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Buzenchi Proca TM, Solcan C, Solcan G. Neurotoxicity of Some Environmental Pollutants to Zebrafish. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:640. [PMID: 38792660 PMCID: PMC11122474 DOI: 10.3390/life14050640] [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: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The aquatic environment encompasses a wide variety of pollutants, from plastics to drug residues, pesticides, food compounds, and other food by-products, and improper disposal of waste is the main cause of the accumulation of toxic substances in water. Monitoring, assessing, and attempting to control the effects of contaminants in the aquatic environment are necessary and essential to protect the environment and thus human and animal health, and the study of aquatic ecotoxicology has become topical. In this respect, zebrafish are used as model organisms to study the bioaccumulation, toxicity, and influence of environmental pollutants due to their structural, functional, and material advantages. There are many similarities between the metabolism and physiological structures of zebrafish and humans, and the nervous system structure, blood-brain barrier function, and social behavior of zebrafish are characteristics that make them an ideal animal model for studying neurotoxicity. The aim of the study was to highlight the neurotoxicity of nanoplastics, microplastics, fipronil, deltamethrin, and rotenone and to highlight the main behavioral, histological, and oxidative status changes produced in zebrafish exposed to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora Maria Buzenchi Proca
- Department of Preclinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences Ion Ionescu de la Brad, 700490 Iasi, Romania; (T.M.B.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Carmen Solcan
- Department of Preclinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences Ion Ionescu de la Brad, 700490 Iasi, Romania; (T.M.B.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Gheorghe Solcan
- Internal Medicine Unit, Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences Ion Ionescu de la Brad, 700490 Iasi, Romania
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Jitrapat H, Sivaipram I, Piumsomboon A, Suttiruengwong S, Xu J, Vo TLT, Li D. Ingestion and adherence of microplastics by estuarine mysid shrimp. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 197:106455. [PMID: 38507983 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106455] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics have been reported to be present in zooplankton, yet questions persist regarding their fate and dynamics within biota. We selected the commercial mysid shrimp, Mesopodopsis orientalis, as the focal zooplankton for this study due to their crucial role in our study area, the Inner Gulf of Thailand in January 2022. We investigated the presence of microplastics in mysid bodies and fecal pellets, examining both attached microplastics on external body parts and those ingested. In addition, we conducted microplastic feeding experiments, exposing mysids to various treatments of microplastics. The results of the field investigation indicate that mysids exhibited an average of 0.12 ± 0.03 microplastic items/mysid from whole-body samples. The shape, type, and color of microplastics found in mysids were similar to those present in seawater, with blue PET microfibers being the most prevalent. Our observations on live mysids revealed that microplastics were acquired through ingestion and adherence to appendages and exoskeletons. Microplastics were observed in mysid's fecal pellets at 0.09 ± 0.03 items/mysid, while microplastics adhering to the mysid's body and appendages were observed at 0.10 ± 0.04 items/mysid. The sizes of microplastics extracted from preserved mysids ranged from 58 μm to 4669 μm, with median of 507 μm. The laboratory experiments revealed that the presence of microalgae enhanced microplastic ingestion in mysids; microplastics incubated with a cyanobacterium, Oscillatoria sp., and diatom Navicula sp. significantly increased the number of microplastic particles ingested by mysids. This study showed that microplastics can be more ingested in mysids, especially when food items are present. Microplastic fate in these animals may involve expulsion into the environment or adherence, potentially facilitating their transfer up the marine food web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hattaya Jitrapat
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China; Hainan Institute, East China Normal University, Sanya, 572025, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Itchika Sivaipram
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| | - Ajcharaporn Piumsomboon
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Supakij Suttiruengwong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, 73000, Thailand
| | - Jiayi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China; Hainan Institute, East China Normal University, Sanya, 572025, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Tuan Linh Tran Vo
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China; Hainan Institute, East China Normal University, Sanya, 572025, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai, 200241, China; Institute of Oceanography, Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 1 Cau Da Street, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, 650000, Viet Nam
| | - Daoji Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China; Hainan Institute, East China Normal University, Sanya, 572025, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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Gamage S, Mahagamage Y. Microplastics in personal care products and cosmetics in Sri Lanka. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29393. [PMID: 38681610 PMCID: PMC11053188 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29393] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
