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Gündoğdu S, Bour A, Köşker AR, Walther BA, Napierska D, Mihai FC, Syberg K, Hansen SF, Walker TR. Review of microplastics and chemical risk posed by plastic packaging on the marine environment to inform the Global Plastics Treaty. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174000. [PMID: 38901589 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Plastic overproduction and the resulting increase in consumption has made plastic pollution ubiquitous in all ecosystems. Recognizing this, the United Nations (UN) has started negotiations to establish a global treaty to end plastic pollution, especially in the marine environment. The basis of the treaty has been formulated in terms of turning off the tap, signaling the will to prevent plastic pollution at its source. Based on the distribution of plastic production by sector, the plastic packaging sector consumes the most plastic. The volume and variety of chemicals used in plastic packaging, most of which is single-use, is a major concern. Single-use plastics including packaging is one of the most dominant sources of plastic pollution. Plastic waste causes pollution in water, air and soil by releasing harmful chemicals into the environment and can also lead to exposure through contamination of food with micro- and nano-plastic particles and chemicals through packaging. Marine life and humans alike face risks from plastic uptake through bioaccumulation and biomagnification. While the contribution of plastics ingested to chemical pollution is relatively minor in comparison to other pathways of exposure, the effect of plastic waste on marine life and human consumption of seafood is beyond question. To reduce the long-term impact of plastic, it is crucial to establish a global legally binding instrument to ensure the implementation of upstream rather than downstream solutions. This will help to mitigate the impact of both chemicals and microplastics, including from packaging, on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedat Gündoğdu
- Cukurova University Faculty of Fisheries Department of Basic Science, 01330 Adana, Türkiye.
| | - Agathe Bour
- Dept. of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ali Rıza Köşker
- Cukurova University Faculty of Fisheries Department of Seafood Processing, 01330 Adana, Türkiye
| | - Bruno Andreas Walther
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Am Handelshafen 12, D-27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | | | - Florin-Constantin Mihai
- CERNESIM Center, Department of Exact Sciences and Natural Sciences, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University, Carol I Blvd 11, 700506 Iași, Romania
| | - Kristian Syberg
- Dept. of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Steffen Foss Hansen
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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2
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Torresi M, Giménez J, Navarro J, Coll M, García-Barcelona S, Macías D, Borrell A, Garcia-Garin O. Microplastic characterization in the stomachs of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) from the western Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116767. [PMID: 39068710 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to quantify the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the stomachs of large pelagic fish (swordfish, Xiphias gladius, Linnaeus, 1758) sampled in the western Mediterranean Sea, and assess temporal trends (2011-2012 vs. 2017-2019) in MP ingestion. MPs were extracted from stomachs and characterized by μ-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results highlighted the ingestion of MP in 39 out of 49 stomachs analysed. Ingested MPs consisted mostly of small (<1 mm) fibers (88.6 %, mean ± standard deviation = 2.5 ± 6.1 particles per stomach), with a greater frequency of occurrence (FO) in the second period (FO = 90 %, 3.3 ± 8.0 particles per stomach). The predominant colours were purple, black and blue, and polyethylene terephthalate was the most frequently detected polymer. These results are crucial for the development of management actions aimed at the conservation of swordfish in the Mediterranean Sea and the prevention of health risks to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Torresi
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Giménez
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC) Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga, Fuengirola, Spain
| | - Joan Navarro
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Coll
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Ecopath International Initiative (EII), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - David Macías
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC) Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga, Fuengirola, Spain
| | - Asunción Borrell
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, and Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Odei Garcia-Garin
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, and Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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3
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Le PT, Hardesty BD, Auman HJ, Fischer AM. Frontal processes as drivers of floating marine debris in coastal areas. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 200:106654. [PMID: 39053211 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The influence of floating marine debris (FMD) on coastal and marine communities and ecosystems is undeniable, and attention is increasingly focused on ecologically and biologically important coastal areas. To protect marine life and valuable resources from FMD pollution, identifying FMD accumulation zones is recognized as a priority. One of the coastal ocean processes found governing the distribution of FMD is water convergence (frontal zones). These fronts are driven by various oceanographical factors. To date, the transport and accumulation of FMD in relation to fronts in coastal areas is poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we reviewed various types of ocean fronts as well as FMD accumulation along frontal zones in coastal areas defined as the region between the coastline and the shelf break. Frontogenesis (physical processes related to frontal formation) were reviewed alongside studies on FMD accumulation in frontal zones to identify physical factors that drive the pathways and accumulation in these areas. This review will contribute to our understanding of accumulation hotspots of FMD within ocean fronts and identify gaps for further research on developing a proxy for FMD hotspot identification in ecologically important coastal areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuc Td Le
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.
| | - Britta Denise Hardesty
- The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Australia, Hobart, TAS, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Heidi J Auman
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Andrew M Fischer
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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4
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Aloisi M, Grifoni D, Zarivi O, Colafarina S, Morciano P, Poma AMG. Plastic Fly: What Drosophila melanogaster Can Tell Us about the Biological Effects and the Carcinogenic Potential of Nanopolystyrene. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7965. [PMID: 39063206 PMCID: PMC11277132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147965] [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: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Today, plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats to the environment and public health. In the tissues of exposed species, micro- and nano-fragments accumulate, leading to genotoxicity, altered metabolism, and decreased lifespan. A model to investigate the genotoxic and tumor-promoting potential of nanoplastics (NPs) is Drosophila melanogaster. Here we tested polystyrene, which is commonly used in food packaging, is not well recycled, and makes up at least 30% of landfills. In order to investigate the biological effects and carcinogenic potential of 100 µm polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs), we raised Oregon [R] wild-type flies on contaminated food. After prolonged exposure, fluorescent PSNPs accumulated in the gut and fat bodies. Furthermore, PSNP-fed flies showed considerable alterations in weight, developmental time, and lifespan, as well as a compromised ability to recover from starvation. Additionally, we noticed a decrease in motor activity in DNAlig4 mutants fed with PSNPs, which are known to be susceptible to dietary stressors. A qPCR molecular investigation of the larval intestines revealed a markedly elevated expression of the genes drice and p53, suggesting a response to cell damage. Lastly, we used warts-defective mutants to assess the carcinogenic potential of PSNPs and discovered that exposed flies had more aberrant masses than untreated ones. In summary, our findings support the notion that ingested nanopolystyrene triggers metabolic and genetic modifications in the exposed organisms, eventually delaying development and accelerating death and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Aloisi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.A.); (D.G.); (O.Z.); (S.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Daniela Grifoni
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.A.); (D.G.); (O.Z.); (S.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Osvaldo Zarivi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.A.); (D.G.); (O.Z.); (S.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Sabrina Colafarina
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.A.); (D.G.); (O.Z.); (S.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Patrizia Morciano
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.A.); (D.G.); (O.Z.); (S.C.); (P.M.)
- INFN Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso, Assergi, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Giuseppina Poma
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.A.); (D.G.); (O.Z.); (S.C.); (P.M.)
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Kim T, Eo S, Shim WJ, Kim M. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of microplastics derived from antifouling paint in effluent from ship hull hydroblasting and their emission into the marine environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135258. [PMID: 39047565 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
This study focused on microplastic (MP) contamination originating from ship paint, particularly during the hydroblasting of ship hull, to understand the emission characteristics of MPs into the marine environment. We evaluated paint particles generated from the hydroblasting of an ocean-going vessel based on their number, size, polymer type, and mass. Hydroblasting a vessel produced 4.3 × 1015 particles, predominantly comprising acrylic particles, 99.9 % of which were smaller than 5 mm. Of the 44.1 kg of antifouling (AF) paint particles generated, 36.5 kg consisted of particles smaller than 5 mm, with 18.2 kg being identified as plastic emissions. Furthermore, we calculated the MP emission factor (8.43 g/m2) for hydroblasting on AF paint by dividing the total emission by the wetted surface area (WSA) of the vessel. This factor was then extrapolated by multiplying it with the total WSA of global ships and their hull cleaning frequency to preliminarily estimate the annual global MP emissions. Consequently, a total of 665.6 tons of plastics was generated globally by hydroblasting, with approximately 550.2 tons of these being in the form of MPs. This study highlights the need for developing stricter regulations governing hydroblasting operations and waste disposal practices to protect marine environments from MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taekhyun Kim
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Soeun Eo
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Joon Shim
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Moonkoo Kim
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Saraceni PR, Miccoli A, Bada A, Taddei AR, Mazzonna M, Fausto AM, Scapigliati G, Picchietti S. Polystyrene nanoplastics as an ecotoxicological hazard: cellular and transcriptomic evidences on marine and freshwater in vitro teleost models. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173159. [PMID: 38761939 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The contamination of marine and freshwater environments by nanoplastics is considered a global threat for aquatic biota. Taking into account the most recent concentration range estimates reported globally and recognizing a knowledge gap in polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) ecotoxicology, the present work investigated the harmful effects of 20 nm and 80 nm PS-NPs, at increasing biological complexity, on the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss RTG-2 and gilthead seabream Sparus aurata SAF-1 cell lines. Twenty nm PS-NPs exerted a greater cytotoxicity than 80 nm ones and SAF-1 were approximately 4-fold more vulnerable to PS-NPs than RTG-2. The engagement of PS-NPs with plasma membranes was accompanied by discernible uptake patterns and morphological alterations along with a nuclear translocation already within a 30-min exposure. Cells were structurally damaged only by the 20 nm PS-NPs in a time-dependent manner as indicated by distinctive features of the execution phase of the apoptotic cell death mechanism such as cell shrinkage, plasma membrane blebbing, translocation of phosphatidylserine to the outer leaflet of the cell membrane and DNA fragmentation. At last, functional analyses unveiled marked transcriptional impairment at both sublethal and lethal doses of 20 nm PS-NPs, with the latter impacting the "Steroid biosynthesis", "TGF-beta signaling pathway", "ECM-receptor interaction", "Focal adhesion", "Regulation of actin cytoskeleton" and "Protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum" pathways. Overall, a distinct ecotoxicological hazard of PS-NPs at environmentally relevant concentrations was thoroughly characterized on two piscine cell lines. The effects were demonstrated to depend on size, exposure time and model, emphasizing the need for a comparative evaluation of endpoints between freshwater and marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- P R Saraceni
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Development (ENEA), Department of Sustainability, 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - A Miccoli
- National Research Council, Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), 60125 Ancona, Italy
| | - A Bada
- Dept. for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - A R Taddei
- Center of Large Equipments, Section of Electron Microscopy, University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università Snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - M Mazzonna
- National Research Council, Institute for Biological Systems (ISB), 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
| | - A M Fausto
- Dept. for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - G Scapigliati
- Dept. for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - S Picchietti
- Dept. for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy.
