1
|
Devi SS, Jayan S, Kumar AB. Microplastic assessment in aquaculture feeds: Analyzing polymer variability across commercial fishfeeds from three continents. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 479:135621. [PMID: 39213766 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135621] [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: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
This study analysed ten widely used commercial fishfeeds in aquaculture from six countries spanning three continents to assess microplastic (MP) contamination. MPs with an average abundance of 1130 ± 259.07 particles/kg and an average length of 2.64 ± 0.62 mm ( ± SE) were found in aquaculture feeds, with fibres (85 %) and fragments (15 %). The majority of these MPs were black. The abundance of MPs varied among the samples, with the highest in feed SP (26 %), followed by IF, GA, ELS, NT, EW, TB, GR, VR, and the least in HCF (3 %). Polymers identified consisted of Polyethylene terephthalates (PET, 20 %), Polyamide (PA, 30 %), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Polyurethane (PU), and Polystyrene (PS) with 15 % each, and Polypropylene (PP, 5 %). SEM-EDX analysis of fibres showed flakes, cracks, and pits and the presence of heavy metals Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Au, Hg, Cd, Ti, and Pb. Additionally, some fragments contained Nb (Niobium) alongside the naturally occurring elements. The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) for the polymers in ten feeds was calculated, and nine were in the highly hazardous category (IV and V) with PHI values ranging from 400-394825. The work showcases the graveness of MPs in fishfeeds and advocates control measures to curtail MPs in fishfeeds for sustainable aquaculture production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suvarna S Devi
- Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India
| | - Shilpa Jayan
- Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India
| | - Appukuttannair Biju Kumar
- Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fang XZ, Fang SQ, Ding Y, Ma JW, Ye ZQ, Liu D, Zhao KL. Microplastic exposure inhibits nitrate uptake and assimilation in wheat plants. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 360:124626. [PMID: 39084589 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124626] [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: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) contamination in soil severely impairs plant growth. However, mechanisms underlying the effects of MPs on plant nutrient uptake remain largely unknown. In this study, we revealed that NO3- content was significantly decreased in shoots and roots of wheat plants exposed to high concentrations (50-100 mg L-1) of MPs (1 μm and 0.1 μm; type: polystyrene) in the hydroponic solution. Isotope labeling experiments demonstrated that MP exposure led to a significant inhibition of NO3- uptake in wheat roots. Further analysis indicated that the presence of MPs markedly inhibited root growth and caused oxidative damage to the roots. Additionally, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities in wheat roots decreased under all MP treatments, whereas catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities significantly increased under the 100 mg L-1 MP treatment. The transcription levels of most nitrate transporters (NRTs) in roots were significantly downregulated by MP exposure. Furthermore, exposure to MPs distinctly suppressed the activity of nitrate reductase (NR) and nitrite reductase (NiR), as well as the expression levels of their coding genes in wheat shoots. These findings indicate that a decline in root uptake area and root vitality, as well as in the expression of NRTs, NR, and NiR genes caused by MP exposure may have adverse effects on NO3- uptake and assimilation, consequently impairing normal growth of plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xian Zhi Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination Bioremediation of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Shu Qin Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination Bioremediation of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yue Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination Bioremediation of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia Wei Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination Bioremediation of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zheng Qian Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination Bioremediation of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination Bioremediation of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ke Li Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination Bioremediation of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
He X, Wang Q, Qian Y, Li Z, Feng C. Microplastic accumulation and oxidative stress in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum Linn.): Role of the size effect. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 360:124652. [PMID: 39094999 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), which are widely dispersed in terrestrial environments, threaten crop growth and human food security. However, plant accumulation and phytotoxicity related to the size effects of MPs remain insufficiently explored. This study investigated the accumulation and toxicity of two sizes of MPs on Capsicum annuum Linn. (C. annuum) through fluorescence tracing and antioxidant defense system assessment. The results revealed that the size of MPs significantly impacts their accumulation characteristics in C. annuum roots, leading to variations in toxic mechanisms, including oxidative stress and damage. Smaller MPs and higher exposure concentrations result in more pronounced growth inhibition. C. annuum roots have a critical size threshold for the absorption of MPs of approximately 1.2 μm. MPs that enter the root tissue exhibit an aggregated form, with smaller-sized MPs displaying a greater degree of aggregation. MP exposure induces oxidative stress in root tissues, with high concentrations of smaller MPs causing lipid peroxidation. Analysis of the IBR values revealed that C. annuum roots utilize ascorbic acid (ASA) to prevent oxidative damage caused by larger MPs. Conversely, smaller MPs primarily induce superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). These results emphasize the significant impact of MP size on plant antioxidant defense response mechanisms, laying the foundation for further investigating the implications for human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokang He
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China
| | - Qixuan Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China
| | - Yibin Qian
- Hainan Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 571127, Haikou, PR China
| | - Zhenling Li
- The Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Wetland and Watershed Research, Ministry of Education, School of Geography and Environment, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, PR China
| | - Chenghong Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Garai S, Bhattacharjee C, Sarkar S, Moulick D, Dey S, Jana S, Dhar A, Roy A, Mondal K, Mondal M, Mukherjee S, Ghosh S, Singh P, Ramteke P, Manna D, Hazra S, Malakar P, Banerjee H, Brahmachari K, Hossain A. Microplastics in the soil-water-food nexus: Inclusive insight into global research findings. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:173891. [PMID: 38885699 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Nuisance imposed by biotic and abiotic stressors on diverse agroecosystems remains an area of focus for the scientific fraternity. However, emerging contaminants such as microplastics (MP) have imposed additional dimension (alone or in combinations with other stressors) in agroecosystems and keep escalating the challenges to achieve sustainability. MP are recognized as persistent anthropogenic contaminants, fetch global attention due to their unique chemical features that keeps themselves unresponsive to the decaying process. This review has been theorized to assess the current research trends (along with possible gap areas), widespread use of MP, enhancement of the harshness of heavy metals (HMs), complex interactions with physico-chemical constituents of arable soil, accumulation in the edible parts of field crops, dairy products, and other sources to penetrate the food web. So far, the available review articles are oriented to a certain aspect of MP and lack a totality when considered from in soil-water-food perspective. In short, a comprehensive perspective of the adverse effects of MP on human health has been assessed. Moreover, an agro-techno-socio-health prospective-oriented critical assessment of policies and remedial measures linked with MP has provided an extra edge over other similar articles in influential future courses of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Garai
- Division of Agronomy, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Chandrima Bhattacharjee
- Division of Agronomy, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sukamal Sarkar
- Division of Agronomy, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
| | - Debojyoti Moulick
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal -741235, India
| | - Saikat Dey
- Division of Agronomy, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Soujanya Jana
- Division of Agronomy, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Anannya Dhar
- Division of Agronomy, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Anirban Roy
- Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Krishnendu Mondal
- Dhaanyaganga Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Sargachhi, West Bengal, India
| | - Mousumi Mondal
- School of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, The Neotia University, Sarisha, West Bengal, India
| | - Siddhartha Mukherjee
- Division of Agriculture, Faculty Centre for Agriculture, Rural and Tribal Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Morabadi, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Samrat Ghosh
- Emergent Ventures India, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Puja Singh
- Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Natural Resource Management, Horticultural College, Birsa Agricultural University, Khuntpani, Chaibasa, Jharkhand, India
| | - Pratik Ramteke
- Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, MS 444104, India
| | - Dipak Manna
- School of Biological Sciences, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Shreyasee Hazra
- School of Biological Sciences, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Pushkar Malakar
- School of Biological Sciences, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Hirak Banerjee
- Regional Research Station (CSZ), Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kakdwip, West Bengal, India
| | - Koushik Brahmachari
- Department of Agronomy, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Akbar Hossain
- Division of Soil Science, Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang S, Zhang F, Cai L, Xu N, Zhang C, Yadav V, Zhou X, Wu X, Zhong H. Visual observation of polystyrene nano-plastics in grape seedlings of Thompson Seedless and assessing their effects via transcriptomics and metabolomics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 478:135550. [PMID: 39173388 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135550] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nano-plastics (MNPs) are emerging non-point source pollutants that have garnered increasing attention owing to their threat to ecosystems. Studies on the effects of MNPs on horticultural crops are scarce. Specifically, whether MNPs can be absorbed and transported by grapevines have not been reported. To fill this gap, we added polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, 100 nm) to a hydroponic environment and observed their distribution in grape seedlings of Thompson Seedless (TS, Vitis vinifera L.). After 15 d of exposure, plastic nanospheres were detected on the cell walls of the roots, stems, and leaves using confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This indicated that PS-NPs can also be absorbed by the root system through the epidermis-cortex interface in grapevines and transported upward along the xylem conduit. Furthermore, we analyzed the molecular response mechanisms of TS grapes to the PS-NPs. Through the measurement of relevant indicators and combined omics analysis, we found that plant hormone signal transduction, flavonoid and flavonol biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and MAPK signaling pathway biosynthesis played crucial roles in its response to PS-NPs. The results not only revealed the potential risk of MNPs being absorbed by grapevines and eventually entering the food chain but also provided valuable scientific evidence and data for the assessment of plant health and ecological risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Songlin Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Improvement and Germplasm Innovation of Crop Resistance in Arid Desert Regions (Preparation), Key Laboratory of Genome Research and Genetic Improvement of Xinjiang Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables, Institute of Horticultural Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China.
| | - Fuchun Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Improvement and Germplasm Innovation of Crop Resistance in Arid Desert Regions (Preparation), Key Laboratory of Genome Research and Genetic Improvement of Xinjiang Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables, Institute of Horticultural Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China.
| | - Lu Cai
- College of grass industry, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China.
| | - Na Xu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China.
| | - Chuan Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Improvement and Germplasm Innovation of Crop Resistance in Arid Desert Regions (Preparation), Key Laboratory of Genome Research and Genetic Improvement of Xinjiang Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables, Institute of Horticultural Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China.
| | - Vivek Yadav
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Improvement and Germplasm Innovation of Crop Resistance in Arid Desert Regions (Preparation), Key Laboratory of Genome Research and Genetic Improvement of Xinjiang Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables, Institute of Horticultural Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China.
| | - Xiaoming Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Improvement and Germplasm Innovation of Crop Resistance in Arid Desert Regions (Preparation), Key Laboratory of Genome Research and Genetic Improvement of Xinjiang Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables, Institute of Horticultural Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China.
| | - Xinyu Wu
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Improvement and Germplasm Innovation of Crop Resistance in Arid Desert Regions (Preparation), Key Laboratory of Genome Research and Genetic Improvement of Xinjiang Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables, Institute of Horticultural Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China.
| | - Haixia Zhong
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Improvement and Germplasm Innovation of Crop Resistance in Arid Desert Regions (Preparation), Key Laboratory of Genome Research and Genetic Improvement of Xinjiang Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables, Institute of Horticultural Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Azeem I, Wang Q, Adeel M, Shakoor N, Zain M, Khan AA, Li Y, Azeem K, Nadeem M, Zhu G, Yukui R. Assessing the combined impacts of microplastics and nickel oxide nanomaterials on soybean growth and nitrogen fixation potential. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 480:136062. [PMID: 39393323 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 09/14/2024] [Accepted: 10/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024]
Abstract
The excessive presence of polystyrene microplastic (PS-MPx) and nickel oxide nanomaterials (NiO-NPs) in agriculture ecosystem have gained serious attention about their effect on the legume root-nodule symbiosis and biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). However, the impact of these contaminants on the root-nodule symbiosis and biological N2-fixation have been largely overlooked. The current findings highlighted that NiO-NMs at 50 mg kg-1 improved nodule formation and N2-fixation potential, leading to enhanced N2 uptake by both roots and shoots, resulting in increased plant growth and development. While single exposure of PS-MPx (500 mg kg-1) significantly reduced the photosynthetic pigment (8-14 %), phytohormones (9-25 %), nodules biomass (24 %), N2-related enzymes (12-17 %) that ultimately affected the N2-fixation potential. Besides, co-exposure of MPx and NiO at 100 mg kg-1 altered the nodule morphology. Additionally, single and co-exposure of MPx and NiO-NMs at 100 mg kg-1 reduced the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Gemmatimonadota, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes is associated with N2-cycling and N2-fixation potential. The findings of this study will contribute to understanding the potential risks posed by MPx and NiO-NMs to leguminous crops in the soil environment and provide scientific insights into the soybean N2-fixation potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imran Azeem
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation and College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Quanlong Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation and College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Muhammad Adeel
- BNU-HKUST Laboratory of Green Innovation, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Guangdong, China.
