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Alves NM, Rodriguez J, Di Mauro R, Rodríguez JS, Maldonado D, Braverman MS, Temperoni B, Diaz MV. Like noodles in a soup: Anthropogenic microfibers are being ingested by juvenile fish in nursery grounds of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116368. [PMID: 38678732 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116368] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The balance between marine health and ecosystem sustainability confronts a pressing threat from anthropogenic pollution. Estuaries are particularly susceptible to contamination, notably by anthropogenic microfibers originated from daily human activities in land and in fishing practices. This study examines the impact of anthropogenic microfibers on the whitemouth croaker in an estuarine environment of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean during cold and warm seasons. The presence of anthropogenic microfibers was revealed in 64 % of juvenile gastrointestinal tracts, and 94 % of water samples, and concentrations were influenced by factors such as temperature, bay zone, and fish body length. Blue and black anthropogenic microfibers, with a rather new physical aspect, were dominant. This study highlights the impact of microfibers in a heavily anthropized body of water, subject to federal and local regulations due to the presence of commercially significant fish species inhabiting this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia M Alves
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP), Paseo Victoria Ocampo N° 1, B7602HSA Mar del Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) CABA - República Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC - CONICET), Juan B. Justo 2550, B7608FBY, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Julieta Rodriguez
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP), Paseo Victoria Ocampo N° 1, B7602HSA Mar del Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) CABA - República Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC - CONICET), Juan B. Justo 2550, B7608FBY, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Rosana Di Mauro
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP), Paseo Victoria Ocampo N° 1, B7602HSA Mar del Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) CABA - República Argentina.
| | - Julieta S Rodríguez
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP), Paseo Victoria Ocampo N° 1, B7602HSA Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - David Maldonado
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP), Paseo Victoria Ocampo N° 1, B7602HSA Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Mara S Braverman
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP), Paseo Victoria Ocampo N° 1, B7602HSA Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Brenda Temperoni
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP), Paseo Victoria Ocampo N° 1, B7602HSA Mar del Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) CABA - República Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC - CONICET), Juan B. Justo 2550, B7608FBY, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Marina V Diaz
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP), Paseo Victoria Ocampo N° 1, B7602HSA Mar del Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) CABA - República Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC - CONICET), Juan B. Justo 2550, B7608FBY, Mar del Plata, Argentina
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2
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MacAulay S, Masud N, Davies-Jones J, Ward BD, Cable J. The impacts of synthetic and cellulose-based fibres and their associated dyes on fish hosts and parasite health. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:121558-121568. [PMID: 37955728 PMCID: PMC10724321 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30794-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is now a ubiquitous feature of freshwater systems and the majority of this is fibrous. Here, we test the effects of plastic and cellulose-based fibres (polyester, cotton, and bamboo from commercial clothing) on fish host-parasite interactions using a freshwater fish host-parasite model system (guppy Poecilia reticulata-Gyrodactylus turnbulli). For uninfected fish, polyester exposure was associated with significantly higher mortality rates compared with the other two fibre types. For infected fish, whilst polyester and cotton exposure were not associated with any significant changes to parasite burdens, fish exposed to bamboo fibres had significantly reduced maximum parasite burdens compared with fish not exposed to any fibres, indicating that the bamboo fibres and/or associated dyes conferred some degree of resistance or tolerance. Whilst unable to determine the exact nature of the chemical dyes, when testing off-host parasite survival on exposure to the fibre dyes, cotton and particularly polyester dyes were associated with higher parasite mortality compared to bamboo. Overall, we add to the growing body of evidence which shows that polyester microplastic fibres and their associated dyes can be detrimental for both fish and parasite survival, and we highlight the need for increased transparency from textile industries on the chemical identity of fabric dyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott MacAulay
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Numair Masud
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
| | | | - Benjamin D Ward
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Jo Cable
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
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3