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Langlet R, Valentin R, Morard M, Raynaud CD. Transitioning to Microplastic-Free Seed Coatings: Challenges and Solutions. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1969. [PMID: 39065285 PMCID: PMC11280678 DOI: 10.3390/polym16141969] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review addresses the issue of replacing manufactured microplastics in seed coatings used in agriculture. Firstly, it focuses on the policy and regulatory actions taken on microplastics at a global level. There is no consensus within the scientific community on the definition of a microplastic and, more generally, on the classification of plastic debris. Nevertheless, several decision schemes have been proposed in an attempt to define the notion of microplastics. The different criteria relevant to this definition, such as the size, physical state, chemical structure, origin, and persistence of microplastics, are discussed, with a comparison being made between the REACH regulation and the scientific literature. Seed production and processing are also discussed, with the functions of seed coatings being explained in order to gain a better understanding of the properties to be considered in a substitution strategy for currently used microplastics. The main challenges are multiple; substitutes must provide the same performance as microplastics: (i) improving the adherence of the treatment to the seed, (ii) distributing the treatment more evenly over the seed, (iii) reducing the amount of dust-off when handling treated seed, and (iv) improving the seed flowability, which is particularly important during the sowing stage, all while preserving the physiological properties of the seed. Substitute polymers are proposed according to the desired performance and functional properties: two main chemical families of biopolymers were identified in the literature: polysaccharides and proteins. Among them, 13 and 6 polymers, respectively, complied with REACH regulation, demonstrating adhesion, dust reduction performances, and preservation of seed physiological quality in particular. This work aims to guide future studies on microplastic substitution in seed coatings, and to highlight research needs in this area. It is based on an analysis and discussion of the literature, identifying and listing potential substitutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozenn Langlet
- Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-Industrielle (LCA), Univeristé de Toulouse, INRAE, Toulouse INP, 31030 Toulouse, France; (R.L.); (R.V.)
- Bois Valor, OLMIX, 13 rue Jean Mermoz, 81160 Saint-Juéry, France;
| | - Romain Valentin
- Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-Industrielle (LCA), Univeristé de Toulouse, INRAE, Toulouse INP, 31030 Toulouse, France; (R.L.); (R.V.)
| | - Marie Morard
- Bois Valor, OLMIX, 13 rue Jean Mermoz, 81160 Saint-Juéry, France;
| | - Christine Delgado Raynaud
- Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-Industrielle (LCA), Univeristé de Toulouse, INRAE, Toulouse INP, 31030 Toulouse, France; (R.L.); (R.V.)
- Centre d’Application et de Traitement des Agro-Ressources (CATAR), Toulouse INP, 31030 Toulouse, France
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8
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Lam TWL, Chow ASY, Fok L. Human exposure to microplastics via the consumption of nonalcoholic beverages in various packaging materials: The case of Hong Kong. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134575. [PMID: 38749245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134575] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
There is growing concern over microplastics in food and beverages, with potential implications for human health. However, little is known about microplastics in nonwater, nonalcoholic packaged beverages. This study addresses this research gap by implementing a dual-method approach that includes laboratory analysis to quantify microplastics in 50 packaged nonalcoholic beverages sold in Hong Kong, coupled with a beverage frequency questionnaire survey to provide a more accurate estimate of microplastic intake from these beverages. The beverages analysed spanned five categories-juice drinks, ready-to-drink teas, soda waters, soft drinks, and sports and energy drinks-and were packaged in four forms: aluminium cans, aseptic cartons, plastic bottles and glass bottles. The results showed that all beverage samples contained microplastics, with an average abundance of 42.1 ± 41.2 n/L (interquartile range [IQR]: 17.8-54.1 n/L), and these particles were predominantly smaller than 150 µm in size. Additionally, based on an annual beverage consumption rate of 157.3 ± 209.7 L/capita (IQR: 42.9-183.0 L/capita), it is estimated that Hong Kong adults ingest approximately 6200 microplastics per capita each year. The potential primary sources of these microplastics are atmospheric fallout and the packaging materials that endure mechanical stresses during the manufacturing and transportation of beverages. Compared to other known routes of exposure, including air, seafood, sugar, salt and honey, packaged nonalcoholic beverages present a comparable level of microplastic exposure, being lower than the first three but higher than the latter two. Nevertheless, the high prevalence of smaller microplastics in the samples is concerning. This study is considered to be important for food safety and human health, as it not only raises public awareness about microplastic contamination in packaged beverages but also serves as a call to action for the beverage industry to adopt more robust safety measures and for policymakers to revise packaging standards to reduce microplastic contamination and safeguard public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Wing Ling Lam
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Alice Sin Yin Chow
- Department of Social Sciences and Policy Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Lincoln Fok
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
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Messer LF, Wattiez R, Matallana-Surget S. A closer look at plastic colonisation: Prokaryotic dynamics in established versus newly synthesised marine plastispheres and their planktonic state. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 358:124479. [PMID: 38960113 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The taxonomy of marine plastisphere communities has been extensively studied, demonstrating the ubiquity of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria of potential biotechnological significance. However, prokaryotic functioning on plastic surfaces has received limited attention, and the question of whether these microorganisms are active and expressing specific molecular mechanisms underpinning plastisphere colonisation remains to be addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate the plastic colonisation process, to identify the active taxa involved in biofilm formation and the mechanisms used to initiate colonisation. To achieve this, a marine plastisphere characterised by active hydrocarbonoclastic genera was used as the inoculum for a short-term microcosm experiment using virgin low-density polyethylene as the sole carbon source. Following incubation for 1 and 2 weeks (representing early and late colonisation, respectively), a taxonomic and comparative metaproteomic approach revealed a significant shift in plastisphere diversity and composition, yet highlighted stability in the predominance of active Proteobacteria spanning 16 genera, including Marinomonas, Pseudomonas, and Pseudoalteromonas. Relative quantification of 1762 proteins shared between the initial plastisphere inoculum, the microcosm plastisphere and the planktonic cells in the surrounding artificial seawater, provided insights into the differential regulation of proteins associated with plastisphere formation. This included the upregulation of proteins mediating cellular attachment in the plastisphere, for example flagellin expressed by Marinomonas, Cobetia, Pseudoalteromonas, and Pseudomonas, and curli expressed by Cobetia. In addition to the differential regulation of energy metabolism in Marinomonas, Psychrobacter, Pseudomonas and Cobetia within the plastisphere relative to the surrounding seawater. Further, we identified the upregulation of amino acid metabolism and transport, including glutamine hydrolysis to glutamate in Marinomonas and unclassified Halomonadaceae, potentially coupled to ammonia availability and oxidative stress experienced within the plastisphere. Our study provides novel insights into the dynamics of plastisphere formation and function, highlighting potential targets for regulating plastisphere growth to enhance plastic bioremediation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren F Messer
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, FK9 4LA, United Kingdom.
| | - Ruddy Wattiez
- Laboratory of Proteomics and Microbiology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du Parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Sabine Matallana-Surget
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, FK9 4LA, United Kingdom.
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Eltigani H, Chobaomsup V, Boonyongmaneerat Y. Cost Effective Photothermal Materials Selection for Direct Solar-Driven Evaporation. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:27872-27887. [PMID: 38973912 PMCID: PMC11223160 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c03040] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
The cornerstone of eco-friendly and affordable freshwater generation lies in harnessing solar energy for water evaporation. This process involves extracting vapor from liquid water using solar energy. Numerous innovative, low-cost materials have been proposed for this purpose. These materials aim to enable highly controllable and efficient conversion of solar energy into thermal energy while maintaining high cost-effectiveness. Here, in this review paper, we outline the advancements in solar-driven evaporation technology with a focus on optimizing synthesis methods and materials cost. It prioritizes refining evaporation efficiency and affordability using inventive manufacturing methods. By utilizing innovative reasonably priced materials, this process not only ensures efficient resource utilization but also fosters technological advancements in renewable energy applications. Moreover, the affordability of these materials makes solar-powered water evaporation accessible to a wider range of communities, empowering them to address water scarcity challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Husam Eltigani
- Metallurgy and Materials Science Research
Institute (MMRI), Chulalongkorn University, Soi Chula 12, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Viriyah Chobaomsup
- Metallurgy and Materials Science Research
Institute (MMRI), Chulalongkorn University, Soi Chula 12, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Yuttanant Boonyongmaneerat
- Metallurgy and Materials Science Research
Institute (MMRI), Chulalongkorn University, Soi Chula 12, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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11
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Parolini M, Romano A. Geographical and ecological factors affect microplastic body burden in marine fish at global scale. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 352:124121. [PMID: 38723708 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) contamination has been identified as a worrisome environmental issue at the global level. Fish are the taxonomic group more extensively investigated to assess MP contamination in marine environment. A large variability in MP bioaccumulation (i.e., body burden) was reported in fish but to date there is a dearth of information concerning the drivers underlying this process. The present systematic review aimed at summarizing the results of the scientific literature on MP body burden in the digestive tract of marine fish to quantitatively shed light on the contribution of different geographical (i.e., latitudinal origin of the sample, distance from the coastline and field- or marked-collected) and ecological (i.e., trophic strategy, milieu, and body size) factors driving bioaccumulation. The mean (±SE) MPs/individual was 4.13 ± 2.87, and the mean MPs/ww (i.e., MPs/g) was 5.92 ± 0.94. Overall, MP abundance expressed as MPs/individual of fish from tropical areas was significantly higher compared to the other latitudinal bands, with species sampled close to the coastline that accumulated a larger number of MPs compared to those collected offshore. Neither the trophic strategy, nor the milieu and the market or field origin of fish explained the MP body burden. However, fish body size resulted as a determinant of MP body burden (as MPs/individual), with small fish accumulating a lower amount of MPs compared to larger ones. Qualitatively, but not statistically significant, similar results were generally obtained for MPs/ww, except for an opposite, and significant, variation according to species body size. Our findings showed that geographical, rather than ecological factors represent the main drivers of MP body burden in marine fish, suggesting that environmental variables and/or local pollution sources mainly contribute to explaining the large variability underlying the ingestion and bioaccumulation processes of these contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Andrea Romano
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
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12
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Das S, Chatterjee NH, Choudhury A, Ray A, Rana N, Banerjee A, Ray M, Ray S. Characterization and ecological risk assessment of microplastics accumulated in sea water, sand, sediment, shell water and selected tissues of hermit crab of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124484. [PMID: 38960120 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Sundarban, a Ramsar site of India, has been encountering an ecological threat due to the presence of microplastic (MP) wastes generated from different anthropogenic sources. Clibanarius longitarsus, an intertidal hermit crab of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, resides within the abandoned shell of a gastropod mollusc, Telescopium telescopium. We characterized and estimated the MP in the gills and gut of hermit crab, as well as in the water present in its occupied gastropod shell. The average microplastic abundance in sea water, sand and sediment were 0.175 ± 0.145 MP L-1, 42 ± 15.03 MP kg-1 and 67.63 ± 24.13 MP kg-1 respectively. The average microplastic load in hermit crab was 1.94 ± 0.59 MP crab-1, with 33.89 % and 66.11 % in gills and gut respectively. Gastropod shell water exhibited accumulation of 1.69 ± 1.43 MP L-1. Transparent and fibrous microplastics were documented as the dominant polymers of water, sand and sediment. Shell water exhibited the prevalence of green microplastics followed by transparent ones. Microscopic examination revealed microplastics with 100-300 μm size categories were dominant across all abiotic compartments. ATR-FTIR and Raman spectroscopy confirmed polyethylene and polypropylene as the prevalent polymers among the five identified polymers of biotic and abiotic components. The target group index indicated green and black as the preferable microplastics of crab. The ecological risk analysis indicated a considerable level of environmental pollution risk in Sundarban and its inhabiting organisms. This important information base may facilitate in developing a strategy of mitigation to limit the MP induced ecological risk at Sundarban Biosphere Reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Das
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India.
| | - Nilanjan Hari Chatterjee
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India.
| | - Abhigyan Choudhury
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India.
| | - Abhishek Ray
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India.
| | - Nabakumar Rana
- Department of Physics, University of Calcutta, 92 A.P.C Road, Kolkata, 700009, West Bengal, India.
| | - Aritra Banerjee
- Department of Physics, University of Calcutta, 92 A.P.C Road, Kolkata, 700009, West Bengal, India.
| | - Mitali Ray
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India.
| | - Sajal Ray
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India.
