adverse health effects or parasites aggregations were detected to be potentially related to AIs ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Muns-Pujadas
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Dallarés
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Maria Constenla
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Padrós
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ester Carreras-Colom
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michaël Grelaud
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maite Carrassón
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Soler-Membrives
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
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20
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Santonicola S, Volgare M, Di Pace E, Mercogliano R, Cocca M, Raimo G, Colavita G. Research and characterization of fibrous microplastics and natural microfibers in pelagic and benthic fish species of commercial interest. Ital J Food Saf 2023; 12:11032. [PMID: 37064521 PMCID: PMC10102967 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2023.11032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The ingestion of synthetic microfibers, the most prevalent type of microplastics in marine environments, and natural fibers was assessed in Engraulis engrasicolus and Mullus barbatus, two commercially important fish species in the Mediterranean Sea. Microfibers were isolated from the fish gastrointestinal tract using a 10% potassium hydroxide solution. For the microfiber characterization, the evaluation of specific morphological features using a light microscope, coupled with the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of a subsample of isolated particles, was applied. The preliminary results showed the occurrence of microfibers in 53 and 60% of European anchovy and Red mullet, respectively. A mean of 6.9 microfibers/individual was detected in anchovies, while on average Red mullet samples contained 9.2 microfibers/individual. The most common colors of fibers in both species were black, blue, and transparent. Visual characterization of fibers allowed the classification of 40% of the items as synthetic microfibers. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the visual classification by fiber morphology. Microfibers were made of different typologies of polymers, represented by cellulose, cotton, and polyester. These findings confirm as the wide distribution of fibrous microplastics, and natural microfibers may impact both pelagic and deep-sea trophic webs. Despite the presence of microfibers in fish species poses a potential risk to human health, the literature is scarce regarding studies on the uptake by commercial marine fish mostly due to methodological issues. The visual characterization, corroborated by spectroscopic techniques, may be useful to differentiate synthetic and natural fibers, representing a fast and easy method to assess fibrous microplastic pollution in commercially important fish species.
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21
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Saliu F, Lasagni M, Andò S, Ferrero L, Pellegrini C, Calafat A, Sanchez-Vidal A. A baseline assessment of the relationship between microplastics and plasticizers in sediment samples collected from the Barcelona continental shelf. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:36311-36324. [PMID: 36547830 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24772-1] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
It has been suggested that the seafloor may be a sink for the plastic debris that enters the ocean. Therefore, the collection of data in the seafloor sediments regarding the co-presence of microplastics (MPs) and contaminants associated to plastic is considered a relevant topic. However, the number of studies addressing their possible correlation in this environment is still limited, and very little is known about the mechanisms that determine the release of plastic additives from plastic items. Starting from this basis, we investigated the presence of MPs and eleven phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in the continental shelf offshore Barcelona. Following a shelf-slope continuum approach, we sampled sediments from five stations, and we performed analysis by means of infrared micro spectroscopy (µFTIR) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). MPs were found to range from 62.0 to 931.1 items/kg d.w. with maximum concentration in the submarine canyon Besòs and at the highest depth. Moreover, different trends in the size distribution of fibers and non-fibers were observed, indicating the occurrence of a size dependent selection mechanism during transport and accumulation. PAEs resulted comprised between 1.35 to 2.41 mg/kg with Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) the most abundant congeners (1.04 mg/kg). Statistical analysis revealed no correlation between the Σ11PAEs and the total MPs concentration, but correlation between DEHP and fibers (σ = 0.667, p = 0,037), that resulted both correlated to the distance to the coast (ρ = 0.941 with p = 0,008 and ρ = 0.673 with p = 0.035, respectively).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy.
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Sergio Andò
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Luca Ferrero
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Claudio Pellegrini
- Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto Di Scienze Marine (ISMAR), Venice, Italy
| | - Antoni Calafat
- Department of Earth and Ocean Dynamics, Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Sanchez-Vidal
- Department of Earth and Ocean Dynamics, Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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22
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López-Martínez S, Perez-Rubín C, Gavara R, Handcock RN, Rivas ML. Presence and implications of plastics in wild commercial fishes in the Alboran Sea (Mediterranean Sea). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 850:158025. [PMID: 35973533 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158025] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The presence of plastic in the environment has become a major problem for marine ecosystems. The identification of the global micro and mesoplastic uptake by commercial fish populations may allow for a better understanding of their impact. This study aims to determine the presence and composition of plastic in two pelagic fish (Engraulis encrasicolus and Scomber scombrus) and two demersal species (Scyliorinus canicula and Mullus barbatus) from the Alboran Sea (western Mediterranean) to quantify the relationship between plastic prevalence and the environment and feeding behavior in the selected fish species. Samples of these four fish species from sites in the Alboran Sea were studied for ingested plastics. These localized samples were also compared to published values which covered a broader geographical range. Samples from the Alboran Sea study sites showed that the predominant fiber color was black and the predominant plastic polymers were polyethylene and cellulose. At the Alboran Sea study site the highest plastic occurrence was found in S. scombrus, whereas in the published literature the highest occurrence of plastics in digestive tracts was found in E. encrasicolus. The general prevalence of marine plastic pollution and levels of macro- and micro-plastic ingested by commercial fish species in this study support the idea that quantifying plastic presence and composition may be essential to understanding potential impacts on marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rebecca N Handcock
- Curtin Institute for Computation, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Marga L Rivas
- Biology Department, Campus of Excellence of Marine Science CEIMAR, University of Cádiz, Spain.
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23
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Carreras-Colom E, Cartes JE, Rodríguez-Romeu O, Padrós F, Solé M, Grelaud M, Ziveri P, Palet C, Soler-Membrives A, Carrassón M. Anthropogenic pollutants in Nephrops norvegicus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the NW Mediterranean Sea: Uptake assessment and potential impact on health. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120230. [PMID: 36155227 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic pollution is considered one of the main threats to the marine environment, and there is an imperious need to assess its potential impact on ecologically and economically relevant species. This study characterises plastic ingestion and tissue levels of potentially toxic metallic elements in Nephrops norvegicus and their simultaneous levels in abiotic compartments from three locations of the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean Sea). A multidisciplinary assessment of the health condition of N. norvegicus through condition indices, enzymatic biomarkers and histological techniques is provided, and its relationship with anthropogenic pollutant levels explored. Plastic fibres were commonly found in stomachs of N. norvegicus (85% of the individuals), with higher abundances (13 ± 21 fibres · ind-1) in specimens captured close to Barcelona. The presence of long synthetic fibres in near-bottom waters, as well as the mirroring trends in abundance among locations for water and ingested plastics, suggest that uptake from water may be occurring potentially through suspension feeding. The spatial variability in the levels of metallic elements in N. norvegicus was poorly correlated to the variability in sediments. In any case, present levels in abdominal muscle are considered safe for human consumption. Levels of ingested plastics only showed significant, yet weak, correlations with glutathione S-transferase and catalase activities. However, no other health parameter analysed showed any trend potentially associated to anthropogenic pollutant levels. Neither the condition indices nor the histopathological assessment evidenced any signs of pathologic conditions affecting N. norvegicus. Thus, it was concluded that presently there is no evidence of a negative impact of the studied pollutants on the health condition of N. norvegicus in the studied grounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Carreras-Colom
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan E Cartes
- Departament de Recursos Marins Renovables, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oriol Rodríguez-Romeu
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Padrós
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Solé
- Departament de Recursos Marins Renovables, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michaël Grelaud
- Institute of Environmental Science and Techonology (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patrizia Ziveri
- Institute of Environmental Science and Techonology (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Palet
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Soler-Membrives
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maite Carrassón
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain.
