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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.
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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.
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Manjunathan J, Pavithra K, Nangan S, Prakash S, Saxena KK, Sharma K, Muzammil K, Verma D, Gnanapragasam JR, Ramasubburayan R, Revathi M. Polyethylene terephthalate waste derived nanomaterials (WDNMs) and its utilization in electrochemical devices. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 353:141541. [PMID: 38423149 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141541] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Plastics are a vital component of our daily lives in the contemporary globalization period; they are present in all facets of modern life. Because the bulk of synthetic plastics utilized in the market are non-biodegradable by nature, the issues associated with their contamination are unavoidable in an era dominated by polymers. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is extensively used in industries such as automotive, packaging, textile, food, and beverages production represents a major share of these non-biodegradable polymer productions. Given its extensive application across various sectors, PET usage results in a considerable amount of post-consumer waste, majority of which require disposal after a certain period. However, the recycling of polymeric waste materials has emerged as a prominent topic in research, driven by growing environmental consciousness. Numerous studies indicate that products derived from polymeric waste can be converted into a new polymeric resource in diverse sectors, including organic coatings and regenerative medicine. This review aims to consolidate significant scientific literatures on the recycling PET waste for electrochemical device applications. It also highlights the current challenges in scaling up these processes for industrial application.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Manjunathan
- Department of Biotechnology, Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies, Pallavaram, Chennai, 600117, India
| | - K Pavithra
- Department of Chemistry, School of Basic Sciences, Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies, Pallavaram, Chennai, 600 117, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Senthilkumar Nangan
- Department of Chemistry, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun, Uttarkhand, India; Chitkara Centre for Research and Development, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, 174103, India
| | - S Prakash
- Department of Basic Sciences, Institute of Fisheries Post Graduate Studies, Tamilnadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, OMR Campus, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Kuldeep K Saxena
- Division of Research and Development, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Kuldeep Sharma
- Centre for Research Impact and Outcomes, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - Khursheed Muzammil
- Department of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Khamis Mushait Campus, King Khalid University, Abha, 62561, Saudi Arabia
| | - Deepak Verma
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, Uttarkhand, India
| | | | - R Ramasubburayan
- Centre for Marine Research and Conservation, Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, 600 077, Tamilnadu, India.
| | - M Revathi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Basic Sciences, Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies, Pallavaram, Chennai, 600 117, Tamilnadu, India.
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Maharjan KK. Microplastics research in Nepal: Present scenario and current gaps in knowledge. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24956. [PMID: 38318064 PMCID: PMC10838786 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The topic of microplastics has drawn considerable scholarly interest in recent times. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of the current state of microplastic pollution research in Nepal and to make future research recommendations. To achieve the objective, three popular databases (Web of Science, SCOPUS and Google Scholar) were used. The results showed that the current scenario for microplastic research in Nepal is in its early stage, which commenced in 2020. A total of six papers were recorded over the period from 2020 to 2023. The research conducted in the fields were rivers, lakes, snow, and sediments. Studies have provided evidence of the occurrence of microplastics in diverse aquatic ecosystems. Lakeshore sediments show concentrations of 100.5 ± 58.6 items/kg dry weight, while shoreline sediments of Phewa lake exhibit variability between 55 and 122.5 items/kg. The lake water in winter records 2.96 ± 1.83 Microplastics per Liter (MPs/L), river water indicates 202 ± 100 items/m3, and snow demonstrates 30 MP/L. In freshwater ecosystems, microplastics, specifically fibers, were found to be the prevailing type, while fragments were recorded in road dust. The study conducted in Nepal provided evidence of the presence of a wide range of polymers. The polymers encompassed polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide, polystyrene (PS), and polyester. Microplastic research in Nepal, initiated in 2020, covered rivers, lakes, snow, and sediments. Diverse aquatic ecosystems reveal microplastic presence, emphasizing the need for continued study and awareness. Although extensive research has been carried out on the subject of microplastic contamination and its effects on various creatures on a global scale, an examination of the implications of microplastics on animals, plants, and humans in Nepal has not been found in any scholarly publications. There exists a noticeable deficit of research investigating the consumption of microplastics by human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishor Kumar Maharjan
- Department of Environmental Science, Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
- Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
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Ratre P, Nazeer N, Soni N, Kaur P, Tiwari R, Mishra PK. Smart carbon-based sensors for the detection of non-coding RNAs associated with exposure to micro(nano)plastics: an artificial intelligence perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:8429-8452. [PMID: 38182954 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31779-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) are pervasive environmental pollutants that individuals eventually consume. Despite this, little is known about MNP's impact on public health. In this article, we assess the evidence for potentially harmful consequences of MNPs in the human body, concentrating on molecular toxicity and exposure routes. Since MNPs are present in various consumer products, foodstuffs, and the air we breathe, exposure can occur through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. MNPs exposure can cause mitochondrial oxidative stress, inflammatory lesions, and epigenetic modifications, releasing specific non-coding RNAs in circulation, which can be detected to diagnose non-communicable diseases. This article examines the most fascinating smart carbon-based nanobiosensors for detecting circulating non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs and microRNAs). Carbon-based smart nanomaterials offer many advantages over traditional methods, such as ease of use, sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency, for capturing non-coding RNAs. In particular, the synthetic methods, conjugation chemistries, doping, and in silico approach for the characterization of synthesized carbon nanodots and their adaptability to identify and measure non-coding RNAs associated with MNPs exposure is discussed. Furthermore, the article provides insights into the use of artificial intelligence tools for designing smart carbon nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Ratre
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Genetics & Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Nazim Nazeer
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Genetics & Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Nikita Soni
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Genetics & Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Prasan Kaur
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Genetics & Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Rajnarayan Tiwari
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Genetics & Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Pradyumna Kumar Mishra
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Genetics & Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India.
