1
|
Belli IM, Cavali M, Garbossa LHP, Franco D, Bayard R, de Castilhos Junior AB. A review of plastic debris in the South American Atlantic Ocean coast - Distribution, characteristics, policies and legal aspects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 938:173197. [PMID: 38772490 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The presence of plastics in the oceans has already become a pervasive phenomenon. Marine pollution by plastics surpasses the status of an emerging threat to become a well-established environmental problem, boosting research on this topic. However, despite many studies on the main seas and oceans, it is necessary to compile information on the South American Atlantic Ocean Coast to identify the lack of research and expand knowledge on marine plastic pollution in this region. Accordingly, this paper conducted an in-depth review of monitoring methods, sampling, and identification of macroplastics and microplastics (MPs) in water, sediments, and biota, including information on legal requirements from different countries as well as non-governmental initiatives. Brazil was the country with the highest number of published papers, followed by Argentina. MPs accounted for 75 % of the papers selected, with blue microfibers being the most common morphology, whereas PE and PP were the most abundant polymers. Also, a lack of standardization in the methodologies used was identified; however, the sites with the highest concentrations of MPs were the Bahía Blanca Estuary (Argentina), Guanabara Bay (Brazil), and Todos os Santos Bay (Brazil), regardless of the method applied. Regarding legislation, Uruguay and Argentina have the most advanced policies in the region against marine plastic pollution due to their emphasis on the life cycle and the national ban on certain single-use plastics. Therefore, considering its content, this expert review can be useful to assist researchers dealing with plastic pollution along the South American Atlantic Ocean Coast.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Marcon Belli
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Matheus Cavali
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - Davide Franco
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Rémy Bayard
- INSA Lyon, DEEP, UR7429, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Armando Borges de Castilhos Junior
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang S, Hadji-Thomas A, Adekunle A, Raghavan V. The exploitation of bio-electrochemical system and microplastics removal: Possibilities and perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 930:172737. [PMID: 38663611 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has caused severe concern due to its harmful effect on human beings and ecosystems. Existing MP removal methods face many obstacles, such as high cost, high energy consumption, low efficiency, release of toxic chemicals, etc. Thus, it is crucial to find appropriate and sustainable methods to replace common MP removal approaches. Bio-electrochemical system (BES) is a sustainable clean energy technology that has been successfully applied to wastewater treatment, seawater desalination, metal removal, energy production, biosensors, etc. However, research reports on BES technology to eliminate MP pollution are limited. This paper reviews the mechanism, hazards, and common treatment methods of MP removal and discusses the application of BES systems to improve MP removal efficiency and sustainability. Firstly, the characteristics and limitations of common MP removal techniques are systematically summarized. Then, the potential application of BES technology in MP removal is explored. Furthermore, the feasibility and stability of the potential BES MP removal application are critically evalauted while recommendations for further research are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuyao Wang
- Bioresource Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - Andre Hadji-Thomas
- Bioresource Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - Ademola Adekunle
- National Research Council of Canada, 6100 Avenue Royalmount, Montréal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada.
| | - Vijaya Raghavan
- Bioresource Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tang Y, Yao J, Dong Z, Hu Z, Wu T, Zhang Y. A highly accurate and semi-automated method for quantifying spherical microplastics based on digital slide scanners and image processing. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118494. [PMID: 38365061 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), the emerging pollutants appeared in water environment, have grabbed significant attention from researchers. The quantitative method of spherical MPs is the premise and key for the study of MPs in laboratory researches. However, the manual counting is time-consuming, and the existing semi-automated analysis lacked of robustness. In this study, a highly accurate quantification method for spherical MPs, called VS120-MC was proposed. VS120-MC consisted of the digital slide scanner VS120 and the MPs image processing software, MPs-Counter. The full-area scanning photography was employed to fundamentally avoid the error caused by random or partition sampling modes. To accomplish high-performance batch recognition, the Weak-Circle Elimination Algorithm (WEA) and the Variable Coefficient Threshold (VCT) was developed. Finally, lower than 0.6% recognition error rate of simulated images with different aggregated indices was achieved by MPs-Counter with fast processing speed (about 2 s/image). The smallest size for VS120-MC to detect was 1 μm. And the applicability of VS120-MC in real water body was investigated. The measured value of 1 μm spherical MPs in ultra-pure water and two kinds of polluted water after digestion showed a good linear relationship with the Manual measurements (R2 = 0.982,0.987 and 0.978, respectively). For 10 μm spherical MPs, R2 reached 0.988 for ultra-pure water and 0.984 for both of the polluted water. MPs-Counter also showed robustness when using the same set of parameters processing the images with different conditions. Overall, VS120-MC eliminated the error caused by traditional photography and realized an accurate, efficient, stable image processing tool, providing a reliable alternative for the quantification of spherical MPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tang
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Jie Yao
- Power China Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited, Hangzhou, 311122, China.
| | - Zekun Dong
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Zhihui Hu
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Tongqing Wu
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marcharla E, Vinayagam S, Gnanasekaran L, Soto-Moscoso M, Chen WH, Thanigaivel S, Ganesan S. Microplastics in marine ecosystems: A comprehensive review of biological and ecological implications and its mitigation approach using nanotechnology for the sustainable environment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 256:119181. [PMID: 38768884 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination has rapidly become a serious environmental issue, threatening marine ecosystems and human health. This review aims to not only understand the distribution, impacts, and transfer mechanisms of microplastic contamination but also to explore potential solutions for mitigating its widespread impact. This review encompasses the categorisation, origins, and worldwide prevalence of microplastics and methodically navigates the complicated structure of microplastics. Understanding the sources of minute plastic particles infiltrating water bodies worldwide is critical for successful removal. The presence and accumulation of microplastics has far reaching negative impacts on various marine creatures, eventually extending its implications to human health. Microplastics are known to affect the metabolic activities and the survival of microbial communities, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fauna present in marine environments. Moreover, these microplastics cause developmental abnormalities, endocrine disruption, and several metabolic disorders in humans. These microplastics accumulates in aquatic environments through trophic transfer mechanisms and biomagnification, thereby disrupting the delicate balance of these ecosystems. The review also addresses the tactics for minimising the widespread impact of microplastics by suggesting practical alternatives. These include increasing public awareness, fostering international cooperation, developing novel cleanup solutions, and encouraging the use of environment-friendly materials. In conclusion, this review examines the sources and prevalence of microplastic contamination in marine environment, its impacts on living organisms and ecosystems. It also proposes various sustainable strategies to mitigate the problem of microplastics pollution. Also, the current challenges associated with the mitigation of these pollutants have been discussed and addressing these challenges require immediate and collective action for restoring the balance in marine ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eswar Marcharla
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science & Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Saranya Vinayagam
- Department of Biosciences, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 602 105, India
| | - Lalitha Gnanasekaran
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, 1000000, Chile.
