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Zanni S, Cammalleri V, D'Agostino L, Protano C, Vitali M. Occurrence of pharmaceutical residues in drinking water: a systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-34544-8. [PMID: 39103588 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34544-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the present paper was to give a complete picture on the drinking water contamination by pharmaceutical residues all over the world. For this purpose, a systematic review was carried out for identifying all available research reporting original data resulting by sampling campaign and analysis of "real" drinking water samples to detect pharmaceutical residues. The investigated databases were PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. A total of 124 studies were included; among these, 33 did not find target analytes (all below the limit of detection), while the remaining 91 studies reported the presence for one or more compounds, in concentrations ranging from a few units to a few tens of nanograms. The majority of the studies were performed in Europe and the most represented categories were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics. The most common analytical approach used is the preparation and analysis of the samples by solid-phase extraction and chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The main implications resulting from our review are the need for (a) further studies aimed to allow more accurate environmental, wildlife, and human health risk assessments and (b) developing integrated policies promoting less environmentally persistent drugs, the reduction of pharmaceuticals in livestock breeding, and the update of wastewater and drinking water treatment plants for a better removal of drugs and their metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Zanni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.Le Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cammalleri
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.Le Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Ludovica D'Agostino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.Le Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Carmela Protano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.Le Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Matteo Vitali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.Le Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy.
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2
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Hassan MA, Shetu MH, Miah O, Parvin F, Shammi M, Tareq SM. The seasonal variation and ecological risk of microplastics in the Lower Ganges River, Bangladesh. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2024; 96:e11103. [PMID: 39155052 DOI: 10.1002/wer.11103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has gained considerable attention in various ecosystems; however, it has received relatively less attention in freshwater-riverine environments than in other ecosystems. The Ganges River Delta, one of the world's most densely populated areas, is a potential source of MP pollution in the freshwater ecosystem. MPs were identified throughout the year in the lower Ganges River water. Seasonally, the highest abundance was observed during the monsoon (14.66 ± 2.06 MPs/L), followed by the pre-monsoon (13.46 ± 1.75 MPs/L) and post-monsoon (11.50 ± 0.40 MPs/L). Throughout the year, MP discharge was estimated at 4.12 × 1012 to 2.17 × 1013 MPs/year. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy identified plastic polymers in the water, like ethylene vinyl acetate, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, and nylon. Moderate contamination by MPs was assessed throughout the year. Significant correlations between MP abundance and both rainfall and discharge were observed. It is essential to implement preventative measures in the Ganges River Basin to mitigate MP pollution before the situation worsens. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Throughout the year, MP concentration ranged from 10.67 to 20.33 MPs/L The highest MP occurrence was observed in the monsoon season (14.66 ± 2.06 MPs/L) The lowest abundance was detected in the post-monsoon period (11.50 ± 0.40 MPs/L) There was a moderate level of MP contamination in the lower Ganges River water It was shown that discharge and rainfall were correlated with MP abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Anamul Hassan
- Hydrobiogeochemistry and Pollution Control Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mabia Hossain Shetu
- Hydrobiogeochemistry and Pollution Control Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Osman Miah
- Hydrobiogeochemistry and Pollution Control Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fahmida Parvin
- Hydrobiogeochemistry and Pollution Control Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mashura Shammi
- Hydrobiogeochemistry and Pollution Control Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shafi M Tareq
- Hydrobiogeochemistry and Pollution Control Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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3
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Vdovchenko A, Resmini M. Mapping Microplastics in Humans: Analysis of Polymer Types, and Shapes in Food and Drinking Water-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7074. [PMID: 39000186 PMCID: PMC11241750 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pervade the environment, infiltrating food sources and human bodies, raising concerns about their impact on human health. This review is focused on three key questions: (i) What type of polymers are humans most exposed to? (ii) What are the prevalent shapes of MPs found in food and human samples? (iii) Are the data influenced by the detection limit on the size of particles? Through a systematic literature analysis, we have explored data on polymer types and shapes found in food and human samples. The data provide evidence that polyester is the most commonly detected polymer in humans, followed by polyamide, polyurethane, polypropylene, and polyacrylate. Fibres emerge as the predominant shape across all categories, suggesting potential environmental contamination from the textile industry. Studies in humans and drinking water reported data on small particles, in contrast to larger size MPs detected in environmental research, in particular seafood. Discrepancies in size detection methodologies across different reports were identified, which could impact some of the discussed trends. This study highlights the need for more comprehensive research on the interactions between MPs and biological systems and the effects of MPs on toxicity, together with standardised analytical methodologies to accurately assess contamination levels and human exposure. Understanding these dynamics is essential for formulating effective strategies to mitigate the environmental and health implications of MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina Resmini
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK;
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4
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Seo Y, Zhou Z, Lai Y, Chen G, Pembleton K, Wang S, He JZ, Song P. Micro- and nanoplastics in agricultural soils: Assessing impacts and navigating mitigation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172951. [PMID: 38703838 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Micro-/nanoplastic contamination in agricultural soils raises concerns on agroecosystems and poses potential health risks. Some of agricultural soils have received significant amounts of micro-/nanoplastics (MNPs) through plastic mulch film and biosolid applications. However, a comprehensive understanding of the MNP impacts on soils and plants remains elusive. The interaction between soil particles and MNPs is an extremely complex issue due to the different properties and heterogeneity of soils and the diverse characteristics of MNPs. Moreover, MNPs are a class of relatively new anthropogenic pollutants that may negatively affect plants and food. Herein, we presented a comprehensive review of the impacts of MNPs on the properties of soil and the growth of plants. We also discussed different strategies for mitigating or eliminating MNP contamination. Moreover, perspectives for future research on MNP contamination in the agricultural soils are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonjung Seo
- School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia
| | - Zhezhe Zhou
- School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia; Centre for Future Materials, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia
| | - Yunru Lai
- Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia.
| | - Guangnan Chen
- School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia.
| | - Keith Pembleton
- School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia
| | - Shaobin Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Ji-Zheng He
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pingan Song
- School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia; Centre for Future Materials, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia.
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5
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Krause S, Ouellet V, Allen D, Allen S, Moss K, Nel HA, Manaseki-Holland S, Lynch I. The potential of micro- and nanoplastics to exacerbate the health impacts and global burden of non-communicable diseases. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101581. [PMID: 38781963 PMCID: PMC11228470 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCD) constitute one of the highest burdens of disease globally and are associated with inflammatory responses in target organs. There is increasing evidence of significant human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MnPs). This review of environmental MnP exposure and health impacts indicates that MnP particles, directly and indirectly through their leachates, may exacerbate inflammation. Meanwhile, persistent inflammation associated with NCDs in gastrointestinal and respiratory systems potentially increases MnP uptake, thus influencing MnP access to distal organs. Consequently, a future increase in MnP exposure potentially augments the risk and severity of NCDs. There is a critical need for an integrated one-health approach to human health and environmental research for assessing the drivers of human MnP exposure and their bidirectional links with NCDs. Assessing these risks requires interdisciplinary efforts to identify and link drivers of environmental MnP exposure and organismal uptake to studies of impacted disease mechanisms and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Krause
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Institute for Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA), University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés (LEHNA), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023, 69622 Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Valerie Ouellet
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Institute for Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Deonie Allen
- WESP - Centre for Water, Environment, Sustainability & Public Health, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
| | - Steven Allen
- WESP - Centre for Water, Environment, Sustainability & Public Health, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
| | - Kerry Moss
- Institute for Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Holly A Nel
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Semira Manaseki-Holland
- Institute for Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Iseult Lynch
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Institute for Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA), University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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6
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Sun T, Teng Y, Ji C, Li F, Shan X, Wu H. Global prevalence of microplastics in tap water systems: Abundance, characteristics, drivers and knowledge gaps. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172662. [PMID: 38649043 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Tap water is a main route for human direct exposure to microplastics (MPs). This study recompiled baseline data from 34 countries to assess the current status and drivers of MP contamination in global tap water systems (TWS). It was shown that MPs were detected in 87 % of 1148 samples, suggesting the widespread occurrence of MPs in TWS. The detected concentrations of MPs spanned seven orders of magnitude and followed the linearized log-normal distribution (MSE = 0.035, R2 = 0.965), with cumulative concentrations at 5th, 50th and 95th percentiles of 0.028, 4.491 and 728.105 items/L, respectively. The morphological characteristics were further investigated, indicating that particles smaller than 50 μm dominated in global TWS, with fragment, polyester and transparent as the most common shape, composition and color of MPs, respectively. Subsequently, the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) algorithm was implemented to quantify the importance of variables affecting the MP abundance in global TWS, showing that the lower particle size limit was the most important variables. Subgroup analysis revealed that the concentration of MPs counted at the size limit of 1 μm was >20 times higher than that above 1 μm. Ultimately, current knowledge gaps and future research needs were elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yuefa Teng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Chenglong Ji
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, PR China; Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Qingdao 266071, PR China
| | - Fei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Qingdao 266071, PR China
| | - Xiujuan Shan
- Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Huifeng Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, PR China; Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Qingdao 266071, PR China.
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7
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Costa M, Hammarström B, van der Geer L, Tanriverdi S, Joensson HN, Wiklund M, Russom A. EchoGrid: High-Throughput Acoustic Trapping for Enrichment of Environmental Microplastics. Anal Chem 2024; 96:9493-9502. [PMID: 38790145 PMCID: PMC11170556 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The health hazards of micro- and nanoplastic contaminants in drinking water has recently emerged as an area of concern to policy makers and industry. Plastic contaminants range in size from micro- (5 mm to 1 μm) to nanoplastics (<1 μm). Microfluidics provides many tools for particle manipulation at the microscale, particularly in diagnostics and biomedicine, but has in general a limited capacity to process large volumes. Drinking water and environmental samples with low-level contamination of microplastics require processing of deciliter to liter sample volumes to achieve statistically relevant particle counts. Here, we introduce the EchoGrid, an acoustofluidics device for high throughput continuous flow particle enrichment into a robust array of particle clusters. The EchoGrid takes advantage of highly efficient particle capture through the integration of a micropatterned transducer for surface displacement-based acoustic trapping in a glass and polymer microchannel. Silica seed particles were used as anchor particles to improve capture performance at low particle concentrations and high flow rates. The device was able to maintain the silica grids at a flow rate of 50 mL/min. In terms of enrichment, the device is able to double the final pellet's microplastic concentration every 78 s for 23 μm particles and every 51 s for 10 μm particles at a flow rate of 5 mL/min. In conclusion, we demonstrate the usefulness of the EchoGrid by capturing microplastics in challenging conditions, such as large sample volumes with low microparticle concentrations, without sacrificing the potential of integration with downstream analysis for environmental monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martim Costa
- KTH
Royal Institute of Technology, Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science
for Life Laboratory, 171
65 Solna, Sweden
| | - Björn Hammarström
- KTH
Royal Institute of Technology, Department
of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, 171 65 Solna, Sweden
| | - Liselotte van der Geer
- KTH
Royal Institute of Technology, Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science
for Life Laboratory, 171
65 Solna, Sweden
| | - Selim Tanriverdi
- KTH
Royal Institute of Technology, Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science
for Life Laboratory, 171
65 Solna, Sweden
| | - Haakan N. Joensson
- KTH
Royal Institute of Technology, Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science
for Life Laboratory, 171
65 Solna, Sweden
| | - Martin Wiklund
- KTH
Royal Institute of Technology, Department
of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, 171 65 Solna, Sweden
| | - Aman Russom
- KTH
Royal Institute of Technology, Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science
for Life Laboratory, 171
65 Solna, Sweden
- AIMES
− Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering
Sciences at Karolinska Institutet and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 114 28 Stockholm, Sweden
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8
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Ceccanti C, Davini A, Lo Piccolo E, Lauria G, Rossi V, Ruffini Castiglione M, Spanò C, Bottega S, Guidi L, Landi M. Polyethylene microplastics alter root functionality and affect strawberry plant physiology and fruit quality traits. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134164. [PMID: 38583200 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134164] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Strawberry, a globally popular crop whose fruit are known for their taste and health benefits, were used to evaluate the effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) on plant physiology and fruit quality. Plants were grown in 2-L pots with natural soil mixed with PE-MPs at two concentrations (0.2% and 0.02%; w/w) and sizes (⌀ 35 and 125 µm). Plant physiological responses, root histochemical and anatomical analyses as well as fruit biometric and quality features were conducted. Plants subjected to ⌀ 35 µm/0.2% PE-MPs exhibited the most severe effects in terms of CO2 assimilation due to stomatal limitations, along with the highest level of oxidative stress in roots. Though no differences were observed in plant biomass, the impact on fruit quality traits was severe in ⌀ 35 µm/0.2% MPs treatment resulting in a drop in fruit weight (-42%), soluble solid (-10%) and anthocyanin contents (-25%). The smallest sized PE-MPs, adsorbed on the root surface, impaired plant water status by damaging the radical apparatus, which finally resulted in alteration of plant physiology and fruit quality. Further research is required to determine if these alterations also occur with other MPs and to understand more deeply the MPs influence on fruit physio-chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ceccanti
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto, 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - A Davini
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto, 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - E Lo Piccolo
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, viale delle Idee 30, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy.
