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Ali SS, Elsamahy T, Al-Tohamy R, Sun J. A critical review of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems: Degradation mechanisms and removing strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 21:100427. [PMID: 38765892 PMCID: PMC11099331 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2024.100427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Plastic waste discarded into aquatic environments gradually degrades into smaller fragments, known as microplastics (MPs), which range in size from 0.05 to 5 mm. The ubiquity of MPs poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and, by extension, human health, as these particles are ingested by various marine organisms including zooplankton, crustaceans, and fish, eventually entering the human food chain. This contamination threatens the entire ecological balance, encompassing food safety and the health of aquatic systems. Consequently, developing effective MP removal technologies has emerged as a critical area of research. Here, we summarize the mechanisms and recently reported strategies for removing MPs from aquatic ecosystems. Strategies combining physical and chemical pretreatments with microbial degradation have shown promise in decomposing MPs. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and specific enzymes are being leveraged in MP remediation efforts. Recent advancements have focused on innovative methods such as membrane bioreactors, synthetic biology, organosilane-based techniques, biofilm-mediated remediation, and nanomaterial-enabled strategies, with nano-enabled technologies demonstrating substantial potential to enhance MP removal efficiency. This review aims to stimulate further innovation in effective MP removal methods, promoting environmental and social well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh S. Ali
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Tamer Elsamahy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Rania Al-Tohamy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
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2
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Ruggles A, Benakis C. Exposure to Environmental Toxins: Potential Implications for Stroke Risk via the Gut- and Lung-Brain Axis. Cells 2024; 13:803. [PMID: 38786027 PMCID: PMC11119296 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100803] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence indicates that exposure to environmental toxins, both short-term and long-term, can increase the risk of developing neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases (i.e., Alzheimer's disease and other dementias) and acute brain injury (i.e., stroke). For stroke, the latest systematic analysis revealed that exposure to ambient particulate matter is the second most frequent stroke risk after high blood pressure. However, preclinical and clinical stroke investigations on the deleterious consequences of environmental pollutants are scarce. This review examines recent evidence of how environmental toxins, absorbed along the digestive tract or inhaled through the lungs, affect the host cellular response. We particularly address the consequences of environmental toxins on the immune response and the microbiome at the gut and lung barrier sites. Additionally, this review highlights findings showing the potential contribution of environmental toxins to an increased risk of stroke. A better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying exposure to environmental toxins has the potential to mitigate stroke risk and other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Corinne Benakis
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81337 Munich, Germany;
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3
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Rahman MM, Kim ES, Sung HC. Microplastics as an emerging threat to amphibians: Current status and future perspectives. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28220. [PMID: 38560268 PMCID: PMC10979166 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Given their pervasiveness in the environment, particularly in aquatic ecosystems, plastics are posing a growing concern worldwide. Many vertebrates and invertebrates in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems exhibit microplastic (MP) uptake and accumulation. Some studies have indicated the fatal impacts of MPs on animals and their possible transfer through food chains. Thus, it is crucial to study MP pollution and its impacts on environment-sensitive and globally threatened animal groups, such as amphibians, which also play an important role in the energy transfer between ecosystems. Unfortunately, research in this field is lacking and sources of organized information are also scarce. Hence, we systematically reviewed published literature on MPs in amphibians to fill the existing knowledge gap. Our review revealed that most of the previous studies have focused on MP bioaccumulation in amphibians, whereas, only a few research highlighted its impacts. We found that more than 80% of the studied species exhibited MP accumulation. MPs were reported to persist in different organs for a long time and get transferred to other trophic levels. They can also exhibit cytotoxic and mutagenic effects and may have fatal impacts. Moreover, they can increase the disease susceptibility of amphibians. Our study concludes the MPs as a potential threat to amphibians and urges increasing the scope and frequency of research on MP pollution and its impacts on this vulnerable animal group. We also provide a generalized method for studying MPs in amphibians with future perspectives and research directions. Our study is significant for extending the knowledge of MPs and their impacts on amphibians and guiding prospective research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mizanur Rahman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chonnam National University, 61186, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Eung-Sam Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chonnam National University, 61186, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- Research Center of Ecomimetics, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
- Center for Next Generation Sensor Research and Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Sustainable Ecological Environment, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha-Cheol Sung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chonnam National University, 61186, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- Research Center of Ecomimetics, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Sustainable Ecological Environment, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
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4
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Curl LF, Hurst SA, Pomory CM, Lamont MM, Janosik AM. Assessing microplastics contamination in unviable loggerhead sea turtle eggs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169434. [PMID: 38104820 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169434] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles, in comparison with marine mammals, sea birds, and fishes, are the most affected by microplastics in terms of number of individuals impacted and concentration within each organism. The ubiquitous nature and persistence of microplastics in the environment further compromises sea turtles as many species are currently vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. The objective of this study was to quantify microplastic contamination in unviable loggerhead sea turtle eggs (Caretta caretta). Eggs were collected from seven locations along the northwest coast of Florida. A total of 70 nests and 350 eggs were examined. Microplastics (n = 510) were found in undeveloped loggerhead sea turtle eggs across all seven sites, suggesting that maternal transference and/or exchange between the internal and external environment were possible. The frequency found was 7.29 ± 1.83 microplastic pieces per nest and 1.46 ± 0.01 per egg. Microplastics were categorized based on color, shape, size, and type of polymer. The predominant color of microplastics were blue/green (n = 236), shape was fibers (n = 369), and length was 10-300 μm (n = 191). Identified fragments, films, beads and one foam (n = 187) had the most common area of 1-10 μm2 (n = 45). Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared (μ-FTIR) spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that polyethylene (11 %) and polystyrene (7 %) were the main polymer types. For the first time microplastics were found in unviable, undeveloped loggerhead sea turtle eggs collected in northwest Florida. This work provides insight into the distribution patterns of microplastic pollutants in loggerhead sea turtle eggs and may extend to other species worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Margaret M Lamont