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Chatterjee NH, Manna S, Ray A, Das S, Rana N, Banerjee A, Ray M, Ray S. Microplastics contamination in two species of gobies and their estuarine habitat of Indian Sundarbans. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115857. [PMID: 38039580 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Sundarbans, a Ramsar site of India is contaminated with heterogeneous microplastic wastes. Boddart's goggle eye mudskipper and Rubicundus eelgoby, were common gobies of Sundarbans estuary which accumulated microplastics during their normal biological activities. We estimated the abundance of microplastics in water, sediment; skin, gills, bucco-opercular cavity and gastrointestinal tract of these two goby fishes. Microplastic load estimated in gobies were 0.84 and 2.62 particles per fish species with a dominance of transparent, fibrous microplastics with 100-300 μm in length. ATR-FTIR and Raman spectroscopy revealed polyethylene as prevalent polymer. Surface degradations and adsorption of contaminants on microplastic surface were investigated by SEM-EDX analysis. Presence of hazardous polymers influenced high polymer hazard index and potential ecological risk index which indicated acute environmental threat to Sundarbans estuary and its resident organisms. Current study will provide a new information base on the abundance of microplastics and its ecological hazard in this biosphere reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilanjan Hari Chatterjee
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Sumit Manna
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Abhishek Ray
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Sourav Das
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Nabakumar Rana
- Department of Physics, University of Calcutta, 92 A.P.C Road, Kolkata 700009, West Bengal, India
| | - Aritra Banerjee
- Department of Physics, University of Calcutta, 92 A.P.C Road, Kolkata 700009, West Bengal, India
| | - Mitali Ray
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Sajal Ray
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India.
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Nikhil VG, Ranjeet K, Varghese GK. Spatio-temporal evaluation and risk assessment of microplastics in nearshore surface waters post-2018 Kerala deluge along the southwest coast of India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115058. [PMID: 37210987 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics along the nearshore surface waters of Kerala after the floods of 2018 was studied. Results indicated a seven-fold increase in its mean concentration (7.14 ± 3.03 items/m3) post deluge. The average abundance was highest during pre-monsoon (8.27 ± 3.09 items/m3). Fibres were the dominant group, with blue and black being the most prevalent colours. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the most commonly found polymers, possibly gaining entry through sewage waste or land-based plastic litter. Highest abundance of microplastic was recorded off Kochi categorising it at Hazard Level I under Pollution Load Index assessment. Similarly high levels of Pollution Hazard Index and Potential Ecological Risk Index were also reported due to the presence of hazardous polymers PVC and PU that can cause concern to marine life. The differential weathering pattern and surface morphology analysis suggested microplastics to be relatively old that had undergone substantial mechanical and oxidative weathering.
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Affiliation(s)
- V G Nikhil
- Faculty of Ocean Science and Technology, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, India
| | - K Ranjeet
- Department of Aquatic Environment Management, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, India.
| | - George K Varghese
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Kozhikode, India
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Sethulekshmi S, Kalbar P, Shriwastav A. A unified modelling framework for type I (discrete) settling and rising of microplastics in primary sedimentation tanks. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 334:117444. [PMID: 36773453 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are considered as a significant source of microplastic pollution into the terrestrial and aquatic environment. Existing observations suggest that primary treatment accounts for major microplastics removal in STPs, though with high variability due to the complex nature of the polymer compositions, abundance, and sizes in the incoming sewage. Here, we develop a unified modelling framework to simulate the Type I (or discrete) settling or rising behaviour of microplastics to predict their eventual fate in Primary Sedimentation Tank (PST). The model was developed as per the conventional design protocol for PST involving Stokes equation and modifications as per flow regime for settling of nylon and polystyrene microplastics. It was subsequently validated with independent column experiments for both settling (nylon and polystyrene) and rising (low-density polyethylene and polypropylene) microplastics in different size ranges. The validated model was then applied for multiple realistic scenarios of polymer compositions, relative abundance, and size distributions in the incoming sewage. The model predicts removals ranging from 12% to 94% for a mixture of microplastics in the size fraction 0-500 μm. Model simulations also suggest better microplastics removal with the integration of skimming in PST, and optimization of surface overflow velocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sethulekshmi
- Environmental Science and Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, 400 076, India
| | - Pradip Kalbar
- Centre for Urban Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, 400 076, India
| | - Amritanshu Shriwastav
- Environmental Science and Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, 400 076, India.