| | - G Lauria
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto, 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - V Rossi
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto, 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - M Ruffini Castiglione
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Luca Ghini, 13, 56126 Pisa, Italy; CIRSEC, Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Spanò
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Luca Ghini, 13, 56126 Pisa, Italy; CIRSEC, Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Bottega
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Luca Ghini, 13, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - L Guidi
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto, 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy; CIRSEC, Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Landi
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto, 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy; CIRSEC, Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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9
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Lin X, Gowen AA, Chen S, Xu JL. Baking releases microplastics from polyethylene terephthalate bakeware as detected by optical photothermal infrared and quantum cascade laser infrared. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171408. [PMID: 38432360 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The use of plastic bakeware is a potential source of human exposure to microplastics (MPs). However, characterizing MPs remains a challenge. This study aims to employ optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) and quantum cascade laser infrared (QCL-IR) technology to characterise polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs shed from PET bakeware during the baking process. The bakeware, filled with ultrapure water, underwent baking cycles at 220 °C for 20 min, 60 min, and three consecutive cycles of 60 min each. Subsequently, particles present in the ultrapure water were collected using an Al2O3 filter. O-PTIR and QCL-IR were used to characterise PET MPs collected from the filtration. Analysis revealed that QCL-IR spectra exhibited broader absorption peaks, compared to O-PTIR. Notably, MP spectra obtained from both techniques displayed common absorption peaks around 1119, 1623, 1341 and 1725 cm-1. The dominant size of PET MPs detected by O-PTIR and QCL-IR was 1-3 μm and 5-20 μm, respectively. The quantity of identified PET MPs using O-PTIR was 18 times greater than that with QCL-IR, which was attributed to variations in spatial resolution, sampling methods for spectra collection, and data analysis employed by the two methods. Importantly, findings from both techniques highlighted a notably large quantity of MPs released from PET bakeware, particularly evident after 3 cycles of 60 min of baking, suggesting a substantial increase in the potential ingestion of MPs, especially in scenarios involving extended baking durations. The research outcomes will guide consumers on minimizing the intake of microplastics by using PET bakeware for shorter baking time. Additionally, the study will yield valuable insights into the application of O-PTIR and QCL-IR for MPs detection, potentially inspiring advancements in MPs detection methodologies through cutting-edge technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Lin
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Aoife A Gowen
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Shuai Chen
- Shanghai Polytechnic University 201209, China
| | - Jun-Li Xu
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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10
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Xue J, Xu Z, Hu X, Lu Y, Zhao Y, Zhang H. Microplastics in maternal amniotic fluid and their associations with gestational age. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 920:171044. [PMID: 38382607 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution is a growing global concern due to its potential threat to human health, particularly concerning fetal health. Nevertheless, few studies have examined the sources of fetal MPs exposure and its impact on fetal development. In this study, MPs levels in maternal amniotic fluid (AF) and their associations with measures of fetal growth were investigated. Specifically, 40 human AF samples were collected to determine the presence and characteristics of MPs using laser direct infrared (LD-IR) spectroscopy. MPs were found in 32 out of 40 AF samples, with an average abundance of 2.01 ± 4.19 particles/g. Polyethylene (PE, 38.80 %) and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE, 26.98 %) were the most prevalent polymers. The majority of MPs (87.56 %) were 20-100 μm in size, and fragments (71.23 %) evidently prevailed in morphology. Additionally, a questionnaire was designed to explore the associations between MPs levels in the AF and maternal dietary habits, aiming at unveiling the potential sources of MPs in AF. The MPs levels in the AF were positively associated with the frequency of seafood consumption (r = 0.781, P < 0.001) and bottled water intake (r = 0.386, P = 0.014). Moreover, the associations between MPs levels in maternal AF and measures of fetal growth were evaluated. The abundance of total MPs in maternal AF were significantly negatively associated with gestational age (β = -0.44, 95 % CI, -0.83, -0.05). This study confirms the presence of MPs in human AF and provides compelling evidence linking them to gestational age, while highlighting the potential risks associated with dietary habits. These findings underscore the need for further investigation into the mechanisms of MPs transmission from mother to fetus and the potential health implications during fetal development, offering valuable insights for future policies aimed at safeguarding maternal and fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyang Xue
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhendong Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and critical care, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaobing Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology and critical care, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology and critical care, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China.
| | - Hai Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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11
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Dolcini J, Chiavarini M, Ponzio E, Firmani G, D’Errico MM, Barbadoro P. Consumption of Tap Water and Sociodemographic-Associated Characteristics: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2024; 16:944. [PMID: 38612978 PMCID: PMC11013857 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Safe water is a global public health concern amid increasing scarcity and pollution. Bottled water production and consumption contribute to these problems. This study examines tap water consumption in Italy, assessing associated sociodemographic factors and related health outcomes such as obesity and self-perceived health status. Data from the Italian National Statistics Institute's "Aspects of daily life" survey (N = 45,597) were analyzed. Covariates included education, age, gender, economic status, region, concerns about waste and climate change, consumption of carbonated drinks excluding water, alcohol consumption, consumption of vegetables, consumption of snacks, body mass index, and self-perceived health status. Bivariate analyses and mixed-effect logistic regression models explored the associations. People who drink tap water made up 19,674, with a higher prevalence in people aged 45 to 59 old, people with a graduate/post-graduate degree diploma, with optimal economic resources, people concerned about waste production and climate change, and those coming from the north-east regions of Italy. Underweight people showed a higher prevalence of TW consumption as well as those who less than occasionally drank carbonated drinks, drank alcohol, consumed vegetables more than once a day and snacks less than once a week, dairy products more than once a day, sweet less than once a week, cured meat less than once a week, and chicken meat less than once a week, those with no consumption of sheep meat, consumption of beef meat less than once a week and consumption of pork meat less than once a week, and those with a satisfactory level of perceived health status. Regressions showed that all other age classes are less likely to drink tap water than people younger than 20 years old. The category with "inadequate" economic resources is more likely to consume tap water. Low educational classes show a low likelihood of consuming tap water as well as islands. A concern about waste production and climate change is associated with an increased likelihood of consuming tap water. Tap water consumption was negatively associated with obesity but not with a satisfactory self-perceived health status. Insights from this study can inform public health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Dolcini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.C.); (E.P.); (G.F.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Manuela Chiavarini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.C.); (E.P.); (G.F.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Elisa Ponzio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.C.); (E.P.); (G.F.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Giorgio Firmani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.C.); (E.P.); (G.F.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Marcello Mario D’Errico
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.C.); (E.P.); (G.F.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Pamela Barbadoro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.C.); (E.P.); (G.F.); (M.M.D.)
- Centre of Obesity, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Tronto 10a, 60126 Ancona, Italy
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12
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Covello C, Di Vincenzo F, Cammarota G, Pizzoferrato M. Micro(nano)plastics and Their Potential Impact on Human Gut Health: A Narrative Review. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:2658-2677. [PMID: 38534784 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are becoming an increasingly severe global problem due to their widespread distribution and complex impact on living organisms. Apart from their environmental impact, the effects of MNPs on living organisms have also continued to attract attention. The harmful impact of MNPs has been extensively documented in marine invertebrates and larger marine vertebrates like fish. However, the research on the toxicity of these particles on mammals is still limited, and their possible effects on humans are poorly understood. Considering that MNPs are commonly found in food or food packaging, humans are primarily exposed to them through ingestion. It would be valuable to investigate the potential harmful effects of these particles on gut health. This review focuses on recent research exploring the toxicological impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on the gut, as observed in human cell lines and mammalian models. Available data from various studies indicate that the accumulation of MNPs in mammalian models and human cells may result in adverse consequences, in terms of epithelial toxicity, immune toxicity, and the disruption of the gut microbiota. The paper also discusses the current research limitations and prospects in this field, aiming to provide a scientific basis and reference for further studies on the toxic mechanisms of micro- and nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Covello
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, Gastroenterology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Di Vincenzo
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, Gastroenterology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cammarota
- UOC Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Pizzoferrato
- UOC Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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13
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Rotchell JM, Austin C, Chapman E, Atherall CA, Liddle CR, Dunstan TS, Blackburn B, Mead A, Filart K, Beeby E, Cunningham K, Allen J, Draper H, Guinn BA. Microplastics in human urine: Characterisation using μFTIR and sampling challenges using healthy donors and endometriosis participants. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 274:116208. [PMID: 38489903 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are found in all environments, within the human food chain, and have been recently detected in several human tissues. The objective herein was to undertake an analysis of MP contamination in human urine samples, from healthy individuals and participants with endometriosis, with respect to their presence, levels, and the characteristics of any particles identified. A total of 38 human urine samples and 15 procedural blanks were analysed. MPs were characterised using μFTIR spectroscopy (size limitation of 5 μm) and SEM-EDX. In total, 123 MP particles consisting of 22 MP polymer types were identified within 17/29 of the healthy donor (10 mL) urine samples, compared with 232 MP particles of differing 16 MP polymer types in 12/19 urine samples from participants with endometriosis. Healthy donors presented an unadjusted average of 2589 ± 2931 MP/L and participants with endometriosis presented 4724 ± 9710 MP/L. Polyethylene (PE)(27%), polystyrene (PS)(16%), resin and polypropylene (PP)(both 12%) polymer types were most abundant in healthy donor samples, compared with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (59%), and PE (16%) in samples from endometriosis participants. The MP levels within healthy and endometriosis participant samples were not significantly different. However, the predominant polymer types varied, and the MPs from the metal catheter-derived endometriosis participant samples and healthy donors were significantly smaller than those observed in the procedural blanks. The procedural blank samples comprised 62 MP particles of 10 MP polymer types, mainly PP (27%), PE (21%), and PS (15%) with a mean ± SD of 17 ± 18, highlighting the unavoidable contamination inherent in measurement of MPs from donors. This is the first evidence of MP contamination in human urine with polymer characterisation and accounting for procedural blanks. These results support the phenomenon of transport of MPs within humans, specifically to the bladder, and their characterisation of types, shapes and size ranges identified therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette M Rotchell
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom; College of Health and Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, United Kingdom.
| | - Chloe Austin
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Chapman
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte A Atherall
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Catriona R Liddle
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy S Dunstan
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Blackburn
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Mead
- School of Life Sciences, University of Bedfordshire, Luton LU1 3JU, United Kingdom; Department for Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Filart
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Ellie Beeby
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Keith Cunningham
- Hull and East Yorkshire Endometriosis Centre, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham HU16 5JQ, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Allen
- Department for Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Draper
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom; Hull and East Yorkshire Endometriosis Centre, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham HU16 5JQ, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara-Ann Guinn
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom.
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14
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Martínez A, Barbosa A. Chemical reactivity theory to analyze possible toxicity of microplastics: Polyethylene and polyester as examples. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0285515. [PMID: 38446761 PMCID: PMC10917325 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics are widespread throughout the world. In particular, polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate or polyester (PET) are two of the most common polymers, used as plastic bags and textiles. To analyze the toxicity of these two polymers, oligomers with different numbers of units were used as models. The use of oligomers as polymeric templates has been used previously with success. We started with the monomer and continued with different oligomers until the chain length was greater than two nm. According to the results of quantum chemistry, PET is a better oxidant than PE, since it is a better electron acceptor. Additionally, PET has negatively charged oxygen atoms and can promote stronger interactions than PE with other molecules. We found that PET forms stable complexes and can dissociate the guanine-cytosine nucleobase pair. This could affect DNA replication. These preliminary theoretical results may help elucidate the potential harm of micro- and nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martínez
- Departamento de Materiales de Baja Dimensionalidad, Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, México
| | - Andrés Barbosa
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, España
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15
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Álvarez-Fernández C, Matikainen E, McGuigan KG, Andrade JM, Marugán J. Evaluation of microplastics release from solar water disinfection poly(ethylene terephthalate) and polypropylene containers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133179. [PMID: 38101015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Public health concern associated with the ingestion of microplastics (MPs) released from water packaging materials is increasing. The use of plastic materials for solar disinfection (SODIS) containers has also raised concerns in the SODIS community due to the lack of studies evaluating the presence of MPs in the treated water. In this work, the migration of MPs from poly(ethylene terephthalate, PET) bottles and polypropylene (PP) translucent and transparent jerrycan containers (TJC) into water under natural weathering was investigated using micro-reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (µ-FTIR). Containers exposed to sunlight for three months became photodegraded, releasing micro-sized fragments identified as PET, PP and high-density polyethylene (HDPE, from the screw-caps), although with varying degrees of weathering. It is noteworthy that the presence of a clarifying additive in PP formulation did not seem to impact the release of MPs from the containers. The study showed that PP TJC containers released more MPs than PET bottles. Finally, the size of MPs was measured to determine their fate upon ingestion and highlights the need for further studies to understand the safety of these plastic containers for SODIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Álvarez-Fernández
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering Group. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/ Tulipán s/n, 28933 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elina Matikainen
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kevin G McGuigan
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jose M Andrade
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry. University of A Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Javier Marugán
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering Group. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/ Tulipán s/n, 28933 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Tecnologías para la Sostenibilidad, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/ Tulipán s/n, 28933 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain.