- United States Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
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5
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Romero MB, Polizzi PS, Chiodi L, Dolagaratz A, Gerpe M. Legacy and emerging contaminants in marine mammals from Argentina. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167561. [PMID: 37802361 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167561] [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: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals are recognized sentinels of ecosystem health. They are susceptible to the accumulation and biomagnification of pollutants, which constitute one of the greatest threats to their survival. Legacy, such as organochlorine pesticides, and emerging contaminants, like microplastics and pharmaceuticals, may have effects on marine mammals' health at individual and population levels. Therefore, the evaluation of the risks associated with pollutants in this group is of great importance. The aim of this review is to provide information on the occurrence of legacy and emerging contaminants in marine mammals that inhabit Argentine waters. Also, to identify knowledge gaps and suggest best practices for future research. Reports of legacy contaminants referring to organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls were found in five species of cetaceans and two of pinnipeds. With respect to emerging pollutants, the presence of plastics was only evaluated in three species. Reported data was from at least a decade ago. Therefore, it is necessary to update existing information and conduct continuous monitoring to assess temporary trends in pollutants. All the studies were carried out in the province of Buenos Aires and Northern Patagonia indicating a knowledge gap in the southern zone of the Argentine Sea. In addition, pollutants of global environmental concern that have not been studied in Argentina are discussed. Future studies should fill these gaps and a greater effort to understand the relationships between pollutants and their effects on marine mammals is suggested. This issue will make it possible to determine thresholds for all the substances and species evaluated in order to carry out more detailed risk assessments and make decisions for the conservation of marine mammals in Argentine waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Romero
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3350, CC7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina.
| | - P S Polizzi
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3350, CC7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - L Chiodi
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3350, CC7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - A Dolagaratz
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3350, CC7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - M Gerpe
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3350, CC7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
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6
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Chen R, Zhao X, Wu X, Wang J, Wang X, Liang W. Research progress on occurrence characteristics and source analysis of microfibers in the marine environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115834. [PMID: 38061148 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115834] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic microfiber pollution is a growing concern in the marine environment. However, critical issues associated with microfiber origins in marine environments have not been resolved. Herein, the potential sources of marine microfibers are systematically reviewed. The obtained results indicate that surface runoffs are primary contributors that transport land-based microfibers to oceans, and the breakdown of larger fiber plastic waste due to weathering processes is also a notable secondary source of marine microfibers. Additionally, there are three main approaches for marine microplastic source apportionment, namely, anthropogenic source classification, statistical analysis, and numerical simulations based on the Lagrangian particle tracking method. These methods establish the connections between characteristics, transport pathways and sources of microplastics, which provides new insights to further conduct microfiber source apportionment. This study helps to better understand sources analysis and transport pathways of microfibers into oceans and presents a scientific basis to further control microfiber pollution in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouzheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China.
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Junyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Weigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
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7
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Chemello G, Trotta E, Notarstefano V, Papetti L, Di Renzo L, Matiddi M, Silvestri C, Carnevali O, Gioacchini G. Microplastics evidence in yolk and liver of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), a pilot study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122589. [PMID: 37734631 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The potential toxicity of microplastics is a growing concern for the scientific community. The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is particularly inclined to accidently ingest plastic and microplastic due to its long-life cycle features. The possible transfer of microplastics from the female to the eggs should be investigated. The present study investigated the presence of microplastics in yolk and liver samples evaluating the number of melanomacrophages in the hepatic tissue as a possible biomarker of microplastics impact on the embryonic health status. The biometric parameters and liver histological analysis of 27 and 48 embryos (from two different nests respectively) at the 30 stage of development were analyzed. Raman Microspectroscopy was performed to identify the microplastics after alkaline digestion (10% KOH) of yolk and portion of liver from 5 embryos at the 30 developmental stage per nest. Microplastics were found in yolk and liver of loggerhead sea turtles at late embryonic stage for the first time. All microplastics were smaller than 5 μm and were made of polymers and colors suggesting their diverse origins. A total number of 21 microplastics, with dimensions lower than 5 μm, were found between the two nests (11 and 10 microplastics respectively). Only two shape categories were identified: spheres and fragments. The most frequent polymers observed were polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (31.5%, 21.1% and 15.8% respectively). Despite the eggs showing a higher number of microplastics in yolk samples than liver (15 and 6 microplastics in yolk and liver respectively), a positive correlation was observed only between the number of melanomacrophages (r = 0.863 p < 0.001) and microplastics in the liver. This result may suggest that microplastics could exert some effects on the hepatic tissues. Future studies should investigate this aspect and the possible relation between microplastics and other stress biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Chemello
- Department of Environmental and Life Science (DISVA), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Erica Trotta
- Department of Environmental and Life Science (DISVA), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Valentina Notarstefano
- Department of Environmental and Life Science (DISVA), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Luana Papetti
- CRTM, TartAmare Onlus, 85100, Marina di Grosseto, Italy.
| | - Ludovica Di Renzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Dell'Abruzzo e Del Molise "G. Caporale", 64100, Teramo, Italy; Centro Studi Cetacei, 65125, Pescara, Italy.
| | - Marco Matiddi
- Centro Nazionale per La Rete Nazionale Dei Laboratori CN-LAB, Istituto Superiore per La Ricerca e La Protezione Ambientale (ISPRA), 00144, Roma, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Silvestri
- Centro Nazionale per La Rete Nazionale Dei Laboratori CN-LAB, Istituto Superiore per La Ricerca e La Protezione Ambientale (ISPRA), 00144, Roma, Italy.