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Pathak GS, Hinge M, Otzen DE. Transdisciplinary pragmatic melioration for the plastic life cycle: Why the social, natural, and technical sciences should prioritize reducing harm. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165154. [PMID: 37385513 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165154] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Plastics underpin modern society but also threaten to choke it. Only 9 % of all plastic waste is recycled, usually with loss of quality ("downcycling"); the rest is landfilled or dumped (79 %) or incinerated (12 %). Put bluntly, the "plastic age" needs a "sustainable plastic culture." Consequently, we urgently need to develop a global and transdisciplinary approach not only to fully recycle plastics but also to manage the harms across their life cycle. The past decade has witnessed an explosion in research on new technologies and interventions that purport to help solve the plastic waste challenge; however, this work has, in most cases, been carried forward within single disciplines (for example, researching novel chemical and bio-based technologies for plastic degradation, engineering processing equipment innovations, and mapping recycling behaviours). In particular, although there has been vast progress within individual scientific fields, such work does not address the complexities of various plastic types and waste management systems. Meanwhile, research on the social contexts (and constraints) of plastic use and disposal is rarely in conversation with the sciences to drive innovation. In short, research on plastics typically lacks a transdisciplinary perspective. In this review, we urge the adoption of a transdisciplinary approach that focuses on pragmatic melioration; such an approach combines the natural and technical sciences with the social sciences to focus on the mitigation of harms across the plastic life cycle. To illustrate our case, we review the status of plastic recycling from these three scientific perspectives. Based on this, we advocate 1) foundational studies to identify sources of harm and 2) global/local interventions aimed at those plastics and aspects of the plastic life cycle that cause maximal harm, both in terms of planetary welfare and social justice. We believe this approach to plastic stewardship can be a showcase for tackling other environmental challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauri S Pathak
- Department of Global Studies, Aarhus University, Jens Chr. Skous Vej 7, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Mogens Hinge
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering - Process and Materials Engineering, Aarhus University, Aabogade 40, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Daniel E Otzen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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4
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Finnegan AMD, Süsserott R, Gabbott SE, Gouramanis C. Man-made natural and regenerated cellulosic fibres greatly outnumber microplastic fibres in the atmosphere. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 310:119808. [PMID: 35926740 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric microplastics have been widely reported in studies around the world. Microfibres are often the dominant morphology found by researchers, although synthetic (i.e., plastic) microfibres are typically just a fraction of the total number of microfibres, with other, non-synthetic, cellulosic microfibres frequently being reported. This study set out to review existing literature to determine the relative proportion of cellulosic and synthetic atmospheric anthropogenic (man-made) microfibres, discuss trends in the microfibre abundances, and outline proposed best-practices for future studies. We conducted a systematic review of the existing literature and identified 33 peer-reviewed articles from Scopus and Google Scholar searches that examined cellulosic microfibres and synthetic microfibres in the atmosphere. Multiple analyses indicate that cellulosic microfibres are considerably more common than synthetic microfibres. FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy data obtained from 24 studies, showed that 57% of microfibres were cellulosic and 23% were synthetic. The remaining were either inorganic, or not determined. In total, 20 studies identified more cellulosic microfibres, compared to 11 studies which identified more synthetic microfibres. The data show that cellulosic microfibres are 2.5 times more abundant between 2016 and 2022, however, the proportion of cellulosic microfibres appear to be decreasing, while synthetic microfibres are increasing. We expect a crossover to happen by 2030, where synthetic microfibres will be dominant in the atmosphere. We propose that future studies on atmospheric anthropogenic microfibres should include information on natural and regenerated cellulosic microfibres, and design studies which are inclusive of cellulosic microfibres during analysis and reporting. This will allow researchers to monitor trends in the composition of atmospheric microfibers and will help address the frequent underestimation of cellulosic microfibre abundance in the atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebekah Süsserott
- Geography Department, National University of Singapore, 1 Arts Link, #03-01 Block AS2, Singapore 117570, Singapore
| | - Sarah E Gabbott
- School of Geography, Geology and Environment, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Chris Gouramanis
- Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University, Building 142, Mills Road, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
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5