In the Sri Lankan context, the lack of baseline studies to mitigate microplastic emissions through personal care and cosmetic products poses a huge problem. Hence this study serves as the first scientific investigation to analyze and characterize microplastics in selected personal care and cosmetic items available in the Sri Lankan markets. Fifteen brands representing five categories (face wash, facial scrubs, baby creams, shaving creams, and skin creams) of personal care and cosmetic items served as the basis for this investigation. Based on a questionnaire survey, from each category, three highly utilized brands were chosen and triplicates from each brand were used for the analysis. All samples were treated with the Fenton reagent to extract microplastics. Then through Nile red staining suspected microplastic were screened and characterized through FT-IR spectroscopy. The Nile Red analysis revealed seven brands of the fifteen to be stained with Nile Red and demonstrate luminance properties under UV light. However, FT-IR analysis proved only six brands contained actual microplastics. Low-density polyethylene and ethylene-propylene copolymer were the dominant types of microplastic. Most microplastics were irregularly shaped and white in color with sizes ranging from 238.55 ± 50.74 to 450.69 ± 174.9 μm. An emission estimation revealed that products FS-01 and FW-03 contain 3.36 ± 0.20 g and 0.2 ± 0.05 g of isolatable microplastics per product. While the present study provides scientific evidence for the availability of microplastics in products in Sri Lankan markets, it also provides a great opportunity to develop relevant policies and regulations to control them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachith Gamage
- Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Yohan Mahagamage
- Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
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Talukdar A, Kundu P, Bhattacharya S, Dutta N. Microplastic contamination in wastewater: Sources, distribution, detection and remediation through physical and chemical-biological methods. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170254. [PMID: 38253100 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170254] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 mm. that have been widely detected in the environment, including in wastewater. They originate from various sources including breakdown of larger plastic debris, release of plastic fibres from textiles, and microbeads commonly used in personal care products. In wastewater, microplastics can pass through the treatment process and enter the environment, causing harm to biodiversity by potentially entering the food chain. Additionally, microplastics can act as a vector for harmful pollutants, increasing their transport and distribution in the environment. To address this issue, there is a growing need for effective wastewater treatment methods that can effectively remove microplastics. Currently, several physical and chemical methods are available, including filtration, sedimentation, and chemical degradation. However, these methods are costly, low efficiency and generate secondary pollutants. Furthermore, lack of standardization in the measurement and reporting of microplastics in wastewater, makes it difficult to accurately assess microplastic impact on the environment. In order to effectively manage these issues, further research and development of effective and efficient methods for removing microplastics from wastewater, as well as standardization in measurement and reporting, are necessary to effectively manage these detrimental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avishek Talukdar
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Pritha Kundu
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar 803116, India
| | - Sayan Bhattacharya
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar 803116, India.
| | - Nalok Dutta
- Biochemical Engineering Department, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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Jachimowicz P, Peng R, Hüffer T, Hofmann T, Cydzik-Kwiatkowska A. Tire materials disturb transformations of nitrogen compounds and affect the structure of biomass in aerobic granular sludge reactors. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133223. [PMID: 38113742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Tire materials (TMs) present a notable hazard due to their potential to release harmful chemicals and microplastics into the environment. They can infiltrate wastewater treatment plants, where their effects remain inadequately understood, raising concerns regarding their influence on treatment procedures. Thus, this study investigated the impact of TMs in wastewater (10, 25, 50 mg/L) on wastewater treatment efficiency, biomass morphology, and microbial composition in aerobic granular sludge (AGS) reactors. TM dosage negatively correlated with nitrification and denitrification efficiencies, reducing overall nitrogen removal, but did not affect the efficiency of chemical-oxygen-demand removal. The presence of TMs increased the diameter of the granules due to TM incorporation into the biomass. The most frequently leached additives from TMs were N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine, benzothiazole (BTH), and 2-hydroxybenzothiazole. In the treated wastewater, only BTH and aniline were detected in higher concentrations, which indicates that tire additives were biodegraded by AGS. The microbial community within the AGS adapted to TMs and their chemicals, highlighting the potential for efficient degradation of tire additives by bacteria belonging to the genera Rubrivivax, Ferruginibacter, and Xanthomonas. Additionally, our research underscores AGS's ability to incorporate TMs into biomass and effectively biodegrade tire additives, offering a promising solution for addressing environmental concerns related to TMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Jachimowicz
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Ruoting Peng
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Environmental Geosciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Doctoral School in Microbiology and Environmental Science, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thorsten Hüffer
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Environmental Geosciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thilo Hofmann
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Environmental Geosciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Thacharodi A, Hassan S, Meenatchi R, Bhat MA, Hussain N, Arockiaraj J, Ngo HH, Sharma A, Nguyen HT, Pugazhendhi A. Mitigating microplastic pollution: A critical review on the effects, remediation, and utilization strategies of microplastics. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119988. [PMID: 38181686 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are found ubiquitous in the natural environment and are an increasing source of worry for global health. Rapid industrialization and inappropriate plastic waste management in our daily lives have resulted in an increase in the amount of microplastics in the ecosystem. Microplastics that are <150 μm in size could be easily ingested by living beings and cause considerable toxicity. Microplastics can aggregate in living organisms and cause acute, chronic, carcinogenic, developmental, and genotoxic damage. As a result, a sustainable approach to reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste is required to manage microplastic pollution in the environment. However, there is still a significant lack of effective methods for managing these pollutants. As a result, the purpose of this review is to convey information on microplastic toxicity and management practices that may aid in the reduction of microplastic pollution. This review further insights on how plastic trash could be converted as value-added products, reducing the load of accumulating plastic wastes in the environment, and leading to a beneficial endeavor for humanity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswin Thacharodi