| | - Noman Shakoor
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation and College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Muhammad Zain
- Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Adnan Anwar Khan
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, 712100 Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuanbo Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation and College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kamran Azeem
- Department of Agronomy, the University of Agricultural Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Nadeem
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation and College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Guikai Zhu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation and College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Rui Yukui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation and College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; China Agricultural University Professor Workstation of Tangshan Jinhai New Material Co., Ltd., Tangshan City, Hebei, China; China Agricultural University Shanghe County Baiqiao Town Science and Technology Courtyard, Shanghe County, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lin Y, Wang L, Lin B, Liu B, Guan T, Guo S, Li Q, Wei C. Differences in the uptake and translocation of differentially charged microplastics by the taproot and lateral root of mangroves. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:174113. [PMID: 38908577 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
The interception of microplastics (MPs) by mangrove roots plays an indispensable role in reducing the environmental risks of MPs. However, there remains limited research on the fate of the intercepted MPs. Hereby, the uptake and subsequent translocation of 0.2 μm and 2 μm PS MPs with different coating charge by the typical salt-secreting mangrove plants (Aegiceras corniculatum) were investigated. Compared to amino-functionalized PS with positive charge (PS-NH2), the visualized results indicated that the efficient uptake of carboxy-functionalized PS with negative charge (PS-COOH) was more dependent on taproots. But for the lateral roots, it only allowed the entry of PS-NH2 instead of PS-COOH. The specific uptake pathways of PS-NH2 on the lateral roots could attribute to the release of H+ and organic acids by root hairs, as well as the relative higher Zeta potential. After entering the Aegiceras corniculatum roots, the translocation of PS MPs was restricted by their particle sizes. Furthermore, the release of PS MPs from Aegiceras corniculatum leaf surfaces through the salt glands and stomata was observed. And the decline in the photochemical efficiency of leaves under PS MPs exposure also indirectly proved the foliar emission of PS MPs. Our study improved the understanding of the environmental behaviors and risks of the retained MPs in mangroves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yichun Lin
- Environmental and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, PR China
| | - Luya Wang
- Environmental and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, PR China; Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, PR China
| | - Bigui Lin
- Environmental and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, PR China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, National Long-term Experimental Station for Agriculture Green Development, Danzhou 571737, PR China
| | - Beibei Liu
- Environmental and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, PR China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Eco-Circular Agriculture, Haikou 571101, PR China
| | - Tingting Guan
- Environmental and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, PR China
| | - Shuai Guo
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, PR China
| | - Qinfen Li
- Environmental and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, PR China; Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, PR China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, National Long-term Experimental Station for Agriculture Green Development, Danzhou 571737, PR China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Eco-Circular Agriculture, Haikou 571101, PR China
| | - Chaoxian Wei
- Environmental and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, PR China; Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, PR China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, National Long-term Experimental Station for Agriculture Green Development, Danzhou 571737, PR China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Eco-Circular Agriculture, Haikou 571101, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen Q, Ge X, Xu F, Li J, Xu Z, Liu L, Tang Y. Distribution and co-occurrence of microplastics and co-existing pollutants in bottom water and sediment of the East China Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 954:176405. [PMID: 39304163 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 08/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) contamination in marine environment has been an emerging issue worldwide, notably due to the potential ecological risks of MPs with co-existing environmental contaminants and released toxic plastic additives. To verify the co-occurrence characteristics of MPs and co-existing pollutants in the benthic boundary layer (BBL), the distribution characteristics of MPs, and selected heavy metals (HMs) and halogenated flame retardants (Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, PBDEs, and Dechlorane Plus) in the bottom water and sediment were comprehensively investigated in the East China Sea (ECS). The sampling sites were selected along the coast of ECS, where might be significantly affected by terrigenous inputs and anthropogenic sources. MPs were abundant in the bottom water (62.8-480.2 items/L) and sediment (80.1-1346.7 items/kg d.w.) with polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene being as the most abundant types and characterized as fiber/line, particle size 200-500 μm, and transparent/white. The abundance and characteristics of MPs demonstrated strong correlations within the bottom water and sediment, which might be due to the frequent exchange of materials. In addition, the abundance of MPs was significantly positively correlated with HMs (Cd, Cr, Pb) in the bottom water and PBDEs in sediment, respectively. According to the scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry analysis, MPs might act as carriers to transport and co-sediment the co-existing pollutants in water, and physically adsorb or chemically bind with pollutants in sediment. These results could help to elucidate the sources, migration, and fate, and verify the occurrence and potential risks of MPs and their co-existing pollutants in BBL, thus realize the management and control of MPs contamination in marine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Chen
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xinyu Ge
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Feng Xu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhe Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lili Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Madsen J, Rech A, Hartmann NB, Daugaard AE. Preparation of Block Copolymer-Stabilized Microspheres from Commercial Plastics and Their Use as Microplastic Proxies in Degradation Studies. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:18988-18998. [PMID: 39180478 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c01719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
This study presents a novel one-pot procedure for preparing sub-10 μm poly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG)-stabilized glycol-modified poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), polycarbonate, and polycaprolactone (PCL) particles from commercial plastics. The prepared particles can be dried and directly resuspended in water, making them easy to handle and relevant mimics of microplastics. In addition, the method was extended to the preparation of unstabilized PET particles and somewhat larger polyethylene (PE)-based particles. Selected stabilized microparticles were subjected to aerobic biodegradation studies and compared with nonstabilized PET particles. All of the particles exhibited some degradation. For PLA and PET particles, the degradation corresponded well to the amount of surface-stabilizing MPEG groups or known impurities, confirming that these polymers do not degrade under the applied conditions but that the stabilizing groups do. PCL particles degraded relatively rapidly, which is consistent with the literature data and their relatively small size. PE-based particles degraded more than expected if only degradation of the stabilizing groups was taken into account, indicating that the surface chemistry of these particles plays a role in bulk degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeppe Madsen
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Arianna Rech
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nanna B Hartmann
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anders E Daugaard
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zytowski E, Mollavali M, Baldermann S. Uptake and translocation of nanoplastics in mono and dicot vegetables. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024. [PMID: 39248316 DOI: 10.1111/pce.15115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
The excessive production and use of plastics increase the release of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) into the environment. In recent years, research has focused on the occurrence of MNPs in air, soil and water. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding MNPs in plants. To determine the load, translocation of MNPs and their effects on metabolism, pak choi, tomato, radish and asparagus have been exposed with fluorescent-labelled poly(methyl methacrylate) or polystyrene (PS) MNPs. The entry of nanoparticles (NPs) of various sizes (100-500 nm) and surface modifications (unmodified, COOH or NH2) into plants has been demonstrated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The translocalization from root to shoot and the accumulation of NP in the intercellular spaces were regardless of the surface modification. In addition, metabolomics was used to evaluate metabolic changes induced by MNPs in pak choi. Changes in phenolic compounds, phytohormone derivatives and other classes of compounds known to be triggered by various environmental stresses have been identified. The present study demonstrates the uptake and translocalization of MNPs in edible parts of vegetables and may pose a hazard for humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Zytowski
- Leibniz Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), Grossbeeren, Germany
- Institute of Nutritional Science, University Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Mohanna Mollavali
- Leibniz Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), Grossbeeren, Germany
| | - Susanne Baldermann
- Leibniz Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), Grossbeeren, Germany
- Faculty for Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health, Campus in Kulmbach University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nath S, Enerijiofi KE, Astapati AD, Guha A. Microplastics and nanoplastics in soil: Sources, impacts, and solutions for soil health and environmental sustainability. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2024. [PMID: 39246015 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
The present review discusses the growing concern of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in soil, together with their sources, concentration, distribution, and impact on soil microorganisms, human health, and ecosystems. MPs and NPs can enter the soil through various pathways, such as agricultural activities, sewage sludge application, and atmospheric deposition. Once in the soil, they can accumulate in the upper layers and affect soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. The presence of MPs and NPs in soil can also have ecological consequences, acting as carriers for pollutants and contaminants, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. Additionally, the leaching of chemicals and additives from MPs and NPs can pose public health risks through the food web and groundwater contamination. The detection and analyses of MPs and NPs in soil can be challenging, and methods involve spectroscopic and microscopy techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. To mitigate the presence and effects of MPs and NPs in soil, it is essential to reduce plastic waste production, improve waste management practices, and adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Effective mitigation measures include implementing stricter regulations on plastic use, promoting biodegradable alternatives, and enhancing recycling infrastructure. Additionally, soil amendments, such as biochar and compost, can help immobilize MPs and NPs, reducing their mobility and bioavailability. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these emerging environmental issues and identify potential solutions to alleviate their impact on soil health, ecosystem functioning, and community health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soumitra Nath
- Department of Biotechnology, Gurucharan College, Silchar, Assam, India
| | - Kingsley Erhons Enerijiofi
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Glorious Vision University, Ogwa, Edo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Anupam Guha
- Michael Madhusudan Dutta College, Sabroom, Tripura, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jadhav B, Medyńska-Juraszek A. Microplastic and Nanoplastic in Crops: Possible Adverse Effects to Crop Production and Contaminant Transfer in the Food Chain. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:2526. [PMID: 39274010 PMCID: PMC11397527 DOI: 10.3390/plants13172526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Revised: 09/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024]
Abstract
With the increasing amounts of microplastic (MP) deposited in soil from various agricultural activities, crop plants can become an important source of MP in food products. The last three years of studies gave enough evidence showing that plastic in the form of nanoparticles (<100 nm) can be taken up by the root system and transferred to aboveground plant parts. Furthermore, the presence of microplastic in soil affects plant growth disturbing metabolic processes in plants, thus reducing yields and crop quality. Some of the adverse effects of microplastic on plants have been already described in the meta-analysis; however, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest findings about possible adverse effects and risks related to wide microplastic occurrence in soil on crop production safety, including topics related to changes of pesticides behavior and plant pathogen spreading under the presence MP and possibly threaten to human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhakti Jadhav
- Institute of Soil Science, Plant Nutrition and Environmental Protection, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 53 Grunwaldzka Str., 50-357 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Medyńska-Juraszek
- Institute of Soil Science, Plant Nutrition and Environmental Protection, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 53 Grunwaldzka Str., 50-357 Wrocław, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kajal S, Thakur S. Coexistence of microplastics and heavy metals in soil: Occurrence, transport, key interactions and effect on plants. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 262:119960. [PMID: 39251180 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has raised serious environmental concerns due to its widespread generation and discharge across global ecosystems. It is estimated that approximately 400 million metric tons of plastic are produced annually, with 54% ending up as waste. The MPs account for a significant portion of this pollution. These MPs interact with heavy metals (HMs) in terrestrial ecosystems, such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As), which are introduced through various industrial activities at rates of thousands of tons per year. Such interactions may cause synergistic or antagonistic effects on plants. Recent studies suggest that MPs and HMs exposure impacts various physiological and biochemical pathways in plants, thereby increasing the toxicity symptoms. However, the existing scholarly understanding of the coupled effect of HMs and MPs on plants is limited, highlighting the need to explore these complex dynamics further. Through a comprehensive analysis of current research, this review underscores various pathways of MPs and HMs infiltration mechanisms, detailing their penetration, translocation, and bioaccumulation within plants. The physiological and biochemical effects of both pollutants on plants are deliberated individually and in combination. The review reveals that the co-existence of these contaminants results in a multifaceted environmental challenge, affecting overall plant growth, yield, and quality in ways that differ from individual exposure. Building on recent advancements, this article is expected to delineate the complex interactions between MPs, HMs, and plants and enhance the current understanding of the intricate interplay between them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Kajal
- Department of Biosciences, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, 171005, India
| | - Sveta Thakur
- Department of Biosciences, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, 171005, India.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pearson AJ, Mukherjee K, Fattori V, Lipp M. Opportunities and challenges for global food safety in advancing circular policies and practices in agrifood systems. NPJ Sci Food 2024; 8:60. [PMID: 39237595 PMCID: PMC11377707 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-024-00286-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Sustainable agrifood systems are needed to provide safe and nutritious food for the growing world's population. To improve sustainability, transforming linear policies and practices in agrifood systems into circularity will be critical, with food safety considerations key for the success of this shift. This review provides a synthesis of the current and emerging risks, data gaps, and opportunities for food safety in agrifood initiatives aiming to advance circular economy models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Pearson
- Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy.
- Tonkin + Taylor Ltd, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Keya Mukherjee
- Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Fattori
- Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| | - Markus Lipp
- Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Guo S, Xiao G, Chen Y, Zhang J, Zhang B, Ru S, Zhao M. Unraveling the characteristics of microplastics in agricultural soils upon long-term organic fertilizer application: A comprehensive study using diversity indices. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 364:143235. [PMID: 39218259 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143235] [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: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics negatively impact soil health and productivity. Organic fertilizers constitute significant contributors of microplastics in agricultural soils. Nevertheless, comprehensive data on the diversity of microplastics in long-term fertilized soils remain unavailable. In this study, we assessed the presence of microplastics in soils subjected to application of three different organic fertilizers (pig manure, chicken manure, and sludge composts) over 12 years, and evaluated the potential ecological risks posed by microplastic accumulation. The average microplastic abundance in soil was 368.88 ± 207.97 (range: 90-910) items/kg. Microplastic abundance differed among fertilization treatments, with substantial increases of 16.67%, 71.67%, and 61.43% upon low to high application of the three treatments, respectively. Overall, the microplastics predominantly comprised fibers (70.94%) and fragments (25.25%), of which a substantial proportion constituted light-colored microplastics (transparent and white). The size of microplastics was mainly concentrated in the 1-2 mm range (39.96%), with rayon, polypropylene, polyester, and polyethylene being identified as the major types. The risk assessment indices of the three treatments were 229.38, 257.64, and 175.89, respectively, and were all classified as level 4 (high risk). The microplastic diversity integrated index and principal component analysis revealed that microplastics were uniformly distributed throughout the 0-20 cm soil depth consequent to tillage activity. Together, these findings provide a comprehensive assessment of microplastic pollution in long-term fertilized soils and serve as a scientific basis for reducing microplastic contamination in agricultural soils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sen Guo
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Guangmin Xiao
- Institute of Agro-Resources and Environment, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
| | - Yanhua Chen
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Baogui Zhang
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shuhua Ru
- Institute of Agro-Resources and Environment, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China.
| | - Meng Zhao
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Du A, Zhao Y, Hu C, Wang X, Cheng H, Xia W, Wang L, Xing J. Distribution Characteristics of Atmospheric Microplastics in Typical Desert Agricultural Regions. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:1982-1995. [PMID: 38980254 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5951] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
We examined the distribution characteristics of atmospheric microplastics in typical desert agricultural regions, with a focus on the agricultural areas surrounding the Taklamakan Desert, Xinjiang, China. We collected samples of total suspended particulate matter (TSP), atmospheric deposition, and atmospheric dust using both active and passive collection methods. The chemical composition, particle size, shape, and color of atmospheric microplastics were examined using a stereomicroscope and a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer to analyze their characteristics. The results showed that the primary chemical compositions of microplastics included polypropylene (PP), polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethylmethacrylate, and cellophane. Particle sizes were mainly within the range of 0 to 1000 μm. Fibrous microplastics constituted the majority of the TSP and atmospheric deposition, whereas film-like microplastics constituted the largest proportion of atmospheric dustfall. The deposition flux of atmospheric microplastics in the first quarter was measured at 103.21 ± 22.12 particles/m2/day, which was lower than that observed in conventional agricultural areas. The abundance of microplastics in atmospheric dustfall was found to be 1.36 particles/g. The proportion of PP microplastics in atmospheric dustfall can be as high as 35%. Through a comparison of microplastic content in TSP during dust storms and under normal weather conditions, it was found that dust storms can lead to an increase in the abundance of microplastics within the atmospheric TSP. The present study provides a scientific basis for understanding the distribution of atmospheric microplastics in typical desert agricultural regions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1982-1995. © 2024 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ao Du
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer, China
- Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Key Laboratory of Utilization and Equipment of Special Agricultural and Forestry Products in Southern Xinjiang, Alaer, China
- Department of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Modern Agricultural Engineering Key Laboratory at Universities of Education, Alaer, China
| | - Yachuan Zhao
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer, China
- Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Key Laboratory of Utilization and Equipment of Special Agricultural and Forestry Products in Southern Xinjiang, Alaer, China
- Department of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Modern Agricultural Engineering Key Laboratory at Universities of Education, Alaer, China
| | - Can Hu
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer, China
- Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Key Laboratory of Utilization and Equipment of Special Agricultural and Forestry Products in Southern Xinjiang, Alaer, China
- Department of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Modern Agricultural Engineering Key Laboratory at Universities of Education, Alaer, China
| | - Xufeng Wang
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer, China
- Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Key Laboratory of Utilization and Equipment of Special Agricultural and Forestry Products in Southern Xinjiang, Alaer, China
- Department of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Modern Agricultural Engineering Key Laboratory at Universities of Education, Alaer, China
| | - Hui Cheng
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer, China
- Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Key Laboratory of Utilization and Equipment of Special Agricultural and Forestry Products in Southern Xinjiang, Alaer, China
- Department of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Modern Agricultural Engineering Key Laboratory at Universities of Education, Alaer, China
| | - Wenhao Xia
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer, China
- Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Key Laboratory of Utilization and Equipment of Special Agricultural and Forestry Products in Southern Xinjiang, Alaer, China
- Department of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Modern Agricultural Engineering Key Laboratory at Universities of Education, Alaer, China
| | - Long Wang
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer, China
- Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Key Laboratory of Utilization and Equipment of Special Agricultural and Forestry Products in Southern Xinjiang, Alaer, China
- Department of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Modern Agricultural Engineering Key Laboratory at Universities of Education, Alaer, China
| | - Jianfei Xing
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer, China
- Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Key Laboratory of Utilization and Equipment of Special Agricultural and Forestry Products in Southern Xinjiang, Alaer, China
- Department of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Modern Agricultural Engineering Key Laboratory at Universities of Education, Alaer, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Woodford L, Fellows R, White HL, Ormsby MJ, Pow CJ, Quilliam RS. Survival and transfer potential of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium colonising polyethylene microplastics in contaminated agricultural soils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:51353-51363. [PMID: 39107647 PMCID: PMC11374834 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34491-4] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Agricultural environments are becoming increasingly contaminated with plastic pollution. Plastics in the environment can also provide a unique habitat for microbial biofilm, termed the 'plastisphere', which can also support the persistence of human pathogens such as Salmonella. Human enteric Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium can enter agricultural environments via flooding or from irrigation with contaminated water. Using soil mesocosms we quantified the ability of S. Typhimurium to persist on microplastic beads in two agriculturally relevant soils, under ambient and repeat flood scenarios. S. Typhimurium persisted in the plastisphere for 35 days in both podzol and loamy soils; while during multiple flood events was able to survive in the plastisphere for up to 21 days. S. Typhimurium could dissociate from the plastisphere during flooding events and migrate through soil in leachate, and importantly could colonise new plastic particles in the soil, suggesting that plastic pollution in agricultural soils can aid S. Typhimurium persistence and facilitate further dissemination within the environment. The potential for increased survival of enteric human pathogens in agricultural and food production environments due to plastic contamination poses a significant public health risk, particularly in potato or root vegetable systems where there is the potential for direct contact with crops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Woodford
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK.
| | - Rosie Fellows
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Hannah L White
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Michael J Ormsby
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Chloe J Pow
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Richard S Quilliam
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gopinath N, Karthikeyan A, Joseph A, Vijayan AS, Vandana S, Nair BG. Fluorescent carbon dot embedded polystyrene: an alternative for micro/nanoplastic translocation study in leguminous plants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-34464-7. [PMID: 39060893 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34464-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics are widespread in terrestrial ecosystem. Even though many studies have been reported on the effects of these in marine environment, studies concerning their accumulation and impact on terrestrial ecosystem have been scanty. The current study was designed to determine how terrestrial plants, especially legumes, interact with micro/nanoplastics to gain insights into their uptake and translocation. The paper describes the synthesis of fluorescent carbon dot embedded polystyrene (CDPS) followed by its characterization. Translocation studies at different concentrations from 2 to 100% (v/v) for tracking the movement and accumulation of microplastics in Vigna radiata and Vigna angularis were performed. The optical properties of the synthesized CDPS were investigated, and their translocation within the plants was visualized using fluorescence microscopy. These findings were further validated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging of the plant sections. The results showed that concentrations higher than 6% (v/v) displayed noticeable fluorescence in the vascular region and on the cell walls, while concentrations below this threshold did not. The study highlights the potential of utilizing fluorescent CDPS as markers for investigating the ecological consequences and biological absorption of microplastics in agricultural systems. This method offers a unique technique for monitoring and analyzing the routes of microplastic accumulation in edible plants, with significant implications for both food safety and environmental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nigina Gopinath
- Department of Bioscience and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, 673601, India
| | - Akash Karthikeyan
- Department of Bioscience and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, 673601, India
| | - Abey Joseph
- Department of Bioscience and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, 673601, India
| | - Athira S Vijayan
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, 673601, India
| | - Sajith Vandana
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, 673601, India
| | - Baiju G Nair
- Department of Bioscience and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, 673601, India.
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, 673601, India.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Li M, Wang Z, Zhu L, Zhu Y, Yi J, Fu X. Research advances on microplastics contamination in terrestrial geoenvironment: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 935:173259. [PMID: 38761947 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The contamination of microplastics in terrestrial geoenvironment (CMTG) is widespread and severe and has, received considerable attention. However, studies on CMTG are in their initial stages. The literature on CMTG published in the past decade was analyzed through bibliometric analysis, such as the annual publications, countries with the highest contributions, prolific authors, and author keywords. The sources, compositions, migrations and environmental impacts of CMTG are summarized, and possible future directions are proposed. This study analyzed the annual publications, countries with the highest contributions, prolific authors, and author keywords related to microplastics. The results demonstrated that 15,306 articles were published between 2014 and 2023. China is the leading country in terms of the total number of publications. The main sources of CMTG include landfills, agricultural non-point sources, sewage treatment systems and transportation systems. The composition of the CMTG exhibits significantly temporal and spatial variability from different sources. The migration paths of the CMTG were within the soil, groundwater seepage and wind transportation of suspended particles. Microplastics increase soil cohesion, decrease porosity, reduce pore scale, decrease air circulation, and increase water retention capacity, and the exudation of highly water-soluble additives in microplastics can cause secondary contamination of geological entities. Microplastics have an adverse effect on plant growth, animal digestion, microbial activity, energy and lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and respiratory diseases in humans. It is recommended to develop more efficient and convenient quantitative testing methods for microplastics, formulate globally harmonized testing and evaluation standards, include microplastic testing in testing programs for contaminated soils, and develop efficient methods for the remediation of microplastic contaminated geological bodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingdong Li
- School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China; State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Resources and Environment, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China.