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Experimental and mathematical modeling approaches for biocatalytic post-consumer poly(ethylene terephthalate) hydrolysis. J Biotechnol 2021; 341:76-85. [PMID: 34534594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The environmental impact arising from poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste is notable worldwide. Enzymatic PET hydrolysis can provide chemicals that serve as intermediates for value-added product synthesis and savings in the resources. In the present work, some reaction parameters were evaluated on the hydrolysis of post-consumer PET (PC-PET) using a cutinase from Humicola insolens (HiC). The increase in PC-PET specific area leads to an 8.5-fold increase of the initial enzymatic hydrolysis rate (from 0.2 to 1.7 mmol L-1 h-1), showing that this parameter plays a crucial role in PET hydrolysis reaction. The effect of HiC concentration was investigated, and the enzymatic PC-PET hydrolysis kinetic parameters were estimated based on three different mathematical models describing heterogeneous biocatalysis. The model that best fits the experimental data (R2 = 0.981) indicated 1.68 mgprotein mL-1 as a maximum value of the enzyme concentration to optimize the reaction rate. The HiC thermal stability was evaluated, considering that it is a key parameter for its efficient use in PET degradation. The enzyme half-life was shown to be 110 h at 70 ºC and pH 7.0, which outperforms most of the known enzymes displaying PET hydrolysis activity. The results evidence that HiC is a very promising biocatalyst for efficient PET depolymerization.
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6
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Mohsen M, Zhang L, Sun L, Lin C, Liu S, Wang Q, Yang H. A deposit-feeder sea cucumber also ingests suspended particles through the mouth. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb230508. [PMID: 33199450 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.230508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Although the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus has been characterised as a deposit feeder, nutrients sourced from the water column have been recorded in the intestines of this species. However, the mechanisms whereby nutrients in the water enter the intestinal tract of A. japonicus, and whether other suspended particles can be ingested via the mouth of A. japonicus adults, remain unknown. Here, we reveal how A. japonicus ingests suspended particles through the mouth. We used synthetic particles and video recording to confirm the suspension uptake by the sea cucumber. Apostichopus japonicus continued to ingest suspended particles (if present) over time, and the particle ingestion rate was positively correlated with the concentration of suspended particles (Pearson correlation: r=0.808). Additionally, clearance rates of the suspended particles ranged from 0.3 to 0.9 l h-1 The findings of this study thus provide evidence of a previously undescribed particle uptake mechanism in a commercially important species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mohsen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- The Innovation of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Libin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- The Innovation of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lina Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- The Innovation of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chenggang Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- The Innovation of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Shilin Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- The Innovation of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilisation of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Hongsheng Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- The Innovation of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
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7
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Madejski GR, Ahmad SD, Musgrave J, Flax J, Madejski JG, Rowley DA, DeLouise LA, Berger AJ, Knox WH, McGrath JL. Silicon Nanomembrane Filtration and Imaging for the Evaluation of Microplastic Entrainment along a Municipal Water Delivery Route. SUSTAINABILITY 2020; 12:10655. [PMID: 36938128 PMCID: PMC10022737 DOI: 10.3390/su122410655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
To better understand the origin of microplastics in municipal drinking water, we evaluated 50 mL water samples from different stages of the City of Rochester's drinking water production and transport route, from Hemlock Lake to the University of Rochester. We directly filtered samples using silicon nitride nanomembrane filters with precisely patterned slit-shaped pores, capturing many of the smallest particulates (<20 μm) that could be absorbed by the human body. We employed machine learning algorithms to quantify the shapes and quantity of debris at different stages of the water transport process, while automatically segregating out fibrous structures from particulate. Particulate concentrations ranged from 13 to 720 particles/mL at different stages of the water transport process and fibrous pollution ranged from 0.4 to 8.3 fibers/mL. A subset of the debris (0.2-8.6%) stained positively with Nile red dye which identifies them as hydrophobic polymers. Further spectroscopic analysis also indicated the presence of many non-plastic particulates, including rust, silicates, and calcium scale. While water leaving the Hemlock Lake facility is mostly devoid of debris, transport through many miles of piping results in the entrainment of a significant amount of debris, including plastics, although in-route reservoirs and end-stage filtration serve to reduce these concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory R. Madejski
- 306 Goergen Hall, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Correspondence: (G.R.M.); (J.L.M.); Tel.: +1-585-460-3113 (G.R.M.); +1-585-273-5489 (J.L.M.)