- Dr. Thacharodi's Laboratories, Department of Research and Development, Puducherry, 605005, India
| | - Saqib Hassan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India
| | - Ramu Meenatchi
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603 203, India
| | - Mansoor Ahmad Bhat
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Naseer Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600048, India
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603 203, India
| | - Huu Hao Ngo
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Ashutosh Sharma
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Centre of Bioengineering, NatProLab, Plant Innovation Lab, School of Engineering and Sciences, Queretaro, 76130, Mexico
| | - H T Nguyen
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam; School of Engineering & Technology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam; School of Engineering & Technology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam.
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Khatoon N, Mallah MA, Yu Z, Qu Z, Ali M, Liu N. Recognition and detection technology for microplastic, its source and health effects. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:11428-11452. [PMID: 38183545 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31655-6] [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: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) is ubiquitous in the environment which appeared as an immense intimidation to human and animal health. The plastic fragments significantly polluted the ocean, fresh water, food chain, and other food items. Inadequate maintenance, less knowledge of adverse influence along with inappropriate usage in addition throwing away of plastics items revolves present planet in to plastics planet. The present study aims to focus on the recognition and advance detection technologies for MPs and the adverse effects of micro- and nanoplastics on human health. MPs have rigorous adverse effect on human health that leads to condensed growth rates, lessened reproductive capability, ulcer, scrape, and oxidative nervous anxiety, in addition, also disturb circulatory and respiratory mechanism. The detection of MP particles has also placed emphasis on identification technologies such as scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, optical detection, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermo-analytical techniques, flow cytometry, holography, and hyperspectral imaging. It suggests that further research should be explored to understand the source, distribution, and health impacts and evaluate numerous detection methodologies for the MPs along with purification techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafeesa Khatoon
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 540001, People's Republic of China
| | - Manthar Ali Mallah
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 540001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zengli Yu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 540001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Qu
- Institute of Chronic Disease Risk Assessment, School of Nursing, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, People's Republic of China
| | - Mukhtiar Ali
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Quaid-E-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology (QUEST), Nawabshah, 67480, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Nan Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 540001, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Chronic Disease Risk Assessment, School of Nursing, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, People's Republic of China
- Health Science Center, South China Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, People's Republic of China
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Ololade IA, Apata A, Oladoja NA, Alabi BA, Ololade OO. Microplastic particles in river sediments and water of southwestern Nigeria: insights on the occurrence, seasonal distribution, composition, and source apportionment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:1314-1330. [PMID: 38038917 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31118-y] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are globally recognized as an emerging environmental threat, particularly in the aquatic environment. This study presents baseline data on the occurrence and distribution of MPs in sediments and surface water of major rivers in southwestern Nigeria. Microplastics were extracted by density separation and polymer identification using Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode (FTIR-ATR). The abundance of MPs in surface sediment and water samples across all locations ranged from 12.82 to 22.90 particle/kg dw and 6.71 to 17.12 particle/L during the dry season and 5.69 to 14.38 particle/kg dw and 12.41 to 22.73 particle/L during the wet season, respectively. On average, fiber constituted the highest percentage of MP in sediments (71%) and water (67%) while foam accounted for the lowest values of 0.6% and 1.7%, respectively. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) were the main MPs across all locations based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). MPs of size < 1 mm were the most abundant (≥ 55%) on average in both water and sediments. The study identified run-off from human activities and industrial wastewater as potential sources of MP exposure based on positive matrix factorization. The study suggests assessing the impact of different land-use activities on MPs occurrence and distribution in addition to quantifying MPs in seafood as a way forward in food safety management systems for further studies. This study confirmed the occurrence and widespread distribution of MPs in surface water and sediments and provides a database on MP pollution in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Ayodele Ololade
- Environmental Monitoring Unit, Department of Chemical Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University, PMB 001, AkungbaAkoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.