| | | | - Wei-Hsin Chen
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; Research Center for Smart Sustainable Circular Economy, Tunghai University, Taichung 407, Taiwan; Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung 411, Taiwan
| | - Sundaram Thanigaivel
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science & Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu 603203, India.
| | - Swamynathan Ganesan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science & Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu 603203, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gupta P, Saha M, Naik A, Kumar MM, Rathore C, Vashishth S, Maitra SP, Bhardwaj KD, Thukral H. A comprehensive assessment of macro and microplastics from Rivers Ganga and Yamuna: Unveiling the seasonal, spatial and risk factors. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133926. [PMID: 38484661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
There have been growing apprehensions and concerns regarding the increasing presence of plastic pollutants in the holiest river of India, the Ganga, and its major tributary, Yamuna. In response to this issue, the current study aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the seasonal and spatial distribution of macro to microplastics (MPs) in the surface water, water column, and sediments from the River Ganga and Yamuna. MP samples were collected from various points of these Rivers, including upstream, downstream, and drainage points around the vicinity of Haridwar, Agra, Prayagraj, and Patna cities. With a significant seasonal variation, the estimated MPs and plastic flux were higher during the wet season than during the dry season. MPs sized 300 µm-1 mm and fibre-shaped blue and black colored MPs were pre-dominant in both rivers. Polyacrylamide, polyamide, and polyvinyl chloride were the most ascertained polymers. MPs including hazardous polymers (hazard score >1000) may pose a risk to the population of Indo-Gangetic Plain via direct and indirect exposure to MPs. The information provided in this study could serve as a starting point for the action plan required by municipal corporations to mitigate plastic pollution and target the possible sources at each location.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyansha Gupta
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Mahua Saha
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Akshata Naik
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India
| | - M Manish Kumar
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India
| | - Chayanika Rathore
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Shrish Vashishth
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India
| | | | - K D Bhardwaj
- National Productivity council, New Delhi 110003, India
| | - Harsh Thukral
- National Productivity council, New Delhi 110003, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chandra S, Walsh KB. Microplastics in water: Occurrence, fate and removal. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 264:104360. [PMID: 38729026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
A global study on tap water samples has found that up to 83% of these contained microplastic fibres. These findings raise concerns about their potential health risks. Ingested microplastic particles have already been associated with harmful effects in animals, which raise concerns about similar outcomes in humans. Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, commonly found disposed in landfills and waste sites. Within indoor environments, the common sources are synthetic textiles, plastic bottles, and packaging. From the various point sources, they are globally distributed through air and water and can enter humans through various pathways. The finding of microplastics in fresh snow in the Antarctic highlights just how widely they are dispersed. The behaviour and health risks from microplastic particles are strongly influenced by their physicochemical properties, which is why their surfaces are important. Surface interactions are also important in pollutant transport via adsorption onto the microplastic particles. Our review covers the latest findings in microplastics research including the latest statistics in their abundance, their occurrence and fate in the environment, the methods of reducing microplastics exposure and their removal. We conclude by proposing future research directions into more effective remediation methods including new technologies and sustainable green remediation methods that need to be explored to achieve success in microplastics removal from waters at large scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaneel Chandra
- College of Science and Sustainability, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton North, QLD 4702, Australia; Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre, Central Queensland University, Gladstone Marina Campus, Bryan Jordan Drive, Gladstone, QLD 4680, Australia.
| | - Kerry B Walsh
- College of Science and Sustainability, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton North, QLD 4702, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang T, Yi Z, Liu X, Cai Y, Huang X, Fang J, Shen R, Lu W, Xiao Y, Zhuang W, Guo S. Multimodal detection and analysis of microplastics in human thrombi from multiple anatomically distinct sites. EBioMedicine 2024; 103:105118. [PMID: 38614011 PMCID: PMC11021838 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a significant environmental concern worldwide. While extensive research has focused on their presence in marine organisms and ecosystems, their potential impact on human health, particularly on the circulatory system, remains understudied. This project aimed to identify and quantify the mass concentrations, polymer types, and physical properties of MPs in human thrombi surgically retrieved from both arterial and venous systems at three anatomically distinct sites, namely, cerebral arteries in the brain, coronary arteries in the heart, and deep veins in the lower extremities. Furthermore, this study aimed to investigate the potential association between the levels of MPs and disease severity. METHODS Thrombus samples were collected from 30 patients who underwent thrombectomy procedures due to ischaemic stroke (IS), myocardial infarction (MI), or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Pyrolysis-gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) was employed to identify and quantify the mass concentrations of the MPs. Laser direct infrared (LDIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyse the physical properties of the MPs. Demographic and clinical information were also examined. A rigorous quality control system was used to eliminate potential environmental contamination. FINDINGS MPs were detected by Py-GC/MS in 80% (24/30) of the thrombi obtained from patients with IS, MI, or DVT, with median concentrations of 61.75 μg/g, 141.80 μg/g, and 69.62 μg/g, respectively. Among the 10 target types of MP polymers, polyamide 66 (PA66), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene (PE) were identified. Further analyses suggested that higher concentrations of MPs may be associated with greater disease severity (adjusted β = 7.72, 95% CI: 2.01-13.43, p < 0.05). The level of D-dimer in the MP-detected group was significantly higher than that in the MP-undetected group (8.3 ± 1.5 μg/L vs 6.6 ± 0.5 μg/L, p < 0.001). Additionally, LDIR analysis showed that PE was dominant among the 15 types of identified MPs, accounting for 53.6% of all MPs, with a mean diameter of 35.6 μm. The shapes of the polymers detected using LDIR and SEM were found to be heterogeneous. INTERPRETATION This study presents both qualitative and quantitative evidence of the presence of MPs, and their mass concentrations, polymer types, and physical properties in thrombotic diseases through the use of multimodal detection methods. Higher concentrations of MPs may be associated with increased disease severity. Future research with a larger sample size is urgently needed to identify the sources of exposure and validate the observed trends in the study. FUNDING This study was funded by the SUMC Scientific Research Initiation Grant (SRIG, No. 009-510858038), Postdoctoral Research Initiation Grant (No. 202205230031-3), and the 2020 Li Ka Shing Foundation Cross-Disciplinary Research Grant (No. 2020LKSFG02C).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Zhiheng Yi
