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Chen C, Pagsuyoin SA, van Emmerik THM, Xu YY, He YQ, Guo ZF, Liu D, Xu YY. Significant regional disparities in riverine microplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134571. [PMID: 38743976 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Research on riverine microplastics has gradually increased, highlighting an area for further exploration: the lack of extensive, large-scale regional variations analysis due to methodological and spatiotemporal limitations. Herein, we constructed and applied a comprehensive framework for synthesizing and analyzing literature data on riverine microplastics to enable comparative research on the regional variations on a large scale. Research results showed that in 76 rivers primarily located in Asia, Europe, and North America, the microplastic abundance of surface water in Asian rivers was three times higher than that in Euro-America rivers, while sediment in Euro-American rivers was five times more microplastics than Asia rivers, indicating significant regional variations (p < 0.001). Additionally, based on the income levels of countries, rivers in lower-middle and upper-middle income countries had significantly (p < 0.001) higher abundance of microplastics in surface water compared to high-income countries, while the opposite was true for sediment. This phenomenon was preliminarily attributed to varying levels of urbanization across countries. Our proposed framework for synthesizing and analyzing microplastic literature data provides a holistic understanding of microplastic disparities in the environment, and can facilitate broader discussions on management and mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | | | - Tim H M van Emmerik
- Hydrology and Environmental Hydraulics Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen 6700 AA, Netherlands
| | - Yu-Yao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, PR China
| | - Yu-Qin He
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Zhao-Feng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, PR China
| | - Dong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, PR China
| | - Yao-Yang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, PR China.
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Wan S, Xu G, Xiong P, Qiao H, Chen X, Gu L, Xiong H, Wang B, Gu F. Microplastic pollution characteristics and ecological risk assessment in the Wuding River Basin, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124228. [PMID: 38801879 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), as a new type of environmental pollutant, have attracted extensive attention in recent years. However, there has been relatively little research specifically focusing on MPs in the Yellow River Basin, China, particularly regarding MP migration patterns. Based on surface water and sediment samples from 19 sampling sites in the Wuding River (WDR), the abundances and characteristic distributions of MPs were analyzed, and the environmental factors affecting their distribution and potential ecological risks were evaluated. The results showed that the MP abundances in surface water and sediments of the WDR were significantly different (P <0.05), with mean values of 2.98 ± 0.69 items/L and 419.47 ± 75.61 items/kg, respectively. In terms of MP characteristics, the most common size class was 0.1-0.5 mm in surface water. Polyethylene (PE, 32.50%) and polypropylene (PP, 27.50%) were the main polymer types of MPs in surface water. Although similar MP characteristics were observed in sediments, there were significantly more particles in the <0.1 mm particle size (P <0.05), which was 15.0% higher than in surface water. Also, more high-density MP fragments were observed in sediment samples. The retention of MPs in sediments was influenced by the MP characteristics (density, shape, particle size) and sediment particle size. In contrast, the MP abundance in surface water was more closely related to the presence of other environmental pollutants, such as total phosphorus (WTP) and ammonia nitrogen (WAN). Temperature (T), agricultural land (AGR), and residential land (RES) only had significant effects on the distribution of MPs in surface water (P <0.05). Potential ecological risk assessments revealed that MP pollution in sediments was more serious than in surface water, especially in the middle and lower reaches. The results of this study are important for understanding MP transport in a sandy river and for eliminating potential sources of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi' an 710048, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guoce Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi' an 710048, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Ping Xiong
- Shaanxi Forestry Survey and Planning Institute, Xi'an 710082, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hailiang Qiao
- Shaanxi Forestry Survey and Planning Institute, Xi'an 710082, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi' an 710048, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liuyang Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi' an 710048, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haijing Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi' an 710048, Shaanxi, China
| | - Bin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi' an 710048, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fengyou Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi' an 710048, Shaanxi, China
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Büngener L, Schäffer SM, Schwarz A, Schwalb A. Microplastics in a small river: Occurrence and influencing factors along the river Oker, Northern Germany. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 264:104366. [PMID: 38759476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Much attention regarding the environmental pollution by plastics had focused on the Oceans. More recently, contamination of freshwater ecosystems has been addressed but information from smaller rivers in moderately populated catchments is still comparatively scarce. This study explored the microplastic (MP) occurrence in the small regional river Oker, Northern Germany (catchment area 1822 km2, population of ca. 500,000, discharge approx. 12 m3 s-1). MPs (fibers and fragments in the size range 0.3-5 mm, identification by microscopy) were found in all 10 in-stream samples collected along the course of the river, ranging between 28 and 134 particles m-3 with an overall average of 63 particles m-3. This MP concentration found in the small river Oker is similar to, or higher than, that reported for larger rivers in similar environments in Central Europe. On average, higher MP concentration was found at urban (71 particles m-3) compared to rural sampling sites (51 particles m-3). Within the Oker catchment, in-stream MP concentration showed no or low correlation to the catchment-scale factors of catchment size and population. Additional samples taken from three locations directly influenced by discharges of potential MP point sources confirmed wastewater treatment plants of different capacities and an urban rainwater sewer as sources. Our results support findings that MP concentrations in small rivers are crucially influenced by local sources, superimposing linear relationships to factors of catchment size and -population. They show that even small rivers draining moderately populated catchments may exhibit comparatively high concentrations of MPs, and thereby represent underestimated pathways of MP in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Büngener
- Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Oulu, Finland.