| | - Abiodun Apata
- Environmental Monitoring Unit, Department of Chemical Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University, PMB 001, AkungbaAkoko, Ondo State, Nigeria
- Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 1400 Farragut Street, Bremerton, Washington, 98314, USA
| | - Nurudeen Abiola Oladoja
- Hydrochemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University, AkungbaAkoko, Nigeria
| | - Bosede Adenike Alabi
- Environmental Monitoring Unit, Department of Chemical Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University, PMB 001, AkungbaAkoko, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Oluwaranti Olubunmi Ololade
- Environmental Monitoring Unit, Department of Chemical Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University, PMB 001, AkungbaAkoko, Ondo State, Nigeria
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Parashar N, Hait S. Abundance, characterization, and removal of microplastics in different technology-based sewage treatment plants discharging into the middle stretch of the Ganga River, India. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167099. [PMID: 37730063 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167099] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are considered as a prominent source for releasing microplastics (MPs) into the riverine systems. Though MPs abundance and removal efficacy in different secondary treatment technique-based STPs have been extensively studied worldwide, such studies are scarce in Indian conditions. Herein, this study comprehensively assesses MPs abundance, characterization, and their removal in the selected secondary treatment technique-based STPs discharging into the middle stretch of the Ganga River in India. MPs concentration (n/L) in influent and effluent of the STPs varied between 42 ± 10 to 150 ± 19 and 3 ± 1 to 22 ± 5, respectively. Overall, the primary treatment stage was observed to remove MPs by 23-42 %, while the secondary treatment stage removed MPs by 67-90 %. Selected technique-based STPs exhibited varying MPs removal efficacies as follows: SBR (94 %), TF (90 %), AL (88 %), UASB (87 %), ASP (85 %), FAB (84 %), and Bio-tower (77 %). MPs ranging from 50 to 250 μm were the dominant sizes, with PP, PE, and PS being the prevalent polymers. The Ganga River receives about 3 × 108 MPs/day from STP effluents, and an estimated 4.5 × 107 MPs/day are released via the sludge. This comprehensive assessment of MPs abundance and removal from different technology-based Indian STPs will allow the comparison of the generated dataset with similar studies worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Parashar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar 801 106, India
| | - Subrata Hait
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar 801 106, India.
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10
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Hisam S, Taneez M, Sagheer MZ, Dilshad A. Microbeads in personal care products sold in Pakistan: extraction, quantification, characterization, and buoyancy analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 196:50. [PMID: 38108910 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12227-0] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Microbeads used in personal care products (PCPs) as an exfoliating agent or as a sorbent phase for delivering active ingredients are the most common sources of microplastics. The release of these plastic microbeads into aquatic environments has raised significant concerns due to their direct availability for ingestion by organisms upon entering the recipient waters. In this study, twelve personal care products (PCPs; 5 face washes and 7 scrubs) were analyzed for microbead content, size, polymer type, and buoyant behavior. Among the face washes, the highest microbead content (i.e., 11 ± 1.2 mg/g) was found in Neutrogena (NS), while the lowest was found in Nivea (NI) with 0.33 ± 0 mg/g. In case of scrubs, Cool and Cool (CL) contained a higher concentration of microbeads (i.e., 57.08±14.15 mg/g) and a lower concentration was found in Yong Chin (YC) (i.e., 10.5±1.5 mg/g). The sizes of microbeads ranged from 3.14 ± 0 to 747 ± 313 μm, and most of the isolated microbeads showed negative buoyant behavior in both freshwater and seawater. The FTIR spectra showed that the microbeads were mainly composed of ethyl-vinyl acetate (66.66%), high-density polyethylene (16.66%), polyethylene terephthalate (8.3%), and nitrile (8.3%). The presence of plastic microbeads in PCPs highlights the need to regulate their use as an exfoliating agent and to raise public awareness to prevent the discharge of these persistent and potentially harmful elements into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mehwish Taneez
- Sulaiman Bin Abdullah Aba Al-Khail-Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences (SA-CIRBS), International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Zahid Sagheer
- Sulaiman Bin Abdullