1
|
Lv L, Feng W, Cai J, Zhang Y, Jiang J, Liao D, Yan C, Sui Y, Dong X. Enrichment characteristics of microplastics in Antarctic benthic and pelagic fish and krill near the Antarctic Peninsula. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175582. [PMID: 39159696 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175582] [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: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Global microplastic pollution has garnered widespread attention from researchers both domestically and internationally. However, compared to other regions worldwide, little is known about microplastic pollution in the marine ecosystems of the Antarctic region. This study investigated the abundance and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in the gills and intestines of 15 species of Antarctic fish and Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba). The results indicate that the abundance of MPs in Antarctic fish and E. superba ranged from 0.625 to 2.0 items/individual and 0.17 to 0.27 items/individual, with mean abundances of 0.93 ± 0.96 items/individual and 0.23 ± 0.44 items/individual, respectively. Antarctic fish ingested significantly more MPs than E. superba. There was no significant difference in the abundance of MPs between the gills and intestines of Antarctic fish. However, the quantity of pellet-shaped MPs in the gills was significantly higher than in the intestines. The depth of fish habitat influenced the quantity and size of MPs in their bodies, with benthic fish ingesting significantly fewer MPs than pelagic fish. Pelagic fish ingested significantly more MPs sized 1-5 mm than benthic fish. Additionally, analysis of the characteristics of MPs revealed that fiber-shaped MPs were predominant in shape, with sizes generally smaller than 0.25 mm and 0.25-0.5 mm. The predominant colors of MPs were transparent, red, and black, while the main materials were polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Compared to organisms from other regions, the levels of MPs in Antarctic fish and E. superba were relatively low. This study contributes to a better understanding of the extent of MP pollution in Antarctic fish and E. superba, aiding human efforts to mitigate its impact on the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linlan Lv
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224,000, PR China
| | - Wanjun Feng
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224,000, PR China
| | - Jiaying Cai
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224,000, PR China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224,000, PR China
| | - Jiacheng Jiang
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224,000, PR China
| | - Dagui Liao
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224,000, PR China
| | - Cong Yan
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224,000, PR China
| | - Yanming Sui
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224,000, PR China
| | - Xuexing Dong
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224,000, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Monràs-Riera P, Avila C, Ballesté E. Plastisphere in an Antarctic environment: A microcosm approach. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 208:116961. [PMID: 39293370 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are present even in remote regions like the Southern Ocean. Once in the water, they are rapidly colonised by marine microorganisms, forming the plastisphere. To address this issue in Antarctic waters, we conducted a microcosm experiment by incubating polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene microplastic pellets, and quartz for 33 days on Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. We analysed plastic colonisation and plastisphere dynamics using scanning electron microscopy, flow cytometry, bacterial cultivation, qPCR, and 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding. Our results show rapid and consistent colonisation, although biomass formation was slightly slower than in other oceans, indicating unique environmental constraints. Time was the main factor influencing biofilm communities, while plastic polymer types had little effect. We observed a transition in microbial communities from early- to late-biofilm stages between days 12 and 19. Additionally, we described the bacterial plastisphere composition in this Antarctic environment, including the presence of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pere Monràs-Riera
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Conxita Avila
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Elisenda Ballesté
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Parolini M, Romano A. Geographical and ecological factors affect microplastic body burden in marine fish at global scale. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 352:124121. [PMID: 38723708 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) contamination has been identified as a worrisome environmental issue at the global level. Fish are the taxonomic group more extensively investigated to assess MP contamination in marine environment. A large variability in MP bioaccumulation (i.e., body burden) was reported in fish but to date there is a dearth of information concerning the drivers underlying this process. The present systematic review aimed at summarizing the results of the scientific literature on MP body burden in the digestive tract of marine fish to quantitatively shed light on the contribution of different geographical (i.e., latitudinal origin of the sample, distance from the coastline and field- or marked-collected) and ecological (i.e., trophic strategy, milieu, and body size) factors driving bioaccumulation. The mean (±SE) MPs/individual was 4.13 ± 2.87, and the mean MPs/ww (i.e., MPs/g) was 5.92 ± 0.94. Overall, MP abundance expressed as MPs/individual of fish from tropical areas was significantly higher compared to the other latitudinal bands, with species sampled close to the coastline that accumulated a larger number of MPs compared to those collected offshore. Neither the trophic strategy, nor the milieu and the market or field origin of fish explained the MP body burden. However, fish body size resulted as a determinant of MP body burden (as MPs/individual), with small fish accumulating a lower amount of MPs compared to larger ones. Qualitatively, but not statistically significant, similar results were generally obtained for MPs/ww, except for an opposite, and significant, variation according to species body size. Our findings showed that geographical, rather than ecological factors represent the main drivers of MP body burden in marine fish, suggesting that environmental variables and/or local pollution sources mainly contribute to explaining the large variability underlying the ingestion and bioaccumulation processes of these contaminants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Andrea Romano