| | - Sarah-Maria Schäffer
- Institute of Geosystems and Bioindication, Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Anja Schwarz
- Institute of Geosystems and Bioindication, Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Antje Schwalb
- Institute of Geosystems and Bioindication, Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany
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Ko K, Lee J, Baumann P, Kim J, Chung H. Analysis of micro(nano)plastics based on automated data interpretation and modeling: A review. NANOIMPACT 2024; 34:100509. [PMID: 38734308 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The widespread presence of micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) in the environment threatens ecosystem integrity, and thus, it is necessary to determine and assess the occurrence, characteristics, and transport of MNPs between ecological components. However, most analytical approaches are cost- and time-inefficient in providing quantitative information with sufficient detail, and interpreting results can be difficult. Alternative analyses integrating novel measurements by imaging or proximal sensing with signal processing and machine learning may supplement these approaches. In this review, we examined published research on methods used for the automated data interpretation of MNPs found in the environment or those artificially prepared by fragmenting bulk plastics. We critically reviewed the primary areas of the integrated analytical process, which include sampling, data acquisition, processing, and modeling, applied in identifying, classifying, and quantifying MNPs in soil, sediment, water, and biological samples. We also provide a comprehensive discussion regarding model uncertainties related to estimating MNPs in the environment. In the future, the development of routinely applicable and efficient methods is expected to significantly contribute to the successful establishment of automated MNP monitoring systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwanyoung Ko
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhwan Lee
- Department of Smart Agro-industry, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Jaeho Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Haegeun Chung
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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Pavithra K, Vairaperumal T, Ks V, Mukhopadhyay M, Malar P, Chakraborty P. Microplastics in packaged water, community stored water, groundwater, and surface water in rivers of Tamil Nadu after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 356:120361. [PMID: 38493646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120361] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The increased load of plastic in waste streams after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has increased the possibility of microplastics (MPs) contamination channelling through the rivers and infiltrating the aquatic ecosystems. MPs in packaged water, community-stored water, groundwater, and surface water of Kaveri River (KR), Thamirabarani River (TR), Adyar River (AR), and Cooum River (CR) in Tamil Nadu were therefore investigated about 2 years after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Using μFTIR and μRaman spectroscopy, polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer resin, and polyvinyl chloride were identified as the primary polymer types. The average number of MPs was 2.15 ± 1.9 MP/L, 1.1 ± 0.99 MP/L, 5.25 ± 1.15 MP/L, and 4 ± 2.65 MP/L in KR, TR, AR, and CR, respectively, and 1.75 ± 1.26 MP/L in groundwater, and 2.33 ± 1.52 MP/L in community stored water. Only LDPE was detected in recycled plastic-made drinking water bottles. More than 50% of MPs were found to be of size less than 1 mm, with fibrous MPs being the prevalent type, and a notable prevalence of blue-coloured microplastics in all the sample types. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) was >1 in all the rivers. Toxicity rating based on the polymer risk index (PORI) categorized AR and TR at medium risk (category II), compared to KR and CR at considerable risk (category III). Overall pollution risk index (PRI) followed a decreasing trend with CR > AR > KR > TR of considerable to low-risk category. Ecological risk assessment indicates a negligible risk to freshwater biota, except for four sites in the middle and lower stretches of Adyar River (AR - 2, AR - 4) and upper and lower stretches of Cooum River (CR - 1, CR - 3), located adjacent to direct sewer outlets, and one location in the lower stretch of Kaveri River (KR - 9), known for fishing and tourist activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Pavithra
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Tharmaraj Vairaperumal
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 704, Taiwan, ROC; Environmental Science and Technology Laboratory, Centre for Research in Environment, Sustainability Advocacy and Climate Change (REACH), Directorate of Research, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Vignesh Ks
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Moitraiyee Mukhopadhyay
- Environmental Science and Technology Laboratory, Centre for Research in Environment, Sustainability Advocacy and Climate Change (REACH), Directorate of Research, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - P Malar
- Department of Physics and Nanotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Paromita Chakraborty
- Environmental Science and Technology Laboratory, Centre for Research in Environment, Sustainability Advocacy and Climate Change (REACH), Directorate of Research, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India; UNESCO Chair on Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Poland.
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Beaurepaire M, Gasperi J, Tassin B, Dris R. COVID lockdown significantly impacted microplastic bulk atmospheric deposition rates. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123354. [PMID: 38237852 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123354] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Here, microplastic atmospheric deposition data collected at an urban site during the French national lockdown of spring 2020 is compared to deposition data from the same site in a period of normal activity. Bulk atmospheric deposition was collected on the vegetated roof of a suburban campus from the Greater Paris and analysed for microplastics using a micro-FTIR imaging methodology. Significantly lower deposition rates were measured overall during the lockdown period (median 5.4 MP m-2.d-1) than in a period of normal activity in spring 2021 (median of 29.2 MP m-2.d-1). This difference is however not observed for the smallest microplastic size class. The dominant polymers identified were PP, followed by PE and PS. Precipitation alone could not explain the differences between the two campaigns, and it is suggested that the temporary drop in human activity during lockdown is the primary cause of the reduced deposition rates. This study provides novel insight on the immediate impact of human activities on atmospheric microplastics, thus enhancing the global understanding on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Beaurepaire
- LEESU, Ecole des Ponts, Universite Paris Est Creteil, Champs sur Marne, France.
| | | | - Bruno Tassin
- LEESU, Ecole des Ponts, Universite Paris Est Creteil, Champs sur Marne, France
| | - Rachid Dris
- LEESU, Ecole des Ponts, Universite Paris Est Creteil, Champs sur Marne, France
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Liu K, Zhu L, Wei N, Li D. Underappreciated microplastic galaxy biases the filter-based quantification. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132897. [PMID: 37935065 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Long-term environmental loading of microplastics (MPs) causes alarming exposure risks for a variety of species worldwide, considered a planetary threat to the well-being of ecosystems. Robust quantitative estimates of MP extents and featured diversity are the basis for comprehending their environmental implications precisely, and of these methods, membrane-based characterizations predominate with respect to MP inspections. However, though crucial to filter-based MP quantification, aggregation statuses of retained MPs on these substrates remain poorly understood, leaving us a "blind box" that exaggerates uncertainty in quantitive strategies of preselected areas without knowing overview loading structure. To clarify this uncertainty and estimate their impacts on MP counting, using MP imaging data assembled from peer-reviewed studies through a systematic review, here we analyze the particle-specific profiles of MPs retained on various substrates according to their centre of mass with a fast-random forests algorithm. We visualize the formation of distinct galaxy-like MP aggregation-similar to the solar system and Milky Way System comprised of countless stars-across the pristine and environmental samples by leveraging two spatial parameters developed in this study. This unique pattern greatly challenges the homogeneously or randomly distributed MP presumption adopted extensively for simplified membrane-based quantification purposes and selective ROI (region of interest) estimates for smaller-sized plastics down to the nano-range, as well as the compatibility theory using pristine MPs as the standard to quantify the presence of environmental MPs. Furthermore, our evaluation with exemplified numeration cases confirms these location-specific and area-dependent biases in many imaging analyses of a selective filter area, ascribed to the minimum possibility of reaching an ideal turnover point for the selective quantitive strategies. Consequently, disproportionate MP schemes on loading substrates yield great uncertainty in their quantification processing, highlighting the prompt need to include pattern-resolved calibration prior to quantification. Our findings substantially advance our understanding of the structure, behavior, and formation of these MP aggregating statuses on filtering substrates, addressing a fundamental question puzzling scientists as to why reproducible MP quantification is barely achievable even for subsamples. This study inspires the following studies to reconsider the impacts of aggregating patterns on the effective counting protocols and target-specific removal of retained MP aggregates through membrane separation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Lixin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China; Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nian Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China; Norwegian Institute for Water Research, 94 Økernveien, Oslo 0579, Norway
| | - Daoji Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
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Chen H, Wang T, Ding Y, Yuan F, Zhang H, Wang C, Wang Y, Wang Y, Song Y, Fu G, Zou X. A catchment-wide microplastic pollution investigation of the Yangtze River: The pollution and ecological risk of tributaries are non-negligible. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133544. [PMID: 38244455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The Yangtze River is an important global channel for plastics and microplastics (MPs) to enter the sea. However, the existing research on MPs in the Yangtze River has primarily focused on the mainstream region, without regarding the occurrence, spatial distribution, and ecological risks associated with tributaries, as well as their relationship with the mainstream. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a large-scale catchment-wide investigation of the surface water in the Yangtze River, encompassing MPs (48 µm-5 mm) of the mainstream and 15 important tributaries. Tributaries and upstream regions exhibited relatively higher levels of MPs compared with the mainstream and different sections of the river. The distribution of MPs is primarily influenced by the emission of arable land and the pH of water. Notably, the upstream tributary areas demonstrated the highest ecological risks associated with MPs. Further analysis highlighted that the tributaries accounted for a contribution ranging from 16% to 67% in quantity and from 14% to 90% in mass of the microplastics observed in the mainstream. Our results suggest that the pollution of tributaries and their associated ecological risk migration must be effectively regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Chen
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Teng Wang
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210013, China
| | - Yongcheng Ding
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Feng Yuan
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hexi Zhang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Chenglong Wang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yameng Wang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yuyang Song
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Guanghe Fu
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xinqing Zou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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Lahon J, Handique S. Impact of flooding on microplastic abundance and distribution in freshwater environment: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:118175-118191. [PMID: 37936046 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30819-8] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Due to smaller particle size (0.1 µm-5 mm), non-biodegradable or slowly degradable nature, and high accumulation capacity in the environment, microplastics are becoming a cause of concern throughout the globe. The abundance and distribution of microplastics in aquatic compartments are strongly influenced by various natural and anthropogenic variables. Hydrodynamic conditions like flood events, caused due to extreme precipitation, accelerate the transport and settlement of microplastics in freshwater bodies. This review highlights the current literature which focuses on the effect of flooding on microplastic abundance, characterization, and distribution in freshwater environments worldwide. However, only limited research papers are identified through focused literature search, as this area of research is relatively new. Most of the studies reported increased and decreased abundance of microplastics in water and sediment samples, respectively, during post-flooding period with the exception of few studies. We also evaluate the post-flooding abundances of different morphological shape and polymer type of microplastics. Fragments, fibers, beads, and film were the most frequently reported microplastic shape and polystyrene, and polyethylene was the dominant polymer type found in freshwater environments. Future research should focus on more advanced techniques to understand microplastic fluxes under flood condition and the dominance of various natural and human-induced factors over one another in determining microplastic abundance. This will further enhance to mitigate microplastic pollution in freshwater environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jigyashree Lahon
- Department of Environmental Science, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India
| | - Sumi Handique
- Department of Environmental Science, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India.