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24
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Mishra S, Dash D, Das AP. Detection, characterization and possible biofragmentation of synthetic microfibers released from domestic laundering wastewater as an emerging source of marine pollution. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114254. [PMID: 36306713 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114254] [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: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic microfibers are universally recognized as an emerging pollutant in all ecosystems. The present investigation focuses on the evaluation and quantification of synthetic microfiber released from domestic laundering wastewater from different regions of Bhubaneswar city of Odisha state of India. The estimated number of microfibers collected from 500 ml of sample varied from 200 to 500 in numbers with an average amount of biomass in the range of 0.4-4 g. The surface morphology of the samples was assessed by Scanning Electron Microscopic analysis which revealed that the fibers were having a length of approximately 10-30 mm and diameter of 10-20 μm. Carbonyl (CO) stretching band at 1711 cm-1 and Aldehyde (CH) Weak bond at 2917.38 cm-1 absorption were recorded from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis. As microfibers released from synthetic apparels are major source of environmental microplastic pollution their precise detection could help in controlling this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunanda Mishra
- Department of Botany, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, India
| | - Debasis Dash
- Department of Botany, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, India
| | - Alok Prasad Das
- Department of Life Science, Rama Devi Women's University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
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25
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Compa M, Alomar C, López Cortès MF, Rios-Fuster B, Morató M, Capó X, Fagiano V, Deudero S. Multispecies Assessment of Anthropogenic Particle Ingestion in a Marine Protected Area. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:1375. [PMID: 36290281 PMCID: PMC9598462 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We have applied a multispecies ecosystem approach to analyse the ingestion of anthropogenic particles (AP) in the gastrointestinal tract of 313 individuals (17 fish species and 8 invertebrate species) from pelagic, demersal and benthic habitats in a marine protected area off the Western Mediterranean (Cabrera National Park). We have quantified and characterized the ingestion at several taxonomic levels of fish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, bivalves, and jellyfish in relation to biotic/abiotic factors based on taxonomic groups, trophic guilds (functional groups) and habitats. AP ingestion occurrence ranged from 26 to 100% with no significant differences among taxonomic groups. The fish within the MPA showed an overall ingestion occurrence ranging from 0 to 100%, the echinoderms from 29 to 100%, the bivalves from 72 to 96% and the jellyfish 36% ingestion. The ecosystem approach applied to evaluate overall AP ingestion within the species reported that for trophic guilds, the omnivorous species ingested the highest amounts of anthropogenic items, while herbivores ingested significantly fewer items than all other trophic guilds. Moreover, no significant differences were found amongst habitats, indicating a homogeneous spatial distribution of APs at all studied habitats. The multispecies approach provided insight into the high APs exposure to species within Cabrera MPA, highlighting the potential harm linked with marine litter that threatens marine biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Compa
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO-CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Palma, Spain
| | - Carme Alomar
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO-CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Palma, Spain
| | - María Francesca López Cortès
- Dirección General de Espacios Naturales y Biodiversidad, Parque Nacional Marítimo-Terrestre del Archipiélago de Cabrera, Gremi de Corredors 10, Polígon de Son Rossinyol, 07009 Palma, Spain
| | - Beatriz Rios-Fuster
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO-CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Palma, Spain
| | - Mercè Morató
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO-CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Palma, Spain
| | - Xavier Capó
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO-CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Palma, Spain
| | - Valentina Fagiano
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO-CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Palma, Spain
| | - Salud Deudero
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO-CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Palma, Spain
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26
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Rathinamoorthy R, Raja Balasaraswathi S. Impact of coronavirus pandemic litters on microfiber pollution-effect of personal protective equipment and disposable face masks. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : IJEST 2022; 20:1-20. [PMID: 36035637 PMCID: PMC9391648 DOI: 10.1007/s13762-022-04462-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus Pandemic is the current biggest challenge against humanity. Apart from the personal health issues and higher mortality by the coronavirus, recent research works have also reported the environmental impacts of the pandemic. The review aims to analyze the current status of face masks and personal protective equipment littering and subsequent environmental impact in terms of microplastic and microfiber pollution. Recent researches in this domain are collected from the leading databases with relevant keywords and critically analyzed. The review results report a multi-fold increment in the usage of personal protective equipment, particularly face masks after the pandemic. Mismanagement of these items leads them to reach the marine environment through a variety of transportation. The results show a significant amount of increment in plastic and pandemic-related littering after the pandemic. The systematic review shows that the use of synthetic fibers in disposable personal protective equipment and masks leads to release of fibers that can add-on to microfiber pollution. The results are also true in the case of reusable masks as the repeated laundry and disinfection methods release a significantly higher amount of microfibers. Only very few studies have addressed the release of microfiber from the mask, and no studies have reported the impact of personal protective equipment. The worldwide mass adaptation and improper disposal of these materials increase the seriousness of the problem multiple folds. These findings suggest the immediate requirement of critical analysis of the pandemic-related littering and microfiber release characteristics. The research also urges the need for the implementation of an environmental management plan as a mitigation strategy around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Rathinamoorthy
- Department of Fashion Technology, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, 641004 India
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27
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Expósito N, Rovira J, Sierra J, Gimenez G, Domingo JL, Schuhmacher M. Levels of microplastics and their characteristics in molluscs from North-West Mediterranean Sea: Human intake. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113843. [PMID: 35728296 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are accessible for organisms with active filter feeding strategies, as are many marine molluscs, which live attached or semi-buried in sediments. In the present study, MPs (from 0.02 to 5 mm) concentration, morphology, and composition were determined in consumed mollusc species of the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean Sea). Microplastic concentrations, morphologic characteristics and composition were studied according to species, catchment zones and depuration condition. Finally, human intake of MPs through molluscs' consumption was determined. >2300 individuals were analysed, being 1460 MPs extracted and their size, and polymeric composition registered. Big oysters and mussels showed the highest MPs concentration by individual, with levels of 22.8 ± 14.4 and 18.6 ± 23.0 MPs/individual, respectively. Mean annual MPs (≥20 μm) consumption for adult population was estimated in 8103 MPs/year, with a 95th percentile of 19,418 MPs/year. It suggests that the consumption of molluscs is an important route of MPs exposure for the Catalan population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Expósito
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Paisos Catalans Avenue 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joaquim Rovira
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Paisos Catalans Avenue 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Jordi Sierra
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Joan XXIII s/n Avenue, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Gemma Gimenez
- Sorbonne Université, UAR2209 EMBRC-France, 4 Place Jussieu, Paris, France
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Paisos Catalans Avenue 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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28
