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Abimbola I, McAfee M, Creedon L, Gharbia S. In-situ detection of microplastics in the aquatic environment: A systematic literature review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173111. [PMID: 38740219 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173111] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment and have emerged as a significant environmental issue due to their potential impacts on human health and the ecosystem. Current laboratory-based microplastic detection methods suffer from various drawbacks, including a lack of standardisation, limited spatial and temporal coverage, high costs, and time-consuming procedures. Consequently, there is a need for the development of in-situ techniques to detect and monitor microplastics to effectively identify and understand their sources, pathways, and behaviours. Herein, we adopt a systematic literature review method to assess the development and application of experimental and field technologies designed for the in-situ detection and monitoring of aquatic microplastics, without the need for sample preparation. Four scientific databases were searched in March 2023, resulting in a review of 62 relevant studies. These studies were classified into seven sensor categories and their working principles were discussed. The sensor classes include optical devices, digital holography, Raman spectroscopy, other spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, remote sensing, and other methods. We also looked at how data from these technologies are integrated with machine learning models to develop classifiers capable of accurately characterising the physical and chemical properties of microplastics and discriminating them from other particles. This review concluded that in-situ detection of microplastics in aquatic environments is feasible and can be achieved with high accuracy, even though the methods are still in the early stages of development. Nonetheless, further research is still needed to enhance the in-situ detection of microplastics. This includes exploring the possibility of combining various detection methods and developing robust machine-learning classifiers. Additionally, there is a recommendation for in-situ implementation of the reviewed methods to assess their effectiveness in detecting microplastics and identify their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismaila Abimbola
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland.
| | - Marion McAfee
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Intelligent Systems for Health and Environment (MISHE), Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Leo Creedon
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Intelligent Systems for Health and Environment (MISHE), Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Salem Gharbia
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
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2
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Wang Z, Pal D, Pilechi A, Ariya PA. Nanoplastics in Water: Artificial Intelligence-Assisted 4D Physicochemical Characterization and Rapid In Situ Detection. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:8919-8931. [PMID: 38709668 PMCID: PMC11112734 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10408] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
For the first time, we present a much-needed technology for the in situ and real-time detection of nanoplastics in aquatic systems. We show an artificial intelligence-assisted nanodigital in-line holographic microscopy (AI-assisted nano-DIHM) that automatically classifies nano- and microplastics simultaneously from nonplastic particles within milliseconds in stationary and dynamic natural waters, without sample preparation. AI-assisted nano-DIHM identifies 2 and 1% of waterborne particles as nano/microplastics in Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River, respectively. Nano-DIHM provides physicochemical properties of single particles or clusters of nano/microplastics, including size, shape, optical phase, perimeter, surface area, roughness, and edge gradient. It distinguishes nano/microplastics from mixtures of organics, inorganics, biological particles, and coated heterogeneous clusters. This technology allows 4D tracking and 3D structural and spatial study of waterborne nano/microplastics. Independent transmission electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, and nanoparticle tracking analysis validates nano-DIHM data. Complementary modeling demonstrates nano- and microplastics have significantly distinct distribution patterns in water, which affect their transport and fate, rendering nano-DIHM a powerful tool for accurate nano/microplastic life-cycle analysis and hotspot remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Wang
- Department
of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Devendra Pal
- Department
of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, McGill
University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B9,Canada
| | | | - Parisa A. Ariya
- Department
of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
- Department
of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, McGill
University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B9,Canada
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3
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Hu S, Ji J, Chen X, Tong R. Dielectrophoresis: Measurement technologies and auxiliary sensing applications. Electrophoresis 2024. [PMID: 38738705 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Dielectrophoresis (DEP), which arises from the interaction between dielectric particles and an aqueous solution in a nonuniform electric field, contributes to the manipulation of nano and microparticles in many fields, including colloid physics, analytical chemistry, molecular biology, clinical medicine, and pharmaceutics. The measurement of the DEP force could provide a more complete solution for verifying current classical DEP theories. This review reports various imaging, fluidic, optical, and mechanical approaches for measuring the DEP forces at different amplitudes and frequencies. The integration of DEP technology into sensors enables fast response, high sensitivity, precise discrimination, and label-free detection of proteins, bacteria, colloidal particles, and cells. Therefore, this review provides an in-depth overview of DEP-based fabrication and measurements. Depending on the measurement requirements, DEP manipulation can be classified into assistance and integration approaches to improve sensor performance. To this end, an overview is dedicated to developing the concept of trapping-on-sensing, improving its structure and performance, and realizing fully DEP-assisted lab-on-a-chip systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Hu