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16
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Zhang M, Lü X, Yuan C, He W, Qiu C, Lan B, He J, Zhang L, Li Y. Impact of non-aged and UV-aged microplastics on the formation of halogenated disinfection byproducts during chlorination of drinking water and its mechanism. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123394. [PMID: 38266699 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitously present in source water and undergo ultraviolet (UV) aging in aquatic environments before entering drinking water treatment plants. The presence of MPs in drinking water can impact the formation of halogenated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) during chlorine disinfection, yet the exact effect of MPs on DBP formation remain unclear. In this study, we conducted an investigation into the influence of non-aged and UV-aged MPs on halogenated DBP formation in drinking water and unveiled the underlying mechanisms. In comparison to source water samples devoid of MPs, the total organic halogen concentration was reduced by 19%-43% and 4%-13% in the drinking water samples containing non-aged and aged MPs, respectively. The differing effects on halogenated DBP formation can be attributed to the alternation in physical and chemical characteristics of MPs following UV aging. Aged MPs exhibited larger surface area with signs of wear and tear, heightened hydrophilicity, surface oxidation, increased oxygen-containing functional groups and dechlorination during the UV aging process. Both non-aged and aged MPs possess the capability to adsorb natural organic matter, leading to a reduction in the concentration of DBP precursors in the source water. However, the release of organic compounds from aged MPs outweighed the adsorption of organics. Furthermore, as a result of the surface activation of MPs through the UV aging process, the aged MPs themselves can also serve as DBP precursors. Consequently, the presence of halogenated DBP precursors in source water increased, contributing to a higher level of DBP formation compared to source water containing non-aged MPs. Overall, this study illuminates the intricate relationship among MPs, UV aging, and DBP formation in drinking water. It highlights the potential risks posed by aged MPs in influencing DBP formation and offers valuable insights for optimizing water treatment processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihui Zhang
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xianghong Lü
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Cheng Yuan
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Weiting He
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Chuyin Qiu
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bingyan Lan
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Junfeng He
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Liguo Zhang
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yu Li
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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17
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Chabi K, Li J, Ye C, Kiki C, Xiao X, Li X, Guo L, Gad M, Feng M, Yu X. Rapid sand filtration for <10 μm-sized microplastic removal in tap water treatment: Efficiency and adsorption mechanisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169074. [PMID: 38056676 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The omnipresence of microplastics (MPs) in potable water has become a major concern due to their potential disruptive effect on human health. Therefore, the effective removal of MPs in drinking water is essential for life preservation. In this study, tap water containing microplastic <10 μm in size was treated using constructed pilot-scale rapid sand filtration (RSF) system to investigate the removal efficiency and the mechanisms involved. The results show that the RSF provides significant capacity for the removal and immobilization of MPs < 10 μm diameter (achieving 98 %). Results showed that silicate sand reacted with MPs through a cooperative assembly process, which mainly involved interception, trapping, entanglement, and adsorption. The MPs were quantified by Flow cytometry instrument. A kinetics study underlined the pivotal role of physio-chemisorption in the removal process. MP particles smaller than absorbents, saturation of adsorbents, and reactor hydrodynamics were identified as limiting factors, which were alleviated by backwashing. Backwashing promoted the desorption of up to 97 % MPs, conducive for adsorbent active site regeneration. These findings revealed the critical role of RSF and the importance of backwashing in removing MPs. Understanding the mechanisms involved in removing microplastics from drinking water is crucial in developing more efficient strategies to eliminate them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassim Chabi
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Faculty of Sciences and Technic Abomey - Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP: 526 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Jianguo Li
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Chengsong Ye
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Claude Kiki
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Faculty of Sciences and Technic Abomey - Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP: 526 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Xinyan Xiao
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xi Li
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Lizheng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Mahmoud Gad
- Water Pollution Research Department, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Mingbao Feng
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xin Yu
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
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18
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Rafa N, Ahmed B, Zohora F, Bakya J, Ahmed S, Ahmed SF, Mofijur M, Chowdhury AA, Almomani F. Microplastics as carriers of toxic pollutants: Source, transport, and toxicological effects. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123190. [PMID: 38142809 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123190] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has emerged as a new environmental concern due to our reliance on plastic. Recent years have seen an upward trend in scholarly interest in the topic of microplastics carrying contaminants; however, the available review studies have largely focused on specific aspects of this issue, such as sorption, transport, and toxicological effects. Consequently, this review synthesizes the state-of-the-art knowledge on these topics by presenting key findings to guide better policy action toward microplastic management. Microplastics have been reported to absorb pollutants such as persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, and antibiotics, leading to their bioaccumulation in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Hydrophobic interactions are found to be the predominant sorption mechanism, especially for organic pollutants, although electrostatic forces, van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and pi-pi interactions are also noteworthy. This review reveals that physicochemical properties of microplastics, such as size, structure, and functional groups, and environmental compartment properties, such as pH, temperature, and salinity, influence the sorption of pollutants by microplastic. It has been found that microplastics influence the growth and metabolism of organisms. Inadequate methods for collection and analysis of environmental samples, lack of replication of real-world settings in laboratories, and a lack of understanding of the sorption mechanism and toxicity of microplastics impede current microplastic research. Therefore, future research should focus on filling in these knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazifa Rafa
- Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Downing Place, Cambridge, CB2 3EN, United Kingdom
| | - Bushra Ahmed
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Fatema Zohora
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Jannatul Bakya
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Samiya Ahmed
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Department, College of Health and Life sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shams Forruque Ahmed
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram 4000, Bangladesh
| | - M Mofijur
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Ashfaque Ahmed Chowdhury
- School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia; Centre for Intelligent Systems, Clean Energy Academy, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia
| | - Fares Almomani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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19
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Milne MH, De Frond H, Rochman CM, Mallos NJ, Leonard GH, Baechler BR. Exposure of U.S. adults to microplastics from commonly-consumed proteins. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123233. [PMID: 38159628 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
We investigated microplastic (MP) contamination in 16 commonly-consumed protein products (seafoods, terrestrial meats, and plant-based proteins) purchased in the United States (U.S.) with different levels of processing (unprocessed, minimally-processed, and highly-processed), brands (1 - 4 per product type, depending on availability) and store types (conventional supermarket and grocer featuring mostly natural/organic products). Mean (±stdev) MP contamination per serving among the products was 74 ± 220 particles (ranging from 2 ± 2 particles in chicken breast to 370 ± 580 in breaded shrimp). Concentrations (MPs/g tissue) differed between processing levels, with highly-processed products containing significantly more MPs than minimally-processed products (p = 0.0049). There were no significant differences among the same product from different brands or store types. Integrating these results with protein consumption data from the American public, we estimate that the mean annual exposure of adults to MPs in these proteins is 11,000 ± 29,000 particles, with a maximum estimated exposure of 3.8 million MPs/year. These findings further inform estimations of human exposure to MPs, particularly from proteins which are important dietary staples in the U.S. Subsequent research should investigate additional drivers of MPs in the human diet, including other understudied food groups sourced from both within and outside the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine H Milne
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Hannah De Frond
- Ocean Conservancy, 1300 19th St NW 8th floor, Washington, DC, 20036, USA; University of Toronto Trash Team, Toronto, Canada
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3B2, Canada; University of Toronto Trash Team, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Mallos
- Ocean Conservancy, 1300 19th St NW 8th floor, Washington, DC, 20036, USA
| | - George H Leonard
- Ocean Conservancy, 1300 19th St NW 8th floor, Washington, DC, 20036, USA
| | - Britta R Baechler
- Ocean Conservancy, 1300 19th St NW 8th floor, Washington, DC, 20036, USA.
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20
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Patil S, Bafana A, Krishnamurthi K, Sivanesan S. Estimated exposure to microplastics through national and local brands of bottled water in Central India. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:240. [PMID: 38324193 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12387-7] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants that affect various environmental matrices, including air, water, soil, food, and beverages. In India, there is limited research on microplastics in bottled drinking water, which is a significant route of MP exposure to the human body. To date, the data on the occurrence of MPs in national and local bottled water brands have not been studied and compared. Therefore, the current study focuses on the contamination of MPs in bottled water from different national and local brands procured from the market of Nagpur, India. The MPs were observed in all the analyzed samples. It was observed that the local bottled water showed higher MP contamination compared to national bottled water, with MP concentrations of 212 ± 100 MPs/L and 72 ± 36 MPs/L, respectively. The MPs were identified and characterized using microscopic and attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis, revealing that the dominant MP particles were fragments (71%), followed by fibers (23%), and others (6%). Among the observed particles, 50% of particles were black colored, followed by transparent (16%), red (13%), orange (8%), green (3%), blue (5%), and yellow (5%). The predominant polymer types were polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Overall, the pollution load indices suggested a moderate level of contamination in bottled water samples. Furthermore, the estimated annual human exposure to MPs was calculated as 5186 ± 3751 p/kg-bw/year for children and 1482 ± 1072 p/kg-bw/year for adults, making it a significant route of human exposure to MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Patil
- Health and Toxicity Cell (HTC), CSIR - NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) Campus, Nagpur, 440020, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Amit Bafana
- Health and Toxicity Cell (HTC), CSIR - NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) Campus, Nagpur, 440020, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Kannan Krishnamurthi
- Health and Toxicity Cell (HTC), CSIR - NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) Campus, Nagpur, 440020, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Saravanadevi Sivanesan
- Health and Toxicity Cell (HTC), CSIR - NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) Campus, Nagpur, 440020, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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21
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Rosellini M, Omer EA, Schulze A, Ali NT, Boulos JC, Marini F, Küpper JH, Efferth T. Impact of plastic-related compounds on the gene expression signature of HepG2 cells transfected with CYP3A4. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:525-536. [PMID: 38160208 PMCID: PMC10794370 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03648-4] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The presence of plastic and microplastic within the oceans as well as in marine flora and fauna have caused a multitude of problems that have been the topic of numerous investigations for many years. However, their impact on human health remains largely unknown. Such plastic and microplastic particles have been detected in blood and placenta, underlining their ability to enter the human body. Plastics also contain other compounds, such as plasticizers, antioxidants, or dyes, whose impact on human health is currently being studied. Critical enzymes within the metabolism of endogenous molecules, especially of xenobiotics, are the cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs). Although their importance in maintaining cellular balance has been confirmed, their interactions with plastics and related products are poorly understood. In this study, the possible relationship between different plastic-related compounds and CYP3A4 as one of the most important CYPs was analyzed using hepatic cells overexpressing this enzyme. Beginning with virtual compound screening and molecular docking of more than 1000 plastic-related compounds, several candidates were identified to interact with CYP3A4. In a second step, RNA-sequencing was used to study in detail the transcriptome-wide gene expression levels affected by the selected compounds. Three candidate molecules ((2,2'-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), 1,1-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, and 2,2'-methylenebis(6-cyclohexyl-4-methylphenol)) had an excellent binding affinity to CYP3A4 in-silico as well as cytotoxic effects and interactions with several metabolic pathways in-vitro. We identified common pathways influenced by all three selected plastic-related compounds. In particular, the suppression of pathways related to mitosis and 'DNA-templated DNA replication' which were confirmed by cell cycle analysis and single-cell gel electrophoresis. Furthermore, several mis-regulated metabolic and inflammation-related pathways were identified, suggesting the induction of hepatotoxicity at different levels. These findings imply that these compounds may cause liver problems subsequently affecting the entire organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Rosellini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ejlal A Omer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alicia Schulze
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55122, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nadeen T Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Joelle C Boulos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Federico Marini
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55122, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jan-Heiner Küpper
- Institute of Biotechnology, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, 03046, Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
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22
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Yan Z, Qian H, Yao J, Guo M, Zhao X, Gao N, Zhang Z. Mechanistic insight into the role of typical microplastics in chlorination disinfection: Precursors and adsorbents of both MP-DOM and DBPs. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 462:132716. [PMID: 37820530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in drinking water are predominantly < 10 µm. The leaching of MPs derived dissolved organic matters (MP-DOM) from 5 µm polypropylene MPs (PP-MPs) and polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) and the formation of MP-DOM derived disinfection byproducts during chlorination disinfection were first investigated. Comparably, PS-MPs are more vulnerable to chlorination and the primary attacks are on para C in aromatic side-chains via electrophilic Cl-substitution and oxidation by two-electron transfer. The O/C and Cl/C ratio of polystyrene MPs was linear and exponential versus initial available Cl2 concentrations, respectively. The significant PS-DOM leaching was observed with initial available Cl2 of 4.0 mg/L (USEPA recommended upper dose). As the initial available Cl2 concentration increased to 8.0 mg/L, the adsorption of chloro-phenolic-components of 200 Daltons in PS-DOM by 5 µm PS-MPs was observed for the first time. Trichloromethane (TCM) was identified as the dominant disinfection byproduct with a formation potential of 60.3 ± 7.8 and 73.7 ± 9.8 μg/mg for PS-DOM and PP-DOM, respectively. The derived TCM could adsorb onto PS-MPs followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models. Extreme chlorination could reduce the maximal adsorption capacity of TCM on 5 µm PS-MPs from 196.68 ± 48.66 to 146.02 ± 32.98 μg/g. Thus, PS-MPs act as precursors and carriers of TCM in chlorination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Yan
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Hanyang Qian
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Juanjuan Yao
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China.
| | - Meng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Xiong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Naiyun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
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23
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Bodus B, O'Malley K, Dieter G, Gunawardana C, McDonald W. Review of emerging contaminants in green stormwater infrastructure: Antibiotic resistance genes, microplastics, tire wear particles, PFAS, and temperature. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167195. [PMID: 37777137 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167195] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Green stormwater infrastructure is a growing management approach to capturing, infiltrating, and treating runoff at the source. However, there are several emerging contaminants for which green stormwater infrastructure has not been explicitly designed to mitigate and for which removal mechanisms are not yet well defined. This is an issue, as there is a growing understanding of the impact of emerging contaminants on human and environmental health. This paper presents a review of five emerging contaminants - antibiotic resistance genes, microplastics, tire wear particles, PFAS, and temperature - and seeks to improve our understanding of how green stormwater infrastructure is impacted by and can be designed to mitigate these emerging contaminants. To do so, we present a review of the source and transport of these contaminants to green stormwater infrastructure, specific treatment mechanisms within green infrastructure, and design considerations of green stormwater infrastructure that could lead to their removal. In addition, common removal mechanisms across these contaminants and limitations of green infrastructure for contaminant mitigation are discussed. Finally, we present future research directions that can help to advance the use of green infrastructure as a first line of defense for downstream water bodies against emerging contaminants of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Bodus
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Marquette University, 1637 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA.
| | - Kassidy O'Malley
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Marquette University, 1637 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA.
| | - Greg Dieter
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Marquette University, 1637 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA.
| | - Charitha Gunawardana
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Marquette University, 1637 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA.
| | - Walter McDonald
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Marquette University, 1637 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA.