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Leistenschneider C, Wu F, Primpke S, Gerdts G, Burkhardt-Holm P. Unveiling high concentrations of small microplastics (11-500 μm) in surface water samples from the southern Weddell Sea off Antarctica. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172124. [PMID: 38565351 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have highlighted the prevalence of microplastic (MP) pollution in the global marine environment and these pollutants have been found to contaminate even remote regions, including the Southern Ocean south of the polar front. Previous studies in this region have mostly focused on MPs larger than 300 μm, potentially underestimating the extent of MP pollution. This study is the first to investigate MPs in marine surface waters south of the polar front, with a focus on small MPs 500-11 μm in size. Seventeen surface water samples were collected in the southern Weddell Sea using an in-house-designed sampling system. The analysis of the entire sample using micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μFTIR) with focal plane array (FPA) detection revealed the presence of MPs in all samples, with the vast majority of the MPs detected being smaller than 300 μm (98.3 %). The mean concentration reached 43.5 (± 83.8) MPs m-3, with a wide range from 0.5 to 267.2 MPs m-3. The samples with the highest concentrations differed from the other samples in that they were collected north of the continental slope and the Antarctic Slope Current. Sea ice conditions possibly also influenced these varying concentrations. This study reports high concentrations of MPs compared to other studies in the region. It emphasizes the need to analyze small MPs, down to a size of 11 μm or even smaller, in the Antarctic Treaty Area to gain a more comprehensive understanding of MP pollution and its potential ecological impacts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Leistenschneider
- Man-Society-Environment Program, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland; Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Fangzhu Wu
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Gunnar Gerdts
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Patricia Burkhardt-Holm
- Man-Society-Environment Program, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Honorato-Zimmer D, Escobar-Sánchez G, Deakin K, De Veer D, Galloway T, Guevara-Torrejón V, Howard J, Jones J, Lewis C, Ribeiro F, Savage G, Thiel M. Macrolitter and microplastics along the East Pacific coasts - A homemade problem needing local solutions. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 203:116440. [PMID: 38718548 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
The East Pacific (EP) region, especially the central and southern EP, has been fairly less studied than other world's regions with respect to marine litter pollution. This comprehensive literature review (257 peer-reviewed publications) showed that both macrolitter (mostly plastics) and microplastics tend to accumulate on EP shorelines. Moreover, they were also reported in all the other compartments investigated: sea surface, water column, seafloor and 'others'. Mostly local, land-based sources (e.g., tourism, poor waste management) were identified across the region, especially at continental sites from low and mid latitudes. Some sea-based sources (e.g., fisheries, long-distance drifting) were also identified at high latitudes and on oceanic islands, likely enhanced by the oceanographic dynamics of the EP that affect transport of floating litter. Our results suggest that effective solutions to the problem require local and preventive strategies to significantly reduce the levels of litter along the EP coasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriela Escobar-Sánchez
- Coastal and Marine Management Group, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW), Seestraße 15, 18119 Rostock, Germany; Marine Research Institute, Klaipeda University, Universiteto Ave. 17, LT-92294, Klaipeda, Lithuania
| | - Katie Deakin
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Diamela De Veer
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile; Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD, USA
| | - Tamara Galloway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | | | - Jessica Howard
- Galapagos Conservation Trust, 7-14 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4YR, UK
| | - Jen Jones
- Galapagos Conservation Trust, 7-14 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4YR, UK
| | - Ceri Lewis
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | | | - Georgie Savage
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Martin Thiel
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile; MarineGEO, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zucconi L, Cavallini G, Canini F. Trends in Antarctic soil fungal research in the context of environmental changes. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:1625-1634. [PMID: 38652442 PMCID: PMC11153391 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01333-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Antarctic soils represent one of the most pristine environments on Earth, where highly adapted and often endemic microbial species withstand multiple extremes. Specifically, fungal diversity is extremely low in Antarctic soils and species distribution and diversity are still not fully characterized in the continent. Despite the unique features of this environment and the international interest in its preservation, several factors pose severe threats to the conservation of inhabiting ecosystems. In this light, we aimed to provide an overview of the effects on fungal communities of the main changes endangering the soils of the continent. Among these, the increasing human presence, both for touristic and scientific purposes, has led to increased use of fuels for transport and energy supply, which has been linked to an increase in unintentional environmental contamination. It has been reported that several fungal species have evolved cellular processes in response to these soil contamination episodes, which may be exploited for restoring contaminated areas at low temperatures. Additionally, the effects of climate change are another significant threat to Antarctic ecosystems, with the expected merging of previously isolated ecosystems and their homogenization. A possible reduction of biodiversity due to the disappearance of well-adapted, often endemic species, as well as an increase of biodiversity, due to the spreading of non-native, more competitive species have been suggested. Despite some studies describing the specialization of fungal communities and their correlation with environmental parameters, our comprehension of how soil communities may respond to these changes remains limited. The majority of studies attempting to precisely define the effects of climate change, including in situ and laboratory simulations, have mainly focused on the bacterial components of these soils, and further studies are necessary, including the other biotic components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy.