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Department of Environmental and Life Science (DISVA), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Gioacchini
- Department of Environmental and Life Science (DISVA), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
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8
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Yang T, Wang J. Exposure sources and pathways of micro- and nanoplastics in the environment, with emphasis on potential effects in humans: A systematic review. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2023; 19:1422-1432. [PMID: 36661032 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4742] [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: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants that are ubiquitous in the environment, and may be a potential threat to human health. This review describes the MP exposure sources and pathways through drinking water, food intake, and air inhalation. The unregulated discharge of MPs in water sources and the absence of required MP filter technology in water treatment plants are important routes of MP exposure through drinking water. The presence of MPs in food may lead to the accumulation of MPs in the body. Exposure to MPs can occur through airborne fallout and dust inhalation in both indoor and outdoor environments. This review summarizes the MP exposure sources and possible pathways in the human body, and illustrates that the intake of drinking water, food consumption, and air inhalation should be assessed in during routine activities. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1422-1432. © 2023 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Chemistry and Eco-environmental Protection in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of High-Value Utilization of Characteristic Economic Plants, The College of Ecological Environmental and Resources, Qinghai MinZu University, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
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9
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Sá S, Torres-Pereira A, Ferreira M, Monteiro SS, Fradoca R, Sequeira M, Vingada J, Eira C. Microplastics in Cetaceans Stranded on the Portuguese Coast. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3263. [PMID: 37893986 PMCID: PMC10603649 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203263] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study characterises microplastics in small cetaceans on the coast of Portugal and assesses the relationship between several biological variables and the amount of detected microplastics. The intestines of 38 stranded dead cetaceans were processed in the laboratory, with digestion methods adapted to the amount of organic matter in each sample. The influence of several biological and health variables (e.g., species, sex, body condition) on the amount of microplastics was tested in all analysed species and particularly in common dolphins, due to the larger number of available samples. Most of the analysed individuals had microplastics in the intestine (92.11%), with harbour porpoises revealing a significantly higher median number of microplastics than common dolphins, probably due to their different diets, use of habitat and feeding strategies. None of the other tested variables significantly influenced the number of microplastics. Moreover, the microplastics found should not be enough to cause physical or chemical sublethal effects, although the correlation between microplastic ingestion and plastic additive bioaccumulation in cetacean tissues requires further investigation. Future monitoring in biota should rely on improved and standardised protocols for microplastic analyses in complex samples to allow for accurate analyses of larger samples and spatio-temporal comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sá
- Department of Biology & CESAM & ECOMARE/CPRAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (A.T.-P.); (S.S.M.); (C.E.)
| | - Andreia Torres-Pereira
- Department of Biology & CESAM & ECOMARE/CPRAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (A.T.-P.); (S.S.M.); (C.E.)
| | - Marisa Ferreira
- Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), Estação de Campo de Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal; (M.F.); (R.F.); (J.V.)
| | - Sílvia S. Monteiro
- Department of Biology & CESAM & ECOMARE/CPRAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (A.T.-P.); (S.S.M.); (C.E.)
| | - Raquel Fradoca
- Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), Estação de Campo de Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal; (M.F.); (R.F.); (J.V.)
| | - Marina Sequeira
- Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e Florestas (ICNF), Av. da República 16, 1050-191 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - José Vingada
- Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), Estação de Campo de Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal; (M.F.); (R.F.); (J.V.)
| | - Catarina Eira
- Department of Biology & CESAM & ECOMARE/CPRAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (A.T.-P.); (S.S.M.); (C.E.)
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10
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Ji J, Wu X, Li X, Zhu Y. Effects of microplastics in aquatic environments on inflammatory bowel disease. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 229:115974. [PMID: 37088319 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been increasing in recent years, particularly in newly industrialized nations. Environmental factors have been identified as playing a crucial role in IBD pathogenesis. Microplastics (MPs), a novel class of environmental pollutants, are a significant global pollution concern. MPs are found in almost all aquatic environments. MPs in the environment may pose health risks, specifically concerning the intestinal system, due to prolonged exposure through the consumption of aquatic foods and drinking water. In this review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the impact of MPs in water resources on the occurrence and progression of IBD. Our systematic analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies found that MPs induce intestinal barrier dysfunction, imbalance in the intestinal microbiome, and metabolic abnormalities, ultimately leading to IBD. In addition, MP exposure causes greater harm to individuals with preexisting gastrointestinal disorders than those without them. Our analysis of this literature review highlights the need for further research to improve the understanding of the complex relationship between MP exposure and IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Ji
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Xinyue Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xi Li
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Ya Zhu
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
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11
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Osman AI, Hosny M, Eltaweil AS, Omar S, Elgarahy AM, Farghali M, Yap PS, Wu YS, Nagandran S, Batumalaie K, Gopinath SCB, John OD, Sekar M, Saikia T, Karunanithi P, Hatta MHM, Akinyede KA. Microplastic sources, formation, toxicity and remediation: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2023; 21:1-41. [PMID: 37362012 PMCID: PMC10072287 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-023-01593-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is becoming a major issue for human health due to the recent discovery of microplastics in most ecosystems. Here, we review the sources, formation, occurrence, toxicity and remediation methods of microplastics. We distinguish ocean-based and land-based sources of microplastics. Microplastics have been found in biological samples such as faeces, sputum, saliva, blood and placenta. Cancer, intestinal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, infectious and inflammatory diseases are induced or mediated by microplastics. Microplastic exposure during pregnancy and maternal period is also discussed. Remediation methods include coagulation, membrane bioreactors, sand filtration, adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, electrocoagulation and magnetic separation. Control strategies comprise reducing plastic usage, behavioural change, and using biodegradable plastics. Global plastic production has risen dramatically over the past 70 years to reach 359 million tonnes. China is the world's top producer, contributing 17.5% to global production, while Turkey generates the most plastic waste in the Mediterranean region, at 144 tonnes per day. Microplastics comprise 75% of marine waste, with land-based sources responsible for 80-90% of pollution, while ocean-based sources account for only 10-20%. Microplastics induce toxic effects on humans and animals, such as cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress, barrier attributes, and genotoxicity, even at minimal dosages of 10 μg/mL. Ingestion of microplastics by marine animals results in alterations in gastrointestinal tract physiology, immune system depression, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, differential gene expression, and growth inhibition. Furthermore, bioaccumulation of microplastics in the tissues of aquatic organisms can have adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem, with potential transmission of microplastics to humans and birds. Changing individual behaviours and governmental actions, such as implementing bans, taxes, or pricing on plastic carrier bags, has significantly reduced plastic consumption to 8-85% in various countries worldwide. The microplastic minimisation approach follows an upside-down pyramid, starting with prevention, followed by reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, and ending with disposal as the least preferable option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed I. Osman