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yuxin Cai
- Intervention Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xianxi Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jingnian Fang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Ronghuai Shen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Weikun Lu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yingxiu Xiao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Weiduan Zhuang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
| | - Shaowei Guo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xu J, Wang Z. Intelligent classification and pollution characteristics analysis of microplastics in urban surface waters using YNet. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133694. [PMID: 38330648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs, ≤ 5 mm in size) are hazardous contaminants that pose threats to ecosystems and human health. YNet was developed to analyze MPs abundance and shape to gain insights into MPs pollution characteristics in urban surface waters. The study found that YNet achieved an accurate identification and intelligent classification performance, with a dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 90.78%, precision of 94.17%, and recall of 89.14%. Analysis of initial MPs levels in wetlands and reservoirs revealed 127.3 items/L and 56.0 items/L. Additionally, the MPs in effluents were 27.0 items/L and 26.3 items/L, indicating the ability of wetlands and reservoirs to retain MPs. The concentration of MPs in the lower reaches of the river was higher (45.6 items/L) compared to the upper reaches (22.0 items/L). The majority of MPs detected in this study were fragments, accounting for 51.63%, 54.94%, and 74.74% in the river, wetland, and reservoir. Conversely, granules accounted for the smallest proportion of MPs in the river, wetland, and reservoir, representing only 11.43%, 10.38%, and 6.5%. The study proves that the trained YNet accurately identify and intelligently classify MPs. This tool is essential in comprehending the distribution of MPs in urban surface waters and researching their sources and fate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiongji Xu
- School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building and Urban Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China.
| | - Zhaoli Wang
- School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building and Urban Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China; Pazhou Lab, Guangzhou 510335, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Balestra V, Galbiati M, Lapadula S, Zampieri V, Cassarino F, Gajdošová M, Barzaghi B, Manenti R, Ficetola GF, Bellopede R. Microplastic pollution calls for urgent investigations in stygobiont habitats: A case study from Classical karst. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 356:120672. [PMID: 38508002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in karst systems is still poorly studied, despite the presence of protected species and habitats, and important water reserves. Vulnerable key species hosted in these habitats could consume or assimilate microplastics, which can irreversibly damage management efforts, and thus ecosystems functionality. This can be particularly true for subterranean water habitats where microplastic pollution effects on wildlife management programs are not considered. The aim of this study is to provide a case study from the Classical Karst Region, which hosts peculiar habitats and key species protected at European level, such as the olm Proteus anguinus. As this area has been deeply exploited and modified over time, and is adjacent to highways, roads and railways, which could contribute to pollution within the karst system, threatening the ecosystems, it provides a perfect model system. In this study we collected and investigated water and sediment samples from aquatic environments of surface and subterranean habitats hosting several subterranean environment-adapted organisms. Examined particles were counted and characterized by size, color and shape via visual identification under a microscope, with and without UV light. Furthermore, spectroscopic analyses were carried out in order to identify microplastics typology. Microplastics were found in all examined habitats. In water, microplastics concentration ranged from 37 to 86 items/L, in sediments from 776 to 2064 items/kg. Fibre-shape was the main present, followed by fragments and beads, suggesting multiple sources of pollution, especially textile products. Most of the particles were fluorescent under UV light and were mainly transparent, while not-fluorescent ones were especially black, blue or brown. Samples contained especially polyesters and copolymers. These results highlight intense MP pollution in karst areas, with significant impacts on water quality, and potential effects on subterranean environment-dwelling species. We stress the importance of monitoring pollution in these critical environments for biodiversity and habitat conservation: monitoring in karst areas must become a priority for habitat and species protection, and water resources management, improving analyses on a larger number of aquatic surface and subterranean habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Balestra
- Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Italy; Biologia Sotterranea Piemonte - Gruppo di Ricerca, Italy.
| | - Matteo Galbiati
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Lapadula
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Veronica Zampieri
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | | | - Magdalena Gajdošová
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Benedetta Barzaghi
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Raoul Manenti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | | | - Rossana Bellopede
- Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bohdan K, Honeychurch KC. Under-researched and under-reported new findings in microplastic field. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170466. [PMID: 38286279 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
After over 20 years of research on microplastic (MP) pollution, there are important areas of study which are still at the inception. In particular, between 2020 and 2023 new findings on MP have emerged, which open new sub-categories of MP research. These research areas include sea surface MP ejection, direct and indirect MP influence on climate and hydrological cycle, small and nano-sized MP analysis and the relationship between MP size and abundance. Not reported or barely mentioned in previous reviews, these globally-relevant findings are here highlighted and discussed with aim to promote their further research that will potentially result in new evidence of detrimental effects of MP pollution on the biosphere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Bohdan
- School of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK.