| | - S. Danial Ahmad
- 306 Goergen Hall, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Jonathan Musgrave
- 508 Goergen Hall, The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Jonathan Flax
- 306 Goergen Hall, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Joseph G. Madejski
- 306 Goergen Hall, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - David A. Rowley
- Rochester Water Bureau, 7412 Rix Hill Rd, Hemlock, NY 14466, USA
| | - Lisa A. DeLouise
- 306 Goergen Hall, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Andrew J. Berger
- 405 Goergen Hall, The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Wayne H. Knox
- 508 Goergen Hall, The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - James L. McGrath
- 306 Goergen Hall, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Correspondence: (G.R.M.); (J.L.M.); Tel.: +1-585-460-3113 (G.R.M.); +1-585-273-5489 (J.L.M.)
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8
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Pathak G. Permeable persons and plastic packaging in India: from biomoral substance exchange to chemotoxic transmission. JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL ANTHROPOLOGICAL INSTITUTE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1467-9655.13365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gauri Pathak
- Department of Global Studies Aarhus University Jens Chr. Skous Vej 7, Building 1465, Room 328, 8000 Aarhus C Denmark
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9
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Ryan PG, Suaria G, Perold V, Pierucci A, Bornman TG, Aliani S. Sampling microfibres at the sea surface: The effects of mesh size, sample volume and water depth. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 258:113413. [PMID: 31862120 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microfibres are one of the most ubiquitous particulate pollutants, occurring in all environmental compartments. They are often assumed to be microplastics, but include natural as well as synthetic textile fibres and are perhaps best treated as a separate class of pollutants given the challenges they pose in terms of identification and contamination. Microfibres have been largely ignored by traditional methods used to sample floating microplastics at sea, which use 300-500 μm mesh nets that are too coarse to sample most textile fibres. There is thus a need for a consistent set of methods for sampling microfibres in seawater. We processed bulk water samples through 0.7-63 μm filters to collect microfibres in three ocean basins. Fibre density increased as mesh size decreased: 20 μm mesh sampled 41% more fibres than 63 μm, and 0.7 μm filters sampled 44% more fibres than 25 μm mesh, but mesh size (20-63 μm) had little effect on the size of fibres retained. Fibre density decreased with sample volume when processed through larger mesh filters, presumably because more fibres were flushed through the filters. Microfibres averaged 2.5 times more abundant at the sea surface than in water sampled 5 m sub-surface. However, the data were noisy; counts of replicate 10-L samples had low repeatability (0.15-0.36; CV = 56%), suggesting that single samples provide only a rough estimate of microfibre abundance. We propose that sampling for microfibres should use a combination of <1 μm and 20-25 μm filters and process multiple samples to offset high within-site variability in microfibre densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter G Ryan
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa.