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Di Mauro R, Castillo S, Pérez A, Iachetti CM, Silva L, Tomba JP, Chiesa IL. Anthropogenic microfibers are highly abundant at the Burdwood Bank seamount, a protected sub-Antarctic environment in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 306:119364. [PMID: 35489539 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics debris in the marine environment have been widely studied across the globe. Within these particles, the most abundant and prevalent type in the oceans are anthropogenic microfibers (MFs), although they have been historically overlooked mostly due to methodological constraints. MFs are currently considered omnipresent in natural environments, however, contrary to the Northern Hemisphere, data on their abundance and distribution in Southern Oceans ecosystems are still scarce, in particular for sub-Antarctic regions. Using Niskin bottles we've explored microfibers abundance and distribution in the water column (3-2450 m depth) at the Burdwood Bank (BB), a seamount located at the southern extreme of the Patagonian shelf, in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The MFs detected from filtered water samples were photographed and measured using ImageJ software, to estimate length, width, and the projected surface area of each particle. Our results indicate that small pieces of fibers are widespread in the water column at the BB (mean of 17.4 ± 12.6 MFs.L-1), from which, 10.6 ± 5.3 MFs.L-1 were at the surface (3-10 m depth), 20 ± 9 MFs.L-1 in intermediate waters (41-97 m), 24.6 ± 17.3 MFs.L-1 in deeper waters (102-164 m), and 9.2 ± 5.3 MFs.L-1 within the slope break of the seamount. Approximately 76.1% of the MFs were composed of Polyethylene terephthalate, and the abundance was dominated by the size fraction from 0.1 to 0.3 mm of length. Given the high relative abundance of small and aged MFs, and the oceanographic complexity of the study area, we postulate that MFs are most likely transported to the BB via the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Our findings imply that this sub-Antarctic protected ecosystem is highly exposed to microplastic pollution, and this threat could be spreading towards the highly productive waters, north of the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosana Di Mauro
- Gabinete de Zooplancton, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP), Mar del Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Santiago Castillo
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Ecología Marina, Córdoba, Argentina; Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Analía Pérez
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina; Laboratorio de Invertebrados Marinos, CCNA, Universidad Maimónides-CONICET, CABA, Argentina
| | - Clara M Iachetti
- Universidad Nacional de Tierra del Fuego (UNTdF), Ushuaia, Argentina
| | - Leonel Silva
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales (INTEMA-CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Juan P Tomba
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales (INTEMA-CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Ignacio L Chiesa
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina; Laboratorio de Crustáceos y Ecosistemas Costeros (CADIC-CONICET), Ushuaia, Argentina. Bernardo Houssay 200, Ushuaia, V9410CAB, Argentina.
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Occurrence of Natural and Synthetic Micro-Fibers in the Mediterranean Sea: A Review. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10070391. [PMID: 35878296 PMCID: PMC9320265 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10070391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Among microplastics (MPs), fibers are one of the most abundant shapes encountered in the aquatic environment. Growing attention is being focused on this typology of particles since they are considered an important form of marine contamination. Information about microfibers distribution in the Mediterranean Sea is still limited and the increasing evidence of the high amount of fibers in the aquatic environment should lead to a different classification from MPs which, by definition, are composed only of synthetic materials and not natural. In the past, cellulosic fibers (natural and regenerated) have been likely included in the synthetic realm by hundreds of studies, inflating “micro-plastic” counts in both environmental matrices and organisms. Comparisons are often hampered because many of the available studies have explicitly excluded the micro-fibers (MFs) content due, for example, to methodological problems. Considering the abundance of micro-fibers in the environment, a chemical composition analysis is fundamental for toxicological assessments. Overall, the results of this review work provide the basis to monitor and mitigate the impacts of microfiber pollution on the sea ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea, which can be used to investigate other basins of the world for future risk assessment.
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Zhang YQ, Lykaki M, Markiewicz M, Alrajoula MT, Kraas C, Stolte S. Environmental contamination by microplastics originating from textiles: Emission, transport, fate and toxicity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 430:128453. [PMID: 35739656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a global concern in terms of its environmental abundance and potential detrimental effects. Fibrous microplastics (FMPs) released from synthetic textiles are believed to contribute significantly to environmental MP pollution. This review provides an overview of current knowledge relating to the environmental impact of FMPs through a summary and discussion of (1) the concentrations in different environmental compartments including water, soil and air, (2) emission from wastewater treatment plants: via effluent discharges to waters and via sludge to land, (3) environmental transport and fate, and (4) toxicity and associated effects. How the properties of FMPs influence these aspects is discussed and their behaviour is compared to MPs of other shapes. We have summarised the Environmental Concentrations and derived Predicted No-Effect Concentrations for a preliminary risk assessment of FMPs by extrapolating the risk quotient for each respective environmental compartment. The uncertainties surrounding current assessment methods are discussed. In particular we address the need to improve determination of exposure levels and to better characterise the effects of FMPs. We conclude by presenting topics for future studies to address, which will improve our still limited understanding of the interactions between FMPs and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Qi Zhang
- Institute of Water Chemistry (IWC), Technische Universität Dresden, Berg Str. 66, D-01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Marianna Lykaki
- Institute of Water Chemistry (IWC), Technische Universität Dresden, Berg Str. 66, D-01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Marta Markiewicz
- Institute of Water Chemistry (IWC), Technische Universität Dresden, Berg Str. 66, D-01069 Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Caroline Kraas
- World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) Germany, Reinhardt Str. 18, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Stolte
- Institute of Water Chemistry (IWC), Technische Universität Dresden, Berg Str. 66, D-01069 Dresden, Germany.
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Saliu F, Biale G, Raguso C, La Nasa J, Degano I, Seveso D, Galli P, Lasagni M, Modugno F. Detection of plastic particles in marine sponges by a combined infrared micro-spectroscopy and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 819:152965. [PMID: 35016940 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.152965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution threatens the marine environment, especially due to the adverse effects caused by micro and nano particles interacting with the marine biota. In order to provide reliable data regarding micro and nanoplastic contamination and the related impacts, efficient analytical solutions are needed. We developed a new analysis workflow that uses marine sponges to monitor plastic pollution by characterizing the plastic particles accumulated in their tissue. Specimens of cf. Haliclona (Haplosclerida) were sampled in the Maldivian archipelago. The aim was to optimize the method and to carry out a pilot study of the contamination of the related reef habitat. Particles were isolated, size fractioned, counted and submitted to morphological and chemical characterization. The constituting polymer was identified by infrared microspectroscopy for particles >25 μm, and by pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry for those <25 μm. Method recoveries were between 87 and 83% and limits of quantitation (LOQs) were between 6.6 and 30.2 ng/g. Analyses showed that 70% of the sponges presented plastic contamination, with an average of 1.2 particles/g tissue for the 25-150 μm size range, and a total plastic concentration of up to 4.8 μg/g in the 0.2-25 μm size range, with polyolefin being the most represented polymer in both size ranges. Overall, the study demonstrated the reliability of the proposed analytical workflow and of the use of sponges as biosamplers for plastic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Greta Biale
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, Pisa, Italy
| | - Clarissa Raguso
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Jacopo La Nasa
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Degano
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Davide Seveso
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - Paolo Galli
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Modugno
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Italy.