| | - Kevin C Honeychurch
- School of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Luo S, Wu H, Xu J, Wang X, He X, Li T. Effects of lakeshore landcover types and environmental factors on microplastic distribution in lakes on the Inner Mongolia Plateau, China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133115. [PMID: 38096614 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in freshwater environments has received increasing attention. However, limited research on the occurrence and distribution of microplastics in plateau lakes. This study investigated the microplastic characteristics and influencing factors in lakes with different land cover types on the Inner Mongolia Plateau. Results showed that microplastic abundance ranged from 0.5 to 12.6 items/L in water and 50-325 items/kg in sediments. Microplastics in water were predominantly polypropylene (50.5%), fragments (40.5%), and 50-200 µm (66.7%). High-density (27.9%), fibrous (69.3%), and large-sized microplastics (47.7%) were retained primarily in lake sediments. The highest microplastic abundance in water was found in cropland lakes and grassland lakes, while that in sediments was in descending order of desert lakes > cropland lakes > grassland lakes > forest-grassland lakes. Differences among lake types suggest that agriculture, tourism, and atmospheric transport may be critical microplastic sources. Microplastic distribution was positively correlated with farmland and artificial surface coverage, showing that land cover types related to human activities could exacerbate microplastic pollution in lakes. Redundancy analysis showed that ammonia nitrogen and pH were the key physicochemical factors affecting microplastic distribution in lakes, indicating the potential sources of microplastics in lakes and the uniqueness of microplastic occurrence characteristics in desert saline-alkaline lakes, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Luo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Waste Resource Recycle, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Haonan Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Waste Resource Recycle, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Jifei Xu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Waste Resource Recycle, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China.
| | - Xiujun Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Waste Resource Recycle, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Xude He
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Waste Resource Recycle, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Tong Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Waste Resource Recycle, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wachholz Junior D, Hryniewicz BM, Tatsuo Kubota L. Advanced Hybrid materials in electrochemical sensors: Combining MOFs and conducting polymers for environmental monitoring. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141479. [PMID: 38367874 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The integration of conducting polymers (CPs) with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has arisen as a dynamic and innovative approach to overcome some intrinsic limitations of both materials, representing a transformative method to address the pressing need for high-performance environmental monitoring tools. MOFs, with their intricate structures and versatile functional groups, provide tuneable porosity and an extensive surface area, facilitating the selective adsorption of target analytes. Conversely, CPs, characterized by their exceptional electrical conductivity and redox properties, serve as proficient signal transducers. By combining these two materials, a novel class of hybrid materials emerges, capitalizing on the unique attributes of both components. These MOF/CP hybrids exhibit heightened sensitivity, selectivity, and adaptability, making them primordial in detecting and quantifying environmental contaminants. This review examines the synergy between MOFs and CPs, highlighting recent advancements, challenges, and prospects, thus offering a promising solution for developing advanced functional materials with tailored properties and multifunctionality to be applied in electrochemical sensors for environmental monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dagwin Wachholz Junior
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, 13083-970, Campinas, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology in Bioanalytic, Campinas, Brazil.
| | - Bruna M Hryniewicz
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, 13083-970, Campinas, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology in Bioanalytic, Campinas, Brazil.
| | - Lauro Tatsuo Kubota
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, 13083-970, Campinas, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology in Bioanalytic, Campinas, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Massardo S, Verzola D, Alberti S, Caboni C, Santostefano M, Eugenio Verrina E, Angeletti A, Lugani F, Ghiggeri GM, Bruschi M, Candiano G, Rumeo N, Gentile M, Cravedi P, La Maestra S, Zaza G, Stallone G, Esposito P, Viazzi F, Mancianti N, La Porta E, Artini C. MicroRaman spectroscopy detects the presence of microplastics in human urine and kidney tissue. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 184:108444. [PMID: 38281449 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108444] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
There is a growing concern within the medical community about the potential burden of microplastics on human organs and tissues. In this study, we investigated by microRaman spectroscopy the presence of microplastics in human kidneys and urine. Moreover, an open-access software was developed and validated for the project, which enabled the comparison between the investigated spectra and a self-created spectral database, thus enhancing the ability to characterize polymers and pigments in biological matrices. Healthy portions of ten kidneys obtained from nephrectomies, as well as ten urine samples from healthy donors were analyzed: 26 particles in both kidney and urine samples were identified, with sizes ranging from 3 to 13 μm in urine and from 1 to 29 μm in kidneys. The most frequently determined polymers are polyethylene and polystyrene, while the most common pigments are hematite and Cu-phthalocyanine. This preclinical study proves the presence of microplastics in renal tissues and confirms their presence in urine, providing the first evidence of kidney microplastics deposition in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Massardo
- DCCI, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Verzola
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Alberti
- DCCI, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Caboni
- DCCI, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Eugenio Verrina
- UOC Nephrology IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy; UOSD Dialysis IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Angeletti
- UOC Nephrology IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy; Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Lugani
- UOC Nephrology IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy; Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Ghiggeri
- UOC Nephrology IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy; Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bruschi
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Candiano
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Noemi Rumeo
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Micaela Gentile
- Division of Nephrology, Translational Transplant Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; UO Nefrologia, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paolo Cravedi
- Division of Nephrology, Translational Transplant Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Gianluigi Zaza
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University/Hospital of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Stallone
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University/Hospital of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Pasquale Esposito
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Viazzi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Mancianti
- Department of Emergency-Urgency and Transplantation, Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Edoardo La Porta
- UOC Nephrology IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy; UOSD Dialysis IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Cristina Artini
- DCCI, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Genoa, Italy; Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry and Technologies for Energy, National Research Council, CNR-ICMATE, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kamel AH, Hefnawy A, Hazeem LJ, Rashdan SA, Abd-Rabboh HSM. Current perspectives, challenges, and future directions in the electrochemical detection of microplastics. RSC Adv 2024; 14:2134-2158. [PMID: 38205235 PMCID: PMC10777194 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra06755f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (5 μm) are a developing threat that contaminate every environmental compartment. The detection of these contaminants is undoubtedly an important topic of study because of their high potential to cause harm to ecosystems. For many years, scientists have been assiduously striving to surmount the obstacle of detection restrictions and minimize the likelihood of receiving results that are either false positives or false negatives. This study covers the current state of electrochemical sensing technology as well as its application as a low-cost analytical platform for the detection and characterization of novel contaminants. Examples of detection mechanisms, electrode modification procedures, device configuration, and performance are given to show how successful these approaches are for monitoring microplastics in the environment. Additionally included are the recent developments in nanoimpact techniques. Compared to electrochemical methods for microplastic remediation, the use of electrochemical sensors for microplastic detection has received very little attention. With an overview of microplastic electrochemical sensors, this review emphasizes the promise of existing electrochemical remediation platforms toward sensor design and development. In order to enhance the monitoring of these substances, a critical assessment of the requirements for future research, challenges associated with detection, and opportunities is provided. In addition to-or instead of-the now-in-use laboratory-based analytical equipment, these technologies can be utilized to support extensive research and manage issues pertaining to microplastics in the environment and other matrices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayman H Kamel