| | - Giuseppe Suaria
- CNR-ISMAR, (Institute of Marine Sciences - Italian Research Council), Forte S. Teresa, 19032, La Spezia, Italy
| | - Vonica Perold
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Andrea Pierucci
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Universita' degli Studi di Cagliari, Via T. Fiorelli 1, 09126, Italy
| | - Thomas G Bornman
- SAEON (Elwandle Coastal Node) and Coastal and Marine Research Institute, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa
| | - Stefano Aliani
- CNR-ISMAR, (Institute of Marine Sciences - Italian Research Council), Forte S. Teresa, 19032, La Spezia, Italy
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10
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Mohsen M, Zhang L, Sun L, Lin C, Wang Q, Yang H. Microplastic fibers transfer from the water to the internal fluid of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 257:113606. [PMID: 31761598 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are small plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter. MPs in the form of microfibers (MFs) are widely detected in aquatic habitats and are of high environmental concern. Despite many reports on the effects of MFs on marine animals, their effect on sea cucumbers is still unclear. In addition, our previous filed study has shown that MFs may transfer to the coelomic fluid of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (A. japonicus). Here, we show how MFs transfer to the coelomic fluid of the sea cucumber. We captured the MFs during their transfer from the water to the coelomic fluid through the respiratory tree. A. japonicus ingested in the MFs along with the water during respiration; the MFs got stuck in the respiratory tree or transferred to the coelomic fluid. The transferred MFs increased during 72 h of exposure and persisted for 72 h after the transfer to clean water. Among the immunity indices, lysozyme (LZM) levels increased in response to the transferred MFs, which confirms the defensive role of LZMs against strange substances. Additionally, non-significantly decreased levels of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), peroxidase (POD) and phenol oxidase (PPO) were observed at 24 h and 48 h post-exposure, suggesting minimal oxidative imbalance. Furthermore, there were no significant changes in the speed and the total distance moved by A. japonicus post MFs transfer. This study revealed that MFs transfer and accumulate in the coelomic fluid of A. japonicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mohsen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China; Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Libin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lina Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chenggang Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Hongsheng Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Stanton T, Johnson M, Nathanail P, MacNaughtan W, Gomes RL. Freshwater and airborne textile fibre populations are dominated by 'natural', not microplastic, fibres. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 666:377-389. [PMID: 30798244 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The potential role of natural textile fibres as environmental pollutants has been speculated upon by some environmental scientists, however, there is a general consensus that their biodegradability reduces their environmental threat. Whilst the risks that they pose remain poorly understood, their environmental prevalence has been noted in several recent microplastic pollution manuscripts. Here we highlight the extent to which natural textile fibres dominate fibre populations of upstream reaches of the River Trent, UK, as well as the atmospheric deposition within its catchment, over a twelve month microplastic sampling campaign. Across 223 samples, natural textile fibres represented 93.8% of the textile fibre population quantified. Moreover, though microplastic particles including synthetic fibres are known to be pervasive environmental pollutants, extruded textile fibres were absent from 82.8% of samples. Natural textile fibres were absent from just 9.7% of samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Stanton
- School of Geography, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | | | - Paul Nathanail
- Land Quality Management Ltd, University of Nottingham Innovation Park, NG7 2TU, UK
| | - William MacNaughtan
- Division of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Rachel L Gomes
- Food, Water, Waste Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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12
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Pathak G, Nichter M. The Anthropology of Plastics: An Agenda for Local Studies of a Global Matter of Concern. Med Anthropol Q 2019; 33:307-326. [PMID: 30968437 DOI: 10.1111/maq.12514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Anthropology has largely ignored plastics, even as they have emerged as the paradigmatic material-and problem-of our times. In this article, we make the case for an anthropology of plastics as a priority for environmental and medical anthropological research. Drawing from exploratory fieldwork in India, we briefly highlight the benefits and risks of different types of plastics, identify areas for anthropological investigations of human-plastic entanglements, and unpack major debates about plastic control. We recommend analyses that take into account the social life of plastics and the life cycle of plastic production, consumption, circulation, disposal, retrieval, and decomposition. We propose a facilitator role for anthropologists in bringing environmental NGOs and the plastic industry to the table to reduce the human and environmental health risks related to widespread reliance on plastics. Overall, we argue that anthropological analyses are urgently needed to address environmental and global health concerns related to plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauri Pathak
- Department of Global Studies, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mark Nichter
- Department of Anthropology, University of Arizona
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13
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Taniguchi I, Yoshida S, Hiraga K, Miyamoto K, Kimura Y, Oda K. Biodegradation of PET: Current Status and Application Aspects. ACS Catal 2019. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.8b05171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ikuo Taniguchi
- Department of Polymer Science, Faculty of Textile Science, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Shosuke Yoshida
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi,
Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Kazumi Hiraga
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Kenji Miyamoto
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi,
Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Kimura
- Department of Polymer Science, Faculty of Textile Science, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Kohei Oda
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
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14
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15
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Liu
- College of Textile and Clothing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Bo Zhu
- College of Textile and Clothing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Weidong Gao
- College of Textile and Clothing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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