- National Research Council, Institute of Polar Sciences, Messina, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Cavallini
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Fabiana Canini
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rondon R, Cosseau C, Bergami E, Cárdenas CA, Pérez-Toledo C, Alvarez D, Aldridge J, Font A, Garrido I, Santa Cruz F, Perrois G, Balbi T, Corsi I, González-Aravena M. Exposure to nanoplastics and nanomaterials either single and combined affects the gill-associated microbiome of the Antarctic soft-shelled clam Laternula elliptica. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 198:106539. [PMID: 38718522 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics and engineering nanomaterials (ENMs) are contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), increasingly being detected in the marine environment and recognized as a potential threat for marine biota at the global level including in polar areas. Few studies have assessed the impact of these anthropogenic nanoparticles in the microbiome of marine invertebrates, however combined exposure resembling natural scenarios has been overlooked. The present study aimed to evaluate the single and combined effects of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NP) as proxy for nanoplastics and nanoscale titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) on the prokaryotic communities associated with the gill tissue of the Antarctic soft-shell clam Laternula elliptica, a keystone species of marine benthos Wild-caught specimens were exposed to two environmentally relevant concentrations of carboxylated PS NP (PS-COOH NP, ∼62 nm size) and nano-TiO2 (Aeroxide P25, ∼25 nm) as 5 and 50 μg/L either single and combined for 96h in a semi-static condition.Our findings show a shift in microbiome composition in gills of soft-shell clams exposed to PS NP and nano-TiO2 either alone and in combination with a decrease in the relative abundance of OTU1 (Spirochaetaceae). In addition, an increase of gammaproteobacterial OTUs affiliated to MBAE14 and Methylophagaceae (involved in ammonia denitrification and associated with low-quality water), and the OTU Colwellia rossensis (previously recorded in polluted waters) was observed. Our results suggest that nanoplastics and nano-TiO2 alone and in combination induce alterations in microbiome composition by promoting the increase of negative taxa over beneficial ones in the gills of the Antarctic soft-shell clam. An increase of two low abundance OTUs in PS-COOH NPs exposed clams was also observed. A predicted gene function analysis revealed that sugar, lipid, protein and DNA metabolism were the main functions affected by either PS-COOH NP and nano-TiO2 exposure. The molecular functions involved in the altered affiliated OTUs are novel for nano-CEC exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Rondon
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Punta Arenas, Chile.
| | - Céline Cosseau
- IHPE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | - Elisa Bergami
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - César A Cárdenas
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Punta Arenas, Chile; Millenium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Diego Alvarez
- Centro Asistencial Docente y de Investigación, Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Jacqueline Aldridge
- Departamento de Ingeniería en Computación, Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Alejandro Font
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Ignacio Garrido
- Centro de Investigaciones Dinámica de Ecosistemas Marinos de Altas Latitudes, Valdivia, Chile; Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | | | - Garance Perrois
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Punta Arenas, Chile; Tropical & Subtropical Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Jeju, 63349, Republic of Korea
| | - Teresa Balbi
- Department of Earth Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Çolakoğlu EB, Uyanık İ. Plastic waste management in recycling facilities: Intentionally generated MPs as an emerging contaminant. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 181:79-88. [PMID: 38598882 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2024.04.005] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
There is little knowledge about microplastic (MP) pollution in plastic recycling facility (PRF) wastewater. In this study, MPs in the wastewaters of four PRFs located in Türkiye were characterized for size, shape, color, and polymer types after sieving from 5,000 µm to the lowest 75 µm with seven sieves. The wet peroxide oxidation procedure was applied before attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis for polymer identification. Polyethylene, and polypropylene were the dominant (75 % of total count) MP types within 22 polymer types. Average hit qualities of polymers increased from 69 % to above 84 % for the device software (OPUS) and open software (OpenSpecy). The abundance of MPs was determined as 53,987 MPs/L and 0.8 g MP/L for mixed PRFs 7,582 MPs/L and 4.6 g/L for the LDPE recycling facility, and 2,196 MPs/L and 0.06 g MPs/L for the granulation cooling water by count and weight, respectively. Small-sized MPs are found in the bottom sample much more than the surface and effluent samples in the washing tank. This indicated that MPs adsorbed the pollutants settled in the washing tank due to adsorbed pollution/biofilm. A maximum of 4.6 kg MP/ton of plastic recycled can be discharged as MPs that can be recovered. Considering the plastics recycling capacity, discharged MPs in these PRFs are possibly above 30,000 tons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emine Büşra Çolakoğlu
- Erciyes University, Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department, 38030 Kayseri, Turkey.