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Razzell Hollis J, Lavers JL, Bond AL. The use of vibrational spectroscopy and supervised machine learning for chemical identification of plastics ingested by seabirds. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:134996. [PMID: 38972201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is now ubiquitous in the environment and represents a growing threat to wildlife, who can mistake plastic for food and ingest it. Tackling this problem requires reliable, consistent methods for monitoring plastic pollution ingested by seabirds and other marine fauna, including methods for identifying different types of plastic. This study presents a robust method for the rapid, reliable chemical characterisation of ingested plastics in the 1-50 mm size range using infrared and Raman spectroscopy. We analysed 246 objects ingested by Flesh-footed Shearwaters (Ardenna carneipes) from Lord Howe Island, Australia, and compared the data yielded by each technique: 92 % of ingested objects visually identified as plastic were confirmed by spectroscopy, 98 % of those were low density polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or their copolymers. Ingested plastics exhibit significant spectral evidence of biological contamination compared to other reports, which hinders identification by conventional library searching. Machine learning can be used to identify ingested plastics by their vibrational spectra with up to 93 % accuracy. Overall, we find that infrared is the more effective technique for identifying ingested plastics in this size range, and that appropriately trained machine learning models can be superior to conventional library searching methods for identifying plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Bird Group, Natural History Museum, Tring, UK; Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales 2678, Australia
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Di Gregorio S, Niccolini L, Seggiani M, Strangis G, Barbani N, Vitiello V, Becarelli S, Petroni G, Yan X, Buttino I. Marine copepod culture as a potential source of bioplastic-degrading microbiome: The case of poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate). CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 362:142603. [PMID: 38885765 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) is emerging as environmentally sustainable polyester for applications in marine environment. In this work the capacity of microbiome associated with marine plankton culture to degrade PBSA, was tested. A taxonomic and functional characterization of the microbiome associated with the copepod Acartia tonsa, reared in controlled conditions, was analysed by 16S rDNA metabarcoding, in newly-formed adult stages and after 7 d of incubation. A predictive functional metagenomic profile was inferred for hydrolytic activities involved in bioplastic degradation with a particular focus on PBSA. The copepod-microbiome was also characterized in newly-formed carcasses of A. tonsa, and after 7 and 33 d of incubation in the plankton culture medium. Copepod-microbiome showed hydrolytic activities at all developmental stages of the alive copepods and their carcasses, however, the evenness of the hydrolytic bacterial community significantly increased with the time of incubation in carcasses. Microbial genera, never described in association with copepods: Devosia, Kordia, Lentibacter, Methylotenera, Rheinheimera, Marinagarivorans, Paraglaciecola, Pseudophaeobacter, Gaiella, Streptomyces and Kribbella sps., were retrieved. Kribbella sp. showed carboxylesterase activity and Streptomyces sp. showed carboxylesterase, triacylglycerol lipase and cutinase activities, that might be involved in PBSA degradation. A culturomic approach, adopted to isolate bacterial specimen from carcasses, led to the isolation of the bacterial strain, Vibrio sp. 01 tested for the capacity to promote the hydrolysis of the ester bonds. Granules of PBSA, incubated 82 d at 20 °C with Vibrio sp. 01, were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry, showing fractures compared to the control sample, and hydrolysis of ester bonds. These preliminary results are encouraging for further investigation on the ability of the microbiome associated with plankton to biodegrade polyesters, such as PBSA, and increasing knowledge on microorganisms involved in bioplastic degradation in marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Di Gregorio
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Luca Ghini 13, 56123, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Niccolini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Luca Ghini 13, 56123, Pisa, Italy; Functional Biology and Plankton Genomic Lab. ISPRA - Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via del Cedro n.38, 57122, Livorno, Italy
| | - Maurizia Seggiani
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanna Strangis
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy
| | - Niccoletta Barbani
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Vitiello
- Functional Biology and Plankton Genomic Lab. ISPRA - Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via del Cedro n.38, 57122, Livorno, Italy; Sino-Italian Joint Laboratory Functional Biology of Marine Biota, ISPRA, 57122, Livorno, Italy
| | - Simone Becarelli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Luca Ghini 13, 56123, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulio Petroni
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Luca Ghini 13, 56123, Pisa, Italy
| | - Xiaojun Yan
- Sino-Italian Joint Laboratory Functional Biology of Marine Biota, ISPRA, 57122, Livorno, Italy; Laboratory of Marine Biological Resources and Molecular Engineering, Marine Science and Technical College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan City, 316022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Isabella Buttino
- Functional Biology and Plankton Genomic Lab. ISPRA - Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via del Cedro n.38, 57122, Livorno, Italy; Sino-Italian Joint Laboratory Functional Biology of Marine Biota, ISPRA, 57122, Livorno, Italy.
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15
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Magaña-Montiel N, Muriel-Millán LF, Pardo-López L. XTT assay for detection of bacterial metabolic activity in water-based polyester polyurethane. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303210. [PMID: 38843174 PMCID: PMC11156301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular metabolic activity can be detected by tetrazolium-based colorimetric assays, which rely on dehydrogenase enzymes from living cells to reduce tetrazolium compounds into colored formazan products. Although these methods have been used in different fields of microbiology, their application to the detection of bacteria with plastic-degrading activity has not been well documented. Here, we report a microplate-adapted method for the detection of bacteria metabolically active on the commercial polyester polyurethane (PU) Impranil®DLN using the tetrazolium salt 2,3-bis [2-methyloxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT). Bacterial cells that are active on PU reduce XTT to a water-soluble orange dye, which can be quantitatively measured using a microplate reader. We used the Pseudomonas putida KT2440 strain as a study model. Its metabolic activity on Impranil detected by our novel method was further verified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. Measurements of the absorbance of reduced XTT at 470 nm in microplate wells were not affected by the colloidal properties of Impranil or cell density. In summary, we provide here an easy and high-throughput method for screening bacteria active on PU that can be adapted to other plastic substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nallely Magaña-Montiel
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | | | - Liliana Pardo-López
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
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16
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Xie S, Hamid N, Zhang T, Zhang Z, Peng L. Unraveling the nexus: Microplastics, antibiotics, and ARGs interactions, threats and control in aquaculture - A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134324. [PMID: 38640666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, aquaculture has expanded rapidly to address food scarcity and provides high-quality aquatic products. However, this growth has led to the release of significant effluents, containing emerging contaminants like antibiotics, microplastics (MPs), and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study investigated the occurrence and interactions of these pollutants in aquaculture environment. Combined pollutants, such as MPs and coexisting adsorbents, were widespread and could include antibiotics, heavy metals, resistance genes, and pathogens. Elevated levels of chemical pollutants on MPs could lead to the emergence of resistance genes under selective pressure, facilitated by bacterial communities and horizontal gene transfer (HGT). MPs acted as vectors, transferring pollutants into the food web. Various technologies, including membrane technology, coagulation, and advanced oxidation, have been trialed for pollutants removal, each with its benefits and drawbacks. Future research should focus on ecologically friendly treatment technologies for emerging contaminants in aquaculture wastewater. This review provided insights into understanding and addressing newly developing toxins, aiming to develop integrated systems for effective aquaculture wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Xie
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Haikou 570228, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Naima Hamid
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, University Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Haikou 570228, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Zijun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Haikou 570228, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Licheng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Haikou 570228, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
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17
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McMullen K, Calle P, Alvarado-Cadena O, Kowal MD, Espinoza E, Domínguez GA, Tirapé A, Vargas FH, Grant E, Hunt BPV, Pakhomov EA, Alava JJ. Ecotoxicological Assessment of Microplastics and Cellulose Particles in the Galápagos Islands and Galápagos Penguin Food Web. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:1442-1457. [PMID: 38695731 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5874] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution threatens some of the world's most iconic locations for marine biodiversity, including the remote Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Using the Galápagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) as a sentinel species, the present study assessed microplastics and suspected anthropogenic cellulose concentrations in surface seawater and zooplankton near Santa Cruz and Galápagos penguin colonies (Floreana, Isabela, Santiago), as well as in penguin potential prey (anchovies, mullets, milkfish) and penguin scat. On average, 0.40 ± 0.32 microplastics L-1 were found in surface seawater (<10 μm; n = 63 L), while 0.003, 0.27, and 5.12 microplastics individual-1 were found in zooplankton (n = 3372), anchovies (n = 11), and mullets (n = 6), respectively. The highest concentration (27 microplastics individual-1) was observed in a single milkfish. Calculations based on microplastics per gram of prey, in a potential diet composition scenario, suggest that the Galápagos penguin may consume 2881 to 9602 microplastics daily from prey. Despite this, no microplastics or cellulose were identified in 3.40 g of guano collected from two penguins. Our study confirms microplastic exposure in the pelagic food web and endangered penguin species within the UNESCO World Heritage site Galápagos Islands, which can be used to inform regional and international policies to mitigate plastic pollution and conserve biodiversity in the global ocean. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1442-1457. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karly McMullen
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paola Calle
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Omar Alvarado-Cadena
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Matthew D Kowal
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eduardo Espinoza
- Marine Ecosystem Monitoring Program, Galapagos National Park Directorate (Dirección del Parque Nacional Galápagos), Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
| | - Gustavo A Domínguez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Ana Tirapé
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | | | - Edward Grant
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brian P V Hunt
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Evgeny A Pakhomov
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Juan José Alava
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Honorato-Zimmer D, Escobar-Sánchez G, Deakin K, De Veer D, Galloway T, Guevara-Torrejón V, Howard J, Jones J, Lewis C, Ribeiro F, Savage G, Thiel M. Macrolitter and microplastics along the East Pacific coasts - A homemade problem needing local solutions. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 203:116440. [PMID: 38718548 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116440] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
The East Pacific (EP) region, especially the central and southern EP, has been fairly less studied than other world's regions with respect to marine litter pollution. This comprehensive literature review (257 peer-reviewed publications) showed that both macrolitter (mostly plastics) and microplastics tend to accumulate on EP shorelines. Moreover, they were also reported in all the other compartments investigated: sea surface, water column, seafloor and 'others'. Mostly local, land-based sources (e.g., tourism, poor waste management) were identified across the region, especially at continental sites from low and mid latitudes. Some sea-based sources (e.g., fisheries, long-distance drifting) were also identified at high latitudes and on oceanic islands, likely enhanced by the oceanographic dynamics of the EP that affect transport of floating litter. Our results suggest that effective solutions to the problem require local and preventive strategies to significantly reduce the levels of litter along the EP coasts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriela Escobar-Sánchez
- Coastal and Marine Management Group, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW), Seestraße 15, 18119 Rostock, Germany; Marine Research Institute, Klaipeda University, Universiteto Ave. 17, LT-92294, Klaipeda, Lithuania
| | - Katie Deakin
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Diamela De Veer
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile; Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD, USA
| | - Tamara Galloway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | | | - Jessica Howard
- Galapagos Conservation Trust, 7-14 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4YR, UK
| | - Jen Jones
- Galapagos Conservation Trust, 7-14 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4YR, UK
| | - Ceri Lewis
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | | | - Georgie Savage
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Martin Thiel
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile; MarineGEO, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD, USA.