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24
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Vega-Herrera A, Garcia-Torné M, Borrell-Diaz X, Abad E, Llorca M, Villanueva CM, Farré M. Exposure to micro(nano)plastics polymers in water stored in single-use plastic bottles. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 343:140106. [PMID: 37689148 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to micro (nano)plastics (MNPLs) has become a significant concern as a potential health threat. Exposure routes include ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, being food and drinking water the primary sources of oral exposure. Here we present the quantification of polymers of MNPLs particles from 700 nm to 20 μm in bottled water commercialised in Spain, including an estimation of the potential risk for daily consumers. We evaluated samples from 20 popular brands in 0.5 and 1.5 L plastic bottles. A double-suspect screening approach developed and validated in our research group for drinking water was adapted for bottled water samples. The identification and quantification of MNPLs-polymers in mass units and the tentative identification of plastic additives (PA) until the second level of confidence was carried out based on high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS). The results showed the presence of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene terephthalate (PET) in the samples. Among them, PE was the most frequently detected and quantified polymer (55% of samples) followed by PET which was detected in 33% of the samples and showing the highest concentration (4700 ng L-1). The median value of the sum of polymer concentrations was 359 ng L-1. In addition, 28 plastic additives were detected, where at least one of them was present in 100% of the samples. Stabilizers and plasticisers were the most frequently identified. A prioritisation study was performed using a multi-QSAR modelling software, where bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate were estimated as the most potentially harmful compounds for human health. Overall, findings suggest that bottled water is a non-negligible route to exposure to MNPLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Vega-Herrera
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), CSIC, C. Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Garcia-Torné
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), CSIC, C. Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Borrell-Diaz
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), CSIC, C. Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esteban Abad
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), CSIC, C. Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Llorca
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), CSIC, C. Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina M Villanueva
- ISGlobal, C. Doctor Aiguader, 88, Barcelona, 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Pl. de La Mercè, 10-12, Barcelona, 08002, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Madrid, 28029, Spain; Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Passeig Marítim, 25-29, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Marinella Farré
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), CSIC, C. Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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25
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Feng Y, Tu C, Li R, Wu D, Yang J, Xia Y, Peijnenburg WJ, Luo Y. A systematic review of the impacts of exposure to micro- and nano-plastics on human tissue accumulation and health. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (ONLINE) 2023; 2:195-207. [PMID: 38435355 PMCID: PMC10902512 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) pollution has become a pressing global environmental issue, with growing concerns regarding its impact on human health. However, evidence on the effects of MNPs on human health remains limited. This paper reviews the three routes of human exposure to MNPs, which include ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. It further discusses the potential routes of translocation of MNPs in human lungs, intestines, and skin, analyses the potential impact of MNPs on the homeostasis of human organ systems, and provides an outlook on future research priorities for MNPs in human health. There is growing evidence that MNPs are present in human tissues or fluids. Lab studies, including in vivo animal models and in vitro human-derived cell cultures, revealed that MNPs exposure could negatively affect human health. MNPs exposure could cause oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, disruption of internal barriers like the intestinal, the air-blood and the placental barrier, tissue damage, as well as immune homeostasis imbalance, endocrine disruption, and reproductive and developmental toxicity. Limitedly available epidemiological studies suggest that disorders like lung nodules, asthma, and blood thrombus might be caused or exacerbated by MNPs exposure. However, direct evidence for the effects of MNPs on human health is still scarce, and future research in this area is needed to provide quantitative support for assessing the risk of MNPs to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Feng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chen Tu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ruijie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Di Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jie Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Willie J.G.M. Peijnenburg
- National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Center for Safety of Substances and Products, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Yongming Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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26
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Gani KM, Bhat ZM, Feroz M. Does drinking 1 L of water at public places in Kolkata (India) means ingesting three million microfibers? A commentary on "cost-effective remedial to microfiber pollution from wash effluent in Kolkata and Ranaghat". CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 343:140188. [PMID: 37758080 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
The success of research in addressing a problem is heavily reliant on established methodologies and techniques from previous research findings. Therefore, precision and specificity are crucial to avoid drawing inaccurate conclusions. In this paper, we provide a critical commentary on a recently published research paper titled "Cost-effective remedial to microfiber pollution from wash effluent in Kolkata and Ranaghat" published in Chemosphere (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137548), which reports a study on microfiber pollution and its mitigation from drinking water and washing effluents in Kolkata and Ranaghat, India. Our comment focuses on the microfiber results reported by Mondal et al. (2023). Surprisingly, Mondal et al. (2023) reported microfibers in drinking water samples in higher concentration of microfibers (3000-5800 MFs/mL) compared to the washing effluents. This unusual variation in microfiber concentrations raises questions, especially considering the efficiency of conventional drinking water treatment plants in removing microfibers and exaggerated risk to public health. Based on our critical analysis of the methodology and data analysis reported by Mondal et al. (2023), we highlighted the significant errors and deficiencies present in the published article. These inaccuracies were due to inclusion of weight of suspended solids in the microfiber calculations. Our study highlighted the need of robust analytical methods for the quantification of microfibers in water sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Muzamil Gani
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
| | - Zaid Mushtaq Bhat
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Mariha Feroz
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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27
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Matarèse BFE, Rusin A, Seymour C, Mothersill C. Quantum Biology and the Potential Role of Entanglement and Tunneling in Non-Targeted Effects of Ionizing Radiation: A Review and Proposed Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16464. [PMID: 38003655 PMCID: PMC10671017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that cells, tissues, and organisms exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation can induce effects in non-irradiated neighbors (non-targeted effects or NTE), but the mechanisms remain unclear. This is especially true of the initial steps leading to the release of signaling molecules contained in exosomes. Voltage-gated ion channels, photon emissions, and calcium fluxes are all involved but the precise sequence of events is not yet known. We identified what may be a quantum entanglement type of effect and this prompted us to consider whether aspects of quantum biology such as tunneling and entanglement may underlie the initial events leading to NTE. We review the field where it may be relevant to ionizing radiation processes. These include NTE, low-dose hyper-radiosensitivity, hormesis, and the adaptive response. Finally, we present a possible quantum biological-based model for NTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno F. E. Matarèse
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK;
- Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Andrej Rusin
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; (A.R.); (C.S.)
| | - Colin Seymour
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; (A.R.); (C.S.)
| | - Carmel Mothersill
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; (A.R.); (C.S.)
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28
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Mosquera-Ortega M, Rodrigues de Sousa L, Susmel S, Cortón E, Figueredo F. When microplastics meet electroanalysis: future analytical trends for an emerging threat. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:5978-5999. [PMID: 37921647 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01448g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are a major modern challenge that must be addressed to protect the environment, particularly the marine environment. Microplastics, defined as particles ≤5 mm, are ubiquitous in the environment. Their small size for a relatively large surface area, high persistence and easy distribution in water, soil and air require the development of new analytical methods to monitor their presence. At present, the availability of analytical techniques that are easy to use, automated, inexpensive and based on new approaches to improve detection remains an open challenge. This review aims to outline the evolution and novelties of classical and advanced methods, in particular the recently reported electroanalytical detectors, methods and devices. Among all the studies reviewed here, we highlight the great advantages of electroanalytical tools over spectroscopic and thermal analysis, especially for the rapid and accurate detection of microplastics in the sub-micron range. Finally, the challenges faced in the development of automated analytical methods are discussed, highlighting recent trends in artificial intelligence (AI) in microplastics analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Mosquera-Ortega
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Department of Biological Chemistry and IQUIBICEN, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires (1428), Argentina.
- Basic Science Department, Faculty Regional General Pacheco, National Technological University, Argentina
| | - Lucas Rodrigues de Sousa
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Department of Biological Chemistry and IQUIBICEN, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires (1428), Argentina.
- Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Goias, Campus Samambaia, Goiania, Brazil
| | - Sabina Susmel
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences (Di4A), University of Udine, Via Sondrio 2/A, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Eduardo Cortón
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Department of Biological Chemistry and IQUIBICEN, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires (1428), Argentina.
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology at Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Federico Figueredo
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Department of Biological Chemistry and IQUIBICEN, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires (1428), Argentina.
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29
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Priya AK, Muruganandam M, Imran M, Gill R, Vasudeva Reddy MR, Shkir M, Sayed MA, AlAbdulaal TH, Algarni H, Arif M, Jha NK, Sehgal SS. A study on managing plastic waste to tackle the worldwide plastic contamination and environmental remediation. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 341:139979. [PMID: 37659517 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 50 years, the emergence of plastic waste as one of the most urgent environmental problems in the world has given rise to several proposals to address the rising levels of contaminants associated with plastic debris. Worldwide plastic production has increased significantly over the last 70 years, reaching a record high of 359 million tonnes in 2020. China is currently the world's largest plastic producer, with a share of 17.5%. Of the total marine waste, microplastics account for 75%, while land-based pollution accounts for responsible for 80-90%, and ocean-based pollution 10-20% only in overall pollution problems. Even at small dosages (10 μg/mL), microplastics have been found to cause toxic effects on human and animal health. This review examines the sources of microplastic contamination, the prevalent reaches of microplastics, their impacts, and the remediation methods for microplastic contamination. This review explains the relationship between the community composition and the presence of microplastic particulate matter in aquatic ecosystems. The interaction between microplastics and emerging pollutants, including heavy metals, has been linked to enhanced toxicity. The review article provided a comprehensive overview of microplastic, including its fate, environmental toxicity, and possible remediation strategies. The results of our study are of great value as they illustrate a current perspective and provide an in-depth analysis of the current status of microplastics in development, their test requirements, and remediation technologies suitable for various environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Priya
- Department of Chemical Engineering, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Tamilnadu, India; Project Prioritization, Monitoring & Evaluation and Knowledge Management Unit, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil & Water Conservation (ICAR-IISWC), Dehradun, India.
| | - M Muruganandam
- Project Prioritization, Monitoring & Evaluation and Knowledge Management Unit, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil & Water Conservation (ICAR-IISWC), Dehradun, India
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) Technology and Innovation Center, Riyadh 11551, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rana Gill
- University Centre for Research & Development, Electronics & Communication Department Chandigarh University Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | | | - Mohd Shkir
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia.
| | - M A Sayed
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - T H AlAbdulaal
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - H Algarni
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Arif
- Applied Science and Humanities Section, University Polytechnic, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-110025, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, India.