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Li Q, Xiao Y, Zhang W, Li S, Liu J, Yu Y, Wen Y, Zhang Y, Lei N, Wang Q. Single and combined toxicity effects of microplastics and perfluorooctanoic acid on submerged macrophytes and biofilms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 897:165370. [PMID: 37423285 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165370] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have contaminated nearly all types of ecosystems, including marine, terrestrial and freshwater habitats, posing a severe threat to the ecological environment. However, their combined toxicity on aquatic organisms (e.g., macrophytes) remains unknown. This study investigated single and combined toxic effects of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and PFOA on Vallisneria natans (V. natans) and associated biofilms. Results showed that MPs and PFOA significantly affected plant growth, while the magnitude of the effect was associated with concentrations of PFOA and the types of MPs, and antagonistic effects were induced at combined MPs and PFOA exposure. In addition, antioxidant responses in plants, such as promoted activities of SOD and POD, as well as increased content of GSH and MDA, were triggered effectively by exposure to MPs and PFOA alone and in combination. Ultrastructural changes revealed the stress response of leaf cells and the damage to organelles. Moreover, single and combined exposure to MPs and PFOA altered the diversity and richness of the microbial community in the leaf biofilms. These results indicated that the coexistence of MPs and PFOA can induce effective defense mechanisms of V. natans and change the associated biofilms at given concentrations in the aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- School of Ecological Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
| | - Yunxing Xiao
- School of Ecological Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
| | - Weizhen Zhang
- School of Ecological Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China.
| | - Shuang Li
- School of Ecological Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
| | - Jing Liu
- School of Ecological Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
| | - Yangjinzhi Yu
- School of Ecological Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
| | - Yueling Wen
- School of Ecological Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
| | - Yumiao Zhang
- School of Ecological Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
| | - Ningfei Lei
- School of Ecological Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
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11
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Gan M, Zhang Y, Shi P, Cui L, Sun H. Microplastic pollution in typical seasonal rivers in northern China: temporal variation and risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:1479-1490. [PMID: 37581367 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00281k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are important channels for the transport of microplastics (MPs) from land to sea. In this work, the temporal variation and risk assessment of MP pollution in the surface water of the Wei River, a typical seasonal river in northern China, were quantified. The number abundance of MPs in the dry season was significantly higher than that in the wet season (p < 0.05). Fiber was the most abundant type of MP in both dry and wet seasons. Infrared spectrometer and Raman spectroscopy identification showed that polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) were the major polymers found in both dry and wet seasons, and the mixture of different MP polymers was more diverse in the dry season. The risk assessment showed that the average pollution load index (PLI) and risk quotient (RQ) were 2.10 and 1.19 in the dry season, which significantly decreased to 1.25 and 0.74, respectively, in the wet season (p < 0.05). In total, the results from this study highlight the characteristics of seasonal rivers that influence the temporal distribution and risk assessment of microplastics, providing scientific reference for policymakers and river managers to effectively deal with MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mufan Gan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China.
| | - Peng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, China
| | - Lingzhou Cui
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Haotian Sun
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China.
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12
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Qian Y, Shang Y, Zheng Y, Jia Y, Wang F. Temporal and spatial variation of microplastics in Baotou section of Yellow River, China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 338:117803. [PMID: 37027953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater rivers play the key role in providing drinking water sources and building the bridge of oceans and lands. Hence, environmental pollutants can be transferred into drinking water through a water treatment process and transported land-based microplastics into the ocean. Microplastics are considered a new pollutant that is becoming a threat to freshwater ecosystems. The present study investigated the temporal and spatial variation of microplastics abundance and their characteristics of occurrence in surface water, sediment and soil samples of Baotou section of Yellow River in China in March 2021 and September 2021. According to the LDIR analysis, the average abundances of microplastics in wet season (surface water 2510.83 ± 2971.27n/L, sediment 6166.67 ± 2914.56n/kg) were higher than that in dry season(surface water 432.5 ± 240.54n/L, sediment 3766.67 ± 1625.63n/kg), particularly being significant difference in the dry and wet seasons of surface water. The predominant polymer types in surface water (PBS and PET during the dry season, PP during the wet season) demonstrated that the temporal variation of microplastics abundance in surface water could be attributed to the combined effect of the regional precipitation, fishing activities and improper disposal of plastic waste. And the results of spatial abundances of microplastics showed that the microplastics abundance of soil and sediment was higher than that in river water and microplastics abundance in the river of the south side was the higher than other water sampling sites, revealing the differences of microplastics burden at the different sampling sites. Moreover, it is worth noting that a large amount of PAM was detected in sediments and soil, but not in water, and the biodegradable plastics PBS and PLA were also detected in the Yellow River. It was a very useful information for evaluating environmental impacts and ecological effects of degradable plastics compared to the traditional plastics after the implementation of a new environmental policy in the future. Thus, this study provided insights into the temporal-spatial characteristics of microplastics in an urban river and raised environmental management awareness of the long-term threat to drinking water safety by microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Qian
- School of Public Health, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, 014040, China
| | - Yunxu Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 10012, China
| | - Yixin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 10012, China
| | - Yuqiao Jia
- School of Public Health, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, 014040, China.
| | - Feifei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 10012, China.