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19
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Berg CJ, Hafner J, Lamson MR, Maximenko NA, Welti CW. Interannual variability in marine debris accumulation on Hawaiian shores: The role of North Pacific Ocean basin-scale dynamics. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 203:116484. [PMID: 38781802 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116484] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Community-based marine debris removal efforts on the Hawaiian Islands of Kaua'i and Hawai'i, spanning 2013-2022, provided large datasets and documented remarkable variations in annual amounts of debris, mainly from abandoned, lost and derelict fishing gear. To test the hypothesis that the influx of marine debris on Hawaiian shores is determined by the proximity of the North Pacific garbage patch, whose pattern changes under the control of large-scale ocean dynamics, we compared these observational data with the output of an oceanographic drift model. The high correlations between the total mass of debris collected and the model, ranging between r = 0.81 and r = 0.84, validate the attribution of the strong interannual signal to significant migrations of the garbage patch reproduced in the model experiments. Synchronous variations in marine debris fluxes on the two islands, separated by >500 km, confirm the large scale of the interannual changes in the North Pacific marine debris system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl J Berg
- Surfrider Foundation, Kaua'i Chapter, United States of America.
| | - Jan Hafner
- International Pacific Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, United States of America
| | | | - Nikolai A Maximenko
- International Pacific Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, United States of America
| | - Cynthia W Welti
- Surfrider Foundation, Kaua'i Chapter, United States of America
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20
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Boukadida K, Mlouka R, Abelouah MR, Chelly S, Romdhani I, Conti GO, Ferrante M, Cammarata M, Parisi MG, AitAlla A, Banni M. Unraveling the interplay between environmental microplastics and salinity stress on Mytilus galloprovincialis larval development: A holistic exploration. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172177. [PMID: 38575005 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The rise of plastic production has triggered a surge in plastic waste, overwhelming marine ecosystems with microplastics. The effects of climate change, notably changing salinity, have shaped the dynamics of coastal lagoons. Thus, understanding the combined impact of these phenomena on marine organisms becomes increasingly crucial. To address these knowledge gaps, we investigated for the first time the interactive effects of environmental microplastics (EMPs) and increased salinity on the early development of Mytilus galloprovincialis larvae. Morphological assessments using the larval embryotoxicity test revealed larval anomalies and developmental arrests induced by EMPs and increased salinity. Transcriptomic analyses targeting 12 genes involved in oxidative stress, apoptosis, DNA repair, shell formation, and stress proteins were conducted on D-larvae uncovered the potential effects of EMPs on shell biomineralization, highlighting the role of Histidine Rich Glycoproteine (HRG) and tubulin as crucial adaptive mechanisms in Mytilus sp. in response to environmental shifts. Furthermore, we explored oxidative stress and neurotoxicity using biochemical assays. Our findings revealed a potential interaction between EMPs and increased salinity, impacting multiple physiological processes in mussel larvae. Our data contribute to understanding the cumulative effects of emerging anthropogenic pollutants and environmental stressors, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to assessing their impact on marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khouloud Boukadida
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, ISA, Chott-Mariem, 4042 Sousse, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Rania Mlouka
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, ISA, Chott-Mariem, 4042 Sousse, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Rida Abelouah
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, ISA, Chott-Mariem, 4042 Sousse, Tunisia; Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Souha Chelly
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, ISA, Chott-Mariem, 4042 Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Ilef Romdhani
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, ISA, Chott-Mariem, 4042 Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Gea Oliveri Conti
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Viale delleScienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Viale delleScienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Cammarata
- Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA), Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. F. Ingrassia", Catania University, ViaSanta Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Giovanna Parisi
- Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA), Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. F. Ingrassia", Catania University, ViaSanta Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Aicha AitAlla
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Banni
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, ISA, Chott-Mariem, 4042 Sousse, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Tunisia.
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21
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Bertucci JI, Blanco Osorio A, Vidal-Liñán L, Bellas J. Developmental and biochemical markers of the impact of pollutant mixtures under the effect of Global Climate Change. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 358:142162. [PMID: 38697568 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142162] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the combined impact of microplastics (MP) and Chlorpyriphos (CPF) on sea urchin larvae (Paracentrotus lividus) under the backdrop of ocean warming and acidification. While the individual toxic effects of these pollutants have been previously reported, their combined effects remain poorly understood. Two experiments were conducted using different concentrations of CPF (EC10 and EC50) based on previous studies from our group. MP were adsorbed in CPF to simulate realistic environmental conditions. Additionally, water acidification and warming protocols were implemented to mimic future ocean conditions. Sea urchin embryo toxicity tests were conducted to assess larval development under various treatment combinations of CPF, MP, ocean acidification (OA), and temperature (OW). Morphometric measurements and biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the effects comprehensively. Results indicate that combined stressors lead to significant morphological alterations, such as increased larval width and reduced stomach volume. Furthermore, biochemical biomarkers like acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GRx) activities were affected, indicating oxidative stress and impaired detoxification capacity. Interestingly, while temperature increase was expected to enhance larval growth, it instead induced thermal stress, resulting in lower growth rates. This underscores the importance of considering multiple stressors in ecological assessments. Biochemical biomarkers provided early indications of stress responses, complementing traditional growth measurements. The study highlights the necessity of holistic approaches when assessing environmental impacts on marine ecosystems. Understanding interactions between pollutants and environmental stressors is crucial for effective conservation strategies. Future research should delve deeper into the impacts at lower biological levels and explore adaptive mechanisms in marine organisms facing multiple stressors. By doing so, we can better anticipate and mitigate the adverse effects of anthropogenic pollutants on marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- J I Bertucci
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía IEO-CSIC, Subida a Radio Faro, 50, Vigo, Pontevedra, Postal Code: 36390, Spain.
| | - A Blanco Osorio
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía IEO-CSIC, Subida a Radio Faro, 50, Vigo, Pontevedra, Postal Code: 36390, Spain
| | - L Vidal-Liñán
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía IEO-CSIC, Subida a Radio Faro, 50, Vigo, Pontevedra, Postal Code: 36390, Spain
| | - J Bellas
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía IEO-CSIC, Subida a Radio Faro, 50, Vigo, Pontevedra, Postal Code: 36390, Spain
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22
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Ebbesen LG, Strange MV, Gunaalan K, Paulsen ML, Herrera A, Nielsen TG, Shashoua Y, Lindegren M, Almeda R. Do weathered microplastics impact the planktonic community? A mesocosm approach in the Baltic Sea. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 255:121500. [PMID: 38554636 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants of increasing concern in aquatic systems. However, little is still known about the impacts of weathered MPs on plankton at the community level after long-term exposure. In this study, we investigated the effects of weathered MPs on the structure and dynamics of a Baltic Sea planktonic community during ca. 5 weeks of exposure using a mesocosm approach (2 m3) mimicking natural conditions. MPs were obtained from micronized commercial materials of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyamide (nylon) previously weathered by thermal ageing and sunlight exposure. The planktonic community was exposed to 2 μg L-1 and 2 mg L-1 of MPs corresponding to measured particle concentrations (10-120 μm) of 680 MPs L-1 and 680 MPs mL-1, respectively. The abundance and composition of all size classes and groups of plankton and chlorophyll concentrations were periodically analyzed throughout the experiment. The population dynamics of the studied groups showed some variations between treatments, with negative and positive effects of MPs exhibited depending on the group and exposure time. The abundance of heterotrophic bacteria, pico- and nanophytoplankton, cryptophytes, and ciliates was lower in the treatment with the higher MP concentration than in the control at the last weeks of the exposure. The chlorophyll concentration and the abundances of heterotrophic nanoflagellates, Astromoeba, dinoflagellate, diatom, and metazooplankton were not negatively affected by the exposure to MPs and, in some cases, some groups showed even higher abundances in the MP treatments. Despite these tendencies, statistical analyses indicate that in most cases there were no statistically significant differences between treatments over the exposure period, even at very high exposure concentrations. Our results show that weathered MPs of the studied conventional plastic materials have minimal or negligible impact on planktonic communities after long-term exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linea Gry Ebbesen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Markus Varlund Strange
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Kuddithamby Gunaalan
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | | | - Alicia Herrera
- EOMAR, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Torkel Gissel Nielsen
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Yvonne Shashoua
- Environmental Archaeology and Materials Science, National Museum of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Martin Lindegren
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Rodrigo Almeda
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; EOMAR, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
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23
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Varshney S, O'Connor OL, Gora AH, Rehman S, Kiron V, Siriyappagouder P, Dahle D, Kögel T, Ørnsrud R, Olsvik PA. Mixture toxicity of 6PPD-quinone and polystyrene nanoplastics in zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123835. [PMID: 38521395 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution, including micro- and nanoplastics, is a growing concern. Tyre-wear particles (TWPs) are the second largest source of microplastics in the ocean following abrasion of synthetic fibres. In addition to the particles themselves, TWPs contain many harmful chemicals, including 6PPD. This chemical reacts with atmospheric ozone and forms the toxic compound 6PPD-quinone (6PPDq), which poses a danger to aquatic life. There is a knowledge gap in understanding risks associated with the combined toxicity of nanoplastics (NPs) and 6PPDq. The present study aimed to investigate the toxicity of NPs and 6PPDq on adult zebrafish using phenotypic (behaviour, histology) and transcriptomic endpoints. Zebrafish were exposed to four treatments: control (contaminant-free), 50 μg/L 6PPDq, 3 mg/L polystyrene (PS)-NPs, and a combination of 50 μg/L 6PPDq and 3 mg/L PS-NPs. We did not observe locomotory dysregulation in zebrafish exposed to NPs. However, we found significant hyperlocomotion in zebrafish exposed to 6PPDq and this effect was even more substantial after co-exposure with PS-NPs. This study explores the molecular mechanisms behind these effects, identifying genes associated with neurotransmitters and fatty acid metabolism that were dysregulated by the co-exposure. Transcriptomic analysis further showed that both 6PPDq and PS-NPs impacted cellular processes associated with sterol biosynthesis, cholesterol metabolism, and muscle tissue development. The effects on these mechanisms were stronger in co-exposed zebrafish, indicating a heightened risk to cellular integrity and mitochondrial dysfunction. These results highlight the significance of mixture toxicity when studying the effects of NPs and associated chemicals like 6PPDq.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubham Varshney
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Olivia L O'Connor
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | | | - Saima Rehman
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Viswanath Kiron
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | | | - Dalia Dahle
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Tanja Kögel
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Pål A Olsvik
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway; Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway.
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24
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Cowger W, Willis KA, Bullock S, Conlon K, Emmanuel J, Erdle LM, Eriksen M, Farrelly TA, Hardesty BD, Kerge K, Li N, Li Y, Liebman A, Tangri N, Thiel M, Villarrubia-Gómez P, Walker TR, Wang M. Global producer responsibility for plastic pollution. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj8275. [PMID: 38657069 PMCID: PMC11042729 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj8275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Brand names can be used to hold plastic companies accountable for their items found polluting the environment. We used data from a 5-year (2018-2022) worldwide (84 countries) program to identify brands found on plastic items in the environment through 1576 audit events. We found that 50% of items were unbranded, calling for mandated producer reporting. The top five brands globally were The Coca-Cola Company (11%), PepsiCo (5%), Nestlé (3%), Danone (3%), and Altria (2%), accounting for 24% of the total branded count, and 56 companies accounted for more than 50%. There was a clear and strong log-log linear relationship production (%) = pollution (%) between companies' annual production of plastic and their branded plastic pollution, with food and beverage companies being disproportionately large polluters. Phasing out single-use and short-lived plastic products by the largest polluters would greatly reduce global plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Win Cowger
- Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, Long Beach, CA 90803, USA
- University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
| | - Kathryn A. Willis
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
- CSIRO Environment, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Sybil Bullock
- Break Free From Plastic, Quezon City 1100, Philippines
| | - Katie Conlon
- School of Urban Studies, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Jorge Emmanuel
- Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences, Silliman University, Dumaguete City 6200, Philippines
| | | | | | - Trisia A. Farrelly
- School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University, Papaioea Palmerston North, Aotearoa, New Zealand
| | - Britta Denise Hardesty
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
- CSIRO Environment, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Adam Liebman
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, DePauw University, Greencastle, IN 46135, USA
| | - Neil Tangri
- Goldman School of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley, 2607 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Martin Thiel
- MarineGEO Program, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD 21037-0028, USA
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
- Center of Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile
| | | | - Tony R. Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Mengjiao Wang
- Greenpeace Research Laboratories, School of Bioscience, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4RN, UK
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25
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Garrard SL, Clark JR, Martin N, Nelms SE, Botterell ZLR, Cole M, Coppock RL, Galloway TS, Green DS, Jones M, Lindeque PK, Tillin HM, Beaumont NJ. Identifying potential high-risk zones for land-derived plastic litter to marine megafauna and key habitats within the North Atlantic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171282. [PMID: 38412875 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171282] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive use of plastic in modern society has led to plastic litter becoming ubiquitous within the ocean. Land-based sources of plastic litter are thought to account for the majority of plastic pollution in the marine environment, with plastic bags, bottles, wrappers, food containers and cutlery among the most common items found. In the marine environment, plastic is a transboundary pollutant, with the potential to cause damage far beyond the political borders from where it originated, making the management of this global pollutant particularly complex. In this study, the risks of land-derived plastic litter (LDPL) to major groups of marine megafauna - seabirds, cetaceans, pinnipeds, elasmobranchs, turtles, sirenians, tuna and billfish - and a selection of productive and biodiverse biogenic habitats - coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, saltmarsh and kelp beds - were analysed using a Spatial Risk Assessment approach. The approach combines metrics for vulnerability (mechanism of harm for megafauna group or habitat), hazard (plastic abundance) and exposure (distribution of group or habitat). Several potential high-risk zones (HRZs) across the North Atlantic were highlighted, including the Azores, the UK, the French and US Atlantic coasts, and the US Gulf of Mexico. Whilst much of the modelled LDPL driving risk in the UK originated from domestic sources, in other HRZs, such as the Azores archipelago and the US Gulf of Mexico, plastic originated almost exclusively from external (non-domestic) sources. LDPL from Caribbean islands - some of the largest generators of marine plastic pollution in the dataset of river plastic emissions used in the study - was noted as a significant input to HRZs across both sides of the Atlantic. These findings highlight the potential of Spatial Risk Assessment analyses to determine the location of HRZs and understand where plastic debris monitoring and management should be prioritised, enabling more efficient deployment of interventions and mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Garrard
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom.
| | - James R Clark
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Martin
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Zara L R Botterell
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Cole
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel L Coppock
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Dannielle S Green
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, United Kingdom
| | - Megan Jones
- Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, United Kingdom
| | - Pennie K Lindeque
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Heidi M Tillin
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J Beaumont
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
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26
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Cowger W, Markley LAT, Moore S, Gray AB, Upadhyay K, Koelmans AA. How many microplastics do you need to (sub)sample? ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 275:116243. [PMID: 38522288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Analysis of microplastics in the environment requires polymer characterization as a confirmation step for suspected microplastic particles found in a sample. Material characterization is costly and can take a long time per particle. When microplastic particle counts are high, many researchers cannot characterize every particle in their sample due to time or monetary constraints. Moreover, characterizing every particle in samples with high plastic particle counts is unnecessary for describing the sample properties. We propose an a priori approach to determine the number of suspected microplastic particles in a sample that should be randomly subsampled for characterization to accurately assess the polymer distribution in the environmental sample. The proposed equation is well-founded in statistics literature and was validated using published microplastic data and simulations for typical microplastic subsampling routines. We report values from the whole equation but also derive a simple way to calculate the necessary particle count for samples or subsamples by taking the error to the power of negative two. Assuming an error of 0.05 (5 %) with a confidence interval of 95 %, an unknown expected proportion, and a sample with many particles (> 100k), the minimum number of particles in a subsample should be 386 particles to accurately characterize the polymer distribution of the sample, given the particles are randomly characterized from the full population of suspected particles. Extending this equation to simultaneously estimate polymer, color, size, and morphology distributions reveals more particles (620) would be needed in the subsample to achieve the same high absolute error threshold for all properties. The above proposal for minimum subsample size also applies to the minimum count that should be present in samples to accurately characterize particle type presence and diversity in a given environmental compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Win Cowger
- Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, 120 N Marina Drive Long Beach, CA 90803, USA; University of California, Riverside, USA.
| | | | - Shelly Moore
- Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, 120 N Marina Drive Long Beach, CA 90803, USA
| | | | | | - Albert A Koelmans
- Wageningen University, Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, PO Box 47, Wageningen 6700 AA, the Netherlands
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27
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Compa M, Capó X, Alomar C, Deudero S, Sureda A. A meta-analysis of potential biomarkers associated with microplastic ingestion in marine fish. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 107:104414. [PMID: 38485101 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104414] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, global reports have shown a rise in the harmful effects of microplastics (MPs) on marine fish. This study analysed marine species' biochemical biomarker responses to microplastic exposure, finding that MPs can induce oxidative stress in marine fish through meta-regression results. Overall, exposure to MPs resulted in the activation of antioxidant defence mechanisms, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase, detoxification enzymes such as glutathione-S-transferase, the detection of malondialdehyde, and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. Moreover, results highlight oxidative stress biomarkers were activated in wild species that had ingested MPs, indicating potential harm to marine fish, as confirmed in experimental studies. Furthermore, even though MPs' exposure is better regulated in an experimental setting, it is challenging to replicate actual exposure and environmental factors. The study's findings show the need for more investigation into the hazardous consequences of exposure to environmental MPs on species surveyed in the maritime environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Compa
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands 07122, Spain.
| | - Xavier Capó
- Translational Research in aging and longevity (TRIAL) Group. Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IDISBA), Carretera de Valldemossa 79. Hospital Univeritari Son Espases. Edifici S., Palm, Balearic Islands 07120, Spain
| | - Carme Alomar
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente S/n, Palma de Mallorca 07015, Spain
| | - Salud Deudero
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente S/n, Palma de Mallorca 07015, Spain
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands 07122, Spain; Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca 07120, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid 28029, Spain
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28
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Botterell ZLR, Ribeiro F, Alarcón-Ruales D, Alfaro E, Alfaro-Shigueto J, Allan N, Becerra N, Braunholtz L, Cardenas-Diaz S, de Veer D, Escobar-Sanchez G, Gabela-Flores MV, Godley BJ, Grønneberg I, Howard JA, Honorato-Zimmer D, Jones JS, Lewis C, Mangel JC, Martin M, Pérez JPM, Nelms SE, Ortiz-Alvarez C, Porter A, Thiel M, Galloway TS. Plastic pollution transcends marine protected area boundaries in the eastern tropical and south-eastern Pacific. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116271. [PMID: 38513604 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The Eastern Tropical and South-Eastern Pacific region is of global biodiversity importance. At COP26, the governments of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador committed to the expansion of existing MPAs to create a new Mega MPA, safeguarding the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor. It offers a profound step forward in conservation efforts but is not specifically designed to protect against the more diffuse anthropogenic threats, such as plastic pollution. We combine published data with our own unpublished records to assess the abundance and distribution of plastic pollution in the region. Macro- and microplastic concentrations varied markedly and were not significantly different when comparing areas inside and outside existing MPA boundaries. These findings highlight the diffuse and complex nature of plastic pollution and its ubiquitous presence across MPA boundaries. Understanding the sources and drivers of plastic pollution in the region is key to developing effective solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zara L R Botterell
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK.
| | - Francisca Ribeiro
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Daniela Alarcón-Ruales
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast UniSC, Hervey Bay, QLD, Australia; Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas and Ambientales (COCIBA), Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | | | - Joanna Alfaro-Shigueto
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK; ProDelphinus, Jose Galvez 780E, Lima 15074, Peru; Carrera de Biologia Marina, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Nicola Allan
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Nicole Becerra
- Ichthion, Rourke House, Watermans Business Park, The Causeway, Staines Upon Thames TW18 3BA, UK
| | - Laura Braunholtz
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK; Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Susana Cardenas-Diaz
- Instituto de Ecologia Aplicada, Colegio de Ciencias Biologicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Diamela de Veer
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; MarineGEO Program, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD, USA
| | - Gabriela Escobar-Sanchez
- Coastal and Marine Management Group, Leibniz institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemnde (IOW), Seestaue 15, 18118 Rostock, Germany; Marine Research Institute, Klaipeda University, Universiteto Ave. 17, LT-92294, Klaipeda, Lithuania
| | - Maria Virginia Gabela-Flores
- Instituto de Ecologia Aplicada, Colegio de Ciencias Biologicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Inty Grønneberg
- Ichthion, Rourke House, Watermans Business Park, The Causeway, Staines Upon Thames TW18 3BA, UK
| | - Jessica A Howard
- Galapagos Conservation Trust, 7-14 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4YR, UK
| | - Daniela Honorato-Zimmer
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Jen S Jones
- Galapagos Conservation Trust, 7-14 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4YR, UK
| | - Ceri Lewis
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, EX4 4QD, Stocker Road, Exeter, UK
| | - Jeffrey C Mangel
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK; ProDelphinus, Jose Galvez 780E, Lima 15074, Peru
| | - Maximilian Martin
- Orcatec, Charles Binford N. 104 and Las Ninfas, 200350 Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
| | - Juan Pablo Muñoz Pérez
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast UniSC, Hervey Bay, QLD, Australia; Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas and Ambientales (COCIBA), Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Sarah E Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Clara Ortiz-Alvarez
- ProDelphinus, Jose Galvez 780E, Lima 15074, Peru; Carrera de Biologia Marina, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Adam Porter
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, EX4 4QD, Stocker Road, Exeter, UK
| | - Martin Thiel
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; MarineGEO Program, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD, USA; Center for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, EX4 4QD, Stocker Road, Exeter, UK
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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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30
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Puskic PS, Slocombe R, Ploeg R, Roman L, Lea MA, Hutton I, Bridle AR. Exploring the pathology of liver, kidney, muscle, and stomach of fledgling seabirds associated with plastic ingestion. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133306. [PMID: 38147759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133306] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
There remain significant gaps in knowledge about 'sub-lethal' impacts of plastic ingestion, particularly chronic impacts on cells, tissues, or organs. Few studies have applied traditional animal health tools, such as histopathology, to assess physiological damage to wildlife, with fewer still providing information on the dosage or exposure to plastics needed to elicit negative effects. Our study seeks to investigate a common hypothesis in plastic pollution research; that an increasing plastics burden will have an impact on an animal's health, examining two wild species with high levels of environmental exposure to plastic through their diet. Here we assess the histopathology of the muscle, upper digestive tract, liver and kidney of two seabird species that are known to be commonly exposed to plastic, comparing exposed and non-exposed individuals. Fledgling seabirds showed histopathological evidence of cumulative pressures such as starvation, disease, and endoparasite burden. However, we observed no evidence of chronic harm that could be explicitly linked to the plastics. We found one case of haemorrhage, reaffirming that large/sharp plastic foreign bodies may cause acute physical damage. Given the numerous interacting pressures on the health of fledging seabirds, including exposure to plastic, this study highlights the need to scrutinise plastic-animal interactions and research though a One Health lens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Puskic
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Marine Sociology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Ron Slocombe
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Ploeg
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren Roman
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; CSIRO Environment, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Mary-Anne Lea
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Marine Sociology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Ian Hutton
- Lord Howe Island Museum, Lord Howe Island, Australia
| | - Andrew R Bridle
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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31
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Aranda DA, Sindou P, Cauich Rodriguez JV, Saldaña GM, Coronado RFV, González WDN, Díaz ME, Escalante VC. A non-invasive method of microplastics pollution quantification in green sea turtle Chelonia mydas of the Mexican Caribbean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116092. [PMID: 38359479 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116092] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Due to the amply exposure of marine turtles to marine plastic pollution, this is a reason that the green sea turtle Chelonia mydas makes a good candidate species as a bioindicator for plastic pollution. Turtle feces were collected at Isla Blanca on the northeast Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Microplastic extraction was done following Hidalgo-Ruz et al. (2012) and Masura et al. (2015) methods. After organic matter degradation of the feces samples, microplastics were identified and quantified by stereomicroscope. Their morphostructure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, while their composition was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Microplastics (MP) abundance ranged from 10 ± 2 MP·g-1 to 89 ± 3 MP·g-1. Kruskal Wallis test (KW = 70.31, p < 0.001) showed a significant difference between 22 green turtles analyzed. Most of the microplastics were fiber type. Blue, purple, and transparent fibers were the most abundant. The identified microplastics were nylon (polyamide), PVC, polypropylene, polyester, and viscose (cellulose). The non-invasive method used here allowed the detection of microplastic pollution and is promising for long-term microplastic pollution monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Aldana Aranda
- Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav IPN Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso Km. 6, 97310 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico.