- Department, College of Science, University of Bahrain Zallaq 32038 Kingdom of Bahrain
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University Cairo 11566 Egypt
| | - A Hefnawy
- Department, College of Science, University of Bahrain Zallaq 32038 Kingdom of Bahrain
- Department of Materials Science, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University El-Shatby Alexandria 21526 Egypt
| | - Layla J Hazeem
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain Zallaq 32038 Bahrain
| | - Suad A Rashdan
- Department, College of Science, University of Bahrain Zallaq 32038 Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Hisham S M Abd-Rabboh
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University Abha 62529 Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Qiu Y, Zhou S, Zhang C, Chen L, Qin W, Zhang Q. Vertical distribution and weathering characteristic of microplastics in soil profile of different land use types. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:166902. [PMID: 37709069 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
After deposition on the topsoil, microplastics (MPs) may be vertically migrated to deeper soil layers over time or eventually enter the groundwater system, leading to more widespread environmental and ecological issues. However, the vertical distribution of MPs in natural soils are not yet fully understood. In this study, we collected soil profiles (0-100 cm) from four different land use types on the west bank of Taihu Lake in China to investigate the vertical distribution and weathering characteristics of MPs. The average abundance of soil MPs followed the pattern of paddy field (490 ± 82 items/kg) > dryland (356 ± 55 items/kg) > tea garden (306 ± 32 items/kg) > woodland (171 ± 27 items/kg) in the 0-10 cm layer, and the abundance of MPs decreased linearly with soil depth (r = -0.89, p < 0.01). Compared to tea garden and woodland, MPs in dryland and paddy field have migrated to deeper soil layers (80-100 cm). The carbonyl index of polyethylene and polypropylene MPs increased significantly with soil depth (r = 0.96, p < 0.01), with values of 0.58 ± 0.30 and 0.54 ± 0.33, respectively. The significant negative correlation between MPs size and carbonyl index confirmed that small-sized MPs in deeper soil layers originated from the weathering and fragmentation of MPs in topsoil. The results of structural equation model showed that roots and soil aggregates may act as filters during the vertical migration of MPs. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the environmental fate of MPs in soil and the assessment of associated ecological risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Qiu
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Shenglu Zhou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China.
| | - Chuchu Zhang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Long Chen
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Wendong Qin
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bereczki A, Dipold J, Freitas AZ, Wetter NU. Sub-10 nm Nanoparticle Detection Using Multi-Technique-Based Micro-Raman Spectroscopy. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4644. [PMID: 38139897 PMCID: PMC10747801 DOI: 10.3390/polym15244644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a growing public concern as these particles are ubiquitous in various environments and can fragment into smaller nanoplastics. Another environmental concern arises from widely used engineered nanoparticles. Despite the increasing abundance of these nano-sized pollutants and the possibility of interactions with organisms at the sub cellular level, with many risks still being unknown, there are only a few publications on this topic due to the lack of reliable techniques for nanoparticle characterization. We propose a multi-technique approach for the characterization of nanoparticles down to the 10 nm level using standard micro-Raman spectroscopy combined with standard atomic force microscopy. We successfully obtained single-particle spectra from 25 nm sized polystyrene and 9 nm sized TiO2 nanoparticles with corresponding mass limits of detection of 8.6 ag (attogram) and 1.6 ag, respectively, thus demonstrating the possibility of achieving an unambiguous Raman signal from a single, small nanoparticle with a resolution comparable to more complex and time-consuming technologies such as Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and Photo-Induced Force Microscopy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Niklaus U. Wetter
- Nuclear and Energy Research Institute—IPEN-CNEN, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (A.B.); (J.D.); (A.Z.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Liu Y, Prikler B, Bordós G, Lorenz C, Vollertsen J. Does microplastic analysis method affect our understanding of microplastics in the environment? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166513. [PMID: 37619728 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Two analytical methods - both in active use at different laboratories - were tested and compared against each other to investigate how the procedure influences microplastic (MP) detection with micro Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μFTIR) imaging. A representative composite water sample collected from the Danube River was divided into 12 subsamples, and processed following two different methods, which differed in MP isolation procedures, the optical substrate utilized for the chemical imaging, and the detection limit of the spectroscopic instruments. The first instrument had a nominal pixel resolution of 5.5 μm, while the second had a nominal resolution of 25 μm. These two methods led to different MP abundance, MP mass estimates, but not MP characteristics. Only looking at MPs > 50 μm, the first method showed a higher MP abundance, namely 418-2571 MP m-3 with MP mass estimates of 703-1900 μg m-3, while the second method yielded 16.7-72.1 MP m-3 with mass estimates of 222-439 μg m-3. Looking deeper into the steps of the methods showed that the MP isolation procedure contributed slightly to the difference in the result. However, the variability between individual samples was larger than the difference caused by the methods. Somewhat sample-dependent, the use of two different substrates (zinc selenide windows versus Anodisc filters) caused a substantial difference between results. This was due to a higher tendency for particles to agglomerate on the Anodisc filters, and an 'IR-halo' around particles on ZnSe windows when scanning with μFTIR. Finally, the μFTIR settings and nominal resolution caused significant differences in identifying MP size and mass estimate, which showed that the smaller the pixel size, the more accurately the particle boundary can be defined. These findings contributed to explaining disagreements between studies and addressed the importance of harmonization of methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanli Liu
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - Bence Prikler
- Eurofins Analytical Services Hungary Ltd., 6. Anonymus st., Budapest 1045, Hungary; Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Gábor Bordós
- Eurofins Analytical Services Hungary Ltd., 6. Anonymus st., Budapest 1045, Hungary
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dehghanian Z, Asgari Lajayer B, Biglari Quchan Atigh Z, Nayeri S, Ahmadabadi M, Taghipour L, Senapathi V, Astatkie T, Price GW. Micro (nano) plastics uptake, toxicity and detoxification in plants: Challenges and prospects. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 268:115676. [PMID: 37979355 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has emerged as a global challenge affecting ecosystem health and biodiversity conservation. Terrestrial environments exhibit significantly higher plastic concentrations compared to aquatic systems. Micro/nano plastics (MNPs) have the potential to disrupt soil biology, alter soil properties, and influence soil-borne pathogens and roundworms. However, limited research has explored the presence and impact of MNPs on aquaculture systems. MNPs have been found to inhibit plant and seedling growth and affect gene expression, leading to cytogenotoxicity through increased oxygen radical production. The article discusses the potential phytotoxicity process caused by large-scale microplastics, particularly those unable to penetrate cell pores. It also examines the available data, albeit limited, to assess the potential risks to human health through plant uptake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Dehghanian
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran.