| | - İbrahim Uyanık
- Erciyes University, Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department, 38030 Kayseri, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Parolini M, Perin E, De Felice B, Gazzotti S, Palazzi A, Conti L, Conterosito E, Rosio E, Bruno F, Gianotti V, Cavallo R. Altitudinal variation of microplastic abundance in lakeshore sediments from Italian lakes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:35864-35877. [PMID: 38743335 PMCID: PMC11136813 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33648-5] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) contamination represents an issue of global concern for both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, but only in recent years, the study of MPs has been focused on freshwaters. Several monitoring surveys have detected the presence of a wide array of MPs differing in size, shape, and polymer composition in rivers and lakes worldwide. Because of their role of sink for plastic particles, the abundance of MPs was investigated in waters, and deep and shoreline sediments from diverse lakes, confirming the ubiquity of this contamination. Although diverse factors, including those concerning anthropogenic activities and physical characteristics of lakes, have been supposed to affect MP abundances, very few studies have directly addressed these links. Thus, the aim of the present study was to explore the levels of MP contamination in mountain and subalpine lakes from Northern Italy. Fourteen lakes dislocated at different altitudes and characterized by dissimilar anthropic pressures were visited. Lakeshore sediments were collected close to the drift line to assess MPs contamination. Our results showed the presence of MPs in lakeshore sediments from all the lakes, with a mean (± standard deviation) expressed as MPs/Kg dry sediment accounting to 14.42 ± 13.31 (range 1.57-61.53), while expressed as MPs/m2, it was 176.07 ± 172.83 (range 25.00-666.67). The MP abundance measured for Garda Lake was significantly higher compared to all the other ones (F1,13 = 7.344; P < 0.001). The pattern of contamination was dominated by fibers in all the lakes, but they were the main contributors in mountain lakes. These findings showed that the MP abundance varied according to the altitude of the lakes, with higher levels measured in subalpine lakes located at low altitudes and surrounded by populated areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Elena Perin
- Department of Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via T. Michel 11, 13100, Vercelli, Italy
| | - Beatrice De Felice
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Gazzotti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Adriano Palazzi
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Conti
- ERICA Soc. Coop, Via Santa Margherita, 26, 12051, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Eleonora Conterosito
- Department of Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via T. Michel 11, 13100, Vercelli, Italy
| | - Emanuela Rosio
- ERICA Soc. Coop, Via Santa Margherita, 26, 12051, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Francesco Bruno
- ERICA Soc. Coop, Via Santa Margherita, 26, 12051, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Valentina Gianotti
- Department of Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via T. Michel 11, 13100, Vercelli, Italy
| | - Roberto Cavallo
- ERICA Soc. Coop, Via Santa Margherita, 26, 12051, Cuneo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gallagher KL, Cimino MA, Dinniman MS, Lynch HJ. Quantifying potential marine debris sources and potential threats to penguins on the West Antarctic Peninsula. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123714. [PMID: 38452836 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Marine pollution is becoming ubiquitous in the environment. Observations of pollution on beaches, in the coastal ocean, and in organisms in the Antarctic are becoming distressingly common. Increasing human activity, growing tourism, and an expanding krill fishing industry along the West Antarctic Peninsula all represent potential sources of plastic pollution and other debris (collectively referred to as debris) to the region. However, the sources of these pollutants from point (pollutants released from discrete sources) versus non-point (pollutants from a large area rather than a specific source) sources are poorly understood. We used buoyant simulated particles released in a high-resolution physical ocean model to quantify pollutant loads throughout the region. We considered non-point sources of debris from the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, Bellingshausen Sea, Weddell Sea, and point source pollution from human activities including tourism, research, and fishing. We also determined possible origins for observed debris based on data from the Southern Ocean Observing System and Palmer Long-Term Ecological Research program. Our results indicate that point source pollution released in the coastal Antarctic is more likely to serve as a source for observed debris than non-point sources, and that the dominant source of pollution is region-specific. Penguin colonies in the South Shetland and Elephant Islands had the greatest debris load from point sources whereas loads from non-point sources were greatest around the southernmost colonies. Penguin colonies at Cornwallis Island and Fort Point were exposed to the highest theoretical debris loads. While these results do not include physical processes such as windage and Stokes Drift that are known to impact debris distributions and transport in the coastal ocean, these results provide critical insights to building an effective stratified sampling and monitoring effort to better understand debris distributions, concentrations, and origins throughout the West Antarctic Peninsula.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L Gallagher
- Institute for Advanced Computational Sciences, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicols Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA; School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicols Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
| | - Megan A Cimino
- Institute of Marine Science, University of California Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Michael S Dinniman
- Department of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Old Dominion University, 5115 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA
| | - Heather J Lynch
- Institute for Advanced Computational Sciences, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicols Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA; Department of Ecology & Evolution, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicols Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kuddus M, Roohi, Bano N, Sheik GB, Joseph B, Hamid B, Sindhu R, Madhavan A. Cold-active microbial enzymes and their biotechnological applications. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14467. [PMID: 38656876 PMCID: PMC11042537 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms known as psychrophiles/psychrotrophs, which survive in cold climates, constitute majority of the biosphere on Earth. Their capability to produce cold-active enzymes along with other distinguishing characteristics allows them to survive in the cold environments. Due to the relative ease of large-scale production compared to enzymes from plants and animals, commercial uses of microbial enzyme are alluring. The ocean depths, polar, and alpine regions, which make up over 85% of the planet, are inhabited to cold ecosystems. Microbes living in these regions are important for their metabolic contribution to the ecosphere as well as for their enzymes, which may have potential industrial applications. Cold-adapted microorganisms are a possible source of cold-active enzymes that have high catalytic efficacy at low and moderate temperatures at which homologous mesophilic enzymes are not active. Cold-active enzymes can be used in a variety of biotechnological processes, including food processing, additives in the detergent and food industries, textile industry, waste-water treatment, biopulping, environmental bioremediation in cold climates, biotransformation, and molecular biology applications with great potential for energy savings. Genetically manipulated strains that are suitable for producing a particular cold-active enzyme would be crucial in a variety of industrial and biotechnological applications. The potential advantage of cold-adapted enzymes will probably lead to a greater annual market than for thermo-stable enzymes in the near future. This review includes latest updates on various microbial source of cold-active enzymes and their biotechnological applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Kuddus