| | - Satbir S Sehgal
- Division of Research Innovation, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
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Seewoo BJ, Goodes LM, Mofflin L, Mulders YR, Wong EV, Toshniwal P, Brunner M, Alex J, Johnston B, Elagali A, Gozt A, Lyle G, Choudhury O, Solomons T, Symeonides C, Dunlop SA. The plastic health map: A systematic evidence map of human health studies on plastic-associated chemicals. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 181:108225. [PMID: 37948868 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global production and use of plastic materials has increased dramatically since the 1960s and there is increasing evidence of human health impacts related to exposure to plastic-associated chemicals. There is, however, no comprehensive, regulatory, post-market monitoring for human health effects of plastic-associated chemicals or particles and it is unclear how many of these have been investigated for effects in humans, and therefore what the knowledge gaps are. OBJECTIVE To create a systematic evidence map of peer-reviewed human studies investigating the potential effects of exposure to plastic-associated particles/chemicals on health to identify research gaps and provide recommendations for future research and regulation policy. METHODS Medline and Embase databases were used to identify peer-reviewed primary human studies published in English from Jan 1960 - Jan 2022 that investigated relationships between exposures to included plastic-associated particles/chemicals measured and detected in bio-samples and human health outcomes. Plastic-associated particles/chemicals included are: micro and nanoplastics, due to their widespread occurrence and potential for human exposure; polymers, the main building blocks of plastic; plasticizers and flame retardants, the two most common types of plastic additives with the highest concentration ranges in plastic materials; and bisphenols and per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances, two chemical classes of known health concern that are common in plastics. We extracted metadata on the population and study characteristics (country, intergenerational, sex, age, general/special exposure risk status, study design), exposure (plastic-associated particle/chemical, multiple exposures), and health outcome measures (biochemical, physiological, and/or clinical), from which we produced the interactive database 'Plastic Health Map' and a narrative summary. RESULTS We identified 100,949 unique articles, of which 3,587 met our inclusion criteria and were used to create a systematic evidence map. The Plastic Health Map with extracted metadata from included studies are freely available at https://osf.io/fhw7d/ and summary tables, plots and overall observations are included in this report. CONCLUSIONS We present the first evidence map compiling human health research on a wide range of plastic-associated chemicals from several different chemical classes, in order to provide stakeholders, including researchers, regulators, and concerned individuals, with an efficient way to access published literature on the matter and determine knowledge gaps. We also provide examples of data clusters to facilitate systematic reviews and research gaps to help direct future research efforts. Extensive gaps are identified in the breadth of populations, exposures and outcomes addressed in studies of potential human health effects of plastic-associated chemicals. No studies of the human health effects of micro and/or nanoplastics were found, and no studies were found for 26/1,202 additives included in our search that are of known hazard concern and confirmed to be in active production. Few studies have addressed recent "substitution" chemicals for restricted additives such as organophosphate flame retardants, phthalate substitutes, and bisphenol analogues. We call for a paradigm shift in chemical regulation whereby new plastic chemicals are rigorously tested for safety before being introduced in consumer products, with ongoing post-introduction biomonitoring of their levels in humans and health effects throughout individuals' life span, including in old age and across generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhedita J Seewoo
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Louise M Goodes
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Louise Mofflin
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Yannick R Mulders
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Enoch Vs Wong
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Priyanka Toshniwal
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Manuel Brunner
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jennifer Alex
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Brady Johnston
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ahmed Elagali
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Aleksandra Gozt
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Greg Lyle
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley WA 6102, Australia
| | - Omrik Choudhury
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Terena Solomons
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; Health and Medical Sciences (Library), The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Christos Symeonides
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Sarah A Dunlop
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
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Vrotsou K, Subiza-Pérez M, Lertxundi A, Vergara I, Marti-Carrera I, Ochoa de Retana L, Duo I, Ibarluzea J. Environmental health knowledge of healthcare professionals: Instrument development and validation using the Rasch model. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 235:116582. [PMID: 37454800 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION environmental risk factors constitute a major public health issue, calling for preventive actions and interventions at multiple levels. An important step in this direction is increasing the environmental health (EH) knowledge of the healthcare professionals. In this context, tools designed to measure such knowledge are of imperative importance. The aim of the present study was to develop an EH knowledge tool for healthcare professionals. METHODS a group of experts defined the knowledge areas of the EH tool and their corresponding items. An online pilot and a validation study were performed. Internal consistency reliability was measured with the Kuder-Richardson 20 (KR-20) estimate, the construct validity and uni-dimensionality of the tool were assessed with the Rasch model. Known-groups validity was analysed with the two-sample t-test. RESULTS a total of n = 151 and n = 444 healthcare professionals and end-year medical and nursing students, participated in the pilot and the validation study, respectively. The resulting 33-item EH knowledge questionnaire for healthcare professionals (EHKQ-HP) obtained a KR-20 = 0.82. The scale is uni-dimensional. Its construct validity was verified, and its items cover a wide range of difficulties. Separation statistics were adequate and known-groups behaved as hypothesized. CONCLUSIONS the EHKQ-HP is a valuable resource for measuring the EH knowledge of the healthcare professionals. As such it will be useful in detecting EH knowledge gaps, and helping public health agents in making informed decisions when developing interventions for increasing this very knowledge. This would consequently help in improving the health of the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Vrotsou
- Osakidetza Health Care Directorate, PC-IHO Research Unit of Gipuzkoa, San Sebastian, Spain; Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Primary Care Group, San Sebastian, Spain; Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Spain
| | - Mikel Subiza-Pérez
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, San Sebastian, Spain; Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methods, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, San Sebastian, Spain; Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford, UK; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Aitana Lertxundi
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, San Sebastian, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Itziar Vergara
- Osakidetza Health Care Directorate, PC-IHO Research Unit of Gipuzkoa, San Sebastian, Spain; Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Primary Care Group, San Sebastian, Spain; Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Spain
| | - Itxaso Marti-Carrera
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Paediatric Group, San Sebastian, Spain; Donostia University Hospital-Osakidetza, Department of Paediatrics, San Sebastian, Spain; Department of Paediatrics, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Lourdes Ochoa de Retana
- Osakidetza Health Care Directorate, Sub-directorate for the Coordination of Primary Care, Active Patient Programme, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Irene Duo
- Osakidetza Health Care Directorate, Sub-directorate for the Coordination of Primary Care, Active Patient Programme, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Jesus Ibarluzea
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, San Sebastian, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Ministry of Health of the Basque Government, Sub-Directorate for Public Health and Addictions of Gipuzkoa, San Sebastian, Spain; Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain
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Molina-Millán L, Körber A, Flinders B, Cillero-Pastor B, Cuypers E, Heeren RMA. MALDI-2 Mass Spectrometry for Synthetic Polymer Analysis. Macromolecules 2023; 56:7729-7736. [PMID: 37841532 PMCID: PMC10569092 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.3c01401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic polymers are ubiquitous in daily life, and their properties offer diverse benefits in numerous applications. However, synthetic polymers also present an increasing environmental burden through their improper disposal and subsequent degradation into secondary micro- and nanoparticles (MNPs). These MNPs accumulate in soil and water environments and can ultimately end up in the food chain, resulting in potential health risks. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) has the potential to study localized biological or toxicological changes in organisms exposed to MNPs. Here, we investigate whether MALDI-2 postionization can provide a sensitivity enhancement in polymer analysis that could contribute to the study of MNPs. We evaluated the effect of MALDI-2 by comparing MALDI and MALDI-2 ion yields from polyethyleneglycol (PEG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF), nylon-6, and polystyrene (PS). MALDI-2 caused a signal enhancement of the protonated species for PEG, PPG, PTHF, and nylon-6. PS, by contrast, preferentially formed radical ions, which we attribute to direct resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI). REMPI of PS led to an improvement in sensitivity by several orders of magnitude, even without cationizing salts. The improved sensitivity demonstrated by MALDI-2 for all polymers tested highlights its potential for studying the distribution of certain classes of polymers in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Molina-Millán
- The
Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4i), Division
of Imaging Mass Spectrometry, Maastricht
University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Aljoscha Körber
- The
Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4i), Division
of Imaging Mass Spectrometry, Maastricht
University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Bryn Flinders
- The
Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4i), Division
of Imaging Mass Spectrometry, Maastricht
University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Berta Cillero-Pastor
- The
Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4i), Division
of Imaging Mass Spectrometry, Maastricht
University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- The
MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Department
of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Cuypers
- The
Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4i), Division
of Imaging Mass Spectrometry, Maastricht
University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ron M. A. Heeren
- The
Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4i), Division
of Imaging Mass Spectrometry, Maastricht
University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Borriello L, Scivicco M, Cacciola NA, Esposito F, Severino L, Cirillo T. Microplastics, a Global Issue: Human Exposure through Environmental and Dietary Sources. Foods 2023; 12:3396. [PMID: 37761106 PMCID: PMC10649135 DOI: 10.3390/foods12183396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic production has grown dramatically over the years. Microplastics (MPs) are formed from the fragmentation of larger plastic debris by combining chemical, physical, and biological processes and can degrade further to form nanoplastics (NPs). Because of their size, MPs and NPs are bioavailable to many organisms and can reach humans through transport along the food chain. In addition to the risk from ingesting MPs themselves, there are risks associated with the substances they carry, such as pesticides, pathogenic microorganisms, and heavy metals, and with the additives added to plastics to improve their characteristics. In addition, bioaccumulation and biomagnification can cause a cumulative exposure effect for organisms at the top of the food chain and humans. Despite the growing scientific interest in this emerging contaminant, the potential adverse effects remain unclear. The aim of this review is to summarize the characteristics (size, shape, color, and properties) of MPs in the environment, the primary sources, and the transport pathways in various environmental compartments, and to shed more light on the ecological impact of MPs and the potential health effects on organisms and humans by identifying human exposure pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucrezia Borriello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Division of Toxicology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.B.); (M.S.); (N.A.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Marcello Scivicco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Division of Toxicology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.B.); (M.S.); (N.A.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Nunzio Antonio Cacciola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Division of Toxicology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.B.); (M.S.); (N.A.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Francesco Esposito
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Lorella Severino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Division of Toxicology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.B.); (M.S.); (N.A.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Teresa Cirillo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, Italy;
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Shi Y, Almuhtaram H, Andrews RC. Adsorption of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Microcystins by Virgin and Weathered Microplastics in Freshwater Matrices. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3676. [PMID: 37765530 PMCID: PMC10535594 DOI: 10.3390/polym15183676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) both represent persistent groups of environmental contaminants that have been associated with human health risks. Microcystin toxins are produced and stored in the cells of cyanobacteria and may be released into sources of drinking water. Recent concerns have emerged regarding the ability of microplastics to adsorb a range of organic contaminants, including PFAS and microcystins. This study examined the adsorption of two long-chain and two short-chain PFAS, as well as two common microcystins, by both virgin and weathered microplastics in freshwater. Natural weathering of microplastic surfaces may decrease adsorption by introducing hydrophilic oxygen-containing functional groups. Up to 50% adsorption of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) was observed for virgin PVC compared to 38% for weathered PVC. In contrast, adsorption capacities for microcystins by virgin LDPE were approximately 5.0 µg/g whereas no adsorption was observed following weathering. These results suggest that adsorption is driven by specific polymer types and dominated by hydrophobic interactions. This is the first known study to quantify PFAS and microcystins adsorption when considering environmentally relevant concentrations as well as weathered microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Husein Almuhtaram
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, Canada
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Wang S, Lu W, Cao Q, Tu C, Zhong C, Qiu L, Li S, Zhang H, Lan M, Qiu L, Li X, Liu Y, Zhou Y, Liu J. Microplastics in the Lung Tissues Associated with Blood Test Index. TOXICS 2023; 11:759. [PMID: 37755769 PMCID: PMC10534820 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have received a lot of attention and have been detected in multiple environmental matrices as a new environmental hazard, but studies on human internal exposure to MPs are limited. Here, we collected lung tissue samples from 12 nonsmoking patients to evaluate the characteristics of MPs in human lung tissues using an Agilent 8700 laser infrared imaging spectrometer and scanning electron microscopy. We detected 108 MPs covering 12 types in the lung tissue samples, with a median concentration of 2.19 particles/g. Most of the MPs (88.89%) were sized between 20 to 100 μm. Polypropylene accounts for 34.26% of the MPs in the lung tissues, followed by polyethylene terephthalate (21.30%) and polystyrene (8.33%). Compared with males and those living far from a major road (≥300 m), females and those living near the main road (<300 m) had higher levels of MPs in lung tissues, which positively correlated with platelet (PLT), thrombocytocrit, fibrinogen (FIB), and negatively related with direct bilirubin (DB). These findings help confirm the presence in the respiratory system and suggest the potential sources and health effects of inhaled MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuguang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Wenfeng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Qingdong Cao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen Unversity, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Changli Tu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 519000, China
| | - Chenghui Zhong
- School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Lan Qiu
- School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Saifeng Li
- School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Han Zhang
- School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Meiqi Lan
- School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Liqiu Qiu
- School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Xiaoliang Li
- Zhuhai Center for Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai 519060, China
| | - Yuewei Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 519000, China
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El Gazzar WB, Sliem RE, Bayoumi H, Nasr HE, Shabanah M, Elalfy A, Radwaan SE, Gebba MA, Mansour HM, Badr AM, Amer MF, Ashour SS, Morsi H, Aboelkomsan ESAF, Baioumy B, Sayed AEDH, Farag AA. Melatonin Alleviates Intestinal Barrier Damaging Effects Induced by Polyethylene Microplastics in Albino Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13619. [PMID: 37686424 PMCID: PMC10488227 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There have been concerns about the potential health risks posed by microplastics (MP). The detection of MP in a variety of food products revealed that humans are ingesting MP. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of data about their impacts, as well as their uptake, on intestinal barrier integrity. This study examined the toxic effects of oral administration of two doses of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MP) (3.75 or 15 mg/kg/day for 5 weeks; mean particle size: 4.0-6.0 µm) on the intestinal barrier integrity in rats. Moreover, the effect of melatonin treatment with MP exposure was also assessed. The PE-MP particle uptake, histopathological changes, Alcian blue staining, Muc2 mRNA, proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α), and cleaved caspase-3, as well as tight junction proteins (claudin-1, myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK), occludin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1)) were assessed. Oral administration of PE-MP resulted in apparent jejunal histopathological alterations; significantly decreased mucin secretion, occludin, ZO-1, and claudin-1 expression; and significantly upregulated MLCK mRNA, IL-1β concentration, and cleaved caspase-3 expression. Melatonin reversed these altered parameters and improved the PE-MP-induced histopathological and ultrastructure changes. This study highlighted the PE-MP's toxic effect on intestinal barrier integrity and revealed the protective effect of melatonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa Bayoumie El Gazzar
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa 13133, Jordan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt;
| | - Rania E. Sliem
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt; (R.E.S.); (S.E.R.)
| | - Heba Bayoumi
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt; (H.B.); (A.E.)
| | - Hend Elsayed Nasr
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt;
| | - Manar Shabanah
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35511, Egypt;
| | - Amira Elalfy
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt; (H.B.); (A.E.)
| | - Shaimaa E. Radwaan
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt; (R.E.S.); (S.E.R.)
| | - Mohammed A. Gebba
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt; (M.A.G.)