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13
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He Y, Huang Q, Wang Q, Tang M, Lu X, Cheng F, Xiao G. Seasonal pollution and surface characteristics of microplastics in surface water in the Wanzhou section of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:67854-67864. [PMID: 37119489 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27185-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The pollution of freshwater environments with microplastics (MPs) has attracted increasing attention owing to their threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Here, we sampled and analyzed MPs from mainstream, tributary, and backwater areas in the Wanzhou section of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) in impoundment and flood periods. Microplastic pollution was the most severe in the backwater areas. The average abundance of MPs reached the highest value in the flood period (5.27±3.47×107 items km-2), which was 3-5 times that in the impoundment period. In the 0.3-5 mm size class, the 1-5 mm fraction was the most abundant, accounting for more than 81% in the flood period and 68% of the total MP particle abundance in the impoundment period in the mainstream and backwater areas. However, 0.3-1 mm MPs contributed more than 50% in the tributaries during the impoundment period. Polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene MPs were detected in foam, fragment, sheet, and line-shaped MP particles. White, opaque, foamed polystyrene MPs contributed 32-81% to total MP particle abundance in the watershed. Microplastic particle surfaces showed signs of damage and oxidation, and ten different elements were found. Oxygen was clustered on the surface of foam and fragment MPs. Microplastic pollution was severe in the Wanzhou watershed. Especially in the backwater areas, oxidized MPs of variable shapes derived mainly from surface runoff in the flood period and sewage discharge in the impoundment period were abundant. The results of this study contribute to understanding seasonal pollution patterns and surface characteristics of MPs in the TGR and similar watersheds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying He
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Water Environment Evolution and Pollution Control in Three Gorges Reservoir, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Huang
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Characteristic Biological Resources in Northeast Chongqing, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
| | - Qilong Wang
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Characteristic Biological Resources in Northeast Chongqing, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingfeng Tang
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Water Environment Evolution and Pollution Control in Three Gorges Reservoir, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Lu
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Water Environment Evolution and Pollution Control in Three Gorges Reservoir, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
| | - Fei Cheng
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Water Environment Evolution and Pollution Control in Three Gorges Reservoir, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
| | - Guosheng Xiao
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Water Environment Evolution and Pollution Control in Three Gorges Reservoir, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China.
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Characteristic Biological Resources in Northeast Chongqing, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China.
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14
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Zhang W, Wan W, Liu X, Yang Y, Liu M. Stronger Geographic Limitations Shape a Rapid Turnover and Potentially Highly Connected Network of Core Bacteria on Microplastics. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:1179-1189. [PMID: 35355087 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-02000-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Core microbiota is shared microbial taxa within the same habitat, which is important for understanding the stable and consistent components of the complex microbial assembly. However, information on the microplastic core bacteria from the river ecosystems is poor. Here, we investigated the composition and function of microplastic core bacteria from the Three Gorges Reservoir area along the approximate 662 km of the Yangtze River via full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing, compared with those in water, sediment, and soil. The results showed that the spatial turnover of bacterial communities in four habitats supported deterministic processes dominated by niche differentiation, which shaped their core bacteria. The composition and function of microplastic core bacteria were significantly different from those in the other three habitats. Rhodobacteraceae was the main component of microplastic core bacteria, while the main component of core bacteria in water, sediment, and soil were Burkholderiaceae (21.90%), Burkholderiaceae (5.01%), Nitrosomonadaceae (4.61%), respectively. Furthermore, microplastic core bacteria had stronger geographic limitations along the Yangtze River in the Three Gorges Reservoir area. Stronger geographic limitations shaped the rapid community turnover and a potentially more connected network for the microplastic core bacteria than water, sediment, and soil. More importantly, microplastic core bacteria had strong potential functions of drug resistance and could cause risks to ecosystems and human health. Microplastic core bacteria were mainly influenced by sediment core bacteria, although the bacteria colonizing on microplastics could be from all the contact environments and original sources. These findings provide important insights into the composition, function, and association of microplastic core bacteria with their surrounding environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wenjie Wan
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoning Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yuyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
- Center of the Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Wuhan Botanical Garden Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lumo Road No.1, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Minxia Liu
- College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu County, 030801, China
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15
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Hafeez S, Qadir A, Aslam M, Aslam HMU, Rehmat MS, Ahmad SR. Environmental Risks of Microplastics on the Spatial and Temporal Gradient in a River Originating from the Western Himalayas. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:727-739. [PMID: 36636893 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5559] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics in different environmental matrices has raised many concerns about potential effects of microplastics on humans and freshwater ecosystems. In Pakistan, rivers potentially receive microplastics from anthropogenic activities in their catchments. However, research studies regarding microplastics' presence, distribution, and risks are scarce in Pakistan. To bridge the gap, the present study was conducted to evaluate microplastic pollution in the Chenab River. Surface water samples were collected from selected sites on the Chenab River using a manta trawl in the low-flow season during postmonsoon (October) 2019 and 2020 and in the high-flow season during monsoon (July) 2020 and 2021. Samples were digested, followed by density separation and filtration. Identification and polymer characterization of microplastics were completed using stereomicroscopy and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Microplastics were found in all samples with significant spatiotemporal variation in microplastic concentration, with an average of 45.98 ± 10.45 microplastics/m3 in the low-flow season and 34.66 ± 16.15 microplastics/m3 in the high-flow season. Among microplastic shapes, fibers were the most dominant shape, whereas polyethylene terephthalate (38.2%) and polypropylene (19%) were the most abundant polymers. Polymer risk index analysis and pollution load index demonstrated that most of the sites ranked as safe. The potential ecological risks from single polymers and combined polymers showed minor risks posed by microplastics. The present study is the first step to focus on microplastic pollution in the Chenab River; it will help river managers to mitigate the microplastic pollution without compromising the ecological integrity of the river. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:727-739. © 2023 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Hafeez
- College of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Qadir
- College of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mehmood Aslam
- College of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Sajid Rashid Ahmad
- College of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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16
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A Review on Analytical Performance of Micro- and Nanoplastics Analysis Methods. ARAB J CHEM 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2023.104686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
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17
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Montecinos S, Gil M, Tognana S, Salgueiro W, Amalvy J. Distribution of microplastics present in a stream that receives discharge from wastewater treatment plants. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120299. [PMID: 36181936 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) in freshwater systems that receive discharge of urban effluent implies a great environmental impact. In order to be able to generate proposals that solve this problem, it is necessary to know in detail the contributions of different MPs sources. The aim of this work was to study the contribution of urban sewage discharge to MPs pollution in a stream that runs through a medium-sized city. The spatial distribution of MPs with sizes between 100 μm and 1.5 mm present in surface water was measured and their characteristics, dimensions, shapes and identification were determined. Physical-chemical parameters of the stream water were measured, and a decrease in water quality was found due to wastewater treatment plants. The main source of MPs was effluent from the plants (97% of the total MPs), while the rest came from storm drains and discharge of tributaries. The maximum concentration of MPs found was around 72,000 MP/L (equivalent to 53 million MPs/s), at a point after discharge from both plants. Around 70% of MPs correspond to microfibers with a mean length of around 300 μm and a mean width of around 15 μm, and they are mainly polyethylene fibers. The remaining 30% of MPs are particles with lengths of around 140 μm. The transport of MPs between a point located after discharge of the plants and another point located about 3 km further on was studied, and no significant variation was found in the concentration of MPs. Electrical conductivity was used as a conservative tracer of MPs concentration. This work presents for the first time a detailed analysis of different contributions of MPs to a freshwater system in South America, which receives discharge of wastewater treatment plants, evidencing its important role in pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Montecinos
- IFIMAT, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Pinto 399, 7000, Tandil, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas CONICET, Av. Rivadavia, 1917, C1033AAJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CIFICEN (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), Pinto 399, 7000, Tandil, Argentina.
