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Santonicola S, Volgare M, Schiano ME, Cocca M, Colavita G. A study on textile microfiber contamination in the gastrointestinal tracts of Merluccius merluccius samples from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Ital J Food Saf 2024; 13:12216. [PMID: 38807742 PMCID: PMC11128977 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2024.12216] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The increased demand and consumption of synthetic textiles have contributed to microplastic pollution in the form of microfibers. These particles are widely spread in the aquatic environment, leading to the exposure of marine biota, including edible species. The current study aimed to assess the extent of microfiber contamination in a commercially relevant fish species, Merluccius merluccius, which is considered a small-scale bioindicator for the monitoring of plastic ingestion in the Mediterranean coastal environment. The frequency of ingestion, abundance, and composition of textile microfibers isolated from the fish gut were characterized. Results showed the occurrence of microfibers in 75% of the samples, with a mean number of 10.6 microfibers/individual, of which 70% were classified as natural microfibers. The spectroscopic analyses confirmed both the visual identification of microfibers and the prevalence of cellulosic fibers. The obtained findings provided evidence of both natural/artificial and synthetic microfiber exposure in an important commercial fish species that, considering the consumption of small individuals without being eviscerated, may be a potential route of microfiber exposure in humans. Monitoring programs for fishery products from markets are needed to assess contamination levels and human health risks. In addition, measures to control microfiber pollution need to occur at multiple levels, from textile industries to international governments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Santonicola
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso
- Institute of Polymer, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Pozzuoli
| | - Michela Volgare
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Materials, and Industrial Production, University of Naples Federico II
| | - Marica Erminia Schiano
- Institute of Polymer, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Pozzuoli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Cocca
- Institute of Polymer, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Pozzuoli
| | - Giampaolo Colavita
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso
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2
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González-Aravena M, Rotunno C, Cárdenas CA, Torres M, Morley SA, Hurley J, Caro-Lara L, Pozo K, Galban C, Rondon R. Detection of plastic, cellulosic micro-fragments and microfibers in Laternula elliptica from King George Island (Maritime Antarctica). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116257. [PMID: 38518575 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
It is generally acknowledged that microplastic pollutants are prevalent in ocean waters and sediments across a range of tropical, temperate, subpolar, and polar regions. The waters surrounding King George Island are significantly impacted by human activities, particularly those related to scientific stations, fishing, and tourism. Organisms, such as Laternula elliptica, can be used as environmental monitors due to the likelihood that they will bioaccumulate pollutants. The goal of this study was to quantify and identify plastic and cellulosic micro-fragments and microfibers present in the soft body of clams (n = 21), collected from Fildes Bay near sewage and wastewater discharges. Plastic and cellulose microfragments and microfibers were counted, and their compositions were determined using FT-IR. All 21 individuals sampled contained fragments and fibers, with a total of 900 items detected (42.86 ± 25.36 mean ± SD items per individual), or 1.82 items g.wet mass-1. 58 % of items were cellulose and 22 % plastic. Considering the plastic polymer compositions, 28.57 % were polyethylene terephthalate (PET), 21.43 % acrylic, 14.29 % high-density polyethylene (HDPE), 14.29 % Polypropylene (PP), 7.14 % ultra-high drawn polyethylene filament (UHMWPE), 7.14 % polyester and 7.14 % Polyethylene. The quantities and prevalence of MP in L. elliptica were higher than those found in other Antarctic marine species, and even in bivalves from populated regions of the world. Our work assessed the pollution status of L. elliptica near an effluent of wastewater plants and found that 95 % of individuals displayed MP and 100 % microfibers that could impact their population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo González-Aravena
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Carmen Rotunno
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - César A Cárdenas
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile; Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Mariett Torres
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile
| | - Simon A Morley
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jessica Hurley
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge, UK; Department of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Luis Caro-Lara
- Unidad de Proyectos y Medio Ambiente, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Karla Pozo
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile; RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czechia
| | - Cristóbal Galban
- GEMA Center for Genomics, Ecology & Environment, Universidad Mayor, Camino La Pirámide 5780, Huechuraba, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Rodolfo Rondon
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile.