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Merit University, Sohag 82524, Egypt
| | - Heba M. Mansour
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, 6th of October City 12573, Egypt;
| | - Amul M. Badr
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11451, Egypt; (A.M.B.); (M.F.A.); (S.S.A.); (H.M.)
| | - Marwa Fathy Amer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11451, Egypt; (A.M.B.); (M.F.A.); (S.S.A.); (H.M.)
| | - Sara S. Ashour
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11451, Egypt; (A.M.B.); (M.F.A.); (S.S.A.); (H.M.)
| | - Heba Morsi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11451, Egypt; (A.M.B.); (M.F.A.); (S.S.A.); (H.M.)
| | | | - Bodour Baioumy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt; (M.A.G.)
| | | | - Amina A. Farag
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt;
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Passos RS, Davenport A, Busquets R, Selden C, Silva LB, Baptista JS, Barceló D, Campos LC. Microplastics and nanoplastics in haemodialysis waters: Emerging threats to be in our radar. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 102:104253. [PMID: 37604358 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are present in the environment, in drinking water, in human blood and there is evidence of nanoplastics in tap water. The objective of this work was to analyze the possibility of hemodialysis patients being contaminated by micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) during dialysis treatment. The motivation for this investigation is the fact that hemodialysis patients use about 300-600 L of drinking water per week, which may be contaminated by MNPs. A literature review, a field investigation in a London hospital and an estimation of MNPs intake in patients were carried out. The results showed potential points of risk of contamination of patients by MNPs in hemodialysis. It was also estimated that for a filtration efficiency of 99 % for MNPs, the amount of microplastics that can penetrate the kidneys of patients is 0.0021-3768 particles/week. The assessment concludes that hemodialysis patients are at high risk of MNP contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robson S Passos
- Environmental Management Coordination and Environmental Technology and Bioprocesses Research Group, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Luís Freire, 500 - Cidade Universitária, Recife 50740-545, Brazil; Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrew Davenport
- UCL Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Rosa Busquets
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kingston University London, Penrhyn road, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EE, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Selden
- Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Royal Free Campus, UCL Medical School, Rowland Hill St, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Luiz B Silva
- Labour Analysis Laboratory, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa Campus I, Cidade Universitaria, 58051-900, Brazil
| | - J Santos Baptista
- Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics (LAETA/PROA), Faculty of Engineering of University of Porto - FEUP, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Damià Barceló
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 1826, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Luiza C Campos
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
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Caba-Flores MD, Martínez-Valenzuela C, Cárdenas-Tueme M, Camacho-Morales A. Micro problems with macro consequences: accumulation of persistent organic pollutants and microplastics in human breast milk and in human milk substitutes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:95139-95154. [PMID: 37597149 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29182-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Industrial activities provide a modern human lifestyle with advances and comforts in every field. However, such scenario has brought several negative issues. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and a growing plastic usage together with the degradation byproducts, namely microplastics (MPs), are current environmental problems present in every ecosystem, disturbing all forms of life. POPs and MPs are also found in human consumption products including animal and vegetal derivatives, human milk substitutes, and in human breast milk. To date, it is currently unknown what are the effects of MPs and POPs when ingested during the first and most important stage for health programming of the offspring, the first 1000 days of life. Here, we add epidemiological and clinical evidence supporting major sources of POPs and MPs in the ecosystem; and we will precisely describe the effect of POP and MP accumulation in animal- or plant-based infant formulas and human breast milk, modulating health outcomes in the newborn. This review provides a rational to incentive the POP and MP identification in human breast milk and human milk substitutes for avoiding susceptibility to negative health outcomes for the newborn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Daniel Caba-Flores
- College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
- Center for Research and Development in Health Sciences, Neurometabolism Unit, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza, NL, Mexico
| | | | - Marcela Cárdenas-Tueme
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The Institute for Obesity Research, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
- Centro de Investigación en Nutrición Y Salud Pública, Facultad de Salud Pública Y Nutrición, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Alberto Camacho-Morales
- College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, NL, Mexico.
- Center for Research and Development in Health Sciences, Neurometabolism Unit, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza, NL, Mexico.
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Rosellini M, Schulze A, Omer EA, Ali NT, Marini F, Küpper JH, Efferth T. The Effect of Plastic-Related Compounds on Transcriptome-Wide Gene Expression on CYP2C19-Overexpressing HepG2 Cells. Molecules 2023; 28:5952. [PMID: 37630204 PMCID: PMC10459118 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28165952] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, plastic and especially microplastic in the oceans have caused huge problems to marine flora and fauna. Recently, such particles have also been detected in blood, breast milk, and placenta, underlining their ability to enter the human body, presumably via the food chain and other yet-unknown mechanisms. In addition, plastic contains plasticizers, antioxidants, or lubricants, whose impact on human health is also under investigation. At the cellular level, the most important enzymes involved in the metabolism of xenobiotic compounds are the cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs). Despite their extensive characterization in the maintenance of cellular balance, their interactions with plastic and related products are unexplored. In this study, the possible interactions between several plastic-related compounds and one of the most important cytochromes, CYP2C19, were analyzed. By applying virtual compound screening and molecular docking to more than 1000 commercially available plastic-related compounds, we identified candidates that are likely to interact with this protein. A growth inhibition assay confirmed their cytotoxic activity on a CYP2C19-transfected hepatic cell line. Subsequently, we studied the effect of the selected compounds on the transcriptome-wide gene expression level by conducting RNA sequencing. Three candidate molecules were identified, i.e., 2,2'-methylene bis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), 1,1-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxyphenyl) ethane, and 2,2'-methylene bis(6-cyclohexyl-4-methylphenol)), which bound with a high affinity to CYP2C19 in silico. They exerted a profound cytotoxicity in vitro and interacted with several metabolic pathways, of which the 'cholesterol biosynthesis process' was the most affected. In addition, other affected pathways involved mitosis, DNA replication, and inflammation, suggesting an increase in hepatotoxicity. These results indicate that plastic-related compounds could damage the liver by affecting several molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Rosellini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (M.R.); (E.A.O.); (N.T.A.)
| | - Alicia Schulze
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Center of the Johannes, Gutenberg University, 55122 Mainz, Germany; (A.S.); (F.M.)
| | - Ejlal A. Omer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (M.R.); (E.A.O.); (N.T.A.)
| | - Nadeen T. Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (M.R.); (E.A.O.); (N.T.A.)
| | - Federico Marini
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Center of the Johannes, Gutenberg University, 55122 Mainz, Germany; (A.S.); (F.M.)
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jan-Heiner Küpper
- Institute of Biotechnology, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, 03046 Senftenberg, Germany;
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (M.R.); (E.A.O.); (N.T.A.)
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Binder ARD, Mussack V, Kirchner B, Pfaffl MW. Uptake and effects of polystyrene nanoplastics in comparison to non-plastic silica nanoparticles on small intestine cells (IPEC-J2). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115147. [PMID: 37343485 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics smaller than 1 µm accumulate as anthropogenic material in the food chain, but only little is known about their uptake and possible effects on potentially strongly exposed cells of the small intestine. The aim of the study was to observe the uptake of 100 nm polystyrene nanoplastics into a non-tumorigenic small intestine cell culture model (IPEC-J2 cells) and to monitor the effects on cell growth and gene regulation, compared to a 100 nm non-plastic silica nanoparticle reference. The intracellular uptake of both types of nanoparticles was proven via (confocal) fluorescence microscopy and complemented with transmission electron microscopy. Fluorescence microscopy showed a growth phase-dependent uptake of nanoparticles into the cells, hence further experiments included different time points related to epithelial closure, determined via electric cell substrate impedance sensing. No retardations in epithelial closure of cells after treatment with polystyrene nanoparticles could be found. In contrast, epithelial cell closure was partly negatively influenced by silica nanoparticles. An increased production of organic nanoparticles, like extracellular vesicles, was not measurable via nanoparticle tracking analysis. An assessment of messenger RNA by next generation sequencing and subsequent pathway analysis revealed that the TP53 pathway was influenced significantly by the polystyrene nanoparticle treatment. In both treatments, dysregulated mRNAs were highly enriched in the NOTCH signaling pathway compared to the non-particle control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ronja Dorothea Binder
- Chair of Animal Physiology and Immunology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Weihenstephaner Berg 3, D-85354 Freising, Germany.
| | - Veronika Mussack
- Chair of Animal Physiology and Immunology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Weihenstephaner Berg 3, D-85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Benedikt Kirchner
- Chair of Animal Physiology and Immunology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Weihenstephaner Berg 3, D-85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Michael W Pfaffl
- Chair of Animal Physiology and Immunology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Weihenstephaner Berg 3, D-85354 Freising, Germany
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Mladinich K, Holohan BA, Shumway SE, Ward JE. The relationship between microplastics in eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and surrounding environmental compartments in Long Island Sound. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 189:106040. [PMID: 37321021 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP, <5 mm) are found in coastal waters across various environmental compartments (biota, water, marine snow, sediment). The eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is a commercially important species that ingests MP; however, oysters are discriminant suspension feeders that do not consume all particles to which they are exposed. This study explored the relationship between MP in oysters on a recreational oyster bed and the surrounding environmental compartments in Long Island Sound (LIS; USA). The quantity and types of MP in oysters, water, marine snow, and sediment samples were determined. Precautions were taken to minimize and monitor MP contamination in the field and laboratory to improve the quality of data collected. Microplastics were isolated from samples via chemical digestion, and any suspected particles were identified using micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A total of 86 MP were identified out of 885 suspected particles across environmental media. The highest MP count in an individual oyster was nine, indicating low concentrations of MP in oysters and the surrounding environment. Few polymers, except polyethylene terephthalate, were shared between oysters and the surrounding environmental compartments. Sediments contained the highest number of MP across all environmental compartments (42 total). These data aid in determining the types of MP (polymer composition, shape, size) to which oysters are exposed and identified those ingested. The low numbers of MP recorded, coupled with the lack of alignment of polymers between oysters and their surrounding environment, demonstrates further that oysters are a poor bioindicator species for MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Mladinich
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecosset Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States.
| | - Bridget A Holohan
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecosset Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States
| | - Sandra E Shumway
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecosset Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States
| | - J Evan Ward
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecosset Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States
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42
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Han J, Yan J, Li K, Lin B, Lai W, Bian L, Jia R, Liu X, Xi Z. Distribution of Micro-Nano PS, DEHP, and/or MEHP in Mice and Nerve Cell Models In Vitro after Exposure to Micro-Nano PS and DEHP. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11050441. [PMID: 37235255 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Polystyrene (PS) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) exist widely in the environment. However, their distribution in organisms remains unclear. We used three sizes (50 nm, 500 nm, and 5 μm) of PS and DEHP to study the distribution and accumulation of PS, DEHP, and mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) in mice and nerve cell models (HT22 and BV2 cells) and their potential toxicity. Results showed that PS entered the blood of mice, and the distribution of different particle sizes in different tissues was different. After the combined exposure to PS and DEHP, PS carried DEHP, which significantly increased the DEHP content and MEHP content and the highest content of MEHP was in the brain. With the decrease in PS particle size, the contents of PS, DEHP, and MEHP in the body increased. The levels of inflammatory factors were increased in the serum of the PS or/and DEHP group. In addition, 50 nm polystyrene can carry MEHP into nerve cells. These results suggest for the first time that PS and DEHP combined exposure can induce systemic inflammation, and the brain is an important target organ of PS and DEHP combined exposure. This study may serve as a reference for further evaluation of the neurotoxicity induced by combined exposure to PS and DEHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Han
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Kang Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Bencheng Lin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Wenqing Lai
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Liping Bian
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Rui Jia
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Zhuge Xi
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
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43
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Aslam S, Khurram A, Hussain R, Qadir A, Ahmad SR. Sources, distribution, and incipient threats of polymeric microplastic released from food storage plastic materials. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:638. [PMID: 37138178 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11242-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to find out the source, distribution, quantity, and incipient threats of the microplastics (MPs) released by food-packing plastic materials, plastic bags, bottles, and containers on human health, biodiversity, water bodies, and atmosphere. For this purpose, 152 articles about MPs (0.1 to 5000 µm) and nanoplastics (NP) 1 to 100 nm) were reviewed and interpreted their results in the present articles about microplastics. The highest plastic waste is generated by China (⁓ 59 Mt), the USA (⁓ 38 Mt), Brazil (⁓ 12 Mt), Germany (⁓ 15 Mt), and Pakistan (⁓ 6 Mt). The count of MPs (MPs/kg) in Chinese salt was 718, UK 136, Iran 48, and USA 32, while MPs in bivalves, i.e., in Chinese bivalves was 2.93, UK 2.9, Iran 2.2, and Italy 7.2 in MPs/kg, respectively. The MPs count in Chinese fish was 7.3, Italy's 23, the USA's 13, and UK's 1.25 in MPs/kg, respectively. The MP concentrations in the water bodies, i.e., USA, were 15.2, Italy 7, and UK 4.4 in mg/L, respectively. It was critically reviewed that MPs can enter the human body causing various disorders (neurotoxic, biotoxic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic disorders) because of the presence of various polymers. The present study concluded that MPs were released from processed and stored food containers, either through physical, biological, or chemical means, which harshly affect the surrounding environment and human health. The study recommended that alternatives to plastic containers are glass and bioplastic containers, papers, cotton bags, wooden boxes, and tree leaves need to use to avoid direct consumption of MPs from food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarfa Aslam
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan.
| | - Ayesha Khurram
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan
| | - Rahib Hussain
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan.