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Liping Zhu
- School of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China; State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Resources and Environment, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Yating Zhu
- School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Jinxiang Yi
- School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Xiaojie Fu
- School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nie E, Chen Y, Xu S, Yu Z, Ye Q, Li QX, Yang Z, Wang H. Charged polystyrene microplastics inhibit uptake and transformation of 14C-triclosan in hydroponics-cabbage system. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00293-5. [PMID: 39009133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the outbreak of COVID-19, microplastics (MPs) and triclosan in pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are markedly rising. MPs and triclosan are co-present in the environment, but their interactions and subsequent implications on the fate of triclosan in plants are not well understood. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate effects of charged polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the fate of triclosan in cabbage plants under a hydroponic system. METHODS 14C-labeling method and liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) analysis were applied to clarify the bioaccumulation, distribution, and metabolism of triclosan in hydroponics-cabbage system. The distribution of differentially charged PS-MPs in cabbage was investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS The results showed that MPs had a significant impact on bioaccumulation and metabolism of triclosan in hydroponics-cabbage system. PS-COO-, PS, and PS-NH3+ MPs decreased the bioaccumulation of triclosan in cabbage by 69.1 %, 81.5 %, and 87.7 %, respectively, in comparison with the non-MP treatment (control). PS-MPs also reduced the translocation of triclosan from the roots to the shoots in cabbage, with a reduction rate of 15.6 %, 28.3 %, and 65.8 % for PS-COO-, PS, and PS-NH3+, respectively. In addition, PS-NH3+ profoundly inhibited the triclosan metabolism pathways such as sulfonation, nitration, and nitrosation in the hydroponics-cabbage system. The above findings might be linked to strong adsorption between PS-NH3+ and triclosan, and PS-NH3+ may also potentially inhibit the growth of cabbage. Specially, the amount of triclosan adsorbed on PS-NH3+ was significantly greater than that on PS and PS-COO-. The cabbage biomass was reduced by 76.9 % in PS-NH3+ groups, in comparison with the control. CONCLUSION The uptake and transformation of triclosan in hydroponics-cabbage system were significantly inhibited by charged PS-MPs, especially PS-NH3+. This provides new insights into the fate of triclosan and other PPCPs coexisted with microplastics for potential risk assessments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enguang Nie
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yandao Chen
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shengwei Xu
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhiyang Yu
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qingfu Ye
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qing X Li
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Zhen Yang
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Liu H, Wang M, Jin S, Guo Q, Wang S, Ni H, Lu H, Li Z. Coordinated responses of rice (Oryza sativa) to the stresses of benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers (BZT-UVs): Antioxidative system, photosynthetic activity, and metabolic regulation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135157. [PMID: 39002488 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Massive use of plastic products has caused their accumulation in soils, releasing large amounts of endogenous plastic additives (e.g., benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers, in short BZT-UVs) into terrestrial ecosystems. However, their plant toxicity is little known. Herein, we investigated the occurrence of BZT-UVs in contaminated farmland and selected three BZT-UV congeners to explore their toxic effects on the antioxidant, photosynthetic, and metabolic perturbation on rice (Oryza sativa). Results showed that the mean concentrations of ∑BZT-UVs in soil and plant samples were 180.7 ng/g dw and 156.4 ng/g dw, respectively. UV-P, UV-327 and UV-328 were the dominant BZT-UV congeners in both of soils and plants. Three BZT-UV congeners caused oxidative damages to rice in a dose-dependent manner, especially for UV-328. Functional genes involved in chlorophyll synthetases was inhibited by over 50 % under the stress of BZT-UVs, whereas those responsible for chlorophyll degradation were obviously promoted. The chlorophyll content was thus decreased, leading to a weakened photosynthesis system and an unbalanced carbon metabolism. The transcriptome and metabolome proved that the flux of carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism were obviously promoted in plants induced by BZT-UVs, which could inhibit the growth of rice. These findings offered insights into the coordinated responses of plants and advanced our understanding of potential ecological risks of BZT-UVs to terrestrial ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huijun Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310018, China
| | - Mengjun Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310018, China
| | - Siyuan Jin
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310018, China
| | - Qian Guo
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310018, China
| | - Shuping Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310018, China
| | - Haohua Ni
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310018, China
| | - Hainan Lu
- State Environment Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Zhiheng Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310018, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Langlet R, Valentin R, Morard M, Raynaud CD. Transitioning to Microplastic-Free Seed Coatings: Challenges and Solutions. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1969. [PMID: 39065285 PMCID: PMC11280678 DOI: 10.3390/polym16141969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review addresses the issue of replacing manufactured microplastics in seed coatings used in agriculture. Firstly, it focuses on the policy and regulatory actions taken on microplastics at a global level. There is no consensus within the scientific community on the definition of a microplastic and, more generally, on the classification of plastic debris. Nevertheless, several decision schemes have been proposed in an attempt to define the notion of microplastics. The different criteria relevant to this definition, such as the size, physical state, chemical structure, origin, and persistence of microplastics, are discussed, with a comparison being made between the REACH regulation and the scientific literature. Seed production and processing are also discussed, with the functions of seed coatings being explained in order to gain a better understanding of the properties to be considered in a substitution strategy for currently used microplastics. The main challenges are multiple; substitutes must provide the same performance as microplastics: (i) improving the adherence of the treatment to the seed, (ii) distributing the treatment more evenly over the seed, (iii) reducing the amount of dust-off when handling treated seed, and (iv) improving the seed flowability, which is particularly important during the sowing stage, all while preserving the physiological properties of the seed. Substitute polymers are proposed according to the desired performance and functional properties: two main chemical families of biopolymers were identified in the literature: polysaccharides and proteins. Among them, 13 and 6 polymers, respectively, complied with REACH regulation, demonstrating adhesion, dust reduction performances, and preservation of seed physiological quality in particular. This work aims to guide future studies on microplastic substitution in seed coatings, and to highlight research needs in this area. It is based on an analysis and discussion of the literature, identifying and listing potential substitutes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rozenn Langlet
- Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-Industrielle (LCA), Univeristé de Toulouse, INRAE, Toulouse INP, 31030 Toulouse, France; (R.L.); (R.V.)
- Bois Valor, OLMIX, 13 rue Jean Mermoz, 81160 Saint-Juéry, France;
| | - Romain Valentin
- Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-Industrielle (LCA), Univeristé de Toulouse, INRAE, Toulouse INP, 31030 Toulouse, France; (R.L.); (R.V.)
| | - Marie Morard
- Bois Valor, OLMIX, 13 rue Jean Mermoz, 81160 Saint-Juéry, France;
| | - Christine Delgado Raynaud
- Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-Industrielle (LCA), Univeristé de Toulouse, INRAE, Toulouse INP, 31030 Toulouse, France; (R.L.); (R.V.)
- Centre d’Application et de Traitement des Agro-Ressources (CATAR), Toulouse INP, 31030 Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cao X, Wang C, Luo X, Yue L, White JC, Wang Z, Xing B. Nano- and Microplastics Increase the Occurrence of Bacterial Wilt in Tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.). ACS NANO 2024; 18:18071-18084. [PMID: 38924759 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c05875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Concern over nano- and microplastic contamination of terrestrial ecosystems has been increasing. However, little is known about the effect of nano- and microplastics on the response of terrestrial ecosystems already under biotic stress. Here, nano- and microplastics at 150-500 mg·kg-1 were exposed to tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.), and the results demonstrate that the presence of nano- and microplastics increased the occurrence of bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum in tomatoes as a function of contaminant concentration, surface modification, and size. Our work shows that nanoplastics (30 nm, 250 mg·kg-1) increased the disease incidence by 2.19-fold. The disease severities in amino- and carboxyl-modified nanoplastic treatments were 30.4 and 21.7% higher than that in unmodified nanoplastic treatment, respectively. The severity of disease under the influence of different-sized nano- and microplastic treatments followed the order 30 > 100 nm > 1 > 50 μm. Mechanistically, nanoplastics disrupted the structure of the tomato rhizosphere soil bacterial community and suppressed the induced systemic resistance in tomato; nanoplastics in planta decreased the salicylic acid and jasmonic acid content in tomatoes, thus inhibiting systemic acquired resistance; and microplastics increased the soil water retention, leading to increased pathogen abundance in the rhizosphere. Additionally, the leachates from nano- and microplastics had no effect on disease occurrence or the growth of tomatoes. Our findings highlight a potential risk of nano- and microplastic contamination to agriculture sustainability and food security.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Cao
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Biomass Energy and Carbon Reduction Technology, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Chuanxi Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Biomass Energy and Carbon Reduction Technology, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xing Luo
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Biomass Energy and Carbon Reduction Technology, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Le Yue
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Biomass Energy and Carbon Reduction Technology, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jason C White
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Biomass Energy and Carbon Reduction Technology, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sucharitakul P, Wu WM, Zhang Y, Peng BY, Gao J, Wang L, Hou D. Exposure Pathways and Toxicity of Microplastics in Terrestrial Insects. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:11887-11900. [PMID: 38885123 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The detrimental effects of plastics on aquatic organisms, including those of macroplastics, microplastics, and nanoplastics, have been well established. However, knowledge on the interaction between plastics and terrestrial insects is limited. To develop effective strategies for mitigating the impact of plastic pollution on terrestrial ecosystems, it is necessary to understand the toxicity effects and influencing factors of plastic ingestion by insects. An overview of current knowledge regarding plastic ingestion by terrestrial insects is provided in this Review, and the factors influencing this interaction are identified. The pathways through which insects interact with plastics, which can lead to plastic accumulation and microplastic transfer to higher trophic levels, are also discussed using an overview and a conceptual model. The diverse impacts of plastic exposure on insects are discussed, and the challenges in existing studies, such as a limited focus on certain plastic types, are identified. Further research on standardized methods for sampling and analysis is crucial for reliable research, and long-term monitoring is essential to assess plastic trends and ecological impacts in terrestrial ecosystems. The mechanisms underlying these effects need to be uncovered, and their potential long-term consequences for insect populations and ecosystems require evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Wei-Min Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, William & Cloy Codiga Resource Recovery Center, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-4020, United States
| | - Yalei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Bo-Yu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jing Gao
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Liuwei Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhuang H, Li Z, Wang M, Liu B, Chu Y, Lin Z. Effects of microplastics and combined pollution of polystyrene and di-n-octyl phthalate on photosynthesis of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174426. [PMID: 38969123 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Photosynthesis provides carbon sources and energy for crop growth and development, and the widespread presence of microplastics and plastic plasticisers in agricultural soils affects crop photosynthesis, but the mechanism of the effect is not clear. This study aims to investigate the effects of different microplastics and plasticizers on cucumber photosynthesis. Using polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP) as representative microplastics and plasticizers, we assessed their impact on cucumber photosynthesis. Our results reveal significant alterations in key parameters: intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and transpiration rate (Tr) increased across all treatments, whereas stomatal limit value (Ls) and water use efficiency (WUE) decreased. Notably, PS + DOP treatment led to a significant reduction in the maximum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and ATP accumulation. Furthermore, PE and PS + DOP treatments decreased lycopene and ɛ-carotene synthesis rates, as well as abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation. All treatments inhibited the conversion of β-carotene into strigolactone (SL) and decreased chlorophyll synthesis rates, with PS + DOP exhibiting the most severe impact. Regarding chlorophyll degradation pathways, PVC and PE treatments reduced chlorophyll decomposition rates, whereas DOP with PS promoted degradation. PE and PS treatments also impaired light energy capture, electron transport, and the structural stability of photosystems I and II, as well as photosynthetic capacity and NADPH and ATP synthesis rates. Our findings underscore the differential impacts of microplastics and plasticizers on cucumber photosynthesis, with PS + DOP having the most detrimental effect. These results shed light on the complex interactions between microplastics and plant physiology, highlighting the urgent need for mitigation strategies in agricultural practices to safeguard crop productivity and environmental sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhuang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Zhenxia Li
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China; Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Horticultural Plant Resource Utilization and Germplasm Enhancement, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China.