| | | | - Zahra Biglari Quchan Atigh
- Department of Civil Engineering and Smart Cities, College of Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, China.
| | - Shahnoush Nayeri
- SP-Lab., ASEPE Company, Industrial Park of Advanced Technologies, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Ahmadabadi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Leila Taghipour
- Department of Horticultural Science, College of Agriculture, Jahrom University, PO Box: 74135-111, Jahrom, Iran.
| | | | - Tess Astatkie
- Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS B2N 5E3, Canada.
| | - G W Price
- Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS B2N 5E3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rosso B, Bravo B, Gregoris E, Barbante C, Gambaro A, Corami F. Quantification and Chemical Characterization of Plastic Additives and Small Microplastics (<100 μm) in Highway Road Dust. TOXICS 2023; 11:936. [PMID: 37999588 PMCID: PMC10674966 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11110936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Road dust is one of the environment's most important microplastic and plastic additive sources. Traffic vehicles and the wear of tires can release these emerging contaminants, which can be resuspended in the air and washed off by stormwater runoff. In this study, a concurrent quantification and chemical characterization of additives, plasticizers, natural and non-plastic synthetic fibers (APFs), and small microplastics (SMPs, <100 µm) in samples of highway road dust (HWRD) was performed. The sampling procedure was optimized, as well as pretreatment (extraction, purification, and filtration) and analysis via micro-FTIR. The average length of the SMPs was 88 µm, while the average width was 50 µm. The highest abundance of SMPs was detected in HWRD 7 (802 ± 39 SMPs/g). Among the polymers characterized and quantified, vinyl ester and polytetrafluoroethylene were predominant. APFs' average particle length was 80 µm and their width was 45 µm, confirming that both of these emerging pollutants are less than 100 µm in size. Their maximum concentration was in RD7, with 1044 ± 45 APFs/g. Lubricants and plasticizers are the two most abundant categories, followed by vulcanizing agents, accelerators, and pre-vulcanizing retarders derived mainly from tires. A potential relationship between APFs and SMPs in the different seasons was observed, as their concentration was lower in summer for both and higher in winter 2022. These results will be significant in investigating the load of these pollutants from highways, which is urgently necessary for more accurate inclusion in emission inventories, receptor modeling, and health protection programs by policymakers, especially in air and water pollution policies, to prevent risks to human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Rosso
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy
| | - Barbara Bravo
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Str. Rivoltana, Km 4, 20090 Rodano, Italy
| | - Elena Gregoris
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy
- Institute of Polar Sciences, CNR-ISP, Campus Scientifico, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy
| | - Carlo Barbante
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy
- Institute of Polar Sciences, CNR-ISP, Campus Scientifico, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy
| | - Andrea Gambaro
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy
| | - Fabiana Corami
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy
- Institute of Polar Sciences, CNR-ISP, Campus Scientifico, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
do Amparo SZS, Carvalho LDO, Silva GG, Viana MM. Microplastics as contaminants in the Brazilian environment: an updated review. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1414. [PMID: 37925384 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12011-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have long been present in marine and terrestrial environments and have emerged in recent decades as a global environmental concern. This pollutant has been detected with increasing frequency in Brazilian territory and herein primarily highlights current information and developments about the quantity, distribution, techniques of identification, origins, and sources of microplastics and related pollutants in the Brazilian environment. We evaluated 79 publications from 2018 to December 2022, and some aspects can be highlighted: 27% of studies were published in the Journal Marine Pollution Bulletin; 22% of all studies were conducted in São Paulo city; and 52% of all microplastics found were collected from biota followed by sediment samples. According to the findings given here, microplastics in Brazilian habitats, which can reach concentrations of 4367 to 25,794 items m-2 in sediments, are becoming a serious problem in the Anthropocene age, and some topics regarding the open questions in this area were pointed out in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sthéfany Z S do Amparo
- Departamento de Química-ICEx, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, ZIP 30.270-901, Brazil.
- Centro de Tecnologia em Nanomateriais e Grafeno - CTNano, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, ZIP 31.310-260, Brazil.
| | - Luciana de O Carvalho
- Departamento de Química-ICEx, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, ZIP 30.270-901, Brazil
- Centro de Tecnologia em Nanomateriais e Grafeno - CTNano, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, ZIP 31.310-260, Brazil
| | - Glaura G Silva
- Departamento de Química-ICEx, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, ZIP 30.270-901, Brazil
- Centro de Tecnologia em Nanomateriais e Grafeno - CTNano, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, ZIP 31.310-260, Brazil
| | - Marcelo M Viana
- Departamento de Química-ICEx, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, ZIP 30.270-901, Brazil.