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32
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Athey SN, Erdle LM. Are We Underestimating Anthropogenic Microfiber Pollution? A Critical Review of Occurrence, Methods, and Reporting. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:822-837. [PMID: 34289522 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic microfibers, a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, can be categorized as synthetic, semisynthetic, or natural according to material of origin and production process. Although natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, originated from natural sources, they often contain chemical additives, including colorants (e.g., dyes, pigments) and finishes (e.g., flame retardants, antimicrobial agents, ultraviolet light stabilizers). These additives are applied to textiles during production to give textiles desired properties like enhanced durability. Anthropogenically modified "natural" and semisynthetic fibers are sufficiently persistent to undergo long-range transport and accumulate in the environment, where they are ingested by biota. Although most research and communication on microfibers have focused on the sources, pathways, and effects of synthetic fibers in the environment, natural and semisynthetic fibers warrant further investigation because of their abundance. Because of the challenges in enumerating and identifying natural and semisynthetic fibers in environmental samples and the focus on microplastic or synthetic fibers, reports of anthropogenic microfibers in the environment may be underestimated. In this critical review, we 1) report that natural and semisynthetic microfibers are abundant, 2) highlight that some environmental compartments are relatively understudied in the microfiber literature, and 3) report which methods are suitable to enumerate and characterize the full suite of anthropogenic microfibers. We then use these findings to 4) recommend best practices to assess the abundance of anthropogenic microfibers in the environment, including natural and semisynthetic fibers. By focusing exclusively on synthetic fibers in the environment, we are neglecting a major component of anthropogenic microfiber pollution. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:822-837. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha N Athey
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa M Erdle
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The 5 Gyres Institute, Santa Monica, California, USA
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Rimondi V, Monnanni A, De Beni E, Bicocchi G, Chelazzi D, Cincinelli A, Fratini S, Martellini T, Morelli G, Venturi S, Lattanzi P, Costagliola P. Occurrence and Quantification of Natural and Microplastic Items in Urban Streams: The Case of Mugnone Creek (Florence, Italy). TOXICS 2022; 10:159. [PMID: 35448420 PMCID: PMC9025813 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10040159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The terrestrial environment is an important contributor of microplastics (MPs) to the oceans. Urban streams, strictly interwoven in the city network and to the MPs' terrestrial source, have a relevant impact on the MP budget of large rivers and, in turn, marine areas. We investigated the fluxes (items/day) of MPs and natural fibers of Mugnone Creek, a small stream crossing the highly urbanized landscape of Florence (Italy) and ending in the Arno River (and eventually to the Tyrrhenian Sea). Measurements were done in dry and wet seasons for two years (2019-2020); stream sediments were also collected in 2019. The highest loads of anthropogenic particles were observed in the 2019 wet season (109 items/day) at the creek outlet. The number of items in sediments increased from upstream (500 items/kg) to urban sites (1540 items/kg). Fibers were the dominant shape class; they were mostly cellulosic in composition. Among synthetic items, fragments of butadiene-styrene (SBR), indicative of tire wear, were observed. Domestic wastewater discharge and vehicular traffic are important sources of pollution for Mugnone Creek, especially during rain events. The study of small creeks is of pivotal importance to limit the availability of MPs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rimondi
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (A.M.); (G.B.); (S.V.); (P.C.)
- IGG-CNR, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (G.M.); (P.L.)
| | - Alessio Monnanni
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (A.M.); (G.B.); (S.V.); (P.C.)
| | - Eleonora De Beni
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (E.D.B.); (D.C.); (A.C.); (T.M.)
| | - Gabriele Bicocchi
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (A.M.); (G.B.); (S.V.); (P.C.)
| | - David Chelazzi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (E.D.B.); (D.C.); (A.C.); (T.M.)
- Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase (CSGI), University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (E.D.B.); (D.C.); (A.C.); (T.M.)
- Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase (CSGI), University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Sara Fratini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
| | - Tania Martellini
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (E.D.B.); (D.C.); (A.C.); (T.M.)
- Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase (CSGI), University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Guia Morelli
- IGG-CNR, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (G.M.); (P.L.)
| | - Stefania Venturi
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (A.M.); (G.B.); (S.V.); (P.C.)
- IGG-CNR, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (G.M.); (P.L.)
| | | | - Pilario Costagliola
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (A.M.); (G.B.); (S.V.); (P.C.)
- IGG-CNR, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (G.M.); (P.L.)
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Murano C, Vaccari L, Casotti R, Corsi I, Palumbo A. Occurrence of microfibres in wild specimens of adult sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816) from a coastal area of the central Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 176:113448. [PMID: 35217421 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113448] [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: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the occurrence of anthropogenic fibres inside wild Paracentrotus lividus at a Mediterranean coastal area in 2020. From each sea urchin, the coelomic fluid was directly analysed while digestive tracts and gonads were removed, pre-treated with trypsin (0.3%) and digested with H2O2 (10%) before analysis. A total of 260 fibres and 1 fragment were found in 100 specimens, with an average of 2.6 items/individual. Fibres were more abundant in the digestive system, less in gonads and in the coelomic fluid, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of representative fibres identified 67% natural (cotton-based) and 33% synthetic polymers (polyester) suggesting their origin from textiles, possibly released from laundry sewages. Overall, these results encourage further in-depth investigations on fibres accumulation and potential transfer through the trophic chain up to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Murano
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Lisa Vaccari
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., S.S. 14 Km 163.5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Raffaella Casotti
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Palumbo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
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35
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Carreras-Colom E, Cartes JE, Constenla M, Welden NA, Soler-Membrives A, Carrassón M. An affordable method for monitoring plastic fibre ingestion in Nephrops norvegicus (Linnaeus, 1758) and implementation on wide temporal and geographical scale comparisons. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 810:152264. [PMID: 34902420 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although the ingestion of plastics has been reported in a wide variety of organisms, there remains a lack of knowledge regarding the extent of spatial and temporal gradients and no consensus concerning the definition of monitor species for benthic marine environments. The present study aims at demonstrating the correlation between the presence of tangled balls of fibres and high levels of total plastic fibre ingestion in Nephrops norvegicus to assess the potential use of the prevalence of tangled balls as indicators of fibre pollution. To do so, the presence of plastics in stomach contents from several European populations of N. norvegicus is characterized in detail, including size distribution and polymer composition, and then its correlation with the prevalence of balls tested. Our results demonstrate that the prevalence of balls (>20%) is significantly correlated to higher levels of plastic ingestion, regardless of polymer composition and size distribution of ingested fibres. Plastic fibre ingestion levels across wide temporal and geographical scales are assessed using only the prevalence of balls, highlighting areas of increased fibre ingestion (e.g., the Gulf of Cadiz, N Barcelona) and areas of potentially lower fibre pollution (e.g., the Ebro Delta, the NW Iberian margin). Moreover, the relationship between the prevalence of balls and diet composition is analysed to discard a potential relationship with geographical differences in diet habits. Finally, we discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the use of the prevalence of tangled balls of fibres as an affordable, cost-effective and easy to implement indicator of fibre pollution for monitoring purposes in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Carreras-Colom