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, David Keir Building, Queen’s University Belfast, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5AG Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mohamed Hosny
- Green Technology Group, Environmental Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21511 Egypt
| | | | - Sara Omar
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Elgarahy
- Environmental Science Department, Faculty of Science, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
- Egyptian Propylene and Polypropylene Company (EPPC), Port-Said, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Farghali
- Department of Agricultural Engineering and Socio-Economics, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501 Japan
- Department of Animal and Poultry Hygiene & Environmental Sanitation, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526 Egypt
| | - Pow-Seng Yap
- Department of Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123 China
| | - Yuan-Seng Wu
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Saraswathi Nagandran
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Kalaivani Batumalaie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Asia Metropolitan University, 81750 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Subash C. B. Gopinath
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 02600 Arau, Perlis Malaysia
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 01000 Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
- Micro System Technology, Centre of Excellence, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Pauh Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis Malaysia
| | - Oliver Dean John
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia
| | - Mahendran Sekar
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, 30450 Ipoh, Perak Malaysia
| | - Trideep Saikia
- Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Guwahati Assam, India
| | - Puvanan Karunanithi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM), Melaka, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hayrie Mohd Hatta
- Centre for Research and Development, Asia Metropolitan University, 81750 Johor Bahru, Johor Malaysia
| | - Kolajo Adedamola Akinyede
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town, 7530 South Africa
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Science Technology, The Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B.5351, Ado Ekiti, 360231 Ekiti State Nigeria
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12
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de Souza Freire I, Fascineli ML, Piau TB, Pereira BF, Grisolia CK. Multilevel Toxicity Evaluations of Polyethylene Microplastics in Zebrafish ( Danio rerio). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3617. [PMID: 36834310 PMCID: PMC9967563 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics in freshwater environments pose a serious threat to living beings. Polyethylene microplastics (PE-MP) are the type most used around the world as microbeads in personal care products, and they have been found in aquatic organisms. The behavior and toxicity of fluorescent PE-MP spheres with an average diameter of 58.9 μm were studied in adult, juvenile and embryo zebrafish (Danio rerio). The adults were studied for genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, histology and biochemical markers. Juveniles underwent a follow-up in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with histologic observations, and embryos were studied for embryotoxicity with the FET-test. In adults, micronucleus test and comet assays found neither genotoxicity after acute exposure for 96 h at concentrations of 0.0, 12.5, 50 and 100 mg.L-1, nor cytotoxicity through the nuclear abnormalities test. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were measured in adults exposed for 96 h. The AChE and GST activities were significantly changed, while no changes occurred for LDH. In conclusion, these PE-MP spheres did not cause serious toxic effects in zebrafish because there was no internalization. The observed biochemical changes in AChE and GST may be associated with GI microbiological dysbiosis, previously reported. The PE-MP spheres in the intestine of juveniles remained present for 12-15 days on average after the post-exposure clearance study, showing a slow depuration. The histological analysis, in adults, found no internalization of these microbeads, with complete depuration. The PE-MP spheres did not cross the chorion barrier, showing no embryotoxic effects after exposures at 0.0, 6.25, 12.5, 50.0 or 100.0 mg.L-1 for 96 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid de Souza Freire
- Departamento de Genética e Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Luiza Fascineli
- Departamento de Genética e Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Tathyana Benetis Piau
- Departamento de Genética e Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Bruno Fiorelini Pereira
- Departmento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo—UNIFESP, São Paulo 05468-901, Brazil
| | - Cesar Koppe Grisolia
- Departamento de Genética e Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
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13
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Rodrigues CC, Salla RF, Rocha TL. Bioaccumulation and ecotoxicological impact of micro(nano)plastics in aquatic and land snails: Historical review, current research and emerging trends. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 444:130382. [PMID: 36417779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are ubiquitous emerging pollutants in the environment. Although MPs/NPs' hazardous effects have been described at different trophic levels, little attention has been given to how they can affect gastropod communities. Thus, the current study aimed to summarize and critically address data available in the scientific literature about micro(nano)plastics' ecotoxicological impact on snails. The analyzed data has evidenced MP/NP bioaccumulation in 40 gastropod species collected in the field; 15 gastropod species were used to assess the potential toxicity of MPs/NPs. Asia accounted for the highest level of MPs/NPs bioaccumulated in gastropods; it was followed by the South American, European and Antarctic continents. MPs/NPs' toxicity depends on their composition, shape and size, as well as on differences in methodological approaches adopted by different studies. Results have shown that MPs/NPs induce several impairments - such as behavioral changes, developmental toxicity, dysbiosis, histopathological alterations, oxidative stress -, generate ecological impairments, as well as act as pollutant vector and increase chiral chemicals' toxicity. Research gaps and recommendations for future research were highlighted to help better understanding MPs/NPs' toxicity in gastropods, given the extremely important role played by them in studies focused on investigating how MPs/NPs can affect invertebrate communities living in terrestrial and aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cândido Carvalho Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Raquel Fernanda Salla
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Thiago Lopes Rocha
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
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14
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Iheanacho S, Ogbu M, Bhuyan MS, Ogunji J. Microplastic pollution: An emerging contaminant in aquaculture. AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
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15
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Pro-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics on Human and Murine Intestinal Cell Lines. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010140. [PMID: 36671525 PMCID: PMC9856121 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic is a polymer extremely resistant to degradation that can remain for up to hundreds or thousands of years, leading to the accumulation of massive amounts of plastic waste throughout the planet's ecosystems. Due to exposure to various environmental factors, plastic breaks down into smaller particles named microplastics (1-5000 μm) and nanoplastics (<1 μm). Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants but, still, little is known about their effects on human and animal health. Herein, our aim is to investigate cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation and correlated gene modulation following exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) in HRT-18 and CMT-93 epithelial cell lines. After 6, 24 and 48 h PS-MPs treatment, cell viability (MTT) and oxidative stress (SOD) assays were performed; subsequently, expression changes and cytokines release were investigated by Real-Time PCR and Magnetic-beads panel Multiplex Assay, respectively. For each exposure time, a significantly increased cytotoxicity was observed in both cell lines, whereas SOD activity increased only in CMT-93 cells. Furthermore, Magnetic-beads Multiplex Assay revealed an increased release of IL-8 in HRT-18 cells' medium, also confirmed by gene expression analysis. Results obtained suggest the presence of a pro-inflammatory pattern induced by PS-MPs treatment that could be related to the observed increase in cytotoxicity.
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16
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Is Wild Marine Biota Affected by Microplastics? Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010147. [PMID: 36611755 PMCID: PMC9817524 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The present review provides detailed information on the adverse effects of MPs on wild marine organisms, including tissue damage, fish condition, oxidative stress, immune toxicity, and genotoxicity. A bibliometric analysis was carried out on CiteSpace (version 6.1.R3) (Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA) to verify how many papers studied the effects on wild marine species. The results showed a total of 395 articles, but only 22 really presented data on the effects or impacts on marine biota, and of these, only 12 articles highlighted negative effects. This review shows that the observed effects in wild organisms were less severe and milder than those found in the experimental conditions. The knowledge of negative effects caused by direct ingestion of microplastics in wild animals is still limited; more efforts are necessary to fully understand the role of MPs and the adverse effects on wild marine organisms, the ecosystem, and human health.
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17
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Rocha-Santos T, Malafaia G. Special Collection "Microplastics 2022". JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 434:128838. [PMID: 35422369 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
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18
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Araújo APDC, Luz TMD, Rocha TL, Ahmed MAI, Silva DDME, Rahman MM, Malafaia G. Toxicity evaluation of the combination of emerging pollutants with polyethylene microplastics in zebrafish: Perspective study of genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and redox unbalance. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 432:128691. [PMID: 35334274 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite the toxicity of microplastics (MPs) in freshwater fish has been demonstrated in previous studies, their effects when mixed with other pollutants (organic and inorganic) are poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to test the hypothesis that the association of polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs) to a mix of emerging pollutants induces more adverse genotoxic, mutagenic, and redox unbalance effects in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio), after 15 days of exposure. Although the accumulation of MPs in animals was greater in animals exposed to PE-MPs alone, erythrocyte DNA damage (comet assay) and the frequency of erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENAs) evidenced in zebrafish exposed to PE-MPs alone were as pronounced as those observed in animals exposed to the mix of pollutant (alone or in combination with MPs), which constitutes the big picture of the current study. Moreover, we noticed that such effects were associated with an imbalance between pro-and antioxidant metabolism in animals, whose activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was assessed in different organs which were not sufficient to counterbalance the production of reactive oxygen species [hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)] and nitrogen [nitric oxide (NO)] evaluated. The principal component analysis (PCA) also revealed that while the antioxidant activity was more pronounced in the brain and liver of animals, the highest production of H2O2 was perceived in the gills and muscles, suggesting that the biochemical response of the animals was organ-dependent. Thus, the present study did not demonstrate antagonistic, synergistic, or additive effects on animals exposed to the combination between PE-MPs and a mix of pollutants in the zebrafish, which reinforces the theory that interactions between pollutants in aquatic ecosystems may be as complex as their effects on freshwater ichthyofauna.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thiarlen Marinho da Luz
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | - Thiago Lopes Rocha
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Daniela de Melo E Silva
- Post-Graduation Program in Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Laboratory of Environmental Mutagenesis, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Md Mostafizur Rahman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh; Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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19
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Microplastics in the Deep: Comparing Dietary and Plastic Ingestion Data between Two Mediterranean Bathyal Opportunistic Feeder Species, Galeus melastomus, Rafinesque, 1810 and Coelorinchus caelorhincus (Risso, 1810), through Stomach Content Analysis. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10050624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Marine plastic pollution is currently an issue of mounting concern around the world. Stomach content of marine fish has been increasingly used as a valid proxy for detecting the presence of such a pollutant in marine biota, both for coastal and deep-water environments. Although ingestion of microplastics has been reported in an increasing number of species, the patterns of ingestion still remain unclear, depending closely on the interaction between the species and types of microplastics involved. In this context, we analysed and compared the stomach contents of two bathyal dwelling opportunistic feeder species namely Galeus melastomus and Coelorinchus caelorhincus. In particular, we analysed microplastic items according to their dimension, morphology and colour, and diet’s variation with size obtained through prey identification. Both species showed a higher frequency of occurrence of the blue filament-like middle-sized microplastics (1.01–4.75 mm) compared with the other categories, although this pattern was much more marked in C. caelorhincus than in G. melastomus. The latter conversely showed a larger array of ingested plastic items in terms of shape and colour. Matching plastic ingestion with dietary data suggested potential predator confusion occurring in C. caelorhincus through active mis-selection of a defined type of microplastic instead of some particular family of polychaetes, which resemble in shape, size, and color to that type. Otherwise, G. melastomus appeared more prone to a random ingestion of a larger array of microplastic items because of a more generalistic and less selective feeding strategy. Although further validation is needed, stomach contents of the two species showed evidence strong enough to be considered as potential bioindicator species of microplastic pollution, as required by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive for monitoring this pollutant in the marine environment.
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20
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Eisfeld-Pierantonio SM, Pierantonio N, Simmonds MP. The impact of marine debris on cetaceans with consideration of plastics generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 300:118967. [PMID: 35134431 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of human-derived debris in the oceans is a global concern and a serious threat to marine wildlife. There is a volume of evidence that points to deleterious effects of marine debris (MD) on cetaceans in terms of both entanglement and ingestion. This review suggests that about 68% of cetacean species are affected by interacting with MD with an increase in the number of species reported to have interacted with it over the past decades. Despite the growing body of evidence, there is an ongoing debate on the actual effects of plastics on cetaceans and, in particular, with reference to the ingestion of microplastics and their potential toxicological and pathogenic effects. Current knowledge suggests that the observed differences in the rate and nature of interactions with plastics are the result of substantial differences in species-specific diving and feeding strategies. Existing projections on the production, use and disposal of plastics suggest a further increase of marine plastic pollution. In this context, the contribution of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to marine plastic pollution appears to be substantial, with potentially serious consequences for marine life including cetaceans. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic offers an opportunity to investigate the direct links between industry, human behaviours and the effects of MD on cetaceans. This could help inform management, prevention efforts, describe knowledge gaps and guide advancements in research efforts. This review highlights the lack of assessments of population-level effects related to MD and suggests that these could be rather immediate for small populations already under pressure from other anthropogenic activities. Finally, we suggest that MD is not only a pollution, economic and social issue, but also a welfare concern for the species and populations involved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nino Pierantonio
- Tethys Research Institute, Viale G. B. Gadio 2, 20121, Milano, Italy.
| | - Mark P Simmonds
- Bristol Veterinary School Langford House, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, UK; OceanCare, PO Box 372, 8820, Wadenswill, Switzerland.
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21
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De-la-Torre GE, Dioses-Salinas DC, Pizarro-Ortega CI, Fernández Severini MD, Forero López AD, Mansilla R, Ayala F, Castillo LMJ, Castillo-Paico E, Torres DA, Mendoza-Castilla LM, Meza-Chuquizuta C, Vizcarra JK, Mejía M, De La Gala JJV, Ninaja EAS, Calisaya DLS, Flores-Miranda WE, Rosillo JLE, Espinoza-Morriberón D, Gonzales KN, Torres FG, Rimondino GN, Ben-Haddad M, Dobaradaran S, Aragaw TA, Santillán L. Binational survey of personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in coastal environments: Abundance, distribution, and analytical characterization. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 426:128070. [PMID: 34922133 PMCID: PMC8672681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.128070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In the present contribution, two nationwide surveys of personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution were conducted in Peru and Argentina aiming to provide valuable information regarding the abundance and distribution of PPE in coastal sites. Additionally, PPE items were recovered from the environment and analyzed by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and compared to brand-new PPE in order to investigate the chemical and structural degradation of PPE in the environment. PPE density (PPE m-2) found in both countries were comparable to previous studies. FTIR analysis revealed multiple polymer types comprising common PPE, mainly polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyester. SEM micrographs showed clear weathering signs, such as cracks, cavities, and rough surfaces in face masks and gloves. EDX elemental mapping revealed the presence of elemental additives, such as Ca in gloves and face masks and AgNPs as an antimicrobial agent. Other metals found on the surface of PPE were Mo, P, Ti, and Zn. XRD patterns displayed a notorious decrease in the crystallinity of polypropylene face masks, which could alter its interaction with external contaminants and stability. The next steps in this line of research were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Melisa D Fernández Severini
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca, B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana D Forero López
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca, B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Romina Mansilla
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas (CADIC)-CONICET, Ushuaia, Argentina; Instituto de Ciencias Polares, Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (ICPA), Universidad Nacional de Tierra del Fuego (UNTDF), Ushuaia, Argentina
| | - Félix Ayala
- Centro para la Sostenibilidad Ambiental, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15074, Peru
| | - Luzby María Jimenez Castillo
- Laboratorio de oceanografía y acidificación costera, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Pedro Ruiz Gallo, Calle Juan XXIII 391, 14013 Lambayeque, Peru
| | - Elizabeth Castillo-Paico
- Universidad Nacional José Faustino Sánchez Carrión, Pje. Mercedes Indacochea 609, Huacho 15136, Peru
| | - Daniel A Torres
- Centro para la Sostenibilidad Ambiental, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15074, Peru
| | | | - Carolina Meza-Chuquizuta
- Unidad de Investigación de Ecosistemas Marinos-Grupo Aves Marinas, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Jhonson K Vizcarra
- Administración Técnica Forestal y de Fauna Silvestre Moquegua-Tacna, Servicio Nacional Forestal y de Fauna Silvestre, Tacna, Peru
| | - Melissa Mejía
- Laboratorio de Ecología Acuática, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Dante Espinoza-Morriberón
- Facultad de Ingeniería Ambiental y de Recursos Naturales, Universidad Nacional del Callao (UNAC), Av. Juan Pablo II 306, Bellavista 07011, Provincia Constitucional del Callao, Peru; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Tecnológica del Peru (UTP), Jirón Hernán Velarde 260, Cercado de Lima, 15046 Lima, Peru
| | - Karen N Gonzales
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru, Av. Universitaria 1801, 15088 Lima, Peru
| | - Fernando G Torres
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru, Av. Universitaria 1801, 15088 Lima, Peru