| | - Pauline Sindou
- Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav IPN Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso Km. 6, 97310 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico; Université des Antilles, Campus Fouillole, BP 250, 97157 Pointe-á-Pitre, Guadeloupe
| | - Juan V Cauich Rodriguez
- Unidad de Materiales, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Col. Chuburná de Hidalgo, 97205 Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | | | - Rossana Faride Vargas Coronado
- Unidad de Materiales, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Col. Chuburná de Hidalgo, 97205 Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | | | - Martha Enríquez Díaz
- Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav IPN Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso Km. 6, 97310 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Víctor Castillo Escalante
- Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav IPN Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso Km. 6, 97310 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico
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32
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Kim SA, Kim EB, Imran M, Shahzad K, Moon DH, Akhtar MS, Ameen S, Park SH. Naturally manufactured biochar materials based sensor electrode for the electrochemical detection of polystyrene microplastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 351:141151. [PMID: 38199498 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141151] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
In recent times, microplastics have become a disturbance to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and the ingestion of these particles can have severe consequences for wildlife, aquatic organisms, and even humans. In this study, two types of biochars were manufactured through the carbonization of naturally found starfish (SF-1) and aloevera (AL-1). The produced biochars were utilized as sensing electrode materials for the electrochemical detection of ∼100 nm polystyrene microplastics (PS). SF-1 and AL-1 based biochars were thoroughly analyzed in terms of morphology, structure, and composition. The detection of microplastics over biochar based electrodes was carried out by electrochemical studies. From electrochemical results, SF-1 based electrode exhibited the detection efficiency of ∼0.2562 μA/μM∙cm2 with detection limit of ∼0.44 nM whereas, a high detection efficiency of ∼3.263 μA/μM∙cm2 was shown by AL-1 based electrode and detection limit of ∼0.52 nM for PS (100 nm) microplastics. Process contributed to enhancing the sensitivity of AL-1 based electrode might associate to the presence of metal-carbon framework over biochar's surfaces. The AL-1 biochar electrode demonstrated excellent repeatability and detection stability for PS microplastics, suggesting the promising potential of AL-1 biochar for electrochemical microplastics detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ae Kim
- Advanced Radiation Technology Institute (ARTI), Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Jeongeup 56212, Republic of Korea; Department of Nuclear Engineering, Hanyang University, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 222, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eun-Bi Kim
- Advanced Materials and Devices Laboratory, Department of Bio-Convergence Science, Jeonbuk National University, Jeongeup 56212, Republic of Korea.
| | - M Imran
- Advanced Materials and Devices Laboratory, Department of Bio-Convergence Science, Jeonbuk National University, Jeongeup 56212, Republic of Korea.
| | - Khurram Shahzad
- Advanced Radiation Technology Institute (ARTI), Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Jeongeup 56212, Republic of Korea; Radiation Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
| | - Deok Hyun Moon
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea.
| | - M Shaheer Akhtar
- Graduate School of Integrated Energy-AI, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea; Department of JBNU-KIST Industry-Academia Convergence Research, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sadia Ameen
- Advanced Materials and Devices Laboratory, Department of Bio-Convergence Science, Jeonbuk National University, Jeongeup 56212, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang Hyun Park
- Advanced Radiation Technology Institute (ARTI), Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Jeongeup 56212, Republic of Korea; Radiation Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
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33
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Kataria N, Yadav S, Garg VK, Rene ER, Jiang JJ, Rose PK, Kumar M, Khoo KS. Occurrence, transport, and toxicity of microplastics in tropical food chains: perspectives view and way forward. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:98. [PMID: 38393462 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01862-2] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, which have a diameter of less than 5 mm, are becoming an increasingly prevalent contaminant in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems due to the dramatic increase in plastic production to 390.7 million tonnes in 2021. Among all the plastics produced since 1950, nearly 80% ended up in the environment or landfills and eventually reached the oceans. Currently, 82-358 trillion plastic particles, equivalent to 1.1-4.9 million tonnes by weight, are floating on the ocean's surface. The interactions between microorganisms and microplastics have led to the transportation of other associated pollutants to higher trophic levels of the food chain, where microplastics eventually reach plants, animals, and top predators. This review paper focuses on the interactions and origins of microplastics in diverse environmental compartments that involve terrestrial and aquatic food chains. The present review study also critically discusses the toxicity potential of microplastics in the food chain. This systematic review critically identified 206 publications from 2010 to 2022, specifically reported on microplastic transport and ecotoxicological impact in aquatic and terrestrial food chains. Based on the ScienceDirect database, the total number of studies with "microplastic" as the keyword in their title increased from 75 to 4813 between 2010 and 2022. Furthermore, various contaminants are discussed, including how microplastics act as a vector to reach organisms after ingestion. This review paper would provide useful perspectives in comprehending the possible effects of microplastics and associated contaminants from primary producers to the highest trophic level (i.e. human health).
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Affiliation(s)
- Navish Kataria
- Department of Environmental Sciences, J.C. Bose University of Science and Technology, YMCA, Faridabad, Haryana, 121006, India
| | - Sangita Yadav
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, 125001, India
| | - Vinod Kumar Garg
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151001, India
| | - Eldon R Rene
- Department of Water Supply, Sanitation and Environmental Engineering, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2601 DA, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jheng-Jie Jiang
- Advanced Environmental Ultra Research Laboratory (ADVENTURE), Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Risk Management (CERM), Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Pawan Kumar Rose
- Department of Energy and Environmental Sciences, Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, Haryana, 125055, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, 125001, India
| | - Kuan Shiong Khoo
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
- Centre for Herbal Pharmacology and Environmental Sustainability, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, 603103, India.
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34
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George M, Nallet F, Fabre P. A threshold model of plastic waste fragmentation: New insights into the distribution of microplastics in the ocean and its evolution over time. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:116012. [PMID: 38232651 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.116012] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in the aquatic environment has been assessed for many years by ocean waste collection expeditions around the globe or by river sampling. While the total amount of plastic produced worldwide is well documented, the amount of plastic found in the ocean, the distribution of particles on its surface and its evolution over time are still the subject of much debate. In this article, we propose a general fragmentation model, postulating the existence of a critical size below which particle fragmentation becomes extremely unlikely. In the frame of this model, an abundance peak appears for sizes around 1 mm, in agreement with real environmental data. Using, in addition, a realistic exponential waste feed to the ocean, we discuss the relative impact of fragmentation and feed rates, and the temporal evolution of microplastics (MP) distribution. New conclusions on the temporal trend of MP pollution are drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu George
- Laboratoire Charles-Coulomb, UMR 5221 CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Campus Triolet, Place Eugène-Bataillon - CC069, F-34095, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Frédéric Nallet
- Centre de recherche Paul-Pascal, UMR 5031 CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, 115 avenue du Docteur-Schweitzer, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Pascale Fabre
- Laboratoire Charles-Coulomb, UMR 5221 CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Campus Triolet, Place Eugène-Bataillon - CC069, F-34095, Montpellier Cedex 5, France.