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3
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Malloggi C, Nalbone L, Bartalena S, Guidi M, Corradini C, Foti A, Gucciardi PG, Giarratana F, Susini F, Armani A. The Occurrence of Microplastics in Donax trunculus (Mollusca: Bivalvia) Collected along the Tuscany Coast (Mediterranean Sea). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:618. [PMID: 38396586 PMCID: PMC10886031 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040618] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) (0.1 µm-5 mm particles) have been documented in oceans and seas. Bivalve molluscs (BMs) can accumulate MPs and transfer to humans through the food chain. BMs (especially mussels) are used to assess MPs' contamination, but the genus Donax has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to detect and characterize MPs in D. trunculus specimens collected along the Tuscan coast (Italy), and to assess the potential risk for consumers. The samples (~10 g of tissue and intervalval liquid from 35 specimens) were digested using a solution of 10% KOH, subjected to NaCl density separation, and filtered through 5 μm pore-size filters. All items were morphologically classified and measured, and their mean abundance (MA) was calculated. Furthermore, 20% of them were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and, based on the obtained results, the MA was recalculated (corrected MA) and the annual human exposure was estimated. In the 39 samples analyzed, 85 items fibers (n = 45; 52.94%) and fragments (n = 40; 47.06%) were found. The MA was 0.23 ± 0.17 items/grww. Additionally, 83.33% of the items were confirmed as MPs (polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate). Based on the correct MA (0.18 MPs/grww), D. trunculus consumers could be exposed to 19.2 MPs/per capita/year. The health risk level of MPs was classified as level III (moderate).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Malloggi
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Luca Nalbone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Dell’Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (L.N.); (F.G.)
| | - Silvia Bartalena
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Latium and Tuscany M. Aleandri, UOT Toscana Nord, SS Dell’ Abetone e del Brennero 4, 56123 Pisa, Italy; (S.B.); (F.S.)
| | - Margherita Guidi
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Carlo Corradini
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Latium and Tuscany M. Aleandri, Via Appia Nuova, 1411, 00178 Roma, Italy;
| | - Antonino Foti
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici (IPCF), Viale F. Stagno D’Alcontres 27, 98158 Messina, Italy; (A.F.); (P.G.G.)
| | - Pietro G. Gucciardi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici (IPCF), Viale F. Stagno D’Alcontres 27, 98158 Messina, Italy; (A.F.); (P.G.G.)
| | - Filippo Giarratana
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Dell’Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (L.N.); (F.G.)
| | - Francesca Susini
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Latium and Tuscany M. Aleandri, UOT Toscana Nord, SS Dell’ Abetone e del Brennero 4, 56123 Pisa, Italy; (S.B.); (F.S.)
| | - Andrea Armani
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (M.G.)