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, P. R. China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Precision Optical Sensing and Measurement Technology, Qinhuangdao, P. R. China
| | - Junyou Ji
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoming Chen
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, P. R. China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Precision Optical Sensing and Measurement Technology, Qinhuangdao, P. R. China
| | - Ruijie Tong
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, P. R. China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Precision Optical Sensing and Measurement Technology, Qinhuangdao, P. R. China
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Kamel AH, Hefnawy A, Hazeem LJ, Rashdan SA, Abd-Rabboh HSM. Current perspectives, challenges, and future directions in the electrochemical detection of microplastics. RSC Adv 2024; 14:2134-2158. [PMID: 38205235 PMCID: PMC10777194 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra06755f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (5 μm) are a developing threat that contaminate every environmental compartment. The detection of these contaminants is undoubtedly an important topic of study because of their high potential to cause harm to ecosystems. For many years, scientists have been assiduously striving to surmount the obstacle of detection restrictions and minimize the likelihood of receiving results that are either false positives or false negatives. This study covers the current state of electrochemical sensing technology as well as its application as a low-cost analytical platform for the detection and characterization of novel contaminants. Examples of detection mechanisms, electrode modification procedures, device configuration, and performance are given to show how successful these approaches are for monitoring microplastics in the environment. Additionally included are the recent developments in nanoimpact techniques. Compared to electrochemical methods for microplastic remediation, the use of electrochemical sensors for microplastic detection has received very little attention. With an overview of microplastic electrochemical sensors, this review emphasizes the promise of existing electrochemical remediation platforms toward sensor design and development. In order to enhance the monitoring of these substances, a critical assessment of the requirements for future research, challenges associated with detection, and opportunities is provided. In addition to-or instead of-the now-in-use laboratory-based analytical equipment, these technologies can be utilized to support extensive research and manage issues pertaining to microplastics in the environment and other matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman H Kamel
- Department, College of Science, University of Bahrain Zallaq 32038 Kingdom of Bahrain
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University Cairo 11566 Egypt
| | - A Hefnawy
- Department, College of Science, University of Bahrain Zallaq 32038 Kingdom of Bahrain
- Department of Materials Science, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University El-Shatby Alexandria 21526 Egypt
| | - Layla J Hazeem
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain Zallaq 32038 Bahrain
| | - Suad A Rashdan
- Department, College of Science, University of Bahrain Zallaq 32038 Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Hisham S M Abd-Rabboh
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University Abha 62529 Saudi Arabia
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Mosquera-Ortega M, Rodrigues de Sousa L, Susmel S, Cortón E, Figueredo F. When microplastics meet electroanalysis: future analytical trends for an emerging threat. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:5978-5999. [PMID: 37921647 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01448g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are a major modern challenge that must be addressed to protect the environment, particularly the marine environment. Microplastics, defined as particles ≤5 mm, are ubiquitous in the environment. Their small size for a relatively large surface area, high persistence and easy distribution in water, soil and air require the development of new analytical methods to monitor their presence. At present, the availability of analytical techniques that are easy to use, automated, inexpensive and based on new approaches to improve detection remains an open challenge. This review aims to outline the evolution and novelties of classical and advanced methods, in particular the recently reported electroanalytical detectors, methods and devices. Among all the studies reviewed here, we highlight the great advantages of electroanalytical tools over spectroscopic and thermal analysis, especially for the rapid and accurate detection of microplastics in the sub-micron range. Finally, the challenges faced in the development of automated analytical methods are discussed, highlighting recent trends in artificial intelligence (AI) in microplastics analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Mosquera-Ortega
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Department of Biological Chemistry and IQUIBICEN, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires (1428), Argentina.
- Basic Science Department, Faculty Regional General Pacheco, National Technological University, Argentina
| | - Lucas Rodrigues de Sousa
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Department of Biological Chemistry and IQUIBICEN, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires (1428), Argentina.
- Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Goias, Campus Samambaia, Goiania, Brazil
| | - Sabina Susmel
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences (Di4A), University of Udine, Via Sondrio 2/A, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Eduardo Cortón
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Department of Biological Chemistry and IQUIBICEN, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires (1428), Argentina.
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology at Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Federico Figueredo
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Department of Biological Chemistry and IQUIBICEN, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires (1428), Argentina.
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Tefek U, Sari B, Alhmoud HZ, Hanay MS. Permittivity-Based Microparticle Classification by the Integration of Impedance Cytometry and Microwave Resonators. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2304072. [PMID: 37498158 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Permittivity of microscopic particles can be used as a classification parameter for applications in materials and environmental sciences. However, directly measuring the permittivity of individual microparticles has proven to be challenging due to the convoluting effect of particle size on capacitive signals. To overcome this challenge, a sensing platform is built to independently obtain both the geometric and electric size of a particle, by combining impedance cytometry and microwave resonant sensing in a microfluidic chip. This way the microwave signal, which contains both permittivity and size effects, can be normalized by the size information provided by impedance cytometry to yield an intensive parameter that depends only on permittivity. The technique allows to differentiate between polystyrene and soda lime glass microparticles-below 22 µm in diameter-with more than 94% accuracy, despite their similar sizes and electrical characteristics. Furthermore, it is shown that the same technique can be used to differentiate between normal healthy cells and fixed cells of the same geometric size. The technique offers a potential route for targeted applications such as environmental monitoring of microplastic pollution or quality control in pharmaceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzay Tefek
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bilkent University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
- UNAM - Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
| | - Burak Sari
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Sabanci University, Istanbul, 34956, Turkey
| | - Hashim Z Alhmoud
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bilkent University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
- UNAM - Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
| | - Mehmet S Hanay
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bilkent University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
- UNAM - Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
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7
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Gong L, Martinez O, Mesquita P, Kurtz K, Xu Y, Lin Y. A microfluidic approach for label-free identification of small-sized microplastics in seawater. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11011. [PMID: 37419935 PMCID: PMC10329028 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37900-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine microplastics are emerging as a growing environmental concern due to their potential harm to marine biota. The substantial variations in their physical and chemical properties pose a significant challenge when it comes to sampling and characterizing small-sized microplastics. In this study, we introduce a novel microfluidic approach that simplifies the trapping and identification process of microplastics in surface seawater, eliminating the need for labeling. We examine various models, including support vector machine, random forest, convolutional neural network (CNN), and residual neural network (ResNet34), to assess their performance in identifying 11 common plastics. Our findings reveal that the CNN method outperforms the other models, achieving an impressive accuracy of 93% and a mean area under the curve of 98 ± 0.02%. Furthermore, we demonstrate that miniaturized devices can effectively trap and identify microplastics smaller than 50 µm. Overall, this proposed approach facilitates efficient sampling and identification of small-sized microplastics, potentially contributing to crucial long-term monitoring and treatment efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Gong
- Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Omar Martinez
- Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Pedro Mesquita
- Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Kayla Kurtz
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Computer Science, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Yang Lin
- Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA.