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan E Cartes
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Psg. Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Constenla
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalie A Welden
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries DG1 4ZL, Scotland
| | - Anna Soler-Membrives
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maite Carrassón
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
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36
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Li W, Pan Z, Xu J, Liu Q, Zou Q, Lin H, Wu L, Huang H. Microplastics in a pelagic dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) from the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the implications for fish health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 809:151126. [PMID: 34688764 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in fish is a growing concern worldwide due to its implication for human health. Microplastic contaminations and impacts were investigated in 15 wild-caught commercially important dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus L.) from the Eastern Pacific Ocean waters. 1741 suspected particles were extracted from gills, esophagus, stomachs, intestinal tracts, and muscle of C. hippurus. Only 139 of them were identified as microplastics by microscopic inspections and micro-Raman spectroscopic analysis. 10, 34, 51, 35, and 9 out of these 139 microplastic particles were extracted from the gill, esophagus, stomach, intestinal tract, and muscle respectively. Overall, microplastics were detected in 15 out of 15 fish (100%), with ~9.3 pieces per individual on average. The prevalence and high incidence of occurrence of microplastics in the C. hippurus suggest that this pelagic species are at high risk of exposure to microplastic pollutions. The chemical composition of microplastics was made of polyester (PES, 46.8%), polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 38.1%), polypropylene (PP, 7.9%), polystyrene (PS, 5.0%), polyethylene-polypropylene copolymer (PE-PP, 1.4%), and polyethylene (PE, 0.7%). 36.7% and 13.7% of microplastics in the fish were 1-2.5 mm and 2.5-5 mm, respectively. Microplastics of 0.1-0.5 mm and 0.5-1 mm roughly shared equally the remaining 50%. Molecular docking results implied that interaction of the four dominant microplastic polymers (PES, PET, PP, and PS) with cytochrome P450 17A1 would lead to impairment of the reproductive function of C. hippurus. The findings provide insights on the harms from microplastic exposure, along with quantitative information of occurrence, abundance, and distribution of microplastics in the fish tissues, which will ultimately improve understanding of bioavailability and hazards of microplastics to the organisms and beyond to human via food chain transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwen Li
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Zhong Pan
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China.
| | - Jing Xu
- College of Ocean and Earth Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Qianlong Liu
- College of Ocean and Earth Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Qingping Zou
- The Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Science and Technology, Institute for Infrastructure and Environment, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hui Lin
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China.
| | - Lijun Wu
- College of Marine Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
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De Felice B, Antenucci S, Ortenzi MA, Parolini M. Laundering of face masks represents an additional source of synthetic and natural microfibers to aquatic ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150495. [PMID: 34844332 PMCID: PMC8457919 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
From the onset of Covid-19 pandemic, the use of face masks has been adapted as one of the main measures to slow down the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus worldwide. The inadequate handling and management of face masks lead to a massive dispersal in the environment, resulting in a new source of microfibers because of their breakdown and/or degradation. In addition, the laundering of reusable face masks of different polymeric composition can represent an additional sources of microfibers to natural ecosystems, but it was largely neglected. The present study explored the release of synthetic or natural microfibers from reusable and disposable face masks of five different fabrics when subjected to a cycle of laundering in a domestic washing machine. After a single wash, face masks released an average (± SE) of 284.94 ± 73.66 microfibers, independently of the fabrics. Focusing on the fabrics composing the face masks, polyurethane (541.33 ± 51.84 microfibers) and cotton-based (823.00 ± 112.53 microfibers) face masks released the highest amount of synthetic and natural microfibers, respectively. Considering the crucial role of face masks to counteract the pandemic and the increasing trend of their use, further studies represent a priority to estimate the contribution of face mask-derived microfibers to freshwater contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice De Felice
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Antenucci
- Laboratory of Materials and Polymers (LaMPo), Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Aldo Ortenzi
- Laboratory of Materials and Polymers (LaMPo), Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
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Villanova-Solano C, Díaz-Peña FJ, Hernández-Sánchez C, González-Sálamo J, González-Pleiter M, Vega-Moreno D, Fernández-Piñas F, Fraile-Nuez E, Machín F, Hernández-Borges J. Microplastic pollution in sublittoral coastal sediments of a North Atlantic island: The case of La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain). CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 288:132530. [PMID: 34653476 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this work, the microplastic content of sediments collected in July 2020 between 5 and 7 m depth was studied in four locations of La Palma island (Canary Islands, Spain). At each sampling location, three samples were taken parallel to the shoreline. The microplastic content in each sampling corer was studied every 2.5 cm depth after digestion with a H2O2 solution followed by flotation in a saturated NaCl solution. Visualization of the final filtrates under a stereomicroscope revealed that all the sediment samples evaluated contained mostly microfibers (98.3%) which were mainly white/colorless (86.0%) and blue (9.8%), with an average length of 2423 ± 2235 (SD) mm and an average concentration of 2682 ± 827 items per kg of dry weight, being the total number of items found 1,019. Fourier Transform Infrared microscopy analysis of 13.9% (n = 139) of the microfibers also showed that they were mainly cellulosic (81.3%). No significant differences were found between the depths of the sediment. However, significant differences were found between the number of fibers from the sampling sites at the east and west of the island. Such variability could be driven by the winds and ocean mesoscale dynamics in the area. This study confirms the wide distribution of microfibers in sediments from an oceanic island like La Palma, providing their first report in marine sediments of the Canary Islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Villanova-Solano
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Francisco J Díaz-Peña
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Cintia Hernández-Sánchez
- Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Forense y Legal y Parasitología, Área de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Ingeniería, Sección de Náutica, Máquinas y Radioelectrónica Naval, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Vía Auxiliar Paso Alto, 2, 38001, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Javier González-Sálamo
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Miguel González-Pleiter
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daura Vega-Moreno
- Departamento de Química, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Spain
| | - Francisca Fernández-Piñas
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eugenio Fraile-Nuez
- Centro Oceanográfico de Canarias, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Calle Farola del Mar, 22, 38180, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Francisco Machín
- Departamento de Física, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Spain
| | - Javier Hernández-Borges
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.