- Department of Biochemistry, College of MedicineUniversity of HailHailSaudi Arabia
| | - Roohi
- Protein Research Laboratory, Department of BioengineeringIntegral UniversityLucknowIndia
| | - Naushin Bano
- Protein Research Laboratory, Department of BioengineeringIntegral UniversityLucknowIndia
| | | | - Babu Joseph
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical SciencesShaqra UniversityShaqraSaudi Arabia
| | - Burhan Hamid
- Center of Research for DevelopmentUniversity of KashmirSrinagarIndia
| | - Raveendran Sindhu
- Department of Food TechnologyTKM Institute of TechnologyKollamKeralaIndia
| | - Aravind Madhavan
- School of BiotechnologyAmrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AmritapuriKollamKeralaIndia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang J, Li T, Tao S, Shen M. Microplastic pollution interaction with disinfectant resistance genes: research progress, environmental impacts, and potential threats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:16241-16255. [PMID: 38340302 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32225-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The consumption of disposable plastic products and disinfectants has surged during the global COVID-19 pandemic, as they play a vital role in effectively preventing and controlling the spread of the virus. However, microplastic pollution and the excessive or improper use of disinfectants contribute to the increased environmental tolerance of microorganisms. Microplastics play a crucial role as vectors for microorganisms and plankton, facilitating energy transfer and horizontal gene exchange. The increase in the use of disinfectants has become a driving force for the growth of disinfectant resistant bacteria (DRB). A large number of microorganisms can have intense gene exchange, such as plasmid loss and capture, phage transduction, and cell fusion. The reproduction and diffusion rate of DRB in the environment is significantly higher than that of ordinary microorganisms, which will greatly increase the environmental tolerance of DRB. Unfortunately, there is still a huge knowledge gap in the interaction between microplastics and disinfectant resistance genes (DRGs). Accordingly, it is critical to comprehensively summarize the formation and transmission routes of DRGs on microplastics to address the problem. This paper systematically analyzed the process and mechanisms of DRGs formed by microbes. The interaction between microplastics and DRGs and the contribution of microplastic on the diffusion and spread of DRGs were expounded. The potential threats to the ecological environment and human health were also discussed. Additionally, some challenges and future priorities were also proposed with a view to providing useful basis for further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Zhang
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui, 243002, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianhao Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui, 243002, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiyu Tao
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui, 243002, People's Republic of China
| | - Maocai Shen
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui, 243002, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gallagher KL, Selig GM, Cimino MA. Descriptions and patterns in opportunistic marine debris collected near Palmer Station, Antarctica. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:115952. [PMID: 38142665 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Observations of marine debris in Antarctica have been increasing; however, impacts, distributions, sources, and transport pathways of debris remain poorly understood. Here, we describe the spatial distribution, types, and potential origins of marine debris in 2022/2023 near Palmer Station, Antarctica. We opportunistically collected 135 pieces of marine debris with the majority of items found along shorelines (90 %), some found in/near seabird nests/colonies (7 %) and few on inland rocky terrain (3 %). Plastic and abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear dominated observed debris. Results suggest that wind and the Antarctic Coastal Current may be a major pathway for debris. This study is the first assessment of marine debris in this region and suggests that oceanography, weather patterns, and shoreline geomorphology could play a role in determining where debris will accumulate. Continued tracking of debris and development of structured surveys is important for understanding the impacts of human activities in a biological hotspot.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L Gallagher
- Institute for Advanced Computational Sciences, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA; School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA.
| | - Gina M Selig
- Hawai'i Sea Grant Fellow to the National Science Foundation, Office of Polar Programs, Geosciences Directorate, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue Suite W7100, Alexandria, VA 22314 USA.
| | - Megan A Cimino
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, California, 95064, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhu W, Zhao N, Liu W, Guo R, Jin H. Occurrence of microplastics in Antarctic fishes: Abundance, size, shape, and polymer composition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166186. [PMID: 37582441 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Presence of microplastics (MPs) in Antarctic ecosystems has attracted global attention, due to the potential threat to the Antarctic marine organisms. However, data on the occurrence of MPs in Antarctic fishes remains very limited. This study investigated the abundance and characteristics of MPs in four species of Antarctic fish (n = 114). The highest mean abundance of MPs was detected in Trematomus eulepidotus (1.7 ± 0.61 items/individual), followed by that in Chionodraco rastrospinosus (1.4 ± 0.26 items/individual), Notolepis coatsi (1.1 ± 0.57 items/individual), and Electrona carlsbergi (0.72 ± 0.19 items/individual). MPs in Notolepis coatsi (mean 747 μm) had the highest mean size, followed by that in Trematomus eulepidotus (653 μm), Chionodraco rastrospinosus (629 μm), and Electrona carlsbergi (473 μm). This is possibly attributed to the feeding habits and egestion behaviors of different Antarctic fishes. Fiber was consistently the predominant shape of MPs in Trematomus eulepidotus, Chionodraco rastrospinosus, and Electrona carlsbergi, accounting for 82 %, 76 %, and 60 % of total items of MPs, respectively. Polypropylene, polyamide, and polyethylene were the predominant polymer composition of MPs in Antarctic fishes, collectively contributed 63-86 % of total items of MPs. This may be because these types of MPs have been widely used in global household materials. To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive study examining the occurrence of MPs in Antarctic fishes. This study provides fundamental data for evaluating the risks of MP exposure for Antarctic fishes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Zhu
- Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Fishery Resources for Key Fishing Grounds, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Sustainable Utilization of Technology Research for Fishery Resources of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316021, PR China
| | - Nan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, PR China
| | - Wenbo Liu
- Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Fishery Resources for Key Fishing Grounds, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Sustainable Utilization of Technology Research for Fishery Resources of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316021, PR China