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Gosavi SM, Phuge SK. First report on microplastics contamination in a meteorite impact Crater Lake from India. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:64755-64770. [PMID: 37079229 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27074-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a worldwide concern affecting all environmental matrices, including pristine lakes. Lentic lakes operate as a sink for microplastics (MPs), which interfere with a biogeochemical cycle and, therefore, deserve immediate attention. We present a comprehensive assessment of MPs contamination in the sediment and surface water of a geo-heritage site, Lonar lake (India). It is the third largest natural saltwater lake and only basaltic crater in the world formed by meteoric impact around 52,000 years ago. Mean MPs abundance in lakeshore sediment and surface water was 14.44 particles/kg and 2.66 particles/L, respectively. Small-sized MPs dominate the hypersaline region of the lake. Transparent and green fragments and filaments morphotypes were abundant. Most of the MPs in Lonar lake were secondary in origin. FTIR-ATR analysis revealed 16 types of polymers in the lake, of which polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyester were the most common. The overall pollution load index (PLI) for Lonar lake sediment and water was 1.39 and 2.58, respectively. Although all sampling stations had significant MPs pollution (PLI > 1), there was noticeable station-specific variability, which could be linked to anthropogenic activities. Irresponsible tourist behavior and religious activities, coupled with poor waste management are the leading causes of MPs contamination in the lake. The current work fills a gap in the investigation of MP pollution in a crater lake formed by a meteorite impact by being the first to provide a precise estimate of the MPs contamination in the Lonar lake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin M Gosavi
- Department of Zoology, Maharashtra College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Samadhan K Phuge
- Department of Zoology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Department of Education and Extension, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Wani AK, Akhtar N, Naqash N, Rahayu F, Djajadi D, Chopra C, Singh R, Mulla SI, Sher F, Américo-Pinheiro JHP. Discovering untapped microbial communities through metagenomics for microplastic remediation: recent advances, challenges, and way forward. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:1-24. [PMID: 36637649 PMCID: PMC9838310 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25192-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants persisting almost everywhere in the environment. With the increase in anthropogenic activities, MP accumulation is increasing enormously in aquatic, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. Owing to the slow degradation of plastics, MPs show an increased biomagnification probability of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic substances thereby creating a threat to environmental biota. Thus, remediation of MP-pollutants requires efficient strategies to circumvent the mobilization of contaminants leaching into the water, soil, and ultimately to human beings. Over the years, several microorganisms have been characterized by the potential to degrade different plastic polymers through enzymatic actions. Metagenomics (MGs) is an effective way to discover novel microbial communities and access their functional genetics for the exploration and characterization of plastic-degrading microbial consortia and enzymes. MGs in combination with metatranscriptomics and metabolomics approaches are a powerful tool to identify and select remediation-efficient microbes in situ. Advancement in bioinformatics and sequencing tools allows rapid screening, mining, and prediction of genes that are capable of polymer degradation. This review comprehensively summarizes the growing threat of microplastics around the world and highlights the role of MGs and computational biology in building effective response strategies for MP remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Khurshid Wani
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Nahid Akhtar
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Nafiaah Naqash
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Farida Rahayu
- Research Center for Applied Microbiology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Djajadi Djajadi
- Research Center for Horticulture and Plantation, National Research Innovation Agency, Bogor, 16111, Indonesia
| | - Chirag Chopra
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Reena Singh
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Sikandar I Mulla
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Allied Health Sciences, REVA University, Bengaluru, 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - Farooq Sher
- Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Juliana Heloisa Pinê Américo-Pinheiro
- Department of Forest Science, Soils and Environment, School of Agronomic Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Ave. Universitária, 3780, Botucatu, SP, 18610-034, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Brazil University, Street Carolina Fonseca, 584, São Paulo, SP, 08230-030, Brazil.
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CH4 and CO2 Emissions from the Decomposition of Microplastics in the Bottom Sediment—Preliminary Studies. ENVIRONMENTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/environments9070091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, a significant new threat to the environment has emerged, namely contamination with microplastics and their degradation products. The decomposition products of microplastics include, among others, greenhouse gases that are responsible for climate change. The article analyzes the emission of carbon dioxide and methane during the decomposition of various types of plastics in the form of microplastics in the bottom sediments in the presence of water. The research covers plastic materials made of polyvinyl chloride with a high and low content of plasticizers, polypropylene, and rubber. All analyzed microplastics generated the tested greenhouse gases. However, the quantity of gases generated depended on the type of polymer used. The highest concentration of methane, at 25,253 ppm after 180 days of incubation, was characterized by high plasticizer polyvinyl chloride, i.e., di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. In the case of carbon dioxide emissions, the values were comparable. The maximum value was obtained at 65,662 ppm for polypropylene microplastics. The influence of particle size on the amount of the emissions of these gases was also investigated. During the decomposition of microplastics in the bottom sediments in the presence of water, it was observed that the smaller the microplastic particles are, the greater the production of methane and carbon dioxide.
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