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Sevillano-González M, González-Sálamo J, Díaz-Peña FJ, Hernández-Sánchez C, Catalán Torralbo S, Ródenas Seguí A, Hernández-Borges J. Assessment of microplastic content in Diadema africanum sea urchin from Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113174. [PMID: 34839951 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sea urchins are highly abundant in the marine ecosystem where they graze limiting algal biomass and also serving as food for other predators. In this work, the presence of microplastics in the digestive tracts and gonads of 33 Diadema africanum sea urchins collected at two sampling points in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain) was studied. After separation and digestion of the digestive tracts and the gonads, the visualization of the filtrates under the stereomicroscope revealed the presence of 320 items which were microfibers (97.5%), fragments (1.9%) and films (0.6%), mainly blue (43.3 and 47.0% in the two sampling points, Tajao and El Porís, respectively) and translucent white (32.5 and 39.5%, respectively). Statistical analysis revealed that there were no significative differences in the contents of gonads and digestive tracts between both sampling locations. Regarding microfibers lengths, significative differences were only observed between the two sampling points, not between tissues. μRaman analysis showed that they were mainly cellulosic (46.0%), polypropylene (24.3%) and polyethylene terephthalate (24.3%). This study confirms for the first time the presence of microplastics in sea urchins from the Macaronesian region and also from Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sevillano-González
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Javier González-Sálamo
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Francisco J Díaz-Peña
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Cintia Hernández-Sánchez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Forense y Legal y Parasitología, Área de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Ingeniería, Sección de Náutica, Máquinas y Radioelectrónica Naval, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Vía Auxiliar Paso Alto, 2, 38001 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Sergio Catalán Torralbo
- Departamento de Física, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Airán Ródenas Seguí
- Departamento de Física, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Estudios Avanzados en Física Atómica, Molecular y Fotónica, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Javier Hernández-Borges
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.
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Uddin S, Fowler SW, Habibi N, Behbehani M. Micro-Nano Plastic in the Aquatic Environment: Methodological Problems and Challenges. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030297. [PMID: 35158621 PMCID: PMC8833669 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastic research has become a buzz word. It is seen as one of the most pressing issues of Anthropocene contamination. There is certainly no doubt about the ubiquitous presence of microplastic (MP) in almost all environmental matrices. However, the validity of considering them as a vector for contaminants needs some reconsideration, there are other more potent pathways. Their effect on marine biota also calls for some realistic experiments with environmental concentrations of MP and nanoplastic (NP). It has been observed that in most published literature, polymer characterization is performed. Is it necessary to do, or will merely finding and confirming the particle as plastic suffice for environmental research? Harmonization of protocols is necessary, and there is likely a need for some inter-laboratory comparison exercises in order to produce comparable data and reliable assessments across regions. Samples collected from the same area using different techniques show an order of magnitude difference in MP concentration. The issue of nanoplastic is more contentious; are we technologically ready to identify NP in environmental samples?
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Uddin
- Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Safat 13109, Kuwait; (N.H.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +965-24989224
| | - Scott W. Fowler
- School of Maine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000, USA;
- Institute Bobby, 8 Allée des Orangers, 06320 Cap d’Ail, France
| | - Nazima Habibi
- Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Safat 13109, Kuwait; (N.H.); (M.B.)
| | - Montaha Behbehani
- Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Safat 13109, Kuwait; (N.H.); (M.B.)
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Cashman MA, Langknecht T, El Khatib D, Burgess RM, Boving TB, Robinson S, Ho KT. Quantification of microplastics in sediments from Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island USA using a novel isolation and extraction method. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113254. [PMID: 34923404 PMCID: PMC9019827 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are small plastic particles found ubiquitously in marine environments. In this study, a hybridized method was developed for the extraction of microplastics (45-1000 μm) from sediments using sodium bromide solution for density separation. Method development was tested using spiked microplastics as internal standards. The method was then used to extract microplastics from sediments in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, USA. Suspect microplastics were analyzed with Raman spectroscopy. Microplastic abundance ranged from 40 particles/100 g sediment to 4.6 million particles/100 g sediment (wet weight). Cellulose acetate fibers were the most abundant microplastic. These results are some of the first data for microplastics in Rhode Island sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela A Cashman
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA; University of Rhode Island, Department of Geosciences, 9 E Alumni Avenue, Kingston, RI 02881, USA.
| | - Troy Langknecht
- Oak Ridge Institute of Science Education, c/o U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Dounia El Khatib
- Oak Ridge Institute of Science Education, c/o U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Robert M Burgess
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Thomas B Boving
- University of Rhode Island, Department of Geosciences, 9 E Alumni Avenue, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; University of Rhode Island, Department of Civil Engineering, 9 E Alumni Avenue, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Sandra Robinson
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Kay T Ho
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
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42
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Jones ES, Ross SW, Robertson CM, Young CM. Distributions of microplastics and larger anthropogenic debris in Norfolk Canyon, Baltimore Canyon, and the adjacent continental slope (Western North Atlantic Margin, U.S.A.). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113047. [PMID: 34871899 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113047] [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: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic debris has been reported in all studied marine environments, including the deepest parts of the sea. Finding areas of accumulation and methods of transport for debris are important to determine potential impacts on marine life. This study analyzed both sediment cores and Remotely Operated Vehicle video to determine the density and distribution of debris, including both micro- and macroplastics, in Norfolk and Baltimore canyons. The average microplastic density in Norfolk Canyon sediment was 37.30 plastic particles m-2 within the canyon and 21.03 particles m-2 on the adjacent slope, suggesting that microplastics could accumulate within submarine canyons. In video transects from both Norfolk and Baltimore canyons, the largest amounts of macroplastic were recorded near the canyon heads. Our findings contribute to a growing evidence base that canyons and their associated benthic invertebrate communities are important repositories and conduits for debris to the deep sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie S Jones
- Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, University of Oregon, U.S.A..
| | - Steve W Ross
- Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, U.S.A
| | - Craig M Robertson
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, U.K..
| | - Craig M Young
- Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, University of Oregon, U.S.A
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Microplastics in Wastewater and Drinking Water Treatment Plants: Occurrence and Removal of Microfibres. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app112110109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), and specifically microfibres (MPFs), are ubiquitous in water bodies, including wastewater and drinking water. In this work, a thorough literature review on the occurrence and removal of MPs, and specifically MPFs in WWTPs and DWTPs, has been carried out. When the water is treated, an average microfiber removal efficiency over 70% is achieved in WWTPs and DWTPs. These high percentages are still inefficient for avoiding the presence of a large number of microfibres in treated wastewater and also in tap water. RSF, DAF, oxidation ditch and CAS processes have been described as the most efficient treatments for eliminating MPFs from wastewater treatment. It is remarkable the wide range of the data reported on this topic; for example, treated wastewater contains between not detected and 347 MPFs/L, whereas tap water contains between not detected and 168 MPFs/L. Microfibres constitute more than half of the MPs found in treated wastewater and sewage sludge, whereas in DWTP effluents the percentage of MPFs is around 32%. Nevertheless, the relative amount of MPFs reported in tap water is notably higher (71%). Microfibres from WWTPs are discharged to the environment, being a source of MP pollution. Additionally, MPs released by DWTPs directly enter the drinking water lines, which constitute a direct route for MP human consumption, so that it has been estimated that an adult may ingest an average value of 7500 MPFs per year only via tap water. Thus, this review provides an update on the performance of WWTPs and DWTPs in removing MPs from water, which is an issue of great interest.