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Yi J, Ma Y, Ruan J, You S, Ma J, Yu H, Zhao J, Zhang K, Yang Q, Jin L, Zeng G, Sun D. The invisible Threat: Assessing the reproductive and transgenerational impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on fish. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108432. [PMID: 38219542 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), emerging as pervasive environmental pollutants, present multifaceted threats to diverse ecosystems. This review critically examines the ability of MNPs to traverse biological barriers in fish, leading to their accumulation in gonadal tissues and subsequent reproductive toxicity. A focal concern is the potential transgenerational harm, where offspring not directly exposed to MNPs exhibit toxic effects. Characterized by extensive specific surface areas and marked surface hydrophobicity, MNPs readily adsorb and concentrate other environmental contaminants, potentially intensifying reproductive and transgenerational toxicity. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide profound insights into the repercussions of MNPs on fish reproductive health and progeny, highlighting the intricate interplay between MNPs and other pollutants. We delve into the mechanisms of MNPs-induced reproductive toxicity, including gonadal histopathologic alterations, oxidative stress, and disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The review also underscores the urgency for future research to explore the size-specific toxic dynamics of MNPs and the long-term implications of chronic exposure. Understanding these aspects is crucial for assessing the ecological risks posed by MNPs and formulating strategies to safeguard aquatic life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yi
- State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yilei Ma
- State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jing Ruan
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Si You
- State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jiahui Ma
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Qinsi Yang
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Libo Jin
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Guoming Zeng
- Intelligent Construction Technology Application Service Center, School of Architecture and Engineering, Chongqing City Vocational College, Chongqing 402160, China
| | - Da Sun
- State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
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Pizzurro F, Nerone E, Ancora M, Di Domenico M, Mincarelli LF, Cammà C, Salini R, Di Renzo L, Di Giacinto F, Corbau C, Bokan I, Ferri N, Recchi S. Exposure of Mytilus galloprovincialis to Microplastics: Accumulation, Depuration and Evaluation of the Expression Levels of a Selection of Molecular Biomarkers. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:4. [PMID: 38200735 PMCID: PMC10778302 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastic contamination is a growing marine environmental issue with possible consequences for seafood safety. Filter feeders are the target species for microplastic (MPs) pollution because they filter large quantities of seawater to feed. In the present study, an experimental contamination of Mytilus galloprovincialis was conducted using a mixture of the main types of MPs usually present in the seawater column (53% filaments, 30% fragments, 3% granules) in order to test the purification process as a potential method for removing these contaminants from bivalves intended for human consumption. A set of molecular biomarkers was also evaluated in order to detect any variations in the expression levels of some genes associated with biotransformation and detoxification, DNA repair, cellular response, and the immune system. Our results demonstrate that: (a) the purification process can significantly reduce MP contamination in M. galloprovincialis; (b) a differential expression level has been observed between mussels tested and in particular most of the differences were found in the gills, thus defining it as the target organ for the use of these biomarkers. Therefore, this study further suggests the potential use of molecular biomarkers as an innovative method, encouraging their use in next-generation marine monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Pizzurro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise (IZSAM), 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (M.D.D.); (C.C.); (R.S.); (L.D.R.); (F.D.G.); (N.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Eliana Nerone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise (IZSAM), 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (M.D.D.); (C.C.); (R.S.); (L.D.R.); (F.D.G.); (N.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Massimo Ancora
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise (IZSAM), 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (M.D.D.); (C.C.); (R.S.); (L.D.R.); (F.D.G.); (N.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Marco Di Domenico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise (IZSAM), 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (M.D.D.); (C.C.); (R.S.); (L.D.R.); (F.D.G.); (N.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Luana Fiorella Mincarelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise (IZSAM), 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (M.D.D.); (C.C.); (R.S.); (L.D.R.); (F.D.G.); (N.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Cesare Cammà
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise (IZSAM), 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (M.D.D.); (C.C.); (R.S.); (L.D.R.); (F.D.G.); (N.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Romolo Salini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise (IZSAM), 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (M.D.D.); (C.C.); (R.S.); (L.D.R.); (F.D.G.); (N.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Ludovica Di Renzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise (IZSAM), 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (M.D.D.); (C.C.); (R.S.); (L.D.R.); (F.D.G.); (N.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Federica Di Giacinto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise (IZSAM), 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (M.D.D.); (C.C.); (R.S.); (L.D.R.); (F.D.G.); (N.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Corinne Corbau
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell’Ambiente e della Prevenzione, Università di Ferrara, 44122 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Itana Bokan
- Teaching Institute of Public Health (TIPH), 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
| | - Nicola Ferri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise (IZSAM), 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (M.D.D.); (C.C.); (R.S.); (L.D.R.); (F.D.G.); (N.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Sara Recchi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise (IZSAM), 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (M.D.D.); (C.C.); (R.S.); (L.D.R.); (F.D.G.); (N.F.); (S.R.)
