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Gündoğdu S, Bour A, Köşker AR, Walther BA, Napierska D, Mihai FC, Syberg K, Hansen SF, Walker TR. Review of microplastics and chemical risk posed by plastic packaging on the marine environment to inform the Global Plastics Treaty. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174000. [PMID: 38901589 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Plastic overproduction and the resulting increase in consumption has made plastic pollution ubiquitous in all ecosystems. Recognizing this, the United Nations (UN) has started negotiations to establish a global treaty to end plastic pollution, especially in the marine environment. The basis of the treaty has been formulated in terms of turning off the tap, signaling the will to prevent plastic pollution at its source. Based on the distribution of plastic production by sector, the plastic packaging sector consumes the most plastic. The volume and variety of chemicals used in plastic packaging, most of which is single-use, is a major concern. Single-use plastics including packaging is one of the most dominant sources of plastic pollution. Plastic waste causes pollution in water, air and soil by releasing harmful chemicals into the environment and can also lead to exposure through contamination of food with micro- and nano-plastic particles and chemicals through packaging. Marine life and humans alike face risks from plastic uptake through bioaccumulation and biomagnification. While the contribution of plastics ingested to chemical pollution is relatively minor in comparison to other pathways of exposure, the effect of plastic waste on marine life and human consumption of seafood is beyond question. To reduce the long-term impact of plastic, it is crucial to establish a global legally binding instrument to ensure the implementation of upstream rather than downstream solutions. This will help to mitigate the impact of both chemicals and microplastics, including from packaging, on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedat Gündoğdu
- Cukurova University Faculty of Fisheries Department of Basic Science, 01330 Adana, Türkiye.
| | - Agathe Bour
- Dept. of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ali Rıza Köşker
- Cukurova University Faculty of Fisheries Department of Seafood Processing, 01330 Adana, Türkiye
| | - Bruno Andreas Walther
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Am Handelshafen 12, D-27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | | | - Florin-Constantin Mihai
- CERNESIM Center, Department of Exact Sciences and Natural Sciences, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University, Carol I Blvd 11, 700506 Iași, Romania
| | - Kristian Syberg
- Dept. of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Steffen Foss Hansen
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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Rist S, Le Du-Carrée J, Ugwu K, Intermite C, Acosta-Dacal A, Pérez-Luzardo O, Zumbado M, Gómez M, Almeda R. Toxicity of tire particle leachates on early life stages of keystone sea urchin species. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122453. [PMID: 37633434 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Particles from tires are a major fraction of microplastic pollution. They contain a wide range of chemical additives that can leach into the water and be harmful to aquatic organisms. In this study, we investigated the acute toxicity of tire particle leachates in early life stages of three keystone echinoderm species (Paracentrotus lividus, Arbacia lixula, Diadema africanum). Embryos were exposed for 72 h to a range of leachate dilutions, prepared using a concentration of 1 g L-1. Larval growth, abnormal development, and mortality were the measured endpoints. Furthermore, we estimated the activity of glutathione S transferase (GST) and the electron transport system (ETS) in P. lividus. Strong concentration-dependent responses were observed in all species, though with differing sensitivity. The median effect concentrations for abnormal development in P. lividus and A. lixula were 0.16 and 0.35 g L-1, respectively. In D. africanum, mortality overshadowed abnormal development and the median lethal concentration was 0.46 g L-1. Larvae of P. lividus were significantly smaller than the control from 0.125 g L-1, while the other two species were affected from 0.5 g L-1. ETS activity did not change but there was a non-significant trend of increasing GST activity with leachate concentration in P. lividus. Seven organic chemicals and eight metals were detected at elevated concentrations in the leachates. While we regard zinc as a strong candidate to explain some of the observed toxicity, it can be expected that tire particle leachates exhibit a cocktail effect and other leached additives may also contribute to their toxicity. Our results emphasize the importance of multi-species studies as they differ in their susceptibility to tire particle pollution. We found negative effects at concentrations close to projections in the environment, which calls for more research and mitigation actions on these pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinja Rist
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua), Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR, IU-ECOAQUA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - Jessy Le Du-Carrée
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR, IU-ECOAQUA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Kevin Ugwu
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR, IU-ECOAQUA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Chiara Intermite
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR, IU-ECOAQUA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Andrea Acosta-Dacal
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera S/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Octavio Pérez-Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera S/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera S/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain
| | - May Gómez
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR, IU-ECOAQUA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Almeda