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Volgare M, De Falco F, Avolio R, Castaldo R, Errico ME, Gentile G, Ambrogi V, Cocca M. Washing load influences the microplastic release from polyester fabrics by affecting wettability and mechanical stress. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19479. [PMID: 34593897 PMCID: PMC8484352 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98836-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics released from textiles during the washing process represent the most prevalent type of microparticles found in different environmental compartments and ecosystems around the world. Release of microfibres during the washing process of synthetic textiles is due to the mechanical and chemical stresses that clothes undergo in washing machines. Several washing process parameters, conditions, formulations of laundering additives have been correlated to microfibre release and some of them have been identified to affect microfibre release during washing process, while no correlation has been evaluated between microfibre release and washing load. In the present study, microfibre release was evaluated as function of the washing load in a real washing process, indicating a progressive decrease of microfibre release with increasing washing load. The quantity of released microfibres increased by around 5 times by decreasing the washing load due to a synergistic effect between water-volume to fabric ratio and mechanical stress during washing. Moreover, the higher mechanical stress to which the fabric is subjected in the case of a low washing load, hinders the discrimination of the effect on the release of other washing parameters like the type of detergent and laundry additives used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Volgare
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy.,Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, P.Le Tecchio, 80, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca De Falco
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy. .,School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, Devon, UK.
| | - Roberto Avolio
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Rachele Castaldo
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Maria Emanuela Errico
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Gennaro Gentile
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Veronica Ambrogi
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, P.Le Tecchio, 80, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Cocca
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy.
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Angiolillo M, Gérigny O, Valente T, Fabri MC, Tambute E, Rouanet E, Claro F, Tunesi L, Vissio A, Daniel B, Galgani F. Distribution of seafloor litter and its interaction with benthic organisms in deep waters of the Ligurian Sea (Northwestern Mediterranean). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 788:147745. [PMID: 34134397 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most polluted marine basins and currently serves as a hotspot for marine litter. The seafloor represents the ultimate sink for most litter worldwide. Nevertheless, the knowledge about litter distribution and its interactions with benthic organisms in deep water is poorly understood. In 2018, we investigated spatial patterns of macro- and micro-litter distribution, and their effects on benthic communities in the Ligurian Sea. An oceanographic survey was carried out with a remotely operated vehicle and a multibeam echosounder on seven seamounts and canyons, at depths ranging from 350 to 2200 m. High litter accumulations were discovered at the mouth of the Monaco canyon, where estimated densities of up to 3.8 × 104 items km-2 were found at 2200 m depth. The highest abundance of urban litter items was found on the soft substrate, at the bottom of the deeper parts of the submarine canyons, which seem to act as conduits carrying litter from the shelf towards deeper areas. In contrast, fishing-related items were most abundant in the upper layer of the seamounts (300-600 m depths). Furthermore, more than 10% of the observed deep gorgonian colonies were entangled by lost longlines, indicating the detrimental effects of this fishing gear on benthic habitats. The discovery of new litter hotspots and the evaluation of how deep-sea species interact with litter contribute to increasing the knowledge about litter distribution and its effects on the deep ecosystem of the Mediterranean basin. All the observations recorded in this study showed substantial and irreversible changes in the deep and remote areas of marine environments, and these changes were found to be caused by humans. Our findings further stress the need for urgent and specific measures for the management of deep-sea pollution and the reduction of litter inputs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Angiolillo
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 60, 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | - Olivia Gérigny
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Bastia, France
| | - Tommaso Valente
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 60, 00144 Rome, Italy; Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Environmental Biology, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marie-Claire Fabri
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Bastia, France
| | - Eric Tambute
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Avenue Saint Martin, 98000 Monaco, Monaco
| | - Elodie Rouanet
- GIS Posidonie, Aix-Marseille University, OSU Pytheas, campus universitaire de Luminy, case 901, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France
| | - Francoise Claro
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle-UMS PATRINAT, CP41, 57 rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris, France
| | - Leonardo Tunesi
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 60, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Anne Vissio
- Secrétaire exécutif RAMOGE, Av. de l'Annonciade, 98000 Monaco, Monaco
| | - Boris Daniel
- Agence française pour la biodiversité, rue de la République 26, Marseille, France
| | - François Galgani
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Bastia, France
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Expósito N, Rovira J, Sierra J, Folch J, Schuhmacher M. Microplastics levels, size, morphology and composition in marine water, sediments and sand beaches. Case study of Tarragona coast (western Mediterranean). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 786:147453. [PMID: 33964765 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mediterranean Sea has been proposed as the sixth greatest accumulation zone for marine litter and the most affected regarding to microplastics (MPs). Tarragona (Catalonia, NE Spain) coastal region suffers high pressure due to urbanization, tourism, industrial harbour and petrochemical/plastic industries. The present study aims to quantify and characterize in size, morphology and composition the MPs present in sandy beaches, marine sediments, and surface seawaters of Tarragona coastal region. MPs mean abundance were 1.30 items/m3 in surface seawaters, 32.4 items/kg in marine sediments, and 10.7 items/kg in sandy beaches. Polyester fibres were dominant MPs in bottom sediments and seawater meanwhile polyethylene and polypropylene fragments were the main MPs in beaches. The fibres balls associated with bottom sediments, organic matter and plankton were abundant, masking the real quantity of fibres in each reservoir. The abundance by volume of seawater MPs was higher to those found in oceanic areas and similar to other areas of Mediterranean Sea, corroborating that Western Mediterranean Sea as a region of MPs accumulation. MPs composition and abundance suggested the input of numerous land-base-sources, WWTP (wastewater treatment plants) effluents discharges, and emissaries as the most important. Marine MPs pollution were studied from an integrative point of view, that includes superficial sea water, sand from beaches and sediments. The dynamics of MPs in Tarragona coast were characterized by seawater as the media that receive and facilitate dispersion and fragmentation. The shoreline acts as an intermediate reservoir with constant weathering and active exchange with seawater surface and the sediments acts as a significant sink for medium MPs sizes. It is necessary to develop protocols and guidelines for MPs analysis to obtain harmonized and comparable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Expósito
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joaquim Rovira
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Jordi Sierra
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; Laboratory of Soil Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jaume Folch
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
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Adams JK, Dean BY, Athey SN, Jantunen LM, Bernstein S, Stern G, Diamond ML, Finkelstein SA. Anthropogenic particles (including microfibers and microplastics) in marine sediments of the Canadian Arctic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 784:147155. [PMID: 34088044 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