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Jonai T, Ohori Y, Fujii T, Nakayama A, Moriwaki H, Akiyama Y. A collection device for various-sized microparticles that uses four serial acoustic separations: working toward microplastic emission prevention. Sep Purif Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2023.123697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
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9
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Jung YS, Sampath V, Prunicki M, Aguilera J, Allen H, LaBeaud D, Veidis E, Barry M, Erny B, Patel L, Akdis C, Akdis M, Nadeau K. Characterization and regulation of microplastic pollution for protecting planetary and human health. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 315:120442. [PMID: 36272609 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are plastic particles <5 mm in diameter. Since the 1950s, there has been an exponential increase in the production of plastics. As of 2015, it is estimated that approximately 6300 million metric tons of plastic waste had been generated of which 79% has accumulated in landfills or the natural environment. Further, it is estimated that if current trends continue, roughly 12,000 million metric tons of plastic waste will accumulate by 2050. Plastics and microplastics are now found ubiquitously-in the air, water, and soil. Microplastics are small enough to enter the tissues of plants and animals and have been detected in human lungs, stools, placentas, and blood. Their presence in human tissues and the food chain is a cause for concern. While direct clinical evidence or epidemiological studies on the adverse effects of microplastic on human health are lacking, in vitro cellular and tissue studies and in vivo animal studies suggest potential adverse effects. With the ever-increasing presence of plastic waste in our environment, it is critical to understand their effects on our environment and on human health. The use of plastic additives, many of which have known toxic effects are also of concern. This review provides a brief overview of microplastics and the extent of the microplastic problem. There have been a few inroads in regulating plastics but currently these are insufficient to adequately mitigate plastic pollution. We also review recent advances in microplastic testing methodologies, which should support management and regulation of plastic wastes. Significant efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastics are needed at the individual, community, national, and international levels to meet the challenge. In particular, significant reductions in plastic production must occur to curb the impacts of plastic on human and worldwide health, given the fact that plastic is not truly recyclable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youn Soo Jung
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Vanitha Sampath
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mary Prunicki
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Juan Aguilera
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Harry Allen
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 9, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Desiree LaBeaud
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Erika Veidis
- Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michele Barry
- Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Barbara Erny
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Patel
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Cezmi Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Herman-Burchard Strasse, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Mubeccel Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Herman-Burchard Strasse, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Kari Nadeau
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Chen Z, Wei W, Liu X, Ni BJ. Emerging electrochemical techniques for identifying and removing micro/nanoplastics in urban waters. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 221:118846. [PMID: 35841793 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous micro/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) in urban waters are priority pollutants due to their toxic effects on living organisms. Currently, great efforts have been made to realize a plastic-free urban water system, and the identification and removal of MPs/NPs are two primary issues. Among diverse methods, emerging electrochemical techniques have gained growing interests owing to their facile implementation, high efficiency, eco-compatibility, onsite operation, etc. Herein, recent progress in the electrochemical identification and removal of MPs/NPs in urban waters are comprehensively reviewed. The electrochemical sensing of MPs/NPs and their released pollutants (e.g., bisphenol A (BPA)) has been analyzed, and the sensing principles and the featured electrochemical devices/electrodes are examined. Afterwards, recent applications of electrochemical methods (i.e., electrocoagulation, electroadsorption, electrokinetic separation and electrochemical degradation) in MPs/NPs removal are discussed in detail. The influences of critical parameters (e.g., plastics' property, current density and electrolyte) in the electrochemical identification and removal of MPs/NPs are also analyzed. Finally, the current challenges and prospects in electrochemical sensing and removal of MPs/NPs in urban waters are elaborated. This review would advance efficient electrochemical technologies for future MPs/NPs pollutions management in urban waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Chen
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Wei Wei
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
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Bioanalytical approaches for the detection, characterization, and risk assessment of micro/nanoplastics in agriculture and food systems. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:4591-4612. [PMID: 35459968 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04069-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses the most recent literature (mostly since 2019) on the presence and impact of microplastics (MPs, particle size of 1 μm to 5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs, particle size of 1 to 1000 nm) throughout the agricultural and food supply chain, focusing on the methods and technologies for the detection and characterization of these materials at key entry points. Methods for the detection of M/NPs include electron and atomic force microscopy, vibrational spectroscopy (FTIR and Raman), hyperspectral (bright field and dark field) and fluorescence imaging, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Microfluidic biosensors and risk assessment assays of MP/NP for in vitro, in vivo, and in silico models have also been used. Advantages and limitations of each method or approach in specific application scenarios are discussed to highlight the scientific and technological obstacles to be overcome in future research. Although progress in recent years has increased our understanding of the mechanisms and the extent to which MP/NP affects health and the environment, many challenges remain largely due to the lack of standardized and reliable detection and characterization methods. Most of the methods available today are low-throughput, which limits their practical application to food and agricultural samples. Development of rapid and high-throughput field-deployable methods for onsite screening of MP/NPs is therefore a high priority. Based on the current literature, we conclude that detecting the presence and understanding the impact of MP/NP throughout the agricultural and food supply chain require the development of novel deployable analytical methods and sensors, the combination of high-precision lab analysis with rapid onsite screening, and a data hub(s) that hosts and curates data for future analysis.
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