| | - M Gil
- IFIMAT, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Pinto 399, 7000, Tandil, Argentina
| | - S Tognana
- IFIMAT, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Pinto 399, 7000, Tandil, Argentina; CIFICEN (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), Pinto 399, 7000, Tandil, Argentina; Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Bs. As., Calle 526 Entre 10 y 11, 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - W Salgueiro
- IFIMAT, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Pinto 399, 7000, Tandil, Argentina; CIFICEN (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), Pinto 399, 7000, Tandil, Argentina; Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Bs. As., Calle 526 Entre 10 y 11, 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - J Amalvy
- Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Bs. As., Calle 526 Entre 10 y 11, 1900, La Plata, Argentina; CITEMA (UTN-CICPBA) 60 y 124, 1900, La Plata, Argentina
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18
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Rani-Borges B, Meitern R, Teesalu P, Raudna-Kristoffersen M, Kreitsberg R, Heinlaan M, Tuvikene A, Ivask A. Effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of microplastics on amphipods. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 309:136599. [PMID: 36167206 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Lack of microplastics (MP) toxicity studies involving environmentally relevant concentrations and exposure times is concerning. Here we analyzed the potential adverse effects of low density polyethylene (LDPE) MP at environmentally relevant concentration in sub-chronic exposure to two amphipods Gmelinoides fasciatus and Gammarus lacustris, species that naturally compete with each other for their habitats. 14-day exposure to 2 μg/L (8 particles/L corresponding to low exposure) and 2 mg/L (∼8400 particles/L, corresponding to high exposure) of 53-100 μm LDPE MP were used to assess ingestion and egestion of MP, evaluate its effects on amphipod mortality, swimming ability and oxidative stress level. Both amphipod species were effectively ingesting and egesting LDPE MP. On the average, 0.8 and 2.5 MP particles were identified in the intestines of each amphipod exposed to 2 μg/L and 2 mg/L LDPE MP, respectively. Therefore, intestinal MP after 14-day exposure did not fully reflect the differences in LDPE MP exposure concentrations. Increased mortality of both amphipods was observed at 2 mg/L LDPE MP and in case of G. lacustris also at 2 μg/L exposure. The effect of LDPE on swimming activity was observed only in case of G. fasciatus. Oxidative stress marker enzymes SOD, GPx and reduced glutathione GSH varied according to amphipod species and LDPE MP concentration. In general G. lacustris was more sensitive towards LDPE MP induced oxidative stress. Overall, the results suggested that in MP polluted environments, G. lacustris may lose its already naturally low competitiveness and become overcompeted by other more resistant species. The fact that in the sub-chronic foodborne exposure to environmentally relevant and higher LDPE MP concentrations all the observed toxicological endpoints were affected refers to the potential of MP to affect and disrupt aquatic communities in the longer perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Rani-Borges
- Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, UNESP, 3 de Março Avenue 511, Alto da Boa Vista, Sorocaba, São Paulo, 18087-180, Brazil; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Richard Meitern
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, J. Liivi tn 2, 50409, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Paul Teesalu
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 5, 51014, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Merilin Raudna-Kristoffersen
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, J. Liivi tn 2, 50409, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Randel Kreitsberg
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, J. Liivi tn 2, 50409, Tartu, Estonia; Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 5, 51014, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Margit Heinlaan
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Akadeemia tee 23, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia.
| | - Arvo Tuvikene
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 5, 51014, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Angela Ivask
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010, Tartu, Estonia.
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19
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Gao Z, Wontor K, Cizdziel JV. Labeling Microplastics with Fluorescent Dyes for Detection, Recovery, and Degradation Experiments. Molecules 2022; 27:7415. [PMID: 36364240 PMCID: PMC9653731 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Staining microplastics (MPs) for fluorescence detection has been widely applied in MP analyses. However, there is a lack of standardized staining procedures and conditions, with different researchers using different dye concentrations, solvents, incubation times, and staining temperatures. Moreover, with the limited types and morphologies of commercially available MPs, a simple and optimized approach to making fluorescent MPs is needed. In this study, 4 different textile dyes, along with Nile red dye for comparison, are used to stain 17 different polymers under various conditions to optimize the staining procedure. The MPs included both virgin and naturally weathered polymers with different sizes and shapes (e.g., fragments, fibers, foams, pellets, beads). We show that the strongest fluorescence intensity occurred with aqueous staining at 70 °C for 3 h with a dye concentration of 5 mg/mL, 55 mg/mL, and 2 µg/mL for iDye dyes, Rit dyes, and Nile red, respectively. Red fluorescent signals are stronger and thus preferred over green ones. The staining procedure did not significantly alter the surface, mass, and chemical characteristics of the particles, based on FTIR and stereomicroscopy. Stained MPs were spiked into freshwater, saltwater, a sediment slurry, and wastewater-activated sludge; even after several days, the recovered particles are still strongly fluoresced. The approach described herein for producing customized fluorescent MPs and quantifying MPs in laboratory-controlled experiments is both straightforward and simple.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James V. Cizdziel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
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20
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Hossain MJ, AftabUddin S, Akhter F, Nusrat N, Rahaman A, Sikder MNA, Monwar MM, Chowdhury MSN, Jiang S, Shi H, Zhang J. Surface water, sediment, and biota: The first multi-compartment analysis of microplastics in the Karnafully river, Bangladesh. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 180:113820. [PMID: 35689937 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Karnafullly River, which flows through Chattogram and falls into the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, is vulnerable to microplastic contamination. In this study, we looked at microplastics in the Karnafully River's surface water (5 sites), sediment (9 sites), and biota (4 species). Microplastic concentrations ranged from 0.57 ± 0.07 to 6.63 ± 0.52 items/L in surface water, 143.33 ± 3.33 to 1240 ± 5.77 items/kg dry weight in sediment, and 5.93 ± 0.62 to 13.17 ± 0.76 items/species in biota. A significant difference (P < 0.05) was found in the concentration of MPs in the Karnafully River's sediment, biota, and surface water. High percentage of fiber-shaped and small-sized MPs (<1 mm) were detected throughout the samples. Water and sediment MPs were often transparent/white and blue, whereas biota MPs were mostly black and red, indicating a color preference during biological uptake. The Bay of Bengal received 61.3 × 109 microplastic items per day. The feeding zone of biota influenced the level of microplastics, with a trend of pelagic > demersal > benthic > benthopelagic. Polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate were the most abundant polymer. Using the average fish intake rate in Bangladesh, we computed a possible consumption of 4015-7665 items of MPs/person/year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Jaker Hossain
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Sheikh AftabUddin
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh.