| | - Guido Noé Rimondino
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Mohamed Ben-Haddad
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
| | - Sina Dobaradaran
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Instrumental Analytical Chemistry and Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, Essen, Germany
| | - Tadele Assefa Aragaw
- Faculty of Chemical and Food Engineering, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology-Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Luis Santillán
- Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Av. La Fontana 501, Lima 12, Lima, Peru
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22
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Abstract
To stay wealthy in a world where all can live in prosperity and wellbeing, it is necessary to develop sustainable growth at net zero emissions to stop climate change, neutralizing both risks and diseases such as the COVID-19 pandemic and inequalities. Changing the worldwide use of the great quantity of food loss and waste can help to move in this direction. At this purpose, it seems useful to transform food waste into richness, extracting and using its content in natural ingredients and biopolymers to make new sustainable products and goods, including cosmetics and medical devices. Many of these ingredients are not only bioactive molecules considered of interest to produce these consumer products but are also useful in reducing the environmental footprint. The active agents may be obtained, for example, from waste material such as grapes or olive pomace, which include, among others natural polymers, phythosterols, vitamins, minerals and unsaturated fatty acids. Among the polymers, chitin and lignin have shown particular interest because biodegradable, nontoxic, skin- and environmentally friendly ingredients can be obtained at low cost from food and forestry waste, respectively. According to our experience, these polymers may be used to make nanocomposites and micro-nanoparticles that encapsulate different active ingredients, and which may be embedded into gel and non-woven tissues to realize advanced medications and smart cosmeceuticals. However, to utilize food waste in the best possible way, a better education of both industry and the consumer is considered necessary, introducing all to change the ways of production and living. The consumer has to understand the need to privilege, food, cosmetics and goods by selecting products known to be effective that also have a low release of carbon dioxide. Thus, they must pay heed to purchasing cosmetics and medical devices made by natural ingredients and packaged by biodegradable and/or reusable containers that are possibly plastic free. Conversely, the industry must try to use natural raw materials obtained from waste by changing their actual production methods. Therefore, both industry and the consumer should depart from the linear economy, which is based on taking, making, and producing waste, to move into a circular economy, which is based on redesigning, reducing, reusing and recycling. Some examples will report on the possibility to use natural polymers, including chitin and lignin, to produce new cosmeceutical tissues. These innovative tissues, to be used as biodegradable carriers for making smart cosmetics and medical devices, may be produced at zero waste to save our health and the planet biodiversity.
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Machona O, Chidzwondo F, Mangoyi R. Tenebrio molitor: possible source of polystyrene-degrading bacteria. BMC Biotechnol 2022; 22:2. [PMID: 34983479 PMCID: PMC8728996 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-021-00733-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The excessive use of polystyrene as a packaging material has resulted in a rise in environmental pollution. Polystyrene waste has continually increased water pollution, soil pollution and the closing of landfill sites since it is durable and resistant to biodegradation. Therefore, the challenge in polystyrene disposal has caused researchers to look for urgent innovative and eco-friendly solutions for plastic degradation. The current study focuses on the isolation and identification of bacteria produced by the larvae of beetle Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworms), that enable them to survive when fed with polystyrene foam as their sole carbon diet. Materials and methods The biodegradation of polystyrene by Tenebrio molitor was investigated by breeding and rearing the mealworms in the presence and absence of polystyrene. A comparison was made between those fed with a normal diet and those fed on polystyrene. The mealworms which were fed with polystyrene were then dissected and the guts were collected to isolate and identify the bacteria in their guts. The viability and metabolic activity of the isolates were investigated. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing was used for molecular identification of the isolates. The PCR products were directly sequenced using Sanger’s method and the phylogenetic tree and molecular evolutionary analyses were constructed using MEGAX software with the Neighbour Joining algorithm. The evolutionary distances were computed using the Maximum Composite Likelihood method. Results The decrease in mass of the polystyrene as feedstock confirmed that the mealworms were depending on polystyrene as their sole carbon diet. The frass egested by mealworms also confirmed the biodegradation of polystyrene as it contained very tiny residues of polystyrene. Three isolates were obtained from the mealworms guts, and all were found to be gram-negative. The sequencing results showed that the isolates were Klebsiella oxytoca ATCC 13182, Klebsiella oxytoca NBRC 102593 and Klebsiella oxytoca JCM 1665. Conclusion Klebsiella oxytoca ATCC 13182, Klebsiella oxytoca NBRC 102593 and Klebsiella oxytoca JCM 1665 maybe some of the bacteria responsible for polystyrene biodegradation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12896-021-00733-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleen Machona
- Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Farisai Chidzwondo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Rumbidzai Mangoyi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