- Institute of Geographic Sciences &, Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Abdul Qadir
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan
| | - Sajid Rashid Ahmad
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan
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Ji J, Wu X, Li X, Zhu Y. Effects of microplastics in aquatic environments on inflammatory bowel disease. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 229:115974. [PMID: 37088319 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been increasing in recent years, particularly in newly industrialized nations. Environmental factors have been identified as playing a crucial role in IBD pathogenesis. Microplastics (MPs), a novel class of environmental pollutants, are a significant global pollution concern. MPs are found in almost all aquatic environments. MPs in the environment may pose health risks, specifically concerning the intestinal system, due to prolonged exposure through the consumption of aquatic foods and drinking water. In this review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the impact of MPs in water resources on the occurrence and progression of IBD. Our systematic analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies found that MPs induce intestinal barrier dysfunction, imbalance in the intestinal microbiome, and metabolic abnormalities, ultimately leading to IBD. In addition, MP exposure causes greater harm to individuals with preexisting gastrointestinal disorders than those without them. Our analysis of this literature review highlights the need for further research to improve the understanding of the complex relationship between MP exposure and IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Ji
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Xinyue Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xi Li
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Ya Zhu
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
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45
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Osman AI, Hosny M, Eltaweil AS, Omar S, Elgarahy AM, Farghali M, Yap PS, Wu YS, Nagandran S, Batumalaie K, Gopinath SCB, John OD, Sekar M, Saikia T, Karunanithi P, Hatta MHM, Akinyede KA. Microplastic sources, formation, toxicity and remediation: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2023; 21:1-41. [PMID: 37362012 PMCID: PMC10072287 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-023-01593-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is becoming a major issue for human health due to the recent discovery of microplastics in most ecosystems. Here, we review the sources, formation, occurrence, toxicity and remediation methods of microplastics. We distinguish ocean-based and land-based sources of microplastics. Microplastics have been found in biological samples such as faeces, sputum, saliva, blood and placenta. Cancer, intestinal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, infectious and inflammatory diseases are induced or mediated by microplastics. Microplastic exposure during pregnancy and maternal period is also discussed. Remediation methods include coagulation, membrane bioreactors, sand filtration, adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, electrocoagulation and magnetic separation. Control strategies comprise reducing plastic usage, behavioural change, and using biodegradable plastics. Global plastic production has risen dramatically over the past 70 years to reach 359 million tonnes. China is the world's top producer, contributing 17.5% to global production, while Turkey generates the most plastic waste in the Mediterranean region, at 144 tonnes per day. Microplastics comprise 75% of marine waste, with land-based sources responsible for 80-90% of pollution, while ocean-based sources account for only 10-20%. Microplastics induce toxic effects on humans and animals, such as cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress, barrier attributes, and genotoxicity, even at minimal dosages of 10 μg/mL. Ingestion of microplastics by marine animals results in alterations in gastrointestinal tract physiology, immune system depression, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, differential gene expression, and growth inhibition. Furthermore, bioaccumulation of microplastics in the tissues of aquatic organisms can have adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem, with potential transmission of microplastics to humans and birds. Changing individual behaviours and governmental actions, such as implementing bans, taxes, or pricing on plastic carrier bags, has significantly reduced plastic consumption to 8-85% in various countries worldwide. The microplastic minimisation approach follows an upside-down pyramid, starting with prevention, followed by reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, and ending with disposal as the least preferable option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed I. Osman
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, David Keir Building, Queen’s University Belfast, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5AG Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mohamed Hosny
- Green Technology Group, Environmental Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21511 Egypt
| | | | - Sara Omar
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Elgarahy
- Environmental Science Department, Faculty of Science, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
- Egyptian Propylene and Polypropylene Company (EPPC), Port-Said, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Farghali
- Department of Agricultural Engineering and Socio-Economics, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501 Japan
- Department of Animal and Poultry Hygiene & Environmental Sanitation, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526 Egypt
| | - Pow-Seng Yap
- Department of Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123 China
| | - Yuan-Seng Wu
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Saraswathi Nagandran
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Kalaivani Batumalaie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Asia Metropolitan University, 81750 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Subash C. B. Gopinath
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 02600 Arau, Perlis Malaysia
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 01000 Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
- Micro System Technology, Centre of Excellence, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Pauh Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis Malaysia
| | - Oliver Dean John
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia
| | - Mahendran Sekar
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, 30450 Ipoh, Perak Malaysia
| | - Trideep Saikia
- Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Guwahati Assam, India
| | - Puvanan Karunanithi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM), Melaka, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hayrie Mohd Hatta
- Centre for Research and Development, Asia Metropolitan University, 81750 Johor Bahru, Johor Malaysia
| | - Kolajo Adedamola Akinyede
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town, 7530 South Africa
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Science Technology, The Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B.5351, Ado Ekiti, 360231 Ekiti State Nigeria
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46
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Li H, Zhu L, Ma M, Wu H, An L, Yang Z. Occurrence of microplastics in commercially sold bottled water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161553. [PMID: 36640894 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in all environmental compartments, including food and water. A growing body of evidence suggests the potential health impacts of continuous microplastic ingestion on humans. However, a lack of information on microplastic exposure to humans through drinking water and the high heterogeneity of available data limits advancements in health risk assessments. In the present study, laser direct infrared spectroscopy (LD-IR) was used to determine the occurrence of microplastics in bottled water sold in China. Then, the ingestion level of microplastics through drinking water was estimated. The results showed that the average microplastic abundance in bottled water was 72.32 ± 44.64 items/L, which was higher than that detected in tap water (49.67 ± 17.49 items/L). Overall, the microplastic structures were dominated by films and mainly consisted of cellulose and PVC. Their sizes were concentrated in the range of 10-50 μm, accounting for 67.85 ± 8.40 % of the total microplastics in bottled water and 75.50 % in tap water. The estimated daily intake of microplastics (EDI) by infants through bottled water and tap water was almost twice as high as that by adults, although adults ingested more microplastics. The present results provide valuable data for further assessing human health risks associated with exposure to microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Long Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Mindong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Haiwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Lihui An
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Zhanhong Yang
- Environmental Standards Institute of Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
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Nirmala K, Rangasamy G, Ramya M, Shankar VU, Rajesh G. A critical review on recent research progress on microplastic pollutants in drinking water. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 222:115312. [PMID: 36709031 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is an emerging issue in recent days. Persistent plastic particles reach the atmosphere, land and water by multiple pathways. Research has confirmed that the existence of plastic particles is found surprisingly everywhere, from the Artic to the Antarctic region. The probability of ingestion of plastic by all living forms is quite natural, as the whole planet's environment is polluted with microplastic particles. The bioaccumulation of microplastics is a threat and the consequences for living beings are yet to be explored. Microplastics present in different drinking water sources like rivers, lakes, treatment units etc. are studied by several researchers, covering various aspects. Research carried out by various scientists on the microplastics in different drinking water sources is highlighted in this review. In view of the previous research carried out on various aspects of microplastic particles, the necessity of a uniform protocol for qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastic is ascertained. Microplastic pollution is an ongoing environmental concern, it must be addressed and research should be expanded.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Nirmala
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, 603 110, India; Centre of Excellence in Water Research (CEWAR), Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, 603 110, India
| | - Gayathri Rangasamy
- School of Engineering, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon; Department of Sustainable Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, 602105, India.
| | - M Ramya
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, 603 110, India; Centre of Excellence in Water Research (CEWAR), Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, 603 110, India
| | - V Uma Shankar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, 603 110, India; Centre of Excellence in Water Research (CEWAR), Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, 603 110, India
| | - G Rajesh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, 603 110, India; Centre of Excellence in Water Research (CEWAR), Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, 603 110, India
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Urli S, Corte Pause F, Crociati M, Baufeld A, Monaci M, Stradaioli G. Impact of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Livestock Health: An Emerging Risk for Reproductive Efficiency. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071132. [PMID: 37048387 PMCID: PMC10093235 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pollution due to microplastics and nanoplastics is one of the major environmental issues of the last decade and represents a growing threat to human and animal health. In aquatic species, there is a large amount of information regarding the perturbation of marine organisms; instead, there are only a few studies focusing on the pathophysiological consequences of an acute and chronic exposure to micro- and nanoplastics in mammalian systems, especially on the reproductive system. There are several studies that have described the damage caused by plastic particles, including oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammatory response, dysregulation of the endocrine system and accumulation in various organs. In addition to this, microplastics have recently been found to influence the evolution of microbial communities and increase the gene exchange, including antibiotic and metal resistance genes. Special attention must be paid to farm animals, because they produce food such as milk, eggs and meat, with the consequent risk of biological amplification along the food chain. The results of several studies indicate that there is an accumulation of microplastics and nanoplastics in human and animal tissues, with several negative effects, but all the effects in the body have not been ascertained, especially considering the long-term consequences. This review provides an overview of the possible adverse effects of the exposure of livestock to micro- and nanoplastics and assesses the potential risks for the disruption of reproductive physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susy Urli
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Francesca Corte Pause
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Martina Crociati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
- Centre for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Anja Baufeld
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Maurizio Monaci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
- Centre for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Stradaioli
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Othman A, Elsayed AA, Sabry YM, Khalil D, Bourouina T. Detection of Sub-20 μm Microplastic Particles by Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Comparison with Raman Spectroscopy. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:10335-10341. [PMID: 36969444 PMCID: PMC10035019 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are particulate water contaminants that are raising concerns regarding their environmental and health impacts. Optical spectroscopy is the gold standard for their detection; however, it has severe limitations such as tens of hours of analysis time and spatial resolution of more than 10 μm, when targeting the production of a 2D map of the microparticle population. In this work, through a single spectrum acquisition, we aim at quickly getting information about the whole population of identical particles, their chemical nature, and their size in a range below 20 μm. To this end, we built a compact setup enabling both attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy measurement on the same sample for comparison purposes. We used monodisperse polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) microplastic spheres of sizes ranging between 6 and 20 μm, also measured collectively using a bench-top FTIR spectrometer in ATR mode. The ATR-FTIR technique appears to be more sensitive for the smallest particles of 6 μm, while the opposite trend is observed using Raman spectroscopy. We use theoretical modeling to simulate and explain the ripples observed in the measured spectra at the shortest wavelength (higher wavenumber) region, which appears as an indicator of the microparticle dimension. The latter finding opens new perspectives for ATR-FTIR for the identification and classification of populations of nearly identical micro-scale bodies, such as bacteria and other micro-organisms, where the same measured spectrum embeds dual information about the chemical nature and the size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed
M. Othman
- Université
Gustave Eiffel, CNRS ESYCOM UMR 9007, Noisy-le-Grand, ESIEE, Paris 93162, France
- Si-Ware
Systems, 3 Khalid Ibn
Al-Waleed St., Heliopolis, Cairo 11361, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A. Elsayed
- Université
Gustave Eiffel, CNRS ESYCOM UMR 9007, Noisy-le-Grand, ESIEE, Paris 93162, France
| | - Yasser M. Sabry
- Si-Ware
Systems, 3 Khalid Ibn
Al-Waleed St., Heliopolis, Cairo 11361, Egypt
- Faculty
of Engineering, Ain-Shams University, 1 Elsarayat St. Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Diaa Khalil
- Si-Ware
Systems, 3 Khalid Ibn
Al-Waleed St., Heliopolis, Cairo 11361, Egypt
- Faculty
of Engineering, Ain-Shams University, 1 Elsarayat St. Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Tarik Bourouina
- Université
Gustave Eiffel, CNRS ESYCOM UMR 9007, Noisy-le-Grand, ESIEE, Paris 93162, France
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50