| | - Farjana Akhter
- Department of Oceanography, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Nabila Nusrat
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Atikur Rahaman
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md Mostafa Monwar
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh
| | | | - Shan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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21
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Möller JN, Heisel I, Satzger A, Vizsolyi EC, Oster SDJ, Agarwal S, Laforsch C, Löder MGJ. Tackling the Challenge of Extracting Microplastics from Soils: A Protocol to Purify Soil Samples for Spectroscopic Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:844-857. [PMID: 33620097 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5024] [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: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in soils is an emerging topic in the scientific community, with researchers striving to determine the occurrence and the impact of microplastics on soil health, ecology, and functionality. However, information on the microplastic contamination of soils is limited because of a lack of suitable analytical methods. Because micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (µ-FTIR), next to Raman spectroscopy, is one of the few methods that allows the determination of the number, polymer type, shape, and size of microplastic particles, the present study addresses the challenge of purifying soil samples sufficiently to allow a subsequent µ-FTIR analysis. A combination of freeze-drying, sieving, density separation, and a sequential enzymatic-oxidative digestion protocol enables removal of the mineral mass (>99.9% dry wt) and an average reduction of 77% dry weight of the remaining organic fraction. In addition to visual integrity, attenuated total reflectance FTIR, gel permeation chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry showed that polyamide, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride in the size range of 100 to 400 µm were not affected by the approach. However, biodegradable polylactic acid showed visible signs of degradation and reduced molecular weight distribution after protease treatment. Nevertheless, the presented purification protocol is a reliable and robust method to purify relatively large soil samples of approximately 250 g dry weight for spectroscopic analysis in microplastic research and has been shown to recover various microplastic fibers and fragments down to a size of 10 µm from natural soil samples. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:844-857. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia N Möller
- Department of Animal Ecology I and BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Ingrid Heisel
- Department of Animal Ecology I and BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Anna Satzger
- Department of Animal Ecology I and BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Eva C Vizsolyi
- Department of Animal Ecology I and BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - S D Jakob Oster
- Department of Animal Ecology I and BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Seema Agarwal
- Department of Macromolecular Chemistry II, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Christian Laforsch
- Department of Animal Ecology I and BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Martin G J Löder
- Department of Animal Ecology I and BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
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22
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Nabi I, Bacha AUR, Zhang L. A review on microplastics separation techniques from environmental media. JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION 2022; 337:130458. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.130458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
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23
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Yin K, Wang D, Zhao H, Wang Y, Guo M, Liu Y, Li B, Xing M. Microplastics pollution and risk assessment in water bodies of two nature reserves in Jilin Province: Correlation analysis with the degree of human activity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 799:149390. [PMID: 34358746 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
As a new type of environmental pollutant, microplastics (MPs) are widely present in freshwater systems. The ecological risks of MPs pollution in nature reserves and the correlation between human activities and the abundance of MPs are still unclear. This is the first survey of MPs in freshwater systems in Northeast China. The content and composition of MPs in 19 water samples were investigated in Chagan lake and Xianghai. The abundance of MPs samples in Chagan Lake averages 3.61 ± 2.23 particles/L, and in Xianghai averages 0.29 ± 0.11 particles/L. The main types of MPs in Chagan Lake are PA (23.7%) and PS (53.2%); while in Xianghai are PP (56%) and PS (32.7%). Foam, white and <1 mm are the main shapes, colors and sizes of Chagan Lake MPs, while of Xianghai are film, transparent and <1 mm. This may be related to the well-developed tourism and fishing industry (foam and fishing line) in Chagan Lake and aquaculture in Xianghai (foam and plastic film). The hazard index (HI) indicated a Hazard Level III for MPs pollution in Chagan Lake and Xianghai. Pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (RI) indicate that the pollution risk of MPs polymers in the two places is relatively small. The degree of human activity is quantified to analyze the correlation of MPs abundance. The quantified scores are positively correlated with the abundance of MPs at different sampling points (Chagan lake: P < 0.05, 95% Cl; Xianghai: P < 0.05, 95% Cl).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yin
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Dongxu Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Hongjing Zhao
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Yu Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Menghao Guo
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Yachen Liu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Baoying Li
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Mingwei Xing
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China.
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Liu S, Chen H, Wang J, Su L, Wang X, Zhu J, Lan W. The distribution of microplastics in water, sediment, and fish of the Dafeng River, a remote river in China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 228:113009. [PMID: 34808510 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.113009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Although rivers are one of the dominant pathways by which microplastics reach the oceans, reports on remote rivers are rare. Dafeng River is located in Guangxi Province, China, is an important water source and a habitat of a coastal dolphin, Sousa chinensis, which is a first-class national protected animal in China. In this study, we determined the distribution and characteristics of microplastics in the surface water, sediment, and fish of the river. During the dry and rainy seasons, the microplastics content of the surface water ranged from 3 × 10-4-2.5 × 10-3 items/L (7 × 10-4-0.12 items/m2) and 4 × 10-5-9 × 10-4 items/L (2 × 10-3-2.8 × 10-2 items/m2), while those in the sediment samples ranged from 9.4 to 50.3 items/kg (dry weight) and 0.0-21.3 items/kg, respectively. The pollution level during the dry season was approximately two to three times higher than that during the rainy season (P < 0.05). The estimated annual load of microplastics carried by the Dafeng River flow was 8.3 × 108 particles. The microplastics pollution in the Dafeng River was closely related with residential activities. The contents of microplastics in the digestive tracts and gills of fish ranged from 8 × 102 to 5.7 × 103 items/kg (0.3-6.7 items/individual) and 2 × 102 to 1.7 × 103 items/kg (0.1-3.0 items/individual), respectively. The proportion of blue particles in fish was significantly higher than that in the water and sediment, which may indicate that they prefer blue-colored items. The microplastics pollution levels in the water, sediment, and fish of the Dafeng River decreased in the following order: fish > sediment > surface water in terms of items/kg. The level of microplastics pollution in the Dafeng River was relatively low; however, that in aquatic organisms was more severe. Our work highlights the requirement for concern towards microplastics pollution in the organisms of remote rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Liu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, College of Marine Sciences, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, College of Marine Sciences, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Jingzhen Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, College of Marine Sciences, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Lei Su
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xilong Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, College of Marine Sciences, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Jingmin Zhu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, College of Marine Sciences, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China.
| | - Wenlu Lan
- Marine Environmental Monitoring Center of Guangxi, Beihai 536000, China.