We report the first Canadian Arctic-wide study of anthropogenic particles (APs, >125 μm), including microfibers (synthetic, semi-synthetic and anthropogenically modified cellulose) and microplastics, in marine sediments from 14 sites. Samples from across the Canadian Arctic were collected between 2014 and 2017 from onboard the CCGS Amundsen. Samples were processed using density separation with calcium chloride (CaCl2). APs >125 μm were identified and a subset (22%) were characterized using Raman spectroscopy. Following blank-correction, microfiber numbers were corrected using Raman data in a novel approach to subtract possible "natural" cellulose microfibers with no anthropogenic signal via Raman spectroscopy, to estimate the proportion of cellulose microfibers that are of confirmed anthropogenic origin. Of all microfibers examined by Raman spectroscopy, 51% were anthropogenic cellulose, 11% were synthetic polymers, and 7% were extruded fibers emitting a dye signal. The remaining 31% of microfibers were identified as cellulosic but could not be confirmed as anthropogenic and thus were excluded from the final concentrations. Concentrations of confirmed APs in sediments ranged from 0.6 to 4.7 particles g-1 dry weight (dw). Microfibers comprised 82% of all APs, followed by fragments at 15%. Total microfiber concentrations ranged from 0.4 to 3.2 microfibers g-1 dw, while microplastic (fragments, foams, films and spheres) concentrations ranged from 0 to 1.6 microplastics g-1 dw. These concentrations may exceed those recorded in urban areas near point sources of plastic pollution, and indicate that the Canadian Arctic is a sink for APs, including anthropogenic cellulose fibers. Overall, we provide an important benchmark of AP contamination in Canadian Arctic marine sediments against which to measure temporal trends, including the effects of source reduction strategies and climate change, both of which will likely alter patterns of accumulation of anthropogenic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Adams
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, 22 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B1, Canada
| | - Bethany Y Dean
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6248 Eighth Line, Egbert, ON L0L1N0, Canada
| | - Samantha N Athey
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, 22 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B1, Canada
| | - Liisa M Jantunen
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, 22 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B1, Canada; Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6248 Eighth Line, Egbert, ON L0L1N0, Canada
| | - Sarah Bernstein
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6248 Eighth Line, Egbert, ON L0L1N0, Canada
| | - Gary Stern
- University of Manitoba, 586 Wallace Bld, 125 Dysart Rd. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Miriam L Diamond
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, 22 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B1, Canada; School of the Environment, University of Toronto, 33 Willcocks St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E8, Canada
| | - Sarah A Finkelstein
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, 22 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B1, Canada.
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Microplastic and Organic Fibres in Feeding, Growth and Mortality of Gammarus pulex. ENVIRONMENTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/environments8080074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Microplastic fibres (MPFs) are a major source of microplastic pollution, most are released during domestic washing of synthetic clothing. Organic microfibres (OMF) are also released into the environment by the same means, with cotton and wool being the most common in the UK. There is little empirical evidence to demonstrate that plastic fibres are more harmful than organic fibres if ingested by freshwater animals such as Gammarus pulex. Using our method of feeding Gammarus MPFs embedded in algal wafers, we compared the ingestion, feeding behaviour and growth of Gammarus exposed to 70 µm sheep wool, 20 µm cotton, 30 µm acrylic wool, and 50 µm or 100 µm human hair, and 30 µm cat hair at a concentration of 3% fibre by mass. Gammarus would not ingest wafers containing human hair, or sheep wool fibres. Given the choice between control wafers and those contaminated with MPF, cat hair or cotton, Gammarus spent less time feeding on MPF but there was no difference in the time spent feeding on OMFs compared to the control. Given a choice between contaminated wafers, Gammarus preferred the OMF to the MPF. There were no significant differences in growth or mortality among any of the treatments. These results conclude that MPFs are less likely to be ingested by Gammarus if alternative food is available and are not more harmful than OMFs.
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Akkajit P, Tipmanee D, Cherdsukjai P, Suteerasak T, Thongnonghin S. Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in beach sediments along Phuket coastline. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112496. [PMID: 34023587 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Phuket is a popular tourism destination in Thailand. This study examined the distribution of microplastics found on beaches along the East and West coasts of Phuket including Tri Trang, Patong, Kalim, Chalong, Makham, and Rawai beaches. A total of 18 samples from a 0.5 m × 0.5 m quadrat at the intertidal zone were sorted into >300-μm and 20-300-μm size classes. For all sizes combined, the mean abundance was 188.3 ± 34.5 items kg-1. White (29.2%) and fiber (85.6%) were the most abundant plastic; and the polymer types based on μFTIR analysis were PET > PS > PP > PU > PVC > Epoxy with a great amount of cotton and regenerated cellulose also detected. Principal component analysis indicated the correlation between PET, regenerated cellulose, PP and PU with Chalong and Patong beaches, suggesting that highly visited tourist beaches with harbor activities, and a tourist departure point, are possible sources of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pensiri Akkajit
- Faculty of Technology and Environment, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus, Phuket, Thailand; Andaman Environment and Natural Disaster Research Center, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus, Phuket, Thailand.
| | - Danai Tipmanee
- Faculty of Technology and Environment, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus, Phuket, Thailand
| | | | - Thongchai Suteerasak
- Faculty of Technology and Environment, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus, Phuket, Thailand
| | - Sudarat Thongnonghin
- Faculty of Technology and Environment, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus, Phuket, Thailand
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Vassilenko E, Watkins M, Chastain S, Mertens J, Posacka AM, Patankar S, Ross PS. Domestic laundry and microfiber pollution: Exploring fiber shedding from consumer apparel textiles. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250346. [PMID: 34242234 PMCID: PMC8270180 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic fibers are increasingly seen to dominate microplastic pollution profiles in aquatic environments, with evidence pointing to textiles as a potentially important source. However, the loss of microfibers from textiles during laundry is poorly understood. We evaluated microfiber release from a variety of synthetic and natural consumer apparel textile samples (n = 37), with different material types, constructions, and treatments during five consecutive domestic laundry cycles. Microfiber loss ranged from 9.6 mg to 1,240 mg kg-1 of textile per wash, or an estimated 8,809 to > 6,877,000 microfibers. Mechanically-treated polyester samples, dominated by fleeces and jerseys, released six times more microfibers (161 ± 173 mg kg-1 per wash) than did nylon samples with woven construction and filamentous yarns (27 ± 14 mg kg-1 per wash). Fiber shedding was positively correlated with fabric thickness for nylon and polyester. Interestingly, cotton and wool textiles also shed large amounts of microfibers (165 ± 44 mg kg-1 per wash). The similarity between the average width of textile fibers here (12.4 ± 4.5 μm) and those found in ocean samples provides support for the notion that home laundry is an important source of microfiber pollution. Evaluation of two marketed laundry lint traps provided insight into intervention options for the home, with retention of up to 90% for polyester fibers and 46% for nylon fibers. Our observation of a > 850-fold difference in the number of microfibers lost between low and high shedding textiles illustrates the strong potential for intervention, including more sustainable clothing design.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mathew Watkins
- Ocean Wise Conservation Association, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stephen Chastain
- Ocean Wise Conservation Association, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joel Mertens
- Sustainable Apparel Coalition, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Anna M. Posacka
- Ocean Wise Conservation Association, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shreyas Patankar
- Ocean Wise Conservation Association, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Peter S. Ross
- Ocean Wise Conservation Association, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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