| | - Ruyue Guo
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, PR China
| | - Hangbiao Jin
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Corti A, Pagano G, Lo Giudice A, Papale M, Rizzo C, Azzaro M, Vinciguerra V, Castelvetro V, Giannarelli S. Marine sponges as bioindicators of pollution by synthetic microfibers in Antarctica. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166043. [PMID: 37544451 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Different marine sponge species from Tethys Bay, Antarctica, were analyzed for contamination by polyester and polyamide microplastics (MPs). The PISA (Polymer Identification and Specific Analysis) procedure was adopted as it provides, through depolymerization and HPLC analysis, highly sensitive mass-based quantitative data. The study focused on three analytes resulting from the hydrolytic depolymerization of polyesters and polyamides: terephthalic acid (TPA), 6-aminohexanoic acid (AHA), and 1-6-hexanediamine (HMDA). TPA is a comonomer found in the polyesters poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(butylene adipate co terephthalate) (PBAT), and in polyamides such as poly(1,4-p-phenylene terephthalamide) (Kevlar™ and Twaron™ fibers) and poly(hexamethylene terephthalamide) (nylon 6 T). AHA is the monomer of nylon 6. HMDA is a comonomer of the aliphatic nylon 6,6 (HMDA-co-adipic acid) and of semi-aromatic polyamides such as, again, nylon 6 T (HMDA-co-TPA). Except for the biodegradable PBAT, these polymers exhibit high to extreme mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance. Indeed, they are used as technofibers in protective clothing able to withstand extreme conditions as those typical of Antarctica. Of the two amine monomers, only HMDA was found above the limit of quantification, and only in specimens of Haliclona (Rhizoniera) scotti, at a concentration equivalent to 27 μg/kg of nylon 6,6 in the fresh sponge. Comparatively higher concentrations, corresponding to 2.5-4.1 mg/kg of either PBAT or PPTA, were calculated from the concentration of TPA detected in all sponge species. Unexpectedly, TPA did not originate from PET (the most common textile fiber) as it was detected in the acid hydrolysate, whereas the PISA procedure results in effective PET depolymerization only under alkaline conditions. The obtained results showed that sponges, by capturing and concentrating MPs from large volumes of filtered marine waters, may be considered as effective indicators of the level and type of pollution by MPs and provide early warnings of increasing levels of pollution even in remote areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Corti
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giulia Pagano
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Angelina Lo Giudice
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council (CNR-ISP), 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Papale
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council (CNR-ISP), 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Carmen Rizzo
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council (CNR-ISP), 98122 Messina, Italy; Sicily Marine Centre, Department Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology (BIOTEC), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, 98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Maurizio Azzaro
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council (CNR-ISP), 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Virginia Vinciguerra
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valter Castelvetro
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Giannarelli
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), 56126 Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Monràs-Riera P, Angulo-Preckler C, Avila C. Quantification and distribution of marine microdebris in the surface waters of Livingston Island (South Shetland Islands, Antarctica). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115516. [PMID: 37690406 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115516] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Microdebris are ubiquitous and the Southern Ocean is no exception. Despite the recent increment in Antarctic studies assessing this threat, there is still scarce information available. Here, we quantified the microdebris in surface water, and their distribution within two bays of Livingston Island (South Shetlands, Antarctica). The two studied bays included one with human presence and one pristine, barely visited. Microdebris pollution was found in all samples with a mean concentration of 0.264 ± 0.185 items/m3. Fibres (82.19 %) were the main item, with polyester (61.67 %) as the main plastic polymer, followed by nylon (29.54 %). No differences in the distribution pattern were observed, with microdebris being homogeneously distributed along the two bays. Our results suggest that nearshore waters of Livingston Island are prone to the accumulation and retention of microdebris. The composition of the microdebris also points to Antarctic local activities as principal contamination contributors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pere Monràs-Riera
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, and Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBIO), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Carlos Angulo-Preckler
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Conxita Avila
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, and Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBIO), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Daghighi E, Shah T, Chia RW, Lee JY, Shang J, Rodríguez-Seijo A. The forgotten impacts of plastic contamination on terrestrial micro- and mesofauna: A call for research. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116227. [PMID: 37244494 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) contamination of the terrestrial environment is a growing concern worldwide and is thought to impact soil biota, particularly the micro and mesofauna community, by various processes that may contribute to global change in terrestrial systems. Soils act as a long-term sink for MP, accumulating these contaminants and increasing their adverse impacts on soil ecosystems. Consequently, the whole terrestrial ecosystem is impacted by microplastic pollution, which also threatens human health by their potential transfer to the soil food web. In general, the ingestion of MP in different concentrations by soil micro and mesofauna can adversely affect their development and reproduction, impacting terrestrial ecosystems. MP in soil moves horizontally and vertically because of the movement of soil organisms and the disturbance caused by plants. However, the effects of MP on terrestrial micro-and mesofauna are largely overlooked. Here, we give the most recent information on the forgotten impacts of MP contamination of soil on microfauna and mesofauna communities (protists, tardigrades, soil rotifers, nematodes, collembola and mites). More than 50 studies focused on the impact of MP on these organisms between 1990 and 2022 have been reviewed. In general, plastic pollution does not directly affect the survival of organisms, except under co-contaminated plastics that can increase adverse effects (e.g. tire-tread particles on springtails). Besides, they can have adverse effects at oxidative stress and reduced reproduction (protists, nematodes, potworms, springtails or mites). It was observed that micro and mesofauna could act as passive plastic transporters, as shown for springtails or mites. Finally, this review discusses how soil micro- and mesofauna play a key role in facilitating the (bio-)degradation and movement of MP and NP through soil systems and, therefore, the potential transfer to soil depths. More research should be focused on plastic mixtures, community level and long-term experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Daghighi
- BetterSoil e. V., Lise-Meitner-Straße 9, D-89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tufail Shah
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - R W Chia