| | - Menglin Wang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Bo Liu
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Yiwen Chu
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Ziyu Lin
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China; Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Horticultural Plant Resource Utilization and Germplasm Enhancement, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ryzhenko N, Dutruch L, Tabo B, Pecheul G, Pattier M, Khatib I, Pédrot M, Gigault J, Cabello-Hurtado F, El Amrani A, Davranche M. Do nanoplastics impact Pb up-taking by Hordeum vulgare L.? NANOIMPACT 2024; 35:100526. [PMID: 39116935 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100526] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Most studies on nanoplastics (NPs) focus on aquatic environments, overlooking their combined bioaccumulation with pollutants in terrestrial ecosystems. This study addresses a part of this gap by investigating how polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) affect the bioaccumulation and translocation of lead (Pb) in Hordeum vulgare L. plants. Using the RHIZOtest device for precise soil contamination control, we quantified PS-NPs (50 nm) in plant shoots via pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GCMS) after plant KOH digestion. Our findings revealed that PS-NPs reduce Pb bioaccumulation and make adsorbed Pb onto PS-NPs less bioavailable to plants. For the highest Pb concentration, the Pb uptake index (PUI) followed the trend: Free Pb > NPs + Pb > Pb primary adsorbed by NPs, showing reduced Pb translocation to shoots in the presence of PS-NPs. Moreover, the presence of Pb decreased the bioavailability of PS-NPs probably in response to PS-NPs aggregation or modified charge. The PS-NPs concentrations in shoots range from 275.2 to 400 μg g-1, representing 3.9 to 5.75% of the total PS-NPs. This study highlights the intricate interactions between nanoplastics and metals in soil-plant systems and emphasizes the need for further research on their combined effects and potential risks to food safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nataliia Ryzhenko
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Géosciences Rennes - UMR 6118, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | - Lionel Dutruch
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Géosciences Rennes - UMR 6118, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Briscine Tabo
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Géosciences Rennes - UMR 6118, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Guillaume Pecheul
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Géosciences Rennes - UMR 6118, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Maxime Pattier
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Géosciences Rennes - UMR 6118, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Imane Khatib
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Géosciences Rennes - UMR 6118, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Mathieu Pédrot
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Géosciences Rennes - UMR 6118, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Julien Gigault
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Géosciences Rennes - UMR 6118, F-35000 Rennes, France; TAKUVIK Laboratoy, UMI3376 CNRS/Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | - Mélanie Davranche
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Géosciences Rennes - UMR 6118, F-35000 Rennes, France
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Roy R, Hossain A, Sultana S, Deb B, Ahmod MM, Sarker T. Microplastics increase cadmium absorption and impair nutrient uptake and growth in red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) in the presence of cadmium and biochar. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:608. [PMID: 38926861 PMCID: PMC11202365 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05312-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution in terrestrial ecosystems is gaining attention, but there is limited research on its effects on leafy vegetables when combined with heavy metals. This study examines the impact of three MP types-polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS)-at concentrations of 0.02, 0.05, and 0.1% w/w, along with cadmium (Cd) and biochar (B), on germination, growth, nutrient absorption, and heavy metal uptake in red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.). We found that different MP types and concentrations did not negatively affect germination parameters like germination rate, relative germination rate, germination vigor, relative germination vigor, and germination speed. However, they increased phytotoxicity and decreased stress tolerance compared to an untreated control (CK1). The presence of MPs, particularly the PS type, reduced phosphorus and potassium uptake while enhancing Cd uptake. For example, treatments PS0.02CdB, PS0.05CdB, and PS0.1CdB increased Cd content in A. tricolor seedlings by 158%, 126%, and 44%, respectively, compared to the treatment CdB (CK2). Additionally, MP contamination led to reduced plant height, leaf dry matter content, and fresh and dry weights, indicating adverse effects on plant growth. Moreover, the presence of MPs increased bioconcentration factors and translocation factors for Cd, suggesting that MPs might act as carriers for heavy metal absorption in plants. On the positive side, the addition of biochar improved several root parameters, including root length, volume, surface area, and the number of root tips in the presence of MPs, indicating potential benefits for plant growth. Our study shows that the combination of MPs and Cd reduces plant growth and increases the risk of heavy metal contamination in food crops. Further research is needed to understand how different MP types and concentrations affect various plant species, which will aid in developing targeted mitigation strategies and in exploring the mechanisms through which MPs impact plant growth and heavy metal uptake. Finally, investigating the potential of biochar application in conjunction with other amendments in mitigating these effects could be key to addressing MP and heavy metal contamination in agricultural systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rana Roy
- Institute of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
- Department of Agroforestry and Environmental Science, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, 3100, Bangladesh.
| | - Akram Hossain
- Department of Agroforestry and Environmental Science, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Shirin Sultana
- Open School, Bangladesh Open University, Gazipur, 1705, Bangladesh
| | - Biplob Deb
- Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Md Moudud Ahmod
- Department of Crop Botany & Tea Production Technology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Tanwne Sarker
- Department of Sociology and Rural Development, Khulna Agricultural University, Khulna, 9100, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Teampanpong J, Duengkae P. Using feces to indicate plastic pollution in terrestrial vertebrate species in western Thailand. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17596. [PMID: 38948236 PMCID: PMC11212639 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a widespread and growing concern due to its transformation into microplastics (MPs), which can harm organisms and ecosystems. This study, aimed to identify plastic pollution in the feces of terrestrial vertebrates using convenience sampling both inside and outside protected areas in Western Thailand. We hypothesized that MPs are likely to be detectable in the feces of all vertebrate species, primarily in the form of small black fragments. We predicted varying quantities of MPs in the feces of the same species across different protected areas. Furthermore, we expected that factors indicating human presence, landscape characteristics, scat weight, and the MP abundance in water, soils, and sediments would influence the presence of plastics in feces. Among 12 terrestrial species studied, potential MPs were found in 41.11% of 90 samples, totaling 83 pieces across eight species including the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), Eld's deer (Rucervus eldii), Dhole (Cuon alpinus), Gaur (Bos gaurus), Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), Wild boar (Sus scrofa), Northern red muntjac (Muntiacus vaginalis), and Butterfly lizard (Leiolepis belliana). Specifically, 3.61% of all potential MPs (three pieces) were macroplastics, and the remaining 96.39% were considered potential MPs with the abundance of 0.92 ± 1.89 items.scat-1 or 8.69 ± 32.56 items.100 g-1 dw. There was an association between the numbers of feces with and without potential plastics and species (χ2 = 20.88, p = 0.012). Most potential plastics were fibers (95.18%), predominantly black (56.63%) or blue (26.51%), with 74.70% smaller than two millimeters. Although there were no significant associations between species and plastic morphologies, colors, and sizes, the abundance classified by these characteristics varied significantly. FTIR identified 52.38% as natural fibers, 38.10% as synthetic fibers (rayon, polyurethane (PUR), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and PUR blended with cotton), and 9.52% as fragments of PET and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). Human-related factors were linked to the occurrence of potential plastics found in the feces of land-dwelling wildlife. This study enhances the understanding of plastic pollution in tropical protected areas, revealing the widespread of MPs even in small numbers from the areas distant from human settlements. Monitoring plastics in feces offers a non-invasive method for assessing plastic pollution in threatened species, as it allows for easy collection and taxonomic identification without harming live animals. However, stringent measures to assure the quality are necessitated to prevent exogenous MP contamination. These findings underscore the importance of raising awareness about plastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems, especially regarding plastic products from clothing and plastic materials used in agriculture and irrigation systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiraporn Teampanpong
- Department of Conservation, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prateep Duengkae
- Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wang S, Hadji-Thomas A, Adekunle A, Raghavan V. The exploitation of bio-electrochemical system and microplastics removal: Possibilities and perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 930:172737. [PMID: 38663611 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172737] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has caused severe concern due to its harmful effect on human beings and ecosystems. Existing MP removal methods face many obstacles, such as high cost, high energy consumption, low efficiency, release of toxic chemicals, etc. Thus, it is crucial to find appropriate and sustainable methods to replace common MP removal approaches. Bio-electrochemical system (BES) is a sustainable clean energy technology that has been successfully applied to wastewater treatment, seawater desalination, metal removal, energy production, biosensors, etc. However, research reports on BES technology to eliminate MP pollution are limited. This paper reviews the mechanism, hazards, and common treatment methods of MP removal and discusses the application of BES systems to improve MP removal efficiency and sustainability. Firstly, the characteristics and limitations of common MP removal techniques are systematically summarized. Then, the potential application of BES technology in MP removal is explored. Furthermore, the feasibility and stability of the potential BES MP removal application are critically evalauted while recommendations for further research are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuyao Wang
- Bioresource Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - Andre Hadji-Thomas
- Bioresource Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - Ademola Adekunle
- National Research Council of Canada, 6100 Avenue Royalmount, Montréal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada.
| | - Vijaya Raghavan
- Bioresource Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Carnevale Miino M, Galafassi S, Zullo R, Torretta V, Rada EC. Microplastics removal in wastewater treatment plants: A review of the different approaches to limit their release in the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 930:172675. [PMID: 38670366 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
In last 10 years, the interest about the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment has strongly grown. Wastewaters function as a carrier for MPs contamination from source to the aquatic environment, so the knowledge of the fate of this emerging contaminant in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is a priority. This work aims to review the presence of MPs in the influent wastewater (WW) and the effectiveness of the treatments of conventional WWTPs. Moreover, the negative impacts of MPs on the management of the processes have been also discussed. The work also focuses on the possible approaches to tackle MPs contamination enhancing the effectiveness of the WWTPs. Based on literature results, despite WWTPs are not designed for MPs removal from WW, they can effectively remove the MPs (up to 99 % in some references). Nevertheless, they normally act as "hotspots" of MPs contamination considering the remaining concentration of MPs in WWTPs' effluents can be several orders of magnitude higher than receiving waters. Moreover, MPs removed from WW are concentrated in sewage sludge (potentially >65 % of MPs entering the WWTP) posing a concern in case of the potential reuse as a soil improver. This work aims to present a paradigm shift intending WWTPs as key barriers for environmental protection. Approaches for increasing effectiveness against MPs have been discussed in order to define the optimal point(s) of the WWTP in which these technologies should be located. The need of a future legislation about MPs in water and sludge is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Carnevale Miino
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy.
| | - Silvia Galafassi
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Largo Tonolli 50, 28920 Verbania, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90133, Italy.
| | - Rosa Zullo
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Largo Tonolli 50, 28920 Verbania, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Torretta
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy.
| | - Elena Cristina Rada
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Awewomom J, Ashie WB, Dzeble F. Microplastics in Ghana: An in-depth review of research, environmental threats, sources, and impacts on ecosystems and human health. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32554. [PMID: 38961990 PMCID: PMC11219484 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics pose significant challenges on a global scale. In Ghana, these tiny pollutants infiltrate diverse ecosystems such as coastal areas, rivers, lakes, and forests, vital to the nation's economy and social well-being. This review examines the current depth of knowledge in research and the escalating concern of microplastics, identifying significant gaps in research and understanding. The findings highlight the limited understanding of the extent and distribution of microplastic pollution across different environmental compartments, primarily focusing on coastal environments. Additionally, detection and quantification techniques for microplastics face several complexities and limitations in the Ghanaian context due to constraints such as infrastructure, resources, and expertise. Despite some research efforts, particularly along the coastline, there is still a distinct lack of attention in various regions and ecosystems within Ghana. This imbalance in research focus hinders the understanding and effective mitigation of microplastics in the country. This therefore necessitates the implementation of systematic policy frameworks, emphasizing the importance of recycling and upcycling as effective strategies to address the challenges of microplastics in Ghana with more targeted research and public engagement. This review serves as a call to action for a strategic approach to research and policy-making on microplastic research and pollution in Ghana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Awewomom
- College of Natural Sciences, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States
| | - Winfred Bediakoh Ashie
- Faculty Of Physical and Computational Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Felicia Dzeble
- Department of Tropical Hydrogeology and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Woodford L, Fellows R, White HL, Ormsby MJ, Quilliam RS. Salmonella Typhimurium and Vibrio cholerae can be transferred from plastic mulch to basil and spinach salad leaves. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31343. [PMID: 38818200 PMCID: PMC11137414 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is increasingly found in agricultural environments, where it contaminates soil and crops. Microbial biofilms rapidly colonise environmental plastics, such as the plastic mulches used in agricultural systems, which provide a unique environment for microbial plastisphere communities. Human pathogens can also persist in the plastisphere, and enter agricultural environments via flooding or irrigation with contaminated water. In this study we examined whether Salmonella Typhimurium and Vibrio cholerae can be transferred from the plastisphere on plastic mulch to the surface of ready-to-eat crop plants, and subsequently persist on the leaf surface. Both S. Typhimurium and V. cholerae were able to persist for 14 days on fragments of plastic mulch adhering to the surface of leaves of both basil and spinach. Importantly, within 24 h both pathogens were capable of dissociating from the surface of the plastic and were transferred onto the surface of both basil and spinach leaves. This poses a further risk to food safety and human health, as even removal of adhering plastics and washing of these ready-to-eat crops would not completely remove these pathogens. As the need for more intensive food production increases, so too does the use of plastic mulches in agronomic systems. Therefore, there is now an urgent need to understand the unquantified co-pollutant pathogen risk of contaminating agricultural and food production systems with plastic pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Woodford
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Rosie Fellows
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Hannah L. White
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Michael J. Ormsby
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Richard S. Quilliam
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Azeem I, Adeel M, Shakoor N, Zain M, Bibi H, Azeem K, Li Y, Nadeem M, Manan U, Zhang P, White JC, Rui Y. Co-exposure to tire wear particles and nickel inhibits mung bean yield by reducing nutrient uptake. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:832-842. [PMID: 38619070 DOI: 10.1039/d4em00070f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Soil and terrestrial contamination with microplastics and nanoplastics has been discussed extensively, while tire wear particles (TWPs) have been largely overlooked. We investigated the root-surface interactions and growth response of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) plants exposed to tire wear particles (TWPs) (0.05, 0.1, and 0.25% w/w) and nickel sulfate (50 and 100 mg kg-1 NiSO4) alone and in co-exposure scenarios for the full life cycle (105 days) under soil conditions. The results show that TWPs adhered to the root surface and reduced the water and nutrient uptake by the plant, particularly at higher concentrations of TWPs (0.25% w/w), without any observed organic contaminant accumulation in the root tissue. TWPs alone at 0.01, 0.1, and 0.25% (w/w) decreased mung bean yield by 11, 28, and 52%, respectively. Co-exposure to TWPs at 0.01, 0.1 and 0.25% w/w with 100 mg kg-1 NiSO4 decreased yield by 73, 79 and 88%, respectively. However, co-exposure to TWPs at 0.01 and 0.1% w/w with 50 mg kg-1 NiSO4 enhanced the yield by 32% and 7%, respectively. These changes in yield and nutritional aspects appear to be linked to Ni's regulatory influence on mineral homeostasis. Moreover, exposure to NiSO4 at 100 mg kg-1 increased Ni uptake in the root, shoot, and grain by 9, 26, and 20-fold, respectively as compared to the unamended control; this corresponded to increased antioxidant enzyme activity (10-127%) as compared to the control. TWPs caused blockages, significantly reducing plant yield and altering nutrient dynamics, highlighting emerging risks to plant health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imran Azeem
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
| | - Muhammad Adeel
- BNU-HKUST Laboratory of Green Innovation, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Noman Shakoor
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
| | - Muhammad Zain
- Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Hamida Bibi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Kamran Azeem
- Department of Agronomy, The University of Agricultural Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Yuanbo Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
| | - Muhammad Nadeem
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
| | - Umair Manan
- Department of Agronomy, The University of Agricultural Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jason C White
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Yukui Rui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Yu Z, Xu X, Guo L, Yuzuak S, Lu Y. Physiological and biochemical effects of polystyrene micro/nano plastics on Arabidopsis thaliana. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133861. [PMID: 38430596 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133861] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics have garnered global attention due to their potential ecological risks. Research shows micro/nano-plastics pollution has adverse effects on plant growth, development, and physiological characteristics. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. The study examined the effects of polystyrene micro/nano-plastics with varying sizes and concentrations on different physiological and biochemical markers of A. thaliana. The indicators assessed include seed viability, growth, chlorophyll content, accumulation of root reactive oxygen species, and root exudates. Using fluorescence labeling, we investigated the absorption and translocation processes of micro/nano-plastics in A. thaliana. We also performed transcriptomic analysis to better understand the particular mechanisms of micro/nano-plastics. It indicated that micro/nano-plastics had an adverse effect on seed germination, especially under high concentration and small particle size treatments. This effect diminished with prolonged exposure. High concentrations at 50 nm and 100 nm treatment groups significantly inhibited the growth. Conversely, low concentrations of 1000 nm had a promoting effect. Exposure to micro/nano-plastics potentially resulted in decreased chlorophyll content, the accumulation of H2O2 in roots, and stimulated root secretion of oxalic acid. Through transcriptomic analysis, the gene expression linked to micro/nano-plastic treatments of varying sizes enriched multiple metabolic pathways, impacting plant growth, development, environmental adaptation, metabolism, pigment synthesis, and stress response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhefu Yu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, College of Biological and Environment Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China; College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Xiaolu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, College of Biological and Environment Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Liang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, College of Biological and Environment Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Seyit Yuzuak
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur 15030, Turkey
| | - Yin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, College of Biological and Environment Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Chen L, Chang N, Qiu T, Wang N, Cui Q, Zhao S, Huang F, Chen H, Zeng Y, Dong F, Fang L. Meta-analysis of impacts of microplastics on plant heavy metal(loid) accumulation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123787. [PMID: 38548159 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123787] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The co-occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) has attracted growing scientific interest because of their wide distribution and environmental toxicity. Nevertheless, the interactions between MPs and HMs in soil-plant systems remain unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis with 3226 observations from 87 independent studies to quantify the impact of MPs addition on the plant biomass and HMS accumulation. Co-occurrence of MPs and HMs (except for As) induced synergistic toxicity to plant growth. MPs promoted their uptake in the shoot by 11.0% for Cd, 30.0% for Pb, and 47.1% for Cu, respectively. In contrast, MPs caused a significant decrease (22.6%, 17.9-26.9%) in the shoot As accumulation. The type and dose of MPs were correlated with the accumulation of HMs. MPs increased available concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Cu, but decreased available As concentration in soils. Meanwhile, MPs addition significantly lowered soil pH. These findings may provide explanations for MPs-mediated effects on influencing the accumulation of HMs in plants. Using a machine learning approach, we revealed that soil pH and total HMs concentration are the major contributors affecting their accumulation in shoot. Overall, our study indicated that MPs may increase the environmental risks of HMs in agroecosystems, especially metal cations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Nan Chang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Tianyi Qiu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Na Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Qingliang Cui
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Shuling Zhao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Fengyu Huang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China; College of Environment and Resources, Southwest University of Science & Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China
| | - Hansong Chen
- College of Xingzhi, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321000, China
| | - Yi Zeng
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Faqin Dong
- College of Environment and Resources, Southwest University of Science & Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China
| | - Linchuan Fang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Maria VL, Santos J, Prodana M, Cardoso DN, Morgado RG, Amorim MJB, Barreto A. Toxicity mechanisms of plastic nanoparticles in three terrestrial species: antioxidant system imbalance and neurotoxicity. Nanotoxicology 2024; 18:299-313. [PMID: 38807536 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2024.2358781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The detrimental impacts of plastic nanoparticles (PNPs) are a worldwide concern, although knowledge is still limited, in particular for soil mesofauna. This study investigates the biochemical impact of 44 nm polystyrene PNPs on three soil models-Enchytraeus crypticus (Oligochaeta), Folsomia candida (Collembola) and Porcellionides pruinosus (Isopoda). Exposure durations of 3, 7 and 14 days (d) were implemented at two concentrations (1.5 and 300 mg kg-1 PNPs). Results revealed PNPs impact on the activities of the glutathione-dependent antioxidative enzyme, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and on the neurotransmitter acetylcholinesterase (AChE) for all three species. Catalase (CAT) played a minor role, primarily evident in F. candida at 300 mg kg-1 PNPs (CAT and GST response after 14 d), with no lipid peroxidation (LPO) increase. Even with the antioxidant defence, P. pruinosus was the most sensitive species for lipid oxidative damage (LPO levels increased after 7 d exposure to 300 mg kg-1 PNPs). Significant AChE inhibitions were measured already after 3 d to both PNP concentrations in F. candida and E. crypticus, respectively. Significant AChE inhibitions were also found in P. pruinosus but later (7 d). Overall, the toxicity mechanisms of PNPs involved antioxidant imbalance, being (mostly) the glutathione-associated metabolism part of that defence system. Neurotoxicity, linked to AChE activities, was evident across all species. Sensitivity to PNPs varied: P. pruinosus > F. candida ≅ E. crypticus. This pioneering study on PNPs toxicity in soil invertebrates underscores its environmental relevance, shedding light on altered biochemical responses, that may compromise ecological roles and soil ecosystem fitness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera L Maria
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Santos
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marija Prodana
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Diogo N Cardoso
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rui G Morgado
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mónica J B Amorim
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Angela Barreto
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Saha B, Ateia M, Fernando S, Xu J, DeSutter T, Iskander SM. PFAS occurrence and distribution in yard waste compost indicate potential volatile loss, downward migration, and transformation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:657-666. [PMID: 38312055 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00538k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
We discovered high concentrations of PFAS (18.53 ± 1.5 μg kg-1) in yard waste compost, a compost type widely acceptable to the public. Seventeen out of forty targeted PFAS, belonging to six PFAS classes were detected in yard waste compost, with PFCAs (13.51 ± 0.99 μg kg-1) and PFSAs (4.13 ± 0.19 μg kg-1) being the dominant classes, comprising approximately 72.5% and 22.1% of the total measured PFAS. Both short-chain PFAS, such as PFBA, PFHxA, and PFBS, and long-chain PFAS, such as PFOA and PFOS, were prevalent in all the tested yard waste compost samples. We also discovered the co-occurrence of PFAS with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics. Total PFAS concentrations in LDPE and PET separated from incoming yard waste were 7.41 ± 0.41 μg kg-1 and 1.35 ± 0.1 μg kg-1, which increased to 8.66 ± 0.81 μg kg-1 in LDPE and 5.44 ± 0.56 μg kg-1 in PET separated from compost. An idle mature compost pile revealed a clear vertical distribution of PFAS, with the total PFAS concentrations at the surface level approximately 58.9-63.2% lower than the 2 ft level. This difference might be attributed to the volatile loss of short-chain PFCAs, PFAS's downward movement with moisture, and aerobic transformations of precursor PFAS at the surface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biraj Saha
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Dakota State University, 1410 14th Ave N, CIE 201, Fargo, North Dakota 58102, USA.
| | - Mohamed Ateia
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
| | - Sujan Fernando
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York 13699, USA
| | - Jiale Xu
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Dakota State University, 1410 14th Ave N, CIE 201, Fargo, North Dakota 58102, USA.
| | - Thomas DeSutter
- Department of Soil Science, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, USA
| | - Syeed Md Iskander
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Dakota State University, 1410 14th Ave N, CIE 201, Fargo, North Dakota 58102, USA.