- Centro de Tecnologia em Nanomateriais e Grafeno - CTNano, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, ZIP 31.310-260, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bue GL, Marchini A, Musa M, Croce A, Gatti G, Riccardi MP, Lisco S, Mancin N. First attempt to quantify microplastics in Mediterranean Sabellaria spinulosa (Annelida, Polychaeta) bioconstructions. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115659. [PMID: 37866055 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115659] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
This work focuses on the arenaceous reefs by the polychaete Sabellaria spinulosa and addresses microplastics pollution. The main aim is to assess microplastics amount in a bioconstruction located in the Adriatic coast of Italy (Mediterranean Sea) through a comparative approach: sea-floor sediment and bioconstruction samples were analysed to quantify microplastics absolute abundance in both substrates. A total of 431 MPs were found in the investigated substrates: respectively 85 % fibers and 15 % fragments. Multivariate analysis indicates that MPs within bioconstruction occur in higher abundances and with different morphologies than in sediment samples. The analysis of bioconstruction polished sections allowed for observation of MPs agglutinated in their original position: higher concentration is reported in inter-tube areas. Results suggest that physical characteristics of MPs could play a key-role in bioconstruction inclusion processes and raise questions on effective role of sabellariid bioconstructions as a trap for this pollutant in the littoral environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giusto Lo Bue
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Agnese Marchini
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maya Musa
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Croce
- Department of Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Eastern Piedmont, Piazza S. Eusebio 5, 13100 Vercelli, Italy; SSD Research Laboratories, Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Via Venezia 16, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gatti
- Department of Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Eastern Piedmont, Piazza S. Eusebio 5, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Riccardi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Lisco
- Department of Earth and Geoenvironmental Sciences, Campus Universitario, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Mancin
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lee SY, An J, Kwon JH. Sequential quantification of number and mass of microplastics in municipal wastewater using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122452. [PMID: 37633435 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a significant environmental concern because microplastics (MPs) accumulate in various ecosystems; therefore, the accurate identification and quantification of MPs in environmental samples is crucial. This study presents a new sequential analytical method that combines Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Pyr-GC/MS) to characterize and quantify MPs. FTIR with a microscope allows the identification of the polymer type and physical dimensions of MPs, whereas Pyr-GC/MS enables determining the chemical composition of MPs with plastic additives. Pretreated wastewater influent samples spiked with reference MPs were filtered through an Al2O3 disk for FTIR analysis, and the surface contents were collected and subjected to Pyr-GC/MS analysis. The mass of the reference MPs estimated using FTIR were in good agreement but were slightly lower than those obtained using Pyr-GC/MS. This finding supports the notion that the proposed sequential method can be used to determine both the number and the mass of MPs in environmental samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- So-Young Lee
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; Knoell Korea, 37 Gukjegeumyung-ro 2-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, 07327, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jiyul An
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Azeem I, Shakoor N, Chaudhary S, Adeel M, Zain M, Ahmad MA, Li Y, Zhu G, Shah SAA, Khan K, Khan AA, Xu M, Rui Y. Analytical challenges in detecting microplastics and nanoplastics in soil-plant systems. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 204:108132. [PMID: 37918078 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPx) and nanoplastics (NPx) are increasingly accumulating in terrestrial ecosystems, heightening concerns about their potential adverse effects on human health via the food chain. Techniques aimed at recovering the most challenging colloidal fractions of MPx and NPx, especially for analytical purposes, are limited. This systematic review emphasises the absence of a universal, efficient, and cost-effective analytical method as the primary hindrance to studying MPx and NPx in soil and plant samples. The study reveals that several methods, including density separation, organic matter removal, and filtration, are utilized to detect MPx or NPx in soil through vibrational spectroscopy and visual identification. Instruments such as Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (Py-GCMS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, and fluorescence microscopy are employed to identify MPx and NPx in plant tissue. In extraction procedures, organic solvents and sonication are used to isolate NPx from plant tissues, while Pyrolysis GC-MS quantifies the plastics. SEM and TEM serve to observe and characterize NPx within plant tissues. Additionally, FTIR and fluorescence microscopy are utilized to identify polymers of MPx and NPx based on their spectral characteristics and fluorescence signals. The findings from this review clarify the identification and quantification methods for MPx and NPx in soil and plant systems and provide a comprehensive methodology for assessing MPx/NPx in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imran Azeem
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation and College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Noman Shakoor
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation and College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Sadaf Chaudhary
- Department of Botany, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Adeel
- BNU-HKUST Laboratory of Green Innovation, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, 18 Jinfeng Road, Tangjiawan, Zhuhai, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Muhammad Zain
- Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, PR China
| | - Muhammad Arslan Ahmad
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, PR China
| | - Yuanbo Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation and College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Guikai Zhu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation and College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Syed Aizaz Ali Shah
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Kashif Khan
- College of Harbin, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Adnan Anwar Khan
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Botany, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Yukui Rui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation and College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Thodhal Yoganandham S, Hamid N, Junaid M, Duan JJ, Pei DS. Micro(nano)plastics in commercial foods: A review of their characterization and potential hazards to human health. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116858. [PMID: 37562740 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Micro (nano)plastics (MNPs) are pollutants of worldwide concern for their ubiquitous environmental presence and associated impacts. The higher consumption of MNPs contaminated commercial food can cause potential adverse human health effects. This review highlights the evidence of MNPs in commercial food items and summarizes different sampling, extraction, and digestion techniques for the isolation of MNPs, such as oxidizing digestion, enzymatic digestion, alkaline digestion and acidic digestion. Various methods for the characterization and quantification of microplastics (MPs) are also compared, including μ-Raman spectroscopy, μ-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis and Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Finally, we share our concerns about the risks of MNPs to human health through the consumption of commercial seafood. The knowledge of the potential human health impacts at a subcellular or molecular level of consuming mariculture products contaminated with MNPs is still limited. Moreover, MNPs are somewhat limited, hard to measure, and still contentious. Due to the nutritional significance of fish consumption, the risk of exposure to MNPs and the associated health effects are of the utmost importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Naima Hamid
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, University Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Junaid