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25
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Watkins L, Sullivan PJ, Walter MT. What You Net Depends on if You Grab: A Meta-analysis of Sampling Method's Impact on Measured Aquatic Microplastic Concentration. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:12930-12942. [PMID: 34550691 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is measured with a variety of sampling methods. Field experiments indicate that commonly used sampling methods, including net, pump, and grab samples, do not always result in equivalent measured concentration. We investigate the comparability of these methods through a meta-analysis of 121 surface water microplastic studies. We find systematic relationships between measured concentration and sampled volume, method of collection, mesh size used for filtration, and waterbody sampled. Most significantly, a strong log-linear relationship exists between sample volume and measured concentration, with small-volume grab samples measuring up to 104 particles/L higher concentrations than larger volume net samples, even when sampled concurrently. Potential biasing factors explored included filtration size (±102 particles/L), net volume overestimation (±101 particles/L), fiber loss through net mesh (unknown magnitude), intersample variability (±101 particles/L), and contamination, the potential factor with an effect large enough (±103 particles/L) to explain the observed differences. On the basis of these results, we caution against comparing concentrations across multiple studies or combining multiple study results to identify regional patterns. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of contamination reduction and quantification strategies, namely that blank samples from all stages of field sampling be collected and reported as a matter of course for all studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Watkins
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Patrick J Sullivan
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - M Todd Walter
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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26
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Vaid M, Sarma K, Gupta A. Microplastic pollution in aquatic environments with special emphasis on riverine systems: Current understanding and way forward. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 293:112860. [PMID: 34089959 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging as a severe threat in our environment. Their diverse existence in marine environments is being researched globally and thus a widely known fact; however, their presence in the freshwater counterpart has gained attention lately only. Riverine systems, the most critical freshwater resources serve as an essential link between terrestrial and marine environments and their contamination with MPs is going to create severe environmental issues. Because of their small size and unique morphology, these polymers can exhibit variable toxicity to the interacting biota and alter their habitat properties; thus, causing serious impacts on the environment and health of living beings, including humans. These microplastics can also interact with pollutants like heavy metals and organic pollutants, which further augment their harming potential. Inefficient and poor plastic waste disposal practices play an important role in the generation of microplastic pollutants. In the present COVID 19 pandemics, the excessive use of plastic to contain the spread of infection has further added the plastic load in the environment which will eventually lead to the generation of microplastic particles. Also, a significant amount of microplastic pollutants in riverine systems are delivered through wastewater treatment plant effluents. These trade-offs create a distress situation in the environment. The present study connects these key issues for a better understanding of the diverse existence of microplastic pollutants, their sources, and fate, with a special emphasis on riverine systems. A critical appraisal of the knowledge gaps and proposal of suitable solutions through this review might open up avenues for further research and effective management of the microplastics in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansi Vaid
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector-16C, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078, India
| | - Kiranmay Sarma
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector-16C, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078, India
| | - Anshu Gupta
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector-16C, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078, India.
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27
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Microplastics: A Review of Methodology for Sampling and Characterizing Environmental and Biological Samples. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2326:339-359. [PMID: 34097281 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1514-0_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
In response to apparent damaging effects of plastics, especially microplastics, exposure to life, scientists have begun the arduous task of standardizing methods for the sample collection, separation, detection, and identification of microplastic particles. The ability to detect plastics depends upon the type of sample, procedure, instrument, expertise of the examiner, and the exact research question. The wide variability of sample processing and analyses does not lend itself well for cross-comparison of studies. However, with a multitude of procedures, techniques may be used in combination to successfully identify microplastic particles. Our goal in this chapter is not to provide a complete guide on plastic analyses, but to present an overview of the different sample collection, pretreatment, detection, and identification methodologies used for microplastic samples located in environmental and biological samples and to review advantages and limitations of each strategy.
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28
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Chinfak N, Sompongchaiyakul P, Charoenpong C, Shi H, Yeemin T, Zhang J. Abundance, composition, and fate of microplastics in water, sediment, and shellfish in the Tapi-Phumduang River system and Bandon Bay, Thailand. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 781:146700. [PMID: 33812121 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination in the environment is a global problem, as evidenced by the increasing amount of research worldwide. To our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the microplastic distribution in Bandon Bay, one of the most important maricultural areas of Thailand. Water and sediment samples from the Tapi-Phumduang River system (n = 10) and Bandon Bay (n = 5) were collected. Water sampling at the river mouth was carried out during a complete tidal cycle to estimate the microplastic flux to the bay during the wet season. Moreover, two commercial bivalve species grown in the bay, the green mussel (Perna viridis) and lyrate Asiatic hard clam (Meretrix lyrata), were analyzed. More items of microplastics were found in the river system than in the bay. During the tide cycle, one-third of the microplastics entering the bay were washed back upstream during high tide. This backflow consisted mainly of larger microplastics. The average daily load of microplastics to the bay was 22.4 × 109 items day-1. The load during low tide was approximately 4-5 times higher than that during high tide. The overall accumulation of microplastics in the bottom sediments of the river and in the bay was similar (p < 0.05). Green mussels showed significantly higher contamination with microplastics than clams. Notably, the small-sized shellfish contained more particles (items/g) than the large ones (p < 0.05). Fibers were detected in virtually all samples: water (98%), sediment (94%), mussels (100%), and clams (95%). Among these, microfibers (<1 mm) were detected in water (71%), sediment (63%), green mussels (63%), and clams (52%). Blue and white particles were the two most frequently observed colors, while the most dominant polymers were rayon, followed by polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and nylon. To this end, we posit that river discharge was a significant source of microplastics in Bandon Bay, with minor additional contributions from fishing and mariculture activities within the bay. Ultimately, these microplastics may end up in the sediments and living organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narainrit Chinfak
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Penjai Sompongchaiyakul
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| | - Chawalit Charoenpong
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Thamasak Yeemin
- Marine Biodiversity Research Group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok 10240, Thailand
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
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29
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Kabir AHME, Sekine M, Imai T, Yamamoto K, Kanno A, Higuchi T. Assessing small-scale freshwater microplastics pollution, land-use, source-to-sink conduits, and pollution risks: Perspectives from Japanese rivers polluted with microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 768:144655. [PMID: 33450683 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are vital for understanding freshwater microplastics pollution, along with the conduits from land-sources to marine-sinks. In this study, we investigated microplastics in the small-scale Awano and Ayaragi rivers, which flow into the Sea of Japan (SJ), and the Asa and Majime rivers, which flow into the Seto Inland Sea (SIS) in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Surface water samples were collected from 29 stations. Filtration, wet peroxidation, and density separation methods were employed to extract microplastics. Polymers were identified via attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Microplastics abundances and comparisons among different rivers revealed that these small-scale rivers were highly polluted than others around the world. Characterization demonstrated that small microplastics (<1000 μm) in size, fibers and fragments in shape and the polymers-polyethylene, polypropylene, vinylon, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene were dominant. These small-scale rivers emitted substantially higher quantities of Japan land-sourced microplastics (0.4-154.27 billions/day and 0.01-17.55 tons/day) into the SJ and SIS environments than larger rivers in other countries compared to basin areas. The pollution load index indicated that all the river stations were polluted with microplastics. An assessment of the polymeric and pollution risks revealed variably low to high risks. The higher were the abundances of microplastics and toxic polymers, the higher were the pollution level and risks. The sites at high risk of pollution were regarded as hotspots. Both point and non-point land-uses sources of pollution could release microplastics into the river freshwater environments, affected posing high risks and hotspots. Moreover, the pollution characteristics (shapes-sizes-polymers) indicated serious ecotoxicological threats to these rivers and their downstream environments. This study provided new insights into river microplastics pollution and revealed small-scale rivers to be prominent source-to-sink microplastics conduits. Risk assessments provided a baseline for future comprehensive assessments and developing practical approaches to wards setting water quality criteria, pollution control and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H M Enamul Kabir
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan.