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Abda EM, Muleta A, Tafesse M, Prabhu SV, Aemro A. Recent endeavors in microbial remediation of micro- and nanoplastics. PHYSICAL SCIENCES REVIEWS 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/psr-2021-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Petrochemical plastics are frequently utilized in our daily lives for various purposes such as packaging and transportation, but their burden on the environment is considered one of the most man-made pollution crises. These pollutants are slowly fragmented in the environment into microplastics and nanoplastics by consolidated actions of abiotic and biotic factors. Microplastics and nanoplastics can easily be dispersed in the atmosphere and be harmful to all kinds of life. As a result, the remediation of micro- and nanoplastics has recently received a tremendous research impetus in the realm of an ecologically benign approach, notably microbial-based remediation. Thus, the current article looks at the formation, properties, analysis, and biological effects of micro- and nanoplastics. The content is then streamlined towards a comprehensive discussion on microbial-mediated degradation of microplastics and nanoplastics, with an emphasis on front-line bacteria and enzymes, as well as remediation mechanisms. Further, technologies for the removal of microplastics and nanoplastics from the environment are presented for possible remedial considerations. An attempt is also made to highlight the practical snags of microbial plastic degradation while aiming to alleviate the environmental burden of plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim M. Abda
- Department of Biotechnology , Addis Ababa Science and Technology University , P.O. Box 16417, Akaki Kality , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
- Centre of Excellence- Biotechnology and Bioprocessing, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University , P.O. Box 16417, Akaki Kality , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
| | - Atsede Muleta
- Department of Biology , University of Gondar , P.O. Box 196 , Gondar , Ethiopia
| | - Mesfin Tafesse
- Department of Biotechnology , Addis Ababa Science and Technology University , P.O. Box 16417, Akaki Kality , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
- Centre of Excellence- Biotechnology and Bioprocessing, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University , P.O. Box 16417, Akaki Kality , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
| | - Sundramurthy Venkatesa Prabhu
- Department of Chemical Engineering , Addis Ababa Science and Technology University , P.O. Box 16417, Akaki Kality , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
| | - Afework Aemro
- Department of Environmental Engineering , Addis Ababa Science and Technology University , P.O. Box 16417, Akaki Kality , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
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Zhang F, Xu J, Wang X, Jabeen K, Li D. Microplastic contamination of fish gills and the assessment of both quality assurance and quality control during laboratory analyses. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113051. [PMID: 34710671 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has received substantial international attention in terrestrial and marine environments and in the atmosphere. In this study, we assessed microplastic pollution and analyzed the accumulation of microplastics in the gills of fish caught in the Zhoushan fishing ground from September 2017 to March 2018. The average abundance of microplastics was 0.49 ± 0.54 particles/gill and frequently found chemical polymers was polyethylene terephthalate. We also conducted experiments on microplastic pollution in the water and the working solutions used during the analytical process and found that the source of microplastic contamination was the solutions used. Moreover, we evaluated and scored experimental quality control and quality assurance adapted from the 'Total Accumulated Score' method. Valuable steps are recommended in order to produce reliable results and improve the quality of results in microplastic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 200062 Shanghai, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jiayi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 200062 Shanghai, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 200062 Shanghai, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Khalida Jabeen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 200062 Shanghai, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Daoji Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 200062 Shanghai, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai 200241, China.
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Haddad MB, De-la-Torre GE, Abelouah MR, Hajji S, Alla AA. Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution associated with the COVID-19 pandemic along the coastline of Agadir, Morocco. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 798:149282. [PMID: 34332387 PMCID: PMC8313889 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as a sanitary measure against the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has become a significant source of many environmental risks. The majority of the governments enforce the use of PPE in public areas, such as beaches. Thus, the use and disposal of PPE have compromised most solid waste management strategies, ultimately leading to the occurrence of PPE polluting the marine environment. The present study aimed to monitor the PPE pollution associated with COVID-19 along the coastline of Agadir, Morocco. In parallel, the influence of the activities carried out in each sampled beach before and after the lockdown break was reported. Overall, a total number of 689 PPE items were identified, with a mean density of 1.13 × 10-5 PPE m-2 (0-1.21 × 10-4 PPE m-2). The majority of the PPE items found were face masks (96.81%), out of which 98.4% were surgical masks and 1.6% were reusable cloth masks. The most polluted sites were the beaches with recreational activities, followed by surfing, and fishing as the main activity. Importantly, PPE density increased significantly after lockdown measures. Additionally, the discarded PPE sampled in the supralittoral zone was higher than PPE recorded in the intertidal zone. This confirms that PPE items are driven by the beachgoers during their visit. PPE items are a source of microplastic and chemical pollutants, a substrate to invasive species colonization, and a potential threat of entanglement, ingestion, and/or infection among apex predators. In the specific case of Agadir beaches, significant efforts are required to work on the lack of environmental awareness and education. It is recommended to improve beach cleaning strategies and to penalize incorrect PPE disposal. Additional alternatives may be adopted, as the involvement of biodegradable materials in PPE manufacturing, recycling through pyrolysis, and encouraging reusable and washable masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ben Haddad
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
| | | | - Mohamed Rida Abelouah
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
| | - Sara Hajji
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
| | - Aicha Ait Alla
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
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