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510641, China
| | - Jin-Jing Duan
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - De-Sheng Pei
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhang Y, Yang S, Zeng Y, Chen Y, Liu H, Yan X, Pu S. A new quantitative insight: Interaction of polyethylene microplastics with soil - microbiome - crop. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132302. [PMID: 37647663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the interaction between primary/secondary PE MPs and soil - microbiome - crop complex system and PE MPs enrichment behavior in crops were studied by using the self-developed quantitative characterization method of Eu-MPs and in situ zymography. The results demonstrated for the first time the enrichment effect of micron-sized PE (> 10 µm) in crops, manifested as roots>leaves>stems. Primary PE MPs significantly increased soil TN, TC, SOM and β-glu activity and inhibited Phos activity. Age-PE MPs significantly reduced soil TN, TP, β-glu and Phos activities and also have significant inhibitory effects on plant height, stem diameter, and leaf dry weight of maize. Age-PE MPs significantly affected soil microbial diversity, mainly caused by bacterial genera such as UTCFX1, Sphingomonas, Subgroup-6 and Gemmatimonas. Age-PE MPs also affected some metabolism related to microbial community composition and maize growth, including Glycerolipid, Citrate cycle (TCA cycle), C5-Branched dibasic acid, Arginine and proline, Tyrosine metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, Valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis. These research results indicated that the PE MPs, which are widely present in farmland soils, can affect crop growth, soil microbial community and metabolic function after aging, thus affecting agroecosystems and terrestrial biodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology), 1#, Dongsanlu, Erxianqiao, Chengdu 610059, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shuo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology), 1#, Dongsanlu, Erxianqiao, Chengdu 610059, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yuping Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology), 1#, Dongsanlu, Erxianqiao, Chengdu 610059, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology), 1#, Dongsanlu, Erxianqiao, Chengdu 610059, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Hanshuang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology), 1#, Dongsanlu, Erxianqiao, Chengdu 610059, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xinyao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology), 1#, Dongsanlu, Erxianqiao, Chengdu 610059, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shengyan Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology), 1#, Dongsanlu, Erxianqiao, Chengdu 610059, Sichuan, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
La Porta E, Exacoustos O, Lugani F, Angeletti A, Chiarenza DS, Bigatti C, Spinelli S, Kajana X, Garbarino A, Bruschi M, Candiano G, Caridi G, Mancianti N, Calatroni M, Verzola D, Esposito P, Viazzi F, Verrina E, Ghiggeri GM. Microplastics and Kidneys: An Update on the Evidence for Deposition of Plastic Microparticles in Human Organs, Tissues and Fluids and Renal Toxicity Concern. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14391. [PMID: 37762695 PMCID: PMC10531672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution became a main challenge for human beings as demonstrated by the increasing dispersion of plastic waste into the environment. Microplastics (MPs) have become ubiquitous and humans are exposed daily to inhalation or ingestion of plastic microparticles. Recent studies performed using mainly spectroscopy or spectrometry-based techniques have shown astounding evidence for the presence of MPs in human tissues, organs and fluids. The placenta, meconium, breast milk, lung, intestine, liver, heart and cardiovascular system, blood, urine and cerebrovascular liquid are afflicted by MPs' presence and deposition. On the whole, obtained data underline a great heterogeneity among different tissue and organs of the polymers characterized and the microparticles' dimension, even if most of them seem to be below 50-100 µm. Evidence for the possible contribution of MPs in human diseases is still limited and this field of study in medicine is in an initial state. However, increasing studies on their toxicity in vitro and in vivo suggest worrying effects on human cells mainly mediated by oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. Nephrological studies are insufficient and evidence for the presence of MPs in human kidneys is still lacking, but the little evidence present in the literature has demonstrated histological and functional alteration of kidneys in animal models and cytotoxicity through apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress and inflammation in kidney cells. Overall, the manuscript we report in this review recommends urgent further study to analyze potential correlations between kidney disease and MPs' exposure in human.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo La Porta
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
- UOSD Dialysis IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Ottavia Exacoustos
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
| | - Francesca Lugani
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
| | - Andrea Angeletti
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.S.); (X.K.); (A.G.); (M.B.)
| | - Decimo Silvio Chiarenza
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
| | - Carolina Bigatti
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
| | - Sonia Spinelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.S.); (X.K.); (A.G.); (M.B.)
| | - Xhuliana Kajana
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.S.); (X.K.); (A.G.); (M.B.)
| | - Andrea Garbarino
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.S.); (X.K.); (A.G.); (M.B.)
| | - Maurizio Bruschi
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.S.); (X.K.); (A.G.); (M.B.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Candiano
- UOSD Dialysis IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Gianluca Caridi
- UOSD Dialysis IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Nicoletta Mancianti
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Emergency-Urgency and Transplantation, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Marta Calatroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy;
- Nephrology and Dialysis Division, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Verzola
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (D.V.); (P.E.); (F.V.)
| | - Pasquale Esposito
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (D.V.); (P.E.); (F.V.)
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Viazzi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (D.V.); (P.E.); (F.V.)
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Enrico Verrina
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
- UOSD Dialysis IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Gian Marco Ghiggeri
- UO Nephrology Dialysis and Transplant, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (E.L.P.); (O.E.); (F.L.); (A.A.); (D.S.C.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.S.); (X.K.); (A.G.); (M.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Anand U, Dey S, Bontempi E, Ducoli S, Vethaak AD, Dey A, Federici S. Biotechnological methods to remove microplastics: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2023; 21:1787-1810. [PMID: 36785620 PMCID: PMC9907217 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-022-01552-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution is major threat to ecosystems and is impacting abiotic and biotic components. Microplastics are diverse and highly complex contaminants that transport other contaminants and microbes. Current methods to remove microplastics include biodegradation, incineration, landfilling, and recycling. Here we review microplastics with focus on sources, toxicity, and biodegradation. We discuss the role of algae, fungi, bacteria in the biodegradation, and we present biotechnological methods to enhance degradation, e.g., gene editing tools and bioinformatics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uttpal Anand
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8499000 Midreshet Ben Gurion, Israel
| | - Satarupa Dey
- Department of Botany, Shyampur Siddheswari Mahavidyalaya, University of Calcutta, Ajodhya, Shyampur, Howrah, 711312 India
| | - Elza Bontempi
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, INSTM Unit of Brescia, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Serena Ducoli
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, INSTM Unit of Brescia, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - A. Dick Vethaak
- Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073 India
| | - Stefania Federici
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, INSTM Unit of Brescia, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|