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Landrigan PJ, Raps H, Cropper M, Bald C, Brunner M, Canonizado EM, Charles D, Chiles TC, Donohue MJ, Enck J, Fenichel P, Fleming LE, Ferrier-Pages C, Fordham R, Gozt A, Griffin C, Hahn ME, Haryanto B, Hixson R, Ianelli H, James BD, Kumar P, Laborde A, Law KL, Martin K, Mu J, Mulders Y, Mustapha A, Niu J, Pahl S, Park Y, Pedrotti ML, Pitt JA, Ruchirawat M, Seewoo BJ, Spring M, Stegeman JJ, Suk W, Symeonides C, Takada H, Thompson RC, Vicini A, Wang Z, Whitman E, Wirth D, Wolff M, Yousuf AK, Dunlop S. The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:23. [PMID: 36969097 PMCID: PMC10038118 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plastics have conveyed great benefits to humanity and made possible some of the most significant advances of modern civilization in fields as diverse as medicine, electronics, aerospace, construction, food packaging, and sports. It is now clear, however, that plastics are also responsible for significant harms to human health, the economy, and the earth's environment. These harms occur at every stage of the plastic life cycle, from extraction of the coal, oil, and gas that are its main feedstocks through to ultimate disposal into the environment. The extent of these harms not been systematically assessed, their magnitude not fully quantified, and their economic costs not comprehensively counted. Goals The goals of this Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health are to comprehensively examine plastics' impacts across their life cycle on: (1) human health and well-being; (2) the global environment, especially the ocean; (3) the economy; and (4) vulnerable populations-the poor, minorities, and the world's children. On the basis of this examination, the Commission offers science-based recommendations designed to support development of a Global Plastics Treaty, protect human health, and save lives. Report Structure This Commission report contains seven Sections. Following an Introduction, Section 2 presents a narrative review of the processes involved in plastic production, use, and disposal and notes the hazards to human health and the environment associated with each of these stages. Section 3 describes plastics' impacts on the ocean and notes the potential for plastic in the ocean to enter the marine food web and result in human exposure. Section 4 details plastics' impacts on human health. Section 5 presents a first-order estimate of plastics' health-related economic costs. Section 6 examines the intersection between plastic, social inequity, and environmental injustice. Section 7 presents the Commission's findings and recommendations. Plastics Plastics are complex, highly heterogeneous, synthetic chemical materials. Over 98% of plastics are produced from fossil carbon- coal, oil and gas. Plastics are comprised of a carbon-based polymer backbone and thousands of additional chemicals that are incorporated into polymers to convey specific properties such as color, flexibility, stability, water repellence, flame retardation, and ultraviolet resistance. Many of these added chemicals are highly toxic. They include carcinogens, neurotoxicants and endocrine disruptors such as phthalates, bisphenols, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), brominated flame retardants, and organophosphate flame retardants. They are integral components of plastic and are responsible for many of plastics' harms to human health and the environment.Global plastic production has increased almost exponentially since World War II, and in this time more than 8,300 megatons (Mt) of plastic have been manufactured. Annual production volume has grown from under 2 Mt in 1950 to 460 Mt in 2019, a 230-fold increase, and is on track to triple by 2060. More than half of all plastic ever made has been produced since 2002. Single-use plastics account for 35-40% of current plastic production and represent the most rapidly growing segment of plastic manufacture.Explosive recent growth in plastics production reflects a deliberate pivot by the integrated multinational fossil-carbon corporations that produce coal, oil and gas and that also manufacture plastics. These corporations are reducing their production of fossil fuels and increasing plastics manufacture. The two principal factors responsible for this pivot are decreasing global demand for carbon-based fuels due to increases in 'green' energy, and massive expansion of oil and gas production due to fracking.Plastic manufacture is energy-intensive and contributes significantly to climate change. At present, plastic production is responsible for an estimated 3.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the contribution of Brazil. This fraction is projected to increase to 4.5% by 2060 if current trends continue unchecked. Plastic Life Cycle The plastic life cycle has three phases: production, use, and disposal. In production, carbon feedstocks-coal, gas, and oil-are transformed through energy-intensive, catalytic processes into a vast array of products. Plastic use occurs in every aspect of modern life and results in widespread human exposure to the chemicals contained in plastic. Single-use plastics constitute the largest portion of current use, followed by synthetic fibers and construction.Plastic disposal is highly inefficient, with recovery and recycling rates below 10% globally. The result is that an estimated 22 Mt of plastic waste enters the environment each year, much of it single-use plastic and are added to the more than 6 gigatons of plastic waste that have accumulated since 1950. Strategies for disposal of plastic waste include controlled and uncontrolled landfilling, open burning, thermal conversion, and export. Vast quantities of plastic waste are exported each year from high-income to low-income countries, where it accumulates in landfills, pollutes air and water, degrades vital ecosystems, befouls beaches and estuaries, and harms human health-environmental injustice on a global scale. Plastic-laden e-waste is particularly problematic. Environmental Findings Plastics and plastic-associated chemicals are responsible for widespread pollution. They contaminate aquatic (marine and freshwater), terrestrial, and atmospheric environments globally. The ocean is the ultimate destination for much plastic, and plastics are found throughout the ocean, including coastal regions, the sea surface, the deep sea, and polar sea ice. Many plastics appear to resist breakdown in the ocean and could persist in the global environment for decades. Macro- and micro-plastic particles have been identified in hundreds of marine species in all major taxa, including species consumed by humans. Trophic transfer of microplastic particles and the chemicals within them has been demonstrated. Although microplastic particles themselves (>10 µm) appear not to undergo biomagnification, hydrophobic plastic-associated chemicals bioaccumulate in marine animals and biomagnify in marine food webs. The amounts and fates of smaller microplastic and nanoplastic particles (MNPs <10 µm) in aquatic environments are poorly understood, but the potential for harm is worrying given their mobility in biological systems. Adverse environmental impacts of plastic pollution occur at multiple levels from molecular and biochemical to population and ecosystem. MNP contamination of seafood results in direct, though not well quantified, human exposure to plastics and plastic-associated chemicals. Marine plastic pollution endangers the ocean ecosystems upon which all humanity depends for food, oxygen, livelihood, and well-being. Human Health Findings Coal miners, oil workers and gas field workers who extract fossil carbon feedstocks for plastic production suffer increased mortality from traumatic injury, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, silicosis, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Plastic production workers are at increased risk of leukemia, lymphoma, hepatic angiosarcoma, brain cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, neurotoxic injury, and decreased fertility. Workers producing plastic textiles die of bladder cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and interstitial lung disease at increased rates. Plastic recycling workers have increased rates of cardiovascular disease, toxic metal poisoning, neuropathy, and lung cancer. Residents of "fenceline" communities adjacent to plastic production and waste disposal sites experience increased risks of premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, childhood leukemia, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.During use and also in disposal, plastics release toxic chemicals including additives and residual monomers into the environment and into people. National biomonitoring surveys in the USA document population-wide exposures to these chemicals. Plastic additives disrupt endocrine function and increase risk for premature births, neurodevelopmental disorders, male reproductive birth defects, infertility, obesity, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and cancers. Chemical-laden MNPs formed through the environmental degradation of plastic waste can enter living organisms, including humans. Emerging, albeit still incomplete evidence indicates that MNPs may cause toxicity due to their physical and toxicological effects as well as by acting as vectors that transport toxic chemicals and bacterial pathogens into tissues and cells.Infants in the womb and young children are two populations at particularly high risk of plastic-related health effects. Because of the exquisite sensitivity of early development to hazardous chemicals and children's unique patterns of exposure, plastic-associated exposures are linked to increased risks of prematurity, stillbirth, low birth weight, birth defects of the reproductive organs, neurodevelopmental impairment, impaired lung growth, and childhood cancer. Early-life exposures to plastic-associated chemicals also increase the risk of multiple non-communicable diseases later in life. Economic Findings Plastic's harms to human health result in significant economic costs. We estimate that in 2015 the health-related costs of plastic production exceeded $250 billion (2015 Int$) globally, and that in the USA alone the health costs of disease and disability caused by the plastic-associated chemicals PBDE, BPA and DEHP exceeded $920 billion (2015 Int$). Plastic production results in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions equivalent to 1.96 gigatons of carbon dioxide (CO2e) annually. Using the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) social cost of carbon metric, we estimate the annual costs of these GHG emissions to be $341 billion (2015 Int$).These costs, large as they are, almost certainly underestimate the full economic losses resulting from plastics' negative impacts on human health and the global environment. All of plastics' economic costs-and also its social costs-are externalized by the petrochemical and plastic manufacturing industry and are borne by citizens, taxpayers, and governments in countries around the world without compensation. Social Justice Findings The adverse effects of plastics and plastic pollution on human health, the economy and the environment are not evenly distributed. They disproportionately affect poor, disempowered, and marginalized populations such as workers, racial and ethnic minorities, "fenceline" communities, Indigenous groups, women, and children, all of whom had little to do with creating the current plastics crisis and lack the political influence or the resources to address it. Plastics' harmful impacts across its life cycle are most keenly felt in the Global South, in small island states, and in disenfranchised areas in the Global North. Social and environmental justice (SEJ) principles require reversal of these inequitable burdens to ensure that no group bears a disproportionate share of plastics' negative impacts and that those who benefit economically from plastic bear their fair share of its currently externalized costs. Conclusions It is now clear that current patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal are not sustainable and are responsible for significant harms to human health, the environment, and the economy as well as for deep societal injustices.The main driver of these worsening harms is an almost exponential and still accelerating increase in global plastic production. Plastics' harms are further magnified by low rates of recovery and recycling and by the long persistence of plastic waste in the environment.The thousands of chemicals in plastics-monomers, additives, processing agents, and non-intentionally added substances-include amongst their number known human carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxicants, and persistent organic pollutants. These chemicals are responsible for many of plastics' known harms to human and planetary health. The chemicals leach out of plastics, enter the environment, cause pollution, and result in human exposure and disease. All efforts to reduce plastics' hazards must address the hazards of plastic-associated chemicals. Recommendations To protect human and planetary health, especially the health of vulnerable and at-risk populations, and put the world on track to end plastic pollution by 2040, this Commission supports urgent adoption by the world's nations of a strong and comprehensive Global Plastics Treaty in accord with the mandate set forth in the March 2022 resolution of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).International measures such as a Global Plastics Treaty are needed to curb plastic production and pollution, because the harms to human health and the environment caused by plastics, plastic-associated chemicals and plastic waste transcend national boundaries, are planetary in their scale, and have disproportionate impacts on the health and well-being of people in the world's poorest nations. Effective implementation of the Global Plastics Treaty will require that international action be coordinated and complemented by interventions at the national, regional, and local levels.This Commission urges that a cap on global plastic production with targets, timetables, and national contributions be a central provision of the Global Plastics Treaty. We recommend inclusion of the following additional provisions:The Treaty needs to extend beyond microplastics and marine litter to include all of the many thousands of chemicals incorporated into plastics.The Treaty needs to include a provision banning or severely restricting manufacture and use of unnecessary, avoidable, and problematic plastic items, especially single-use items such as manufactured plastic microbeads.The Treaty needs to include requirements on extended producer responsibility (EPR) that make fossil carbon producers, plastic producers, and the manufacturers of plastic products legally and financially responsible for the safety and end-of-life management of all the materials they produce and sell.The Treaty needs to mandate reductions in the chemical complexity of plastic products; health-protective standards for plastics and plastic additives; a requirement for use of sustainable non-toxic materials; full disclosure of all components; and traceability of components. International cooperation will be essential to implementing and enforcing these standards.The Treaty needs to include SEJ remedies at each stage of the plastic life cycle designed to fill gaps in community knowledge and advance both distributional and procedural equity.This Commission encourages inclusion in the Global Plastic Treaty of a provision calling for exploration of listing at least some plastic polymers as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.This Commission encourages a strong interface between the Global Plastics Treaty and the Basel and London Conventions to enhance management of hazardous plastic waste and slow current massive exports of plastic waste into the world's least-developed countries.This Commission recommends the creation of a Permanent Science Policy Advisory Body to guide the Treaty's implementation. The main priorities of this Body would be to guide Member States and other stakeholders in evaluating which solutions are most effective in reducing plastic consumption, enhancing plastic waste recovery and recycling, and curbing the generation of plastic waste. This Body could also assess trade-offs among these solutions and evaluate safer alternatives to current plastics. It could monitor the transnational export of plastic waste. It could coordinate robust oceanic-, land-, and air-based MNP monitoring programs.This Commission recommends urgent investment by national governments in research into solutions to the global plastic crisis. This research will need to determine which solutions are most effective and cost-effective in the context of particular countries and assess the risks and benefits of proposed solutions. Oceanographic and environmental research is needed to better measure concentrations and impacts of plastics <10 µm and understand their distribution and fate in the global environment. Biomedical research is needed to elucidate the human health impacts of plastics, especially MNPs. Summary This Commission finds that plastics are both a boon to humanity and a stealth threat to human and planetary health. Plastics convey enormous benefits, but current linear patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal that pay little attention to sustainable design or safe materials and a near absence of recovery, reuse, and recycling are responsible for grave harms to health, widespread environmental damage, great economic costs, and deep societal injustices. These harms are rapidly worsening.While there remain gaps in knowledge about plastics' harms and uncertainties about their full magnitude, the evidence available today demonstrates unequivocally that these impacts are great and that they will increase in severity in the absence of urgent and effective intervention at global scale. Manufacture and use of essential plastics may continue. However, reckless increases in plastic production, and especially increases in the manufacture of an ever-increasing array of unnecessary single-use plastic products, need to be curbed.Global intervention against the plastic crisis is needed now because the costs of failure to act will be immense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Landrigan
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Hervé Raps
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Maureen Cropper
- Economics Department, University of Maryland, College Park, US
| | - Caroline Bald
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Fenichel
- Université Côte d’Azur
- Centre Hospitalier, Universitaire de Nice, FR
| | - Lora E. Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, UK
| | | | | | | | - Carly Griffin
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, US
| | - Budi Haryanto
- Department of Environmental Health, Universitas Indonesia, ID
- Research Center for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia, ID
| | - Richard Hixson
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Hannah Ianelli
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Bryan D. James
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | | | - Amalia Laborde
- Department of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of the Republic, UY
| | | | - Keith Martin
- Consortium of Universities for Global Health, US
| | - Jenna Mu
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | - Adetoun Mustapha
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
- Lead City University, NG
| | - Jia Niu
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, US
| | - Sabine Pahl
- University of Vienna, Austria
- University of Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Maria-Luiza Pedrotti
- Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche sur mer (LOV), Sorbonne Université, FR
| | | | | | - Bhedita Jaya Seewoo
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
| | | | - John J. Stegeman
- Biology Department and Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | - William Suk
- Superfund Research Program, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US
| | | | - Hideshige Takada
- Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry (LOG), Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, JP
| | | | | | - Zhanyun Wang
- Technology and Society Laboratory, WEmpa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials and Technology, CH
| | - Ella Whitman
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | - Aroub K. Yousuf
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Sarah Dunlop
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
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