Hazardous Chemicals in Plastics in Marine Environments: International Pellet Watch

Accumulation of persistent organic pollutants and benzotriazole UV stabilizers in the preen gland oil of Tristram's storm-petrel (Hydrobates tristrami)

Storm-petrels are among the seabird species with the highest frequencies of marine plastic ingestion, owing to their surface pick-up foraging behavior. However, there has been little assessment of plastic-related pollutants in these birds. Tristram's storm-petrels (Hydrobates tristrami), in particular, inhabit the North Pacific Central Gyre, one of the most polluted marine regions in the world. This study aims to measure concentrations of plastic-associated pollutants, i.e., benzotriazole UV stabilizers (BUVSs), and assess their contamination status in Tristram's storm-petrels by comparing them with persistent organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethylene (DDE). PCBs, DDE, and BUVSs, one of plastic additives, were analyzed in preen gland oil collected from 13 individuals, including 2 fledglings. The results showed that PCBs and DDE were detected in all individuals at concentrations exceeding 1000 ng/g-lipid, which were higher than those observed in other seabirds in the North Pacific. This is probably owing to their higher trophic level. BUVSs were sporadically detected in four individuals, with concentrations exceeding 100 ng/g-lipid, levels similar to those reported in other seabirds by Yamashita et al. (2021). However, no correlation was found between the concentrations of BUVSs in preen gland oil and those of PCBs or DDE, suggesting that BUVSs were not derived from the birds' natural diet (prey). These findings indicate a high level of contamination in Tristram's storm-petrels and highlight the need for investigating pollutant exposure in storm-petrel species worldwide.

Plastic pellet pollution in the Aeolian Islands UNESCO site (Italy, Western Mediterranean Sea): results of a comprehensive characterization and monitoring study

The archipelago of the Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea is a globally important natural laboratory. The archipelago, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique geology and biodiversity, offers a unique opportunity to study plastic pollution. This study presents an initiative to assess the occurrence of plastic pellets on the beaches of five Aeolian Islands. It provides an insight into the polymer composition and the effects of degradation. Collected pellets were analyzed using stereomicroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) based on the results of the FTIR data has proved to be an effective statistical method in identifying different clusters corresponding to different degradation phases of the collected pellets. The infrared analysis identified polyethylene (80%) as the main polymer, with a small amount of polypropylene (20%). It was found that the surfaces of some pellets undergo changes during weathering that alter the polymer surfaces. By combining data on plastic pellets from the Aeolian Islands and surrounding coastal areas, we are gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the distribution patterns of microplastics. The results of the monitoring and characterization are expected to support the developing of waste management and remediation strategies for this environmentally sensitive region.

A Unique Monitoring Method for Fecal and Sewage-Derived Chemical Pollution Utilizing International Pellet Watch Approach

This study established a unique approach to assess fecal contamination by measuring fecal sterols, especially coprostanol (5β-cholestanol-3β-ol, 5β) and cholestanol (5α-cholestan-3β-ol, 5α) and their ratio 5β/(5β + 5α) alongside triclosan (TCS) and methyl-triclosan (MTC) in beached plastic pellets across 40 countries. Coprostanol concentrations ranged from 3.6 to 8190 ng/g pellet with extremely high levels in densely populated areas in African countries. The 5β/(5β + 5α) ratio was not affected by the difference in residence time of pellets in aquatic environments, and their spatial pattern showed a positive correlation with that of sedimentary sterols, demonstrating its reliability as an indicator of fecal contamination. Pellets from populated areas of economically developing countries, i.e., Africa and Asia, with lower coverage of wastewater treatment exhibited higher 5β/(5β + 5α) ratios (∼0.7) corresponding to ∼1% sewage in seawater, while pellets from developed countries, i.e., the USA, Canada, Japan, and Europe, with higher coverage of modern wastewater treatment displayed lower ratios (∼0.5), corresponding to the first contact limit. Triclosan levels were higher in developing countries (0.4-1298 ng/g pellet), whereas developed countries showed higher methyl-triclosan levels (0.5-70 ng/g pellet) due to TCS conversion during secondary treatment. However, some samples from Japan and Europe displayed higher TCS levels, suggesting contributions from combined sewage overflow (CSO). Combination of 5β/(5β + 5α) and MTC/TCS ratios revealed extreme fecal contamination from direct input of raw sewage due to inadequate treatment facilities in some African and South and Southeast Asian countries.

Floating plastics as integrative samplers of organic contaminants of legacy and emerging concern from Western Mediterranean coastal areas

This study investigates the role of floating plastics as integrative samplers of organic contaminants. To this end, plastics items were collected in two Western Mediterranean coastal areas: the Mar Menor lagoon, and the last transect of Ebro river. Floating plastics were identified and characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry. Then, organic contaminants were extracted from plastic items by ultrasonic extraction with methanol, and the concentrations of 168 regulated and emerging contaminants were analysed. These compounds were analysed by stir bar sorptive extraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), except for bisphenol analogues, which were analysed with a ultraperformance liquid chromatography pump coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UHPLC-MS/MS), and pharmaceutical compounds, determined by UPLC coupled to hybrid triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). All the contaminants groups considered were detected in the samples, being particularly relevant the contribution of plastic additives. The most frequently detected contaminants were UV-filters, PAHs, pharmaceuticals and synthetic musks. Apart from plasticizers, the individual contaminants octocrylene, homosalate, galaxolide, salycilic acid and ketoprofen were frequently detected in plastics items. The results pointed out to urban and touristic activities as the main sources of pollution in the coastal areas investigated. The utility of floating plastics as integrative samplers for the detection of organic contaminants in aquatic ecosystems has been demonstrated.

Interaction of Microbes with Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Agroecosystems-Impact on Antimicrobial Resistance

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are hotspots for the exchange of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) between different bacterial taxa in the environment. Propagation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health issue that needs special attention concerning horizontal gene transfer (HGT) under micro-nano plastics (MNPs) pressure. Interactions between MNPs and microbes, or mere persistence of MNPs in the environment (either water or soil), influence microbial gene expressions, affecting autochthonous microbiomes, their resistomes, and the overall ecosystem. The adsorption of a range of co-contaminants on MNPs leads to the increased interaction of pollutants with microbes resulting in changes in AMR, virulence, toxin production, etc. However, accurately estimating the extent of MNP infestation in agroecosystems remains challenging. The main limitation in estimating the level of MNPs contamination in agroecosystems, surface and subsurface waters, or sediments is the lack of standardized protocols for extraction of MPs and analytical detection methods from complex high organic content matrices. Nonetheless, recent advances in MPs detection from complex matrices with high organic matter content are highly promising. This review aims to provide an overview of relevant information available to date and summarize the already existing knowledge about the mechanisms of MNP-microbe interactions including the different factors with influence on HGT and AMR. In-depth knowledge of the enhanced ARGs propagation in the environment under the influence of MNPs could raise the needed awareness, about future consequences and emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Plastic pellets make Excirolana armata more aggressive: Intraspecific interactions and mortality in field and laboratory ecotoxicological assays

Microplastics, including plastic pellets, get stranded on sandy beaches. They persist in the oceans for long periods and frequently carry contaminants. Acute and chronic toxicity has been observed when marine organisms are exposed to high densities of plastic pellets in laboratory assays. We investigated the toxicity of beach-stranded plastic pellets on macrobenthic populations (Excirolana armata; Crustacea; Isopoda) under natural conditions (in situ). We simulated different pellets densities on a beach not contaminated by pellets, exposing isopods for 6 h and testing possible behavioral responses (i.e., vertical displacement) and mortality effects. No effect was observed on vertical displacement, but higher mortality was reported for organisms exposed to plastic pellets. The lowest pellet density tested commonly found in coastal areas was sufficient to trigger mortality. We also observed that lethargic individuals (near-death) were preyed on by the healthy individuals remaining in the test chambers.

Microplastic properties and their interaction with hydrophobic organic contaminants: a review

Microplastics (MPs) have been defined as particles of size < 5 mm and are characterized by hydrophobicity and large surface areas. MPs interact with co-occurring hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) via sorption-desorption processes in aquatic and terrestrial environments. Ingestion of MPs by living organisms may increase exposure to HOC levels. The key mechanisms for the sorption of HOCs onto MPs are hydrophobic interaction, electrostatic interaction, π-π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and Van der Waals forces (vdW). Polymer type, UV-light-induced surface modifications, and the formation of oxygen-containing functional groups have a greater influence on electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions. In contrast, the formation of oxygen-containing functional groups negatively influences hydrophobic interaction. MP characteristics such as crystallinity, weathering, and surface morphology affect sorption capacity. Matrix properties such as pH, ionic strength, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) also influence sorption capacity by exerting synergistic/antagonistic effects. We reviewed the mechanisms of HOC sorption onto MPs and the polymer and matrix properties that influence the HOC sorption. Knowledge gaps and future research directions are outlined.

Sorption of chemical contaminants on degradable and non-degradable microplastics: Recent progress and research trends

Microplastics (<5 mm) are ubiquitous contaminants of growing concern. These have been found in multiple environmental compartments, including remote sites where anthropogenic activity is null. Once released, microplastics interact with multiple chemicals in the environment, many of which are classified as organic contaminants or heavy metals. Some contaminants have an affinity for microplastics, attributed to certain sorption mechanisms, and thus become vectors of hazardous chemicals. Here, we focused on the sorption behavior of degradable and non-degradable microplastics, including field and laboratory experiments. We reviewed the sorption mechanisms, namely hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic interactions, pore-filling, Van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and π-π interactions, and the factors strengthening or weakening these mechanisms. Then, we analyzed the literature investigating the sorption behavior of a wide range of chemicals contaminants on microplastics, and the current knowledge regarding the occurrence of organic contaminants and heavy metals on microplastics extracted from the environment. The future perspectives and research priorities were discussed. It is apparent that degradable microplastics, such as polylactic acid or polybutylene succinate, have a greater affinity for hydrophobic contaminants than conventional synthetic non-degradable microplastics according to recent studies. However, studies assessing degradable microplastics are scarce and much research is required to further prove this point. We stated several knowledge gaps in this new line of research and suggest the future studies to follow an integrative approach, allowing to comprehend the multiple factors involved, such as ecotoxicity, bioaccumulation, and fate of the chemical contaminants.