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR, IU-ECOAQUA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Mercado B, Valero N, Roca-Pérez L, Bernabeu-Berni E, Andreu-Sánchez O. Investigation of Metal Toxicity on Microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Hipersaline Zooplankter Artemia salina, and Jellyfish Aurelia aurita. TOXICS 2023; 11:716. [PMID: 37624221 PMCID: PMC10459510 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11080716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The escalating global anthropogenic activities associated with industrial development have led to the increased introduction of heavy metals (HMs) into marine environments through effluents. This study aimed to assess the toxicity of three HMs (Cr, Cu, and Cd) on organisms spanning different trophic levels: Phaeodactylum tricornutum (a primary producer), Artemia salina (a primary consumer), and Aurelia aurita (a secondary consumer). The EC50 values obtained revealed varying relative toxicities for the tested organisms. Phaeodactylum tricornutum exhibited the highest sensitivity to Cu, followed by Cd and Cr, while Artemia salina displayed the highest sensitivity to Cr, followed by Cu and Cd. A. aurita, on the other hand, demonstrated the highest sensitivity to Cu, followed by Cr and Cd. This experimental investigation further supported previous studies that have suggested A. aurita as a suitable model organism for ecotoxicity testing. Our experiments encompassed sublethal endpoints, such as pulsation frequency, acute effects, and mortality, highlighting different levels of sensitivity among the organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borja Mercado
- Ocean Ecostructures, Inc., Rambla de Catalunya,14-7°-1ª, 08007 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Nuria Valero
- Xenobiotics, S.L., Parque Científico de la Universitat de València, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Luis Roca-Pérez
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal, Facultad de Farmacia, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain;
| | - Elena Bernabeu-Berni
- Xenobiotics, S.L., Parque Científico de la Universitat de València, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Oscar Andreu-Sánchez
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal, Facultad de Farmacia, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain;
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Provenza F, Pastorino P, Anselmi S, Persiano ML, Scirocco T, De Rinaldis G, Fossi MC, Panti C, Renzi M, Specchiulli A. Chemical pollution and ecotoxicological effects of high-density polyethylene microplastics in Mytilus galloprovincialis from two Italian lagoon ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 98:104075. [PMID: 36736514 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104075] [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: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Transitional water ecosystems have low water exchanges and can trap chemicals and microplastics (MPs). In this study, MPs, trace elements, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-PHAs levels and the oxidative stress response were assessed in Mytilus galloprovincialis from two Italian lagoon ecosystems (Orbetello and Varano). In addition, the ecotoxicological effects induced by the exposure of M. galloprovincialis to high-density polyethylene-HDPE MPs were also determined. Levels of trace elements were almost always comparable among the sites, whereas MPs were found only in mussels from Orbetello. PAHs were always under the limit of quantification. Glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in mussels from Varano. As regard the exposure test, it was found a significant effect of treatment, site and their interaction on mortality and biochemical biomarkers in both fed and unfed mussels. However, principal component analysis suggests similar effects of both color and nourishment condition on biochemical biomarkers. These findings warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Provenza
- Department of Life Science, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; Bioscience Research Center, 58015 Orbetello (GR), Italy
| | - Paolo Pastorino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy.
| | | | - Marco Leporatti Persiano
- Supporto tecnico-scientifico direttore dell'esecuzione sistema di gestione 2022 della laguna di Orbetello, 58015 Orbetello (GR), Italy
| | - Tommaso Scirocco
- National Research Council - Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (IRBIM), 71010 Lesina, Italy
| | | | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Cristina Panti
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Monia Renzi
- Department of Life Science, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; National Research Council - Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (IRBIM), 71010 Lesina, Italy
| | - Antonietta Specchiulli
- National Research Council - Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (IRBIM), 71010 Lesina, Italy
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Gallitelli L, Battisti C, Scalici M. Dunal plants intercepting macrolitter: Implications for beach clean-ups. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114585. [PMID: 36638716 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Coastal vegetation intercepts macroplastics and, consequently, it may represent a reservoir of anthropogenic litter and organic wrack. We aimed at investigating (i) the abundance variation of macrolitter from the beach to foredune and backdune (three cross-shore plots over 20 long-shore sectors) and (ii) the role of the halo-psammophilous plants and Phragmites australis reedbed in intercepting the macrolitter, respectively, in the foredunes and backdunes. The vegetation in the foredunes (mainly halo-psammophilous species) acted as a first interception belt for macrolitter, while the bigger litter reached the backdunes. Our results might be of great concern with implications for beach clean-ups - which must also be mainly focused in foredunes and backdunes, however warning operators in advance that they could damage the vegetation by trampling on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Gallitelli
- Department of Sciences, University of Rome Tre, Rome, Italy.
| | - Corrado Battisti
- "Torre Flavia" LTER (Long Term Ecological Research) Station, Protected Areas Service, Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Rome, Italy.