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences, North Dakota State University, 1410 14th Ave N, CIE 201, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Nie E, Guo L, Zhou X, Zhou D, Wang H, Ye Q, Yang Z. Effects of charged polystyrene microplastics on the bioavailability of dufulin in tomato plant. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133748. [PMID: 38350319 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133748] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and pesticides commonly exist in the environment, yet the interactions between them and their subsequent impacts on plants remain poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the impacts of differently charged polystyrene (PS) MPs, including PS-COO-, PS and PS-NH3+ MPs, on the fate of 14C-labelled new antiviral pesticide Dufulin (DFL) in a hydroponic tomato system. The results showed that MPs greatly reduced the growth of tomato plants, with suppression of 18.4-30.2%. Compared to the control group, PS-COO-, PS and PS-NH3+ MPs also reduced the bioaccumulation of DFL in whole tomato plants by 40.3%, 34.5%, and 26.1%, respectively. Furthermore, MPs influenced the translocation of DFL in plant tissues, and the values decreased at the rates of 38.7%, 26.5% and 15.7% for PS-COO-, PS and PS-NH3+, respectively. Interestingly, compared to the control group, PS-COO- exhibited a profound inhibitory effect on DFL concentrations in tomatoes, potentially resulting in a lower dietary risk in the hydroponic tomato system. This may be due to the strong adsorption between PS-COO- and DFL, and PS-COO- may also inhibit the growth of tomato plants. Overall, our study could provide valuable insights into the risk assessment of DFL in the presence of MPs in plant systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enguang Nie
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Longxiu Guo
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qingfu Ye
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Jeong A, Park SJ, Lee EJ, Kim KW. Nanoplastics exacerbate Parkinson's disease symptoms in C. elegans and human cells. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133289. [PMID: 38157817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133289] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of nanoplastics in our environment due to the widespread use of plastics poses potential health risks that are not yet fully understood. This study examines the physiological and neurotoxic effects of these minuscule nanoplastic particles on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as well as on human cells. Here, we find that 25 nm polystyrene nanoplastic particles can inhibit animal growth and movement at very low concentrations, with varying effects on their surface groups. Furthermore, these nanoplastic particles not only accumulate in the digestive tract but also penetrate further into extraintestinal tissues. Such nanoplastics significantly compromise the integrity of the intestinal barrier, leading to "leaky gut" conditions and cause mitochondrial fragmentation in muscles, which possibly explains the observed movement impairments. A striking discovery was that these nanoplastics exacerbate symptoms similar to those of Parkinson's disease (PD), including dopaminergic neuronal degeneration, locomotor dysfunction, and accumulation of α-Synuclein aggregates. Importantly, our study demonstrates that the detrimental effects of nanoplastics on the aggregation of α-Synuclein extend to both C. elegans and human cell models of PD. In conclusion, our research highlights the potential health hazards linked to the physicochemical properties of nanoplastics, underlining the urgency of understanding their interactions with biological systems. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: The escalating prevalence of nanoplastics in the environment due to widespread plastic usage raises potential health risks. Studies conducted on C. elegans indicate that even low concentrations of 25 nm polystyrene nanoplastics can impair growth and movement. These particles accumulate in the digestive system, compromising the intestinal barrier, causing "leaky gut", as well as inducing Parkinson's-like symptoms. Importantly, in both C. elegans and human cell models of Parkinson's disease, such nanoplastics penetrate tissues or cells and increase α-Synuclein aggregates. This underscores the urgent need to understand the interactions of nanoplastics with biological systems and highlights potential environmental and health consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayoung Jeong
- Department of Life Science and Multidisciplinary Genome Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, South Korea
| | - Soo Jung Park
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, South Korea
| | - Eun Jeong Lee
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, South Korea.
| | - Kyung Won Kim
- Department of Life Science and Multidisciplinary Genome Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Zhuang Z, Liu T, Liu Z, Wang D. Polystyrene nanoparticles strengthen high glucose toxicity associated with alteration in insulin signaling pathway in C. elegans. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 272:116056. [PMID: 38301579 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116056] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Using Caenorhabditis elegans as animal model, we investigated the effect of exposure to polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) in the range of μg/L on high glucose toxicity induction. With lifespan and locomotion behavior as endpoints, we observed that PS-NP (10 and 100 μg/L) enhanced toxicity in 50 mM glucose treated animals. In insulin signaling pathway, expressions of genes encoding insulin receptor (daf-2), kinases (age-1 and akt-1/2), and insulin peptides (ins-9, ins-6, and daf-28) were increased, and expressions of daf-16 and its target of sod-3 were decreased in high glucose treated nematodes followed by PS-NP exposure. Toxicity enhancement in high glucose treated nematodes by PS-NP exposure was inhibited by RNAi of daf-2, age-1, akt-2, akt-1, and 3 insulin peptides genes, but increased by RNAi of daf-16 and sod-3. The resistance of animals with RNAi of daf-2 to toxicity in high glucose treated nematodes followed by PS-NP exposure could be suppressed by RNAi of daf-16. Moreover, in high glucose treated animals followed by PS-NP exposure, daf-2 expression was inhibited by RNAi of ins-6, ins-9, and daf-28. Our data demonstrated the risk of PS-NP exposure in enhancing the high glucose toxicity. More importantly, alteration in expression of genes in insulin signaling pathway was associated with the toxicity enhancement in high glucose treated nematodes followed by PS-NP exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhengying Liu
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Shenzhen Ruipuxun Academy for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shenzhen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Gaß H, Kloos TM, Höfling A, Müller L, Rockmann L, Schubert DW, Halik M. Magnetic Removal of Micro- and Nanoplastics from Water-from 100 nm to 100 µm Debris Size. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2305467. [PMID: 37875633 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202305467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Clean water is one of the most important resources of the planet but human-made contamination with diverse pollutants increases continuously. Microplastics (<5 mm diameter) which can have severe impacts on the environment, are present worldwide. Degradation processes lead to nanoplastics (<1 µm), which are potentially even more dangerous due to their increased bioavailability. State-of-the-art wastewater treatment plants show a deficit in effectively eliminating micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) from water, particularly in the case of nanoplastics. In this work, the magnetic removal of three different MNP types across three orders of magnitude in size (100 nm-100 µm) is investigated systematically. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) tend to attract oppositely charged MNPs and form aggregates that can be easily collected by a magnet. It shows that especially the smallest fractions (100-300 nm) can be separated in ordinary high numbers (1013 mg-1 SPION) while the highest mass is removed for MNP between 2.5 and 5 µm. The universal trend for all three types of MNP can be fitted with a derived model, which can make predictions for optimizing SPIONs for specific size ranges in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Gaß
- Organic Materials & Devices, Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tonya M Kloos
- Organic Materials & Devices, Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna Höfling
- Organic Materials & Devices, Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lukas Müller
- Organic Materials & Devices, Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Linda Rockmann
- Organic Materials & Devices, Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dirk W Schubert
- Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marcus Halik
- Organic Materials & Devices, Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Liese B, Stock NL, Düwel J, Pilger C, Huser T, Müller C. Uptake of microplastics and impacts on plant traits of savoy cabbage. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 272:116086. [PMID: 38354433 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic influences such as plastic pollution are causing serious environmental problems. While effects of microplastics on marine organisms are well studied, less is known about effects of plastic particles on terrestrial organisms such as plants. We investigated the effects of microplastic particles on different growth and metabolic traits of savoy cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. sabauda). Sections of seedlings exposed to polystyrene particles were analysed by coherent Raman scattering microscopy. These analyses revealed an uptake of particles in a size range of 0.5 µm to 2.0 µm into cells of the hypocotyl. Furthermore, plants were grown in substrate amended with polyethylene and polystyrene particles of different sizes (s1: 200-500 µm; s2: 100-200 µm; s3: 20-100 µm; s4: < 100 µm, with most particles < 20 µm; s5: < 20 µm) and in different concentrations (c1 = 0.1%, c2 = 0.01%, c3 = 0.001%). After several weeks, shoot and root biomass were harvested. Leaves were analysed for their carbon to nitrogen ratio, while amino acid and glucosinolate composition were measured using high performance liquid chromatography. Plastic type, particle size and concentration showed distinct effects on certain plant traits. Shoot biomass was interactively influenced by size and concentration of polyethylene, while root biomass was not modified by any of the plastic exposure treatments. Likewise, the composition and total concentrations of leaf amino acids were not affected, but the leucine concentration was significantly increased in several of the plastic-exposed plants. Glucosinolates were also slightly altered, depending on the particle size. Some of the observed effects may be independent of plastic uptake, as larger particles were not taken up but still could affect plant traits. For example, in the rhizosphere plastic particles may increase the water holding capacity of the soil, impacting some of the plant traits. In summary, this study shows how important the plastic type, particle size and concentration are for the uptake of microplastics and their effects on plant traits, which may have important implications for crops, but also for ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Liese
- Chemical Ecology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, Bielefeld 33615, Germany
| | - Noah Lovis Stock
- Chemical Ecology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, Bielefeld 33615, Germany
| | - Julian Düwel
- Biomolecular Photonics, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, Bielefeld 33615, Germany
| | - Christian Pilger
- Biomolecular Photonics, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, Bielefeld 33615, Germany
| | - Thomas Huser
- Biomolecular Photonics, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, Bielefeld 33615, Germany
| | - Caroline Müller
- Chemical Ecology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, Bielefeld 33615, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Santucci L, Fernández-Severini MD, Rimondino GN, Colombo CV, Prieto G, Forero-López AD, Carol ES. Assessment of meso- and microplastics distribution in coastal sediments and waters at the middle estuary of the Rio De La Plata, Argentina (SW Atlantic Ocean). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:170026. [PMID: 38218486 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Estuarine coastal water and sediments collected from multiple locations within the middle Río de la Plata (RDLP) estuary were analyzed in order to identify the presence of microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) and mesoplastics (MePs, 5-25 mm) in one of the most significant estuaries in the Southwestern Atlantic. The present study represents one of the first researches to survey MPs and MePs contamination in key stations at RDLP estuary. Average concentrations of 14.17 ± 5.50 MPs/L and 10.00 MePs/L were detected in water samples, while 547.83 ± 620.06 MPs/kg (dry weight) and 74.23 ± 47.29 MePs/kg d.w. were recorded in sediments. The greatest abundances were observed in the more anthropized areas, near urban settlements. Fibers were the most conspicuous plastic items in water and sediments, followed by fragments. On the other hand, surface sediments, and 50 cm and 100 cm-depth sediments also presented MPs and MePs indicating they could serve as a stratigraphic indicator for recently formed sediments. The main polymer type identified were acrylic fibers, followed by polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Besides, SEM-EDX detected the presence of Si, Fe, Ti, Al and Cl onto the plastics' surface. These elements may serve as additives to enhance the plastics' properties, such as in the case of Ti, or they could originate from the environment, like biogenic Si or Fe, and Al possibly as a component of the suspended particles or sediments adhered to the micro or meso plastics. Finally, the results of the present study showed that MPs and MePs are commonly found in waters and also tend to be trapped in sediments of the RDLP estuary supporting the assertion that these areas play a substantial role in influencing the transport, dispersion, and buildup of MPs in estuarine regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Santucci
- Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas (CIG), CONICET/UNLP, CCT-La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - M D Fernández-Severini
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G N Rimondino
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - C V Colombo
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G Prieto
- Departamento de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, Argentina (IFISUR), Universidad Nacional del Sur, CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - A D Forero-López
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - E S Carol
- Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas (CIG), CONICET/UNLP, CCT-La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ahmad MA, Adeel M, Zain M, Javed R. Editorial: Interaction of nano and microplastic with different plant species: concerns and opportunities. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1378837. [PMID: 38434430 PMCID: PMC10904633 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1378837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Arslan Ahmad
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Muhammad Adeel
- BNU-HKUST Laboratory of Green Innovation, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Muhammad Zain
- Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Rabia Javed