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Earth Resources, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Yong Lee
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Earth Resources, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jianying Shang
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Andrés Rodríguez-Seijo
- Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia Do Solo, Facultade de Ciencias de Ourense, Universidade de Vigo, As Lagoas S/n, Ourense, 32004, Spain; Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros Do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos S/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhu W, Liu W, Chen Y, Liao K, Yu W, Jin H. Microplastics in Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) from Antarctic region. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 870:161880. [PMID: 36731553 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Pollution of microplastics (MPs) has become a potential threat to Antarctic marine ecosystems. However, the occurrence of MPs in Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), a keystone species in Antarctic ecosystems, remains unclear. In this study, the abundance and characteristics of MPs were examined in Antarctic krill samples (n = 437) collected from two Antarctic regions. MPs were extracted using an alkali digestion method and analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The mean abundance of MPs in Antarctic krill samples from the South Shetland Islands (n = 355) and the South Orkney Islands (n = 82) were 0.29 ± 0.14 and 0.20 ± 0.083 items/individual, respectively. >90 % of MPs found in Antarctic krill were < 150 μm in size. Fibers represented 77 % and 87 % of the MPs in Antarctic krill samples from the South Shetland Islands and the South Orkney Islands, respectively. Black, blue, and red were the predominant colors of MPs in Antarctic krill, accounting for 32 %, 22 %, and 21 % of the total MPs, respectively. Seven polymer compositions were identified for the MPs in Antarctic krill, with the predominance of polyethylene (37 % of total MPs), followed by polypropylene (22 %) and polyester (21 %). To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the occurrence of MPs in Antarctic krill samples. The results of this study are important for evaluating the risks of MP exposure in Antarctic krill.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Zhu
- Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Fishery Resources for Key Fishing Grounds, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Sustainable Utilization of Technology Research for Fishery Resources of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316021, PR China
| | - Wenbo Liu
- Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Fishery Resources for Key Fishing Grounds, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Sustainable Utilization of Technology Research for Fishery Resources of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316021, PR China
| | - Yuanchen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, PR China
| | - Kaizhen Liao
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, PR China
| | - Wenfei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, PR China
| | - Hangbiao Jin
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Impact of anthropogenic contamination on glacier surface biota. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 80:102900. [PMID: 36764028 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Glaciers are ecosystems and they host active biological communities. Despite their remoteness, glaciers act as cold condensers where high precipitation rates and cold temperatures favor the deposition of pollutants. These contaminants include a broad range of substances, including legacy pollutants, but also compounds still largely used. Some of these compounds are monitored in the environment and their effects on the ecosystems are known, in contrast others can be defined as emerging pollutants since their presence and their impact on the environment are still poorly understood (e.g. microplastics, radionuclides). This review aim to provide an overview of the studies that have investigated the effects of pollutants on the supraglacial ecosystem so far. Despite the distribution of the pollutants in glacier environments has been discussed in several studies, no review paper has summarized the current knowledge on the effects of these substances on the ecological communities living in glacier ecosystems.
Collapse
|
21
|
Wilkie Johnston L, Bergami E, Rowlands E, Manno C. Organic or junk food? Microplastic contamination in Antarctic krill and salps. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:221421. [PMID: 36998765 PMCID: PMC10049761 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.221421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) have been reported in Southern Ocean (SO), where they are likely to encounter Antarctic zooplankton and enter pelagic food webs. Here we assess the presence of MP within Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) and salps (Salpa thompsoni) and quantify their abundance and type by micro-Fourier transform infrared microscopy. MP were found in both species, with fibres being more abundant than fragments (krill: 56.25% and salps: 22.32% of the total MP). Polymer identification indicated MP originated from both local and distant sources. Our findings prove how in situ MP ingestion from these organisms is a real and ongoing process in the SO. MP amount was higher in krill (2.13 ± 0.26 MP ind-1) than salps (1.38 ± 0.42 MP ind-1), while MP size extracted from krill (130 ± 30 µm) was significantly lower than MP size from salps (330 ± 50 µm). We suggest that differences between abundance and size of MP ingested by these two species may be related to their food strategies, their ability to fragment MP as well as different human pressures within the collection areas of the study region. First comparative field-based evidence of MP in both krill and salps, two emblematic zooplankton species of the SO marine ecosystems, underlines that Antarctic marine ecosystems may be particularly sensitive to plastic pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Wilkie Johnston
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
- University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland KY16 9AJ, UK
| | - Elisa Bergami
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 213/D, Modena, Italy
| | - Emily Rowlands
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Clara Manno
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
da Silva JRMC, Bergami E, Gomes V, Corsi I. Occurrence and distribution of legacy and emerging pollutants including plastic debris in Antarctica: Sources, distribution and impact on marine biodiversity. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114353. [PMID: 36436273 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Since the first explorers reached Antarctica, their activities have quickly impacted both land and sea and thus, together with the long-range transport, hazardous chemicals began to accumulate. It is commonly recognized that anthropogenic pollution in Antarctica can originate from either global or local sources. Heavy metals, organohalogenated compounds, hydrocarbons, and (more recently) plastic, have been found in Antarctic biota, soil sediments, seawater, air, snow and sea-ice. Studies in such remote areas are challenging and expensive, and the complexity of potential interactions occurring in such extreme climate conditions (i.e., low temperature) makes any accurate prediction on potential impacts difficult. The present review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge on occurrence and distribution of legacy and emerging pollutants in Antarctica, such as plastic, from either global or local sources. Future actions to monitor and mitigate any potential impact on Antarctic biodiversity are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Roberto Machado Cunha da Silva
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Science / CEBIMar (Centro de Biologia Marinha), University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05509900, Brazil.