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35
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Benjaminsen SC, Dehnhard N, Herzke D, Johnsen A, Anker-Nilssen T, Bourgeon S, Collard F, Langset M, Christensen-Dalsgaard S, Gabrielsen GW. The challenges of opportunistic sampling when comparing prevalence of plastics in diving seabirds: A multi-species example from Norway. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:116037. [PMID: 38242067 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116037] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
There is a need for baseline information about how much plastics are ingested by wildlife and potential negative consequences thereof. We analysed the frequency of occurrence (FO) of plastics >1 mm in the stomachs of five pursuit-diving seabird species collected opportunistically. Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica) found emaciated on beaches in SW Norway had the highest FO of plastics (58.8 %), followed by emaciated common guillemots (Uria aalge; 9.1 %) also found beached in either SW or SE Norway. No plastics were detected in razorbills (Alca torda), great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo), and European shags (Gulosus aristotelis) taken as bycatch in northern Norway. This is the first study to report on plastic ingestion of these five species in northern Europe, and it highlights both the usefulness and limitations of opportunistic sampling. Small sample sizes, as well as an unbalanced sample design, complicated the interpretation of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nina Dehnhard
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Høgskoleringen 9, 7034 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Dorte Herzke
- The Climate and Environmental Research Institute NILU, Fram Centre, Hjalmar Johansens Gate 14, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; Norwegian Institute for Public Health, Lovisenberggt. 8, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arild Johnsen
- Natural History Museum University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1172 Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Tycho Anker-Nilssen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Høgskoleringen 9, 7034 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sophie Bourgeon
- UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - France Collard
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Hjalmar Johansens Gate 14, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Fram Centre, Hjalmar Johansens Gate 14, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Magdalene Langset
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Høgskoleringen 9, 7034 Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Geir Wing Gabrielsen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Hjalmar Johansens Gate 14, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
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36
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McMullen K, Vargas FH, Calle P, Alavarado-Cadena O, Pakhomov EA, Alava JJ. Modelling microplastic bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential in the Galápagos penguin ecosystem using Ecopath and Ecosim (EwE) with Ecotracer. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296788. [PMID: 38265981 PMCID: PMC10807758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of anthropogenic particles are crucial factors in assessing microplastic impacts to marine ecosystems. Microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to iconic and often endangered species but examining their tissues and gut contents for contaminant analysis via lethal sampling is challenging due to ethical concerns and animal care restrictions. Incorporating empirical data from prey items and fecal matter into models can help trace microplastic movement through food webs. In this study, the Galápagos penguin food web served as an indicator species to assess microplastic bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential using trophodynamic Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) modelling with Ecotracer. Empirical data collected from surface seawater near Galápagos penguin colonies, zooplankton, penguin prey, and penguin scat in October 2021 were used to inform the ecosystem model. Multiple scenarios, including a 99% elimination rate, were employed to assess model sensitivity. Model predictions revealed that microplastics can bioaccumulate in all predator-prey relationships, but biomagnification is highly dependent on the elimination rate. It establishes the need for more research into elimination rates of different plastics, which is a critical missing gap in current microplastic ecotoxicological and bioaccumulation science. Compared to empirical data, modelling efforts underpredicted microplastic concentrations in zooplankton and over-predicted concentrations in fish. Ultimately, the ecosystem modelling provides novel insights into potential microplastics' bioaccumulation and biomagnification risks. These findings can support regional marine plastic pollution management efforts to conserve native and endemic species of the Galápagos Islands and the Galápagos Marine Reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karly McMullen
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Paola Calle
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Omar Alavarado-Cadena
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Evgeny A. Pakhomov
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Juan José Alava
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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37
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Graca B, Rychter A, Staniszewska M, Pryputniewicz-Flis D. The seasonality of the concentration of endocrine phenolic compounds in the matter attached to the surface of microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168400. [PMID: 37939964 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Rapid biofilm formation on microplastic (MP) surfaces in marine environments and the tendency of hydrophobic pollutants to bioaccumulate may increase the exposure of organisms to ingested plastics and transport pollutants far from their sources. The role of the matter attached to MPs (MaM) in the interactions between MPs and other pollutants in marine environments is poorly understood. This paper studies pollutant sorption in MaM for three phenolic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs): bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP), and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP). Polypropylene (PP), expanded polystyrene (EPS), and polylactide (PLA) MPs were exposed to an environment conducive to biofouling (Vistula Lagoon, Baltic Sea) for four weeks in summer, spring, and winter. The concentrations of EDCs in MaM and the suspended particulate matter (SPM) were similar and were 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than those in water and sediment. The type and morphology of the polymers were less significant for determining the concentrations of EDCs in MaM than the season. The concentrations were higher in the growing season than in winter. EDCs increased linearly with the increase in particulate organic carbon. The relationships between organic carbon partition coefficients and octanol/water partition coefficients indicate that hydrophobic partitioning into organic matter was the dominant mechanism of 4-t-OP and 4-NP binding in MaM and in SPM. For BPA, additional sorption mechanisms seem to be significant. In addition to the direct sorption from ambient water, the binding of phytoplankton-derived particles, most probably via attachment to extracellular polymeric substances, appears to be a source of EDCs in MPs. Rough estimates showed that the largest load of particulate matter and EDCs was attached to expanded polystyrene. This study suggests that the potential negative impacts of MPs on the environment are seasonal and that low-density porous plastics can be particularly effective carriers of large EDC loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bożena Graca
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Agata Rychter
- University of Applied Sciences in Elbląg, Ul. Wojska Polskiego 1, 82-300 Elbląg, Poland
| | - Marta Staniszewska
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Dorota Pryputniewicz-Flis
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
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38
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Wang Y, Zhong Z, Chen X, Sokolova I, Ma L, Yang Q, Qiu K, Khan FU, Tu Z, Guo B, Huang W. Microplastic pollution and ecological risk assessment of Yueqing Bay affected by intensive human activities. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132603. [PMID: 37778312 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are a widespread environmental problem posing ecological risks in the ocean. We investigated the abundance, spatial distribution, characteristics and ecological risks of MPs in surface seawater, sediments and organisms in Yueqing Bay, China. MPs were detected in both environmental media and organisms. The overall abundance (0.24 items/m3 seawater, 6.13 items/kg dry sediment, 0.77 items/individual in organisms) was low to medium compared with other coastal areas. The MPs were mainly derived from the high-intensity mariculture and shipping in the bay, as well as industrial and human activities along the surrounding coast. The abundance of MPs in water of the left (western) bay (0.39 items/m3) was considerably higher than that of the right (north-eastern) bay (0.07 items/m3) due to the different levels of population and economic development on the left and right coasts. The ecological risk assessment showed generally low to medium risk from MPs pollution in Yueqing Bay, with higher ecological risk index (H) and potential ecological hazards (RI) of MPs polymers in water samples. These data emphasize the need for timely and effective action to reduce the contribution of intensive human activities to MPs pollution and provide information for further ecotoxicological studies, pollution control, and policy development of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youji Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Zhen Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Bureau of Hydrology (Information Center) of Huaihe River Commission, Ministry of Water Resources, Bengbu 233001, China
| | - Inna Sokolova
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute for Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Lukuo Ma
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Qikun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Kecheng Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Fahim Ullah Khan
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Zhihan Tu
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Baoying Guo
- National Engineering Research Center for Marine Aquaculture, Marine Science and Technology College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China.
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Chatterjee NH, Manna S, Ray A, Das S, Rana N, Banerjee A, Ray M, Ray S. Microplastics contamination in two species of gobies and their estuarine habitat of Indian Sundarbans. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115857. [PMID: 38039580 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Sundarbans, a Ramsar site of India is contaminated with heterogeneous microplastic wastes. Boddart's goggle eye mudskipper and Rubicundus eelgoby, were common gobies of Sundarbans estuary which accumulated microplastics during their normal biological activities. We estimated the abundance of microplastics in water, sediment; skin, gills, bucco-opercular cavity and gastrointestinal tract of these two goby fishes. Microplastic load estimated in gobies were 0.84 and 2.62 particles per fish species with a dominance of transparent, fibrous microplastics with 100-300 μm in length. ATR-FTIR and Raman spectroscopy revealed polyethylene as prevalent polymer. Surface degradations and adsorption of contaminants on microplastic surface were investigated by SEM-EDX analysis. Presence of hazardous polymers influenced high polymer hazard index and potential ecological risk index which indicated acute environmental threat to Sundarbans estuary and its resident organisms. Current study will provide a new information base on the abundance of microplastics and its ecological hazard in this biosphere reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilanjan Hari Chatterjee
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Sumit Manna
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Abhishek Ray
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Sourav Das
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Nabakumar Rana
- Department of Physics, University of Calcutta, 92 A.P.C Road, Kolkata 700009, West Bengal, India
| | - Aritra Banerjee
- Department of Physics, University of Calcutta, 92 A.P.C Road, Kolkata 700009, West Bengal, India
| | - Mitali Ray
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Sajal Ray
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India.
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40
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Gao P, Md Shaarani S, Mohd Noor NQI. Recent advances in inspection technologies of food safety health hazards for fish and fish products. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023:1-17. [PMID: 38059602 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2289077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The development of reliable and sensitive detection methods is essential for addressing the escalating concerns surrounding fish and fish products, driven by increasing market demands. This comprehensive review presents recent advances in detection approaches, specifically focusing on microplastic, biological, and chemical hazards associated with these products. The overview encompasses 21 distinct detection methods, categorized based on the type of hazard they target. For microplastic hazards, six methods are visual, spectroscopic, and thermal analyses. Biological hazard identification relies on six approaches employing nucleic-acid sequence, immunological, and biosensor technologies. The investigation of chemical hazards encompasses ten methods, including chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunological, biosensor, and electrochemical techniques. The review provides in-depth insights into the basic principles, general characteristics, and the recognized advantages and disadvantages of each method. Moreover, it elaborates on recent advancements within these methodologies. The concluding section of the review discusses current challenges and outlines future perspectives for these detection methods. Overall, this comprehensive summary not only serves as a guide for researchers involved in fish safety and quality control but also emphasizes the significance of staying abreast of evolving detection technologies to ensure the continued safety of fish and fish products in response to emerging food safety hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiru Gao
- Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Sharifudin Md Shaarani
- Food Biotechnology Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Malaysia
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41
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Saliu F, Lasagni M, Clemenza M, Chubarenko I, Esiukova E, Suaria G. The interactions of plastic with tar and other petroleum derivatives in the marine environment: A general perspective. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115753. [PMID: 37952374 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115753] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic and oil pollution are closely linked to our dependence on petroleum derivatives. Their excessive use and inefficiencies in their management, have led to negative impacts on marine ecosystems since their very introduction. Agglomerates of tar, plastic, paraffins, and other petrochemicals and oil derivatives with naturally occurring materials, are increasingly widespread in coastal environments, stalling as an iconic and readable sign of environmental degradation. Starting from a historical review of the available reports on the occurrence of similar aggregates dating back to 1971, we highlight how most of these observations are based on the morphological description of the petroleum residues with no chemical fingerprinting and are mainly related to materials stranded on the coastline, with few and unclear indications for the open sea. We discuss here a list of scientific questions and knowledge gaps, that need to be examined by future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Clemenza
- National Institute of Nuclear Physic (INFN) Milano Bicocca branch, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Irina Chubarenko
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 36 Nakhimovsky Prosp., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Elena Esiukova
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 36 Nakhimovsky Prosp., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Giuseppe Suaria
- CNR-ISMAR, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Scienze Marine, Pozzuolo di Lerici, 19032 La Spezia, Italy
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42
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Hart LB, Dziobak M, Wells RS, McCabe EB, Conger E, Curtin T, Knight M, Weinstein J. Plastic, It's What's for Dinner: A Preliminary Comparison of Ingested Particles in Bottlenose Dolphins and Their Prey. OCEANS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 4:409-422. [PMID: 38766537 PMCID: PMC11101200 DOI: 10.3390/oceans4040028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic ingestion was reported for common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting Sarasota Bay, FL, USA, a community that also has prevalent exposure to plasticizers (i.e., phthalates) at concentrations higher than human reference populations. Exposure sources are currently unknown, but plastic-contaminated prey could be a vector. To explore the potential for trophic exposure, prey fish muscle and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) tissues and contents were screened for suspected microplastics, and particle properties (e.g., color, shape, surface texture) were compared with those observed in gastric samples from free-ranging dolphins. Twenty-nine fish across four species (hardhead catfish, Ariopsis felis; pigfish, Orthopristis chrysoptera; pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides; and Gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta) were collected from Sarasota Bay during September 2022. Overall, 97% of fish (n = 28) had suspected microplastics, and GIT abundance was higher than muscle. Fish and dolphin samples contained fibers and films; however, foams were common in dolphin samples and not observed in fish. Suspected tire wear particles (TWPs) were not in dolphin samples, but 23.1% and 32.0% of fish muscle and GIT samples, respectively, contained at least one suspected TWP. While some similarities in particles were shared between dolphins and fish, small sample sizes and incongruent findings for foams and TWPs suggest further investigation is warranted to understand trophic transfer potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie B. Hart
- Department of Health and Human Performance, School of Health Sciences, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, USA
- Center for Coastal Environmental and Human Health, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, USA
| | - Miranda Dziobak
- Department of Health and Human Performance, School of Health Sciences, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Randall S. Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
| | - Elizabeth Berens McCabe
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
| | - Eric Conger
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, USA
| | - Tita Curtin
- Department of Health and Human Performance, School of Health Sciences, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, USA
| | - Maggie Knight
- Graduate Program in Marine Biology, Grice Marine Laboratory, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, USA
| | - John Weinstein
- Department of Biology, The Citadel, Charleston, SC 29409, USA
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43
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Hee YY, Hanif NM, Weston K, Latif MT, Suratman S, Rusli MU, Mayes AG. Atmospheric microplastic transport and deposition to urban and pristine tropical locations in Southeast Asia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166153. [PMID: 37562616 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric microplastic transport is an important delivery pathway with the deposition of microplastics to ecologically important regions raising environmental concerns. Investigating atmospheric delivery pathways and their deposition rates in different ecosystems is necessary to understanding its global impact. In this study, atmospheric deposition was collected at three sites in Malaysia, two urban and one pristine, covering the Northeast and Southwest monsoons to quantify the role of this pathway in Southeast Asia. Air mass back trajectories showed long-range atmospheric transport of microplastics to all sites with atmospheric deposition varying from 114 to 689 MP/m2/day. For the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, monsoonal season influenced microplastic transport and deposition rate with peak microplastic deposition during the Northeast monsoon due to higher wind speed. MP morphology combined with size fractionation and plastic type at the coastal sites indicated a role for long-range marine transport of MPs that subsequently provided a local marine source to the atmosphere at the coastal sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yet Yin Hee
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia.