- School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Corner Brook, NL, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Mao H, Yang H, Xu Z, Peng Q, Yang S, Zhu L, Yang Y, Li Z. Responses of submerged macrophytes to different particle size microplastics and tetracycline co-pollutants at the community and population level. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 464:132994. [PMID: 37988943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics are ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems, and their accumulation and combined effects are considered emerging threats that may affect biodiversity and ecosystem function. The particle size of microplastics plays an important role in their combined effects with antibiotics. Submerged macrophytes are crucial in maintaining the health and stability of freshwater ecosystems. However, little is known about the combined effects of different particle size of MPs and antibiotics on freshwater plants, particularly their effects on submerged macrophyte communities. Thus, there is an urgent need to study their effects on the macrophyte communities to provide essential information for freshwater ecosystem management. In the present study, a mesocosm experiment was conducted to explore the effects of three particle sizes (5 µm, 50 µm, and 500 µm) of polystyrene-microplastics (PSMPs) (75 mg/L), tetracycline (TC) (50 mg/L), and their co-pollutants on interactions between Hydrilla verticillata and Elodea nuttallii. Our results showed that the effects of MPs are size-dependent on macrophytes at the community level rather than at the population level, and that small and medium sized MPs can promote the growth of the two test macrophytes at the community level. In addition, macrophytes at the community level have a stronger resistance to pollutant stress than those at the population level. Combined exposure to MPs and TC co-pollutants induces species-specific responses and antagonistic toxic effects on the physio-biochemical traits of submerged macrophytes. Our study provides evidence that MPs and co-pollutants not only affect the morphology and physiology at the population level but also the interactions between macrophytes. Thus, there are promising indications on the potential consequences of MPs and co-pollutants on macrophyte community structure, which suggests that future studies should focus on the effects of microplastics and their co-pollutants on aquatic macrophytes at the community level rather than only at the population level. This will improve our understanding of the profound effects of co-pollutants in aquatic environments on the structure and behavior of aquatic communities and ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhi Mao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resource and Environment, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resource and Environment, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Zhiyan Xu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resource and Environment, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Qiutong Peng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resource and Environment, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Shiwen Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resource and Environment, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resource and Environment, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Yujing Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resource and Environment, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Zhongqiang Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resource and Environment, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Li K, Xiu X, Hao W. Microplastics in soils: Production, behavior process, impact on soil organisms, and related toxicity mechanisms. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 350:141060. [PMID: 38159733 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.141060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a hot ecological issue of global concern and MP pollution in soil is becoming increasingly serious. Studies have shown that MPs have adverse effects on soil biology and ecological functions. Although MPs are evident in soils, identifying their source, abundance, and types is difficult because of the complexity and variability of soil components. In addition, the effects of MPs on soil physicochemical properties (PCP), including direct effects such as direct interaction with soil particles and indirect effects such as the impact on soil organisms, have not been reported in a differentiated manner. Furthermore, at present, the soil ecological effects of MPs are mostly based on biological toxicity reports of their exudate or size effects, whereas the impact of their surface-specific properties (such as environmentally persistent free radicals, surface functional groups, charge, and curvature) on soil ecological functions is not fully understood. Considering this, this paper reviews the latest research findings on the production and behavioral processes of MPs in soil, the effects on soil PCP, the impacts on different soil organisms, and the related toxic mechanisms. The above discussion will enhance further understanding of the behavioral characteristics and risks of MPs in soil ecosystems and provide some theoretical basis for further clarification of the molecular mechanisms of the effects of MPs on soil organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, China.
| | - Xiaojia Xiu
- Changwang School of Honors, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Wanqi Hao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Corte Pause F, Urli S, Crociati M, Stradaioli G, Baufeld A. Connecting the Dots: Livestock Animals as Missing Links in the Chain of Microplastic Contamination and Human Health. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:350. [PMID: 38275809 PMCID: PMC10812800 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a global diffuse threat, especially considering its fragmentation into microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). Since the contamination of the aquatic environment is already well studied, most studies have now focused on the soil. Moreover, the number of studies on the exposure routes and toxic effects of MNPs in humans is continuously increasing. Although MNPs can cause inflammation, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and immune toxicity in livestock animals, which can accumulate ingested/inhaled plastic particles and transfer them to humans through the food chain, research on this topic is still lacking. In considering farm animals as the missing link between soil/plant contamination and human health effects, this paper aims to describe their importance as carriers and vectors of MNP contamination. As research on this topic is in its early stages, there is no standard method to quantify the amount and the characteristics of MNPs in different matrices. Therefore, the creation of a common database where researchers can report data on MNP characteristics and quantification methods could be helpful for both method standardization and the future training of an AI tool for predicting the most abundant/dangerous polymer(s), thus supporting policy decisions to reduce plastic pollution and perfectly fitting with One Health principles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Corte Pause
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy; (F.C.P.); (S.U.)
| | - Susy Urli
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy; (F.C.P.); (S.U.)
| | - Martina Crociati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
- Centre for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Stradaioli
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy; (F.C.P.); (S.U.)
| | - Anja Baufeld
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bodor A, Feigl G, Kolossa B, Mészáros E, Laczi K, Kovács E, Perei K, Rákhely G. Soils in distress: The impacts and ecological risks of (micro)plastic pollution in the terrestrial environment. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115807. [PMID: 38091673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115807] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Plastics have revolutionised human industries, thanks to their versatility and durability. However, their extensive use, coupled with inadequate waste disposal, has resulted in plastic becoming ubiquitous in every environmental compartment, posing potential risks to the economy, human health and the environment. Additionally, under natural conditions, plastic waste breaks down into microplastics (MPs<5 mm). The increasing quantity of MPs exerts a significant burden on the soil environment, particularly in agroecosystems, presenting a new stressor for soil-dwelling organisms. In this review, we delve into the effects of MP pollution on soil ecosystems, with a specific attention to (a) MP transport to soils, (b) potential changes of MPs under environmental conditions, (c) and their interaction with the physical, chemical and biological components of the soil. We aim to shed light on the alterations in the distribution, activity, physiology and growth of soil flora, fauna and microorganisms in response to MPs, offering an ecotoxicological perspective for environmental risk assessment of plastics. The effects of MPs are strongly influenced by their intrinsic traits, including polymer type, shape, size and abundance. By exploring the multifaceted interactions between MPs and the soil environment, we provide critical insights into the consequences of plastic contamination. Despite the growing body of research, there remain substantial knowledge gaps regarding the long-term impact of MPs on the soil. Our work underscores the importance of continued research efforts and the adoption of standardised approaches to address plastic pollution and ensure a sustainable future for our planet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Attila Bodor
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary; Institute of Biophysics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Gábor Feigl
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bálint Kolossa
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Enikő Mészáros
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Krisztián Laczi
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Etelka Kovács
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Katalin Perei
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Rákhely
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary; Institute of Biophysics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Jiao M, Wang Y, Yang F, Zhao Z, Wei Y, Li R, Wang Y. Dynamic fluctuations in plant leaf interception of airborne microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167877. [PMID: 37852496 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167877] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Plant leaves have been demonstrated to be a crucial sink of airborne microplastics (MPs). However, because of the particular shape of MPs and their relatively weak forces with leaves, the traditional accumulation model used for the adsorption of particulate matter and persistent organic pollutants may not be appropriate for describing the interception of MPs by leaves. Here, we performed a 7-day exploration of the interception of MPs by leaves in downtown Nanning. The abundances and characteristics of leaf-intercepted MPs showed dramatic diurnal fluctuations and interspecies differences (conifers > arbors > shrubs). The fluctuation (Coefficient of Variation (CV) = 0.459; abundances 0.003 ± 0.002 to 0.047 ± 0.005 n·cm-2) was even more drastic than that measured across species (CV = 0.353; 0.06 ± 0.01 to 0.40 ± 0.04 n·cm-2). Further analysis using partial least-squares path modeling demonstrated that stomatal variation and divergence largely dominated diurnal fluctuations and interspecies differences in microplastic interception by leaves, respectively. Our results highlight that the leaf-intercepted MPs is characterized by dynamic fluctuations rather than static equilibrium and reveal the important regulatory roles played by leaf micromorphological structures in intercepting MPs, thus enhancing our understanding of the interactions between terrestrial plants and airborne pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Jiao
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yijin Wang
- School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Fei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhen Zhao
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yihua Wei
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Ruilong Li
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Yinghui Wang
- Institute of Green and Low Carbon Technology, Guangxi Institute of Industrial Technology, Nanning 530004, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Gayathiri E, Prakash P, Pandiaraj S, Ramasubburayan R, Gaur A, Sekar M, Viswanathan D, Govindasamy R. Investigating the ecological implications of nanomaterials: Unveiling plants' notable responses to nano-pollution. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 206:108261. [PMID: 38096734 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108261] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The rapid advancement of nanotechnology has led to unprecedented innovations; however, it is crucial to analyze its environmental impacts carefully. This review thoroughly examines the complex relationship between plants and nanomaterials, highlighting their significant impact on ecological sustainability and ecosystem well-being. This study investigated the response of plants to nano-pollution stress, revealing the complex regulation of defense-related genes and proteins, and highlighting the sophisticated defense mechanisms in nature. Phytohormones play a crucial role in the complex molecular communication network that regulates plant responses to exposure to nanomaterials. The interaction between plants and nano-pollution influences plants' complex defense strategies. This reveals the interconnectedness of systems of nature. Nevertheless, these findings have implications beyond the plant domain. The incorporation of hyperaccumulator plants into pollution mitigation strategies has the potential to create more environmentally sustainable urban landscapes and improve overall environmental resilience. By utilizing these exceptional plants, we can create a future in which cities serve as centers of both innovation and ecological balance. Further investigation is necessary to explore the long-term presence of nanoparticles in the environment, their ability to induce genetic changes in plants over multiple generations, and their overall impact on ecosystems. In conclusion, this review summarizes significant scientific discoveries with broad implications beyond the confines of laboratories. This highlights the importance of understanding the interactions between plants and nanomaterials within the wider scope of environmental health. By considering these insights, we initiated a path towards the responsible utilization of nanomaterials, environmentally friendly management of pollution, and interdisciplinary exploration. We have the responsibility to balance scientific advancement and environmental preservation to create a sustainable future that combines nature's wisdom with human innovation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekambaram Gayathiri
- Department of Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology, Guru Nanak College (Autonomous), Chennai 600042, Tamil Nadu India
| | - Palanisamy Prakash
- Department of Botany, Periyar University, Periyar Palkalai Nagar, Salem 636011, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Saravanan Pandiaraj
- Department of Self-Development Skills, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ramasamy Ramasubburayan
- Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arti Gaur
- Department of Life Sciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara-390025, Gujarat, India
| | - Malathy Sekar
- Department of Botany, PG and Research Department of Botany Government Arts College for Men, (autonomous), Nandanam, Chennai 35, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Dhivya Viswanathan
- Centre for Nanobioscience, Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College, and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai-600077, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Rajakumar Govindasamy
- Centre for Nanobioscience, Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College, and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai-600077, Tamilnadu, India.
| |
Collapse
|