| | - Elisa Bergami
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/D, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Vicente Gomes
- Department of Biological Oceanography, Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, São Paulo, SP 05508-120, Brazil
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Microplastic Interactions and Possible Combined Biological Effects in Antarctic Marine Ecosystems. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010162. [PMID: 36611770 PMCID: PMC9817852 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are the most remote regions on Earth, and their quite pristine environmental conditions are increasingly threatened by local scientific, tourism and fishing activities and long-range transport of persistent anthropogenic contaminants from lower latitudes. Plastic debris has become one of the most pervasive and ubiquitous synthetic wastes in the global environment, and even at some coastal Antarctic sites it is the most common and enduring evidence of past and recent human activities. Despite the growing scientific interest in the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the Antarctic environment, the lack of standardized methodologies for the collection, analysis and assessment of sample contamination in the field and in the lab does not allow us to establish their bioavailability and potential impact. Overall, most of the Southern Ocean appears to be little-affected by plastic contamination, with the exception of some coastal marine ecosystems impacted by wastewater from scientific stations and tourist vessels or by local fishing activities. Microplastics have been detected in sediments, benthic organisms, Antarctic krill and fish, but there is no clear evidence of their transfer to seabirds and marine mammals. Therefore, we suggest directing future research towards standardization of methodologies, focusing attention on nanoplastics (which probably represent the greatest biological risks) and considering the interactions of MPs with macro- and microalgae (especially sea-ice algae) and the formation of epiplastic communities. In coastal ecosystems directly impacted by human activities, the combined exposure to paint chips, metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), contaminants of emerging interest (CEI) and pathogenic microorganisms represents a potential danger for marine organisms. Moreover, the Southern Ocean is very sensitive to water acidification and has shown a remarkable decrease in sea-ice formation in recent years. These climate-related stresses could reduce the resilience of Antarctic marine organisms, increasing the impact of anthropogenic contaminants and pathogenic microorganisms.
Collapse
|
24
|
Bergami E, Krupinski Emerenciano A, Palmeira Pinto L, Reina Joviano W, Font A, Almeida de Godoy T, Silva JRMC, González-Aravena M, Corsi I. Behavioural, physiological and molecular responses of the Antarctic fairy shrimp Branchinecta gaini (Daday, 1910) to polystyrene nanoplastics. NANOIMPACT 2022; 28:100437. [PMID: 36332901 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2022.100437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution represents an emerging environmental issue in terrestrial Antarctica, especially in the Antarctic Peninsula and Maritime Antarctica, which have been recently recognized as hot spots for plastic litter. In these regions, freshwater (FW) environments such as lakes host isolated ecosystems and species that can be severely affected by increasing environmental and anthropogenic stressors, which include plastics that are still overlooked. In this study, we investigated for the first time the impact of nanoplastics on adults of the fairy shrimp Branchinecta gaini (Order Anostraca) populating Antarctic FW ecosystems, using surface charged polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) as a proxy. Short-term acute toxicity (48 h) was investigated by exposing adults to carboxyl (-COOH, 60 nm) and amino-modified (-NH2, 50 nm) PS NPs at 1 and 5 μg mL-1. Biodisposition of PS NPs and lethal and sub-lethal effects (i.e., swimming, moulting, histology, gene expression) were assessed. Behaviour of PS NPs in Antarctic FW media was monitored through 48 h of exposure showing that both PS NPs kept their nanoscale size in the Antarctic FW media. Survival of fairy shrimp adults over short-term exposure was not affected, on the other hand an increase in moulting rate and alterations in the gut epithelium were observed upon exposure to both PS NPs. Significant alterations at the behavioural (ventilation rate) and molecular (up-regulation of Hsp70mit, Hsp83, Sod, P450) levels were related to PS NP surface charge and associated with PS-NH2 exposure only. Nanoplastics could represent a threat for Antarctic FW biodiversity and the Antarctic fairy shrimp could be a valuable model for assessing their impact on such remote and pristine aquatic ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Bergami
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/D, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - A Krupinski Emerenciano
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. L. Prestes 1524, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - L Palmeira Pinto
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. L. Prestes 1524, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - W Reina Joviano
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. L. Prestes 1524, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - A Font
- Scientific Department, Chilean Antarctic Institute, Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, 6200965 Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - T Almeida de Godoy
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. L. Prestes 1524, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - J R M C Silva
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. L. Prestes 1524, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - M González-Aravena
- Scientific Department, Chilean Antarctic Institute, Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, 6200965 Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - I Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|