| | - Norfazrin Mohd Hanif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Keith Weston
- Independent environmental consultant, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Mohd Talib Latif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Suhaimi Suratman
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Uzair Rusli
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | - Andrew G Mayes
- School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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44
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Manzano-Covarrubias AL, Yan H, Luu MDA, Gadjdjoe PS, Dolga AM, Schmidt M. Unravelling the signaling power of pollutants. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:917-933. [PMID: 37783643 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.09.002] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental pollutants contributes to diverse pathologies, including pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections, cancer, and stroke. Pollutants' entry can occur through inhalation, traversing endothelial and epithelial barriers, and crossing the blood-brain barrier, leading to a wide distribution throughout the human body via systemic circulation. Pollutants cause cellular damage by multiple mechanisms encompassing oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, (neuro)inflammation, and protein instability/proteotoxicity. Sensing pollutants has added a new dimension to disease progression and drug failure. Understanding the molecular pathways and potential receptor binding/signaling that underpin 'sensing' could contribute to ways to combat the detrimental effects of pollutants. We highlight key points of pollutant signaling, crosstalk with receptors acting as drug targets for chronic diseases, and discuss the potential for future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Manzano-Covarrubias
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, GRIAC, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hong Yan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Minh D A Luu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Phoeja S Gadjdjoe
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Amalia M Dolga
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, GRIAC, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martina Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, GRIAC, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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45
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Yu X, Guo W, Duan J. The complete genome sequence of Peribacillus sp. R9-11 for genome mining of polystyrene degrading enzymes. Mar Genomics 2023; 72:101072. [PMID: 38008531 DOI: 10.1016/j.margen.2023.101072] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Peribacillus sp. R9-11, isolated from a marine sediment sample of the Arctic Ocean, can grow in mineral medium with polystyrene (PS) plastic as sole carbon source. Here, we present the complete genome of Peribacillus sp. R9-11, which will facilitate the genome mining of PS degrading enzymes. The total length of the sequenced genome consists of 6,288,471 bases, with mean G + C content of 37.93%. A total of 6447 coding genes including 84 tRNAs and 37 rRNAs were predicted in the genome. Some potential PS degrading enzymes including cytochrome P450s and peroxidases were found in this genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yu
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, Jinjiang 362251, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Biogenetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Wenbin Guo
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, Jinjiang 362251, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Biogenetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China.
| | - Jingjing Duan
- College of Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China.
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46
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Smith M, Singh H, Sherman JD. Infection Prevention, Planetary Health, and Single-Use Plastics. JAMA 2023; 330:1947-1948. [PMID: 37782511 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.20550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Authors of this Viewpoint present actionable steps for regulatory, industry, and health care organization practices to accelerate reduction of single-use plastics and help protect planetary and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Smith
- Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Iowa City, Iowa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City
| | - Hardeep Singh
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jodi D Sherman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
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47
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Kang E, Lee W, Lee H. Comprehensive Understanding of Self-Propelled Janus Pt/Fe 2O 3 Micromotor Dynamics: Impact of Size, Morphology, and Surface Structure. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:9811-9818. [PMID: 37889127 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c02637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of plastics has led to the accumulation of plastic waste in the oceans, resulting in significant global environmental challenges associated with microplastic pollution. Micromotors, capable of capturing and removing microplastics from aquatic systems, have emerged as a promising solution to addressing this problem. This research aims to analyze the factors affecting the speed of micromotors, including size, morphology, and surface structure, while elucidating the underlying mechanisms governing micromotor propulsion to develop efficient and ecofriendly micromotors. In this study, we systematically manipulate various parameters by modifying the synthesis method of hematite-based micromotors, subsequently comparing their propulsion speeds and uncovering the precise role of these parameters in determining the micromotor performance. Furthermore, we shed light on the intricate interplay between drag force and propulsive force, demonstrating how these forces vary under different H2O2 conditions. These findings provide valuable insights into the design of efficient micromotors tailored for dynamic aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunbi Kang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Wanhee Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyosun Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
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48
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Saliu F, Compa M, Becchi A, Lasagni M, Collina E, Liconti A, Suma E, Deudero S, Grech D, Suaria G. Plastitar in the Mediterranean Sea: New records and the first geochemical characterization of these novel formations. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115583. [PMID: 37769405 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115583] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
A new geological formation consisting of plastic debris admixed to petroleum oil residue, termed "plastitar", has been recently described in the Canary Islands. Here, we report its widespread occurrence across the Mediterranean coast and new insights into its biogeochemical composition. Specifically, we found marked differences in the diagenetic stable indicator profiles, suggesting a heterogeneous seeps provenance. Moreover, the 801 plastic particles found in the 1372 g of tar surveyed, with a maximum concentration of 2.0 items/g, showed interesting patterns in the tar mat, with nurdles predominantly layered in the external of the tar mat and lines in the inner core. Overall, the collected observation suggests that tar entraps plastics through a stepwise process and is a sink for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Montserrat Compa
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Mallorca, Spain
| | - Alessandro Becchi
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Collina
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Arianna Liconti
- OutBe SRL, Genova, Italy; MBA, The Marine Biological Association, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, United Kingdom
| | | | - Salud Deudero
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Mallorca, Spain
| | - Daniele Grech
- IMC - International Marine Centre, Loc. Sa Mardini, 09170, Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Suaria
- CNR-ISMAR, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Scienze Marine, Pozzuolo di Lerici, 19032 La Spezia, Italy
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49
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Guo W, Duan J, Shi Z, Yu X, Shao Z. Biodegradation of PET by the membrane-anchored PET esterase from the marine bacterium Rhodococcus pyridinivorans P23. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1090. [PMID: 37891241 PMCID: PMC10611731 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05470-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence for microbial biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has been reported, but little is known about the PET biodegradation process and molecular mechanism by marine microorganisms. Here, we show the biodegradation of PET by the membrane-anchored PET esterase from the marine bacterium Rhodococcus pyridinivorans P23, elucidate the properties of this enzyme, and propose the PET biodegradation by this strain in biofilm. We identify the PET-degrading enzyme dubbed PET esterase through activity tracking. In addition to depolymerizing PET, it hydrolyzes MHET into TPA under acid conditions. We prove that it is a low and constitutively transcribed, membrane-anchored protein displayed on the cell surface. Furthermore, we also investigate the microbial groups possessing PET esterase coupled with the TPA degradation pathway, mainly in the phyla Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota. Clarification of the microbial PET biodegradation in the marine environment will contribute to the understanding of bioremediation of marine PET pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biogenetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Jingjing Duan
- College of Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Zhengguang Shi
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biogenetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, 362251, Jinjiang, China
| | - Xue Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biogenetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, 362251, Jinjiang, China
| | - Zongze Shao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biogenetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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50
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Moreira-Mendieta A, Garcia-Garin O, Muñoz-Pérez JP, Urquía DO, Drago M, Borrell A, Páez-Rosas D. Detection and quantification of microplastic pollution in the endangered Galapagos sea lion. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:166223. [PMID: 37586531 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris pollution poses a significant global threat to biodiversity, with plastics being the primary debris type found in oceans due to their low-cost production and high demand worldwide. Microplastics (MPs, <5 mm in size) are highly bioavailable to a wide range of marine taxa, including marine mammals, through direct and indirect ingestion routes (i.e., trophic transfer). Recently, MP pollution has been detected on the Galapagos Marine Reserve, so in this study we developed a baseline framework for MP pollution in the Galapagos sea lion (GSL, Zalophus wollebaeki) through scat-based analysis. We collected 180 GSL scat samples from the southeast region following strict quality assurance/quality control protocols to detect, quantify and characterize physical-chemical properties of MPs through visual observations and μFT-IR spectroscopy. We recovered 81 MPs of varying sizes and colors in 37 % of samples (n = 66/180), consisting mostly of fibers (69 %, x¯ = 0.31 ± 0.57 particles scat-1). The number of particles per gram of sample wet weight ranged from 0.02 to 0.22 (x¯ = 0.04 ± 0.05 particles scat wet g-1). El Malecón and Punta Pitt rookeries at San Cristobal Island had the highest number of MPs (x¯ = 0.67 ± 0.51 and 0.43 ± 0.41 particles scat-1, respectively), and blue-colored particles were the most common in all samples. We identified eleven polymers in 46 particles, consisting mostly of polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer, polypropylene, cellulose, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride. The textile, fishing, and packaging industries are likely significant sources of microfibers into this insular ecosystem. Our results suggest that the GSL is exposed to MPs due to anthropogenic contamination that is subsequently transferred through trophic processes. These findings provide an important baseline framework and insights for future research on MP pollution in the region, as well as for management actions that will contribute to the long-term conservation of the GSL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Moreira-Mendieta
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Maestría en Ecología Tropical y Conservación, Diego de Robles s/n y Pampite, Quito, Ecuador; Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Galapagos Science Center, Av. Alsacio Northia s/n, Isla San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador.
| | - Odei Garcia-Garin
- Universitat de Barcelona, Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Barcelona 08028, Spain; Universitat de Barcelona, Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Juan Pablo Muñoz-Pérez
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Galapagos Science Center, Av. Alsacio Northia s/n, Isla San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador; University of the Sunshine Coast UniSC, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia
| | - Diego O Urquía
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Maestría en Ecología Tropical y Conservación, Diego de Robles s/n y Pampite, Quito, Ecuador; Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Galapagos Science Center, Av. Alsacio Northia s/n, Isla San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Massimiliano Drago
- Universitat de Barcelona, Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Barcelona 08028, Spain; Universitat de Barcelona, Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Asunción Borrell
- Universitat de Barcelona, Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Barcelona 08028, Spain; Universitat de Barcelona, Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Diego Páez-Rosas
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Galapagos Science Center, Av. Alsacio Northia s/n, Isla San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador; Dirección del Parque Nacional Galápagos, Unidad Técnica Operativa San Cristóbal, Isla San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador
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