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Piccardo M, Provenza F, Anselmi S, Renzi M. Ecotoxicological Assessment of "Glitter" Leachates in Aquatic Ecosystems: An Integrated Approach. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10110677. [PMID: 36355968 PMCID: PMC9697108 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10110677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The most worrisome fraction within plastic pollution is that of microplastics (MP). A category of MP almost completely ignored is that of glitter. The objective of this study is to test the toxicity of nine types of glitter leachate (3 soak times: 3, 90 and 180 days) on model organisms in freshwater (Allivibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Daphnia magna) and saltwater (Allivibrio fischeri, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Paracentrotus lividus). An integrated approach was applied to obtain the percentage of ecotoxicological risk. The results show that (i) photosynthesizing primary producers are the most sensitive trophic level; (ii) algae transitioned from growth inhibition to biostimulation; (iii) D. magna showed higher sensitivity after 48 h compared to 24 h; (iv) A. fischeri responded more strongly in saltwater than in freshwater. The integrated data show a greater risk associated with the marine environment, with the highest risk for glitters that are hexagonal and composed of poly-methyl-methacrylate. Our multivariate analysis shows that the toxicity of plastic leaching is a complex phenomenon that depends on the sensitivity of the species, in some cases on the soaking time and on the medium, and is not clearly linked to the polymer type, the contact area or the colors of the particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Piccardo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesca Provenza
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Serena Anselmi
- Bioscience Research Center, Via Aurelia Vecchia 32, 58015 Orbetello, Italy
| | - Monia Renzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- CoNISMa, Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Piazzale Flaminio 4, 00196 Roma, Italy
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Sridharan S, Kumar M, Saha M, Kirkham MB, Singh L, Bolan NS. The polymers and their additives in particulate plastics: What makes them hazardous to the fauna? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 824:153828. [PMID: 35157873 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Due to the increasing concerns on global ecosystems and human health, the environmental risks posed by microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have become an important topic of research. Their ecological impacts on various faunal species have been extensively researched and reviewed. However, the majority of those studies perceive these micro(nano)-plastics (MNPs) as a single entity rather than a collective term for a group of chemically distinct polymeric particulates. Each of the plastic polymers can possess unique physical and chemical behavior, which, in turn, can determine the possible environmental impacts. Furthermore, many studies explore the adsorption, absorption, and release of other environmental pollutants by MNPs. But only a handful of them explore the leaching of additives possessed by these polymers. Data on the environmental behavior and toxicity of individual additives associated with different polymer particulates are scarce. Knowledge about the leachability and ecotoxicity of the additives associated with environmental MNPs (unlike large plastic particles) remains limited. The ecological impacts of different MNPs together with their additives and the basis of their toxicity have not been explored yet. The present review systematically explores the potential implications of environmentally predominant polymers and their associated additives and discusses their physicochemical characteristics. The review ultimately aims to provide novel insights on what components precisely make MNPs hazardous to the fauna. The paper also discusses the major challenges proposed in the available literature along with recommendations for future research to throw light on possible solutions to overcome the hazards of MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinidhi Sridharan
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mahua Saha
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States of America
| | - Lal Singh
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The UWA Institute of Agriculture, M079, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
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Misgana B, Tucho GT. Assessment of Community's Perception Toward Single-Use Plastic Shopping Bags and Use of Alternative Bags in Jimma Town, Ethiopia. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2022; 16:11786302221085047. [PMID: 35295862 PMCID: PMC8918963 DOI: 10.1177/11786302221085047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Background The use of plastic shopping bags increases and poses tremendous pressure on the local environment. However, little is known about its utilization among different population categories and their perception of its utilization and willingness to use other sustainable alternatives. This study aimed to assess the community's perception toward the use of plastic shopping bags and its options in Jimma town, Ethiopia. Methods A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted on 351 customers and retailers selected from the town's main marketing areas. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire in a face-to-face interview and analyzed using SPSS v.21. Results The results show that all the respondents use plastic shopping bags for different shopping services. The majority (147 (41.9%)) of the respondents said that they use 5 to 10 shopping bags, and 66 (18.8%) use more than 10 shopping bags per week. Participants responded with different reasons for the frequent use of plastic bags for shopping. Accordingly, 116 (33.0%) responded that plastic bags are cheap, 92 (26.2%) use them due to lack of alternatives, and 89 (25.4%) responded that plastic bags are light and convenient to use. However, 326 (93%) of the respondents support efforts to reduce single-use plastic bags, 284 (80.9%) support a ban on single-use plastic bags, and 319 (90%) were willing to pay for alternative shopping bags. Conclusion Communities are aware of the environmental problems associated with the intensive use of plastic shopping bags, their wastes, and the need for alternative options. However, it will continue to pose significant environmental challenges unless low-cost and environment-friendly alternative options are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bikila Misgana
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Technology, Health Institute, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Gudina Terefe Tucho
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Technology, Health Institute, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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