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Wang M, Yang J, Zheng S, Jia L, Yong ZY, Yong EL, See HH, Li J, Lv Y, Fei X, Fang M. Unveiling the Microfiber Release Footprint: Guiding Control Strategies in the Textile Production Industry. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:21038-21049. [PMID: 38064758 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic fibers from textiles have been known to significantly contribute to marine microplastic pollution. However, little is known about the microfiber formation and discharge during textile production. In this study, we have quantified microfiber emissions from one large and representative textile factory during different stages, spanning seven different materials, including cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics, to further guide control strategies. Wet-processing steps released up to 25 times more microfibers than home laundering, with dyeing contributing to 95.0% of the total emissions. Microfiber release could be reduced by using white coloring, a lower dyeing temperature, and a shorter dyeing duration. Thinner, denser yarns increased microfiber pollution, whereas using tightly twisted fibers mitigated release. Globally, wet textile processing potentially produced 6.4 kt of microfibers in 2020, with China, India, and the US as significant contributors. The study underlined the environmental impact of textile production and the need for mitigation strategies, particularly in dyeing processes and fiber choice. In addition, no significant difference was observed between the virgin polyesters and the used ones. Replacing virgin fibers with recycled fibers in polyester fabrics, due to their increasing consumption, might offer another potential solution. The findings highlighted the substantial impact of textile production on microfiber released into the environment, and optimization of material selection, knitting technologies, production processing, and recycled materials could be effective mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjing Wang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Junjie Yang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Siwen Zheng
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Linran Jia
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Zhi Yuan Yong
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Water Security (IPASA), Research Institute for Sustainable Environment (RISE), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
- Department of Water and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
| | - Ee Ling Yong
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Water Security (IPASA), Research Institute for Sustainable Environment (RISE), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
- Department of Water and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
| | - Hong Heng See
- Centre for Sustainable Nanomaterials, Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
| | - Jiuwei Li
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Yunbo Lv
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Xunchang Fei
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Mingliang Fang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, Shanghai 200241, China
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7
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Contino M, Ferruggia G, Indelicato S, Pecoraro R, Scalisi EM, Salvaggio A, Brundo MV. Sublethal Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on the Embryonic Development of Artemia salina (Linnaeus, 1758). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3152. [PMID: 37835758 PMCID: PMC10572060 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Currents, wave motion, solar radiation, and abrasion are mechanisms responsible for the degradation of large plastic artifacts and contribute to the dispersion of micro and nanoplastics into aquatic ecosystems, which are, currently, the most dangerous threats due to their invisibility and persistence. The present work evaluated the possible lethal and sublethal effects of amino-modified polystyrene nanoplastics (nPS-NH2) with diameters of 50 nm and 100 nm on Artemia salina (A. salina), an organism at the base of the trophic chain of the aquatic system, using a widely used model for the analysis of embryotoxicity from environmental pollutants. For this purpose, after evaluating the biodistribution of nanoplastics in the body of the tested animals, several endpoints such as anomalies, apoptosis, and ROS production were assessed. In addition, particular attention was dedicated to evaluating the correlation between toxicity and the particle size tested. The results reported that, despite the absence of a lethal impact, several sublethal effects involving gut and body size malformations, as well as the enhancement of apoptosis and oxidative stress in relation to an increase in tested concentration and a decrease in nanoparticle size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Contino
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (G.F.); (S.I.); (R.P.); (E.M.S.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Greta Ferruggia
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (G.F.); (S.I.); (R.P.); (E.M.S.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Stefania Indelicato
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (G.F.); (S.I.); (R.P.); (E.M.S.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Roberta Pecoraro
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (G.F.); (S.I.); (R.P.); (E.M.S.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Elena Maria Scalisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (G.F.); (S.I.); (R.P.); (E.M.S.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Antonio Salvaggio
- Zooprophylactic Institute of Sicily “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Maria Violetta Brundo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (G.F.); (S.I.); (R.P.); (E.M.S.); (M.V.B.)
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