| | - Masahiko Sekine
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Imai
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Koichi Yamamoto
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Ariyo Kanno
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Takaya Higuchi
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
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30
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Liu Y, Li R, Yu J, Ni F, Sheng Y, Scircle A, Cizdziel JV, Zhou Y. Separation and identification of microplastics in marine organisms by TGA-FTIR-GC/MS: A case study of mussels from coastal China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 272:115946. [PMID: 33190986 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the marine environment but characterizing them in marine organisms is challenging. Herein we describe a method to detect, identify, and quantify microplastics in marine mussels (Mytilus edulis) using thermal gravimetric analysis - Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy - gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TGA-FTIR-GC/MS) after extracting and isolating the microplastics using chemical digestion, density separation, and filtration. Combining the three instrumental techniques adds discriminatory power as temperature profiles, chromatograms, and vibrational and mass spectra differ among common plastics. First, we tested several digestion schemes after spiking the mussels with plastics commonly found in the marine environment, including polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). KOH (10%, w/v) was the most suitable reagent, providing good recoveries (>97%) without degrading the microplastics. We show that the technique TGA-FTIR-GC/MS can be optimized to readily determine both the type (polymer) and amount (mass) of microplastics in the sample. Applied to 100 mussels from each of six locations along the coast of China, we found an average of 0.58 mg of plastic per kg of tissue (range 0.16-1.71 mg/kg), with PE being the most abundant type of plastic measured. Among the coastal cities, mussels from Dalian had the highest microplastic content. Overall, we demonstrate that the method is a powerful technique to quantify masses of microplastics in marine mussels, a species commonly used as a bioindicator of pollution, and may be applied to other biota as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Ruojia Li
- College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Jianping Yu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Fengli Ni
- College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Yingfei Sheng
- College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Austin Scircle
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - James V Cizdziel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Ying Zhou
- College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Research Center of Analysis and Measurement, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Environmental Microplastic Pollution Research Center, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
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31
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Modification of a Nile Red Staining Method for Microplastics Analysis: A Nile Red Plate Method. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12113251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recently, environmental pollution from microplastics (MPs) has become a significant reason for increasing the number of studies to develop analysis methods. The Nile red staining method (NR-S), which is staining polymer particles with Nile red (NR) dye, has been widely used for the analysis of MPs in environmental samples. However, this method has several limitations, as it is difficult to stain MPs covered with organic matter residues. In this study, we modified the NR-S method into an NR plate method (NR-P), where the plate is coated with NR instead of staining MPs directly. The optimum concentration of NR solution was obtained (1000 mg/L), and the effectiveness of the NR-P method for the analysis of MPs was assessed using different types (polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene), sizes (100–1000 µm), and shapes (sphere, fiber, film, and flake) of plastic materials. The NR-P method demonstrated improved resolution in the overall types, shapes, and sizes of MPs and was better than the control (without NR plate method) and NR-S method. In particular, the NR-P method can effectively observe MPs covered with organic matter, which was a major limitation of the NR-S method. Finally, MPs in sewage field samples were analyzed by the NR-P method with an accuracy of 78% confirmed by FT-IR. We demonstrated that this method is a convenient and efficient alternative for identifying MPs, even for field samples.
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32
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Rapid Sampling of Suspended and Floating Microplastics in Challenging Riverine and Coastal Water Environments in Japan. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12071903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Environmental sampling plays an important role in quantitative and qualitative investigation of plastic pollution. Rivers are a major source, carrying plastic litter into the oceans. Microplastic sampling in riverine and coastal environments is often a challenging task due to limited access, time taken, costs, human resources, etc. Our present study evaluated the performance of newly developed sampling devices (Albatross Mark 5 and 6 (AM-5 and AM-6)) that were suitable to collect floating and suspended microplastic samples in challenging freshwater and coastal environments (95 locations). Our observations indicated a similar magnitude of microplastic concentrations with AM-5 and AM-6 sampling compared to conventional plankton nets. The sampling duration, originally 10–60 min (by plankton net), was reduced to 3 min (AM-5 and AM-6) for sampling water volumes of approximately 10 m3. The developed AM-6 device was used to collect samples from riverine and coastal environments in Japan. The microplastic particle polymer composition (using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FT-IR)), size, and shape (microscopic images) were investigated. The observations showed a statistically significant particle size reduction from the riverine to coastal areas. The dominant polymer types detected were polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). The observations were complied with the coastal microplastic observations that were reported for previous studies in Japanese water environments.
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33
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Occurrence of Microplastic Pollution at Oyster Reefs and Other Coastal Sites in the Mississippi Sound, USA: Impacts of Freshwater Inflows from Flooding. TOXICS 2020; 8:toxics8020035. [PMID: 32429184 PMCID: PMC7355549 DOI: 10.3390/toxics8020035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Much of the seafood that humans consume comes from estuaries and coastal areas where microplastics (MPs) accumulate, due in part to continual input and degradation of plastic litter from rivers and runoff. As filter feeders, oysters (Crassostrea virginica) are especially vulnerable to MP pollution. In this study, we assessed MP pollution in water at oyster reefs along the Mississippi Gulf Coast when: (1) historic flooding of the Mississippi River caused the Bonnet Carré Spillway to remain open for a record period of time causing major freshwater intrusion to the area and deleterious impacts on the species and (2) the spillway was closed, and normal salinity conditions resumed. Microplastics (~25 µm–5 mm) were isolated using a single-pot method, preparing samples in the same vessel (Mason jars) used for their collection right up until the MPs were transferred onto filters for analyses. The MPs were quantified using Nile Red fluorescence detection and identified using laser direct infrared (LDIR) analysis. Concentrations ranged from ~12 to 381 particles/L and tended to decrease at sites impacted by major freshwater intrusion. With the spillway open, average MP concentrations were positively correlated with salinity (r = 0.87, p = 0.05) for sites with three or more samples examined. However, the dilution effect on MP abundances was temporary, and oyster yields suffered from the extended periods of lower salinity. There were no significant changes in the relative distribution of MPs during freshwater intrusions; most of the MPs (>50%) were in the lower size fraction (~25–90 µm) and consisted mostly of fragments (~84%), followed by fibers (~11%) and beads (~5%). The most prevalent plastic was polyester, followed by acrylates/polyurethanes, polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyacetal. Overall, this work provides much-needed empirical data on the abundances, morphologies, and types of MPs that oysters are exposed to in the Mississippi Sound, although how much of these MPs are ingested and their impacts on the organisms deserves further scrutiny. This paper is believed to be the first major application of LDIR to the analysis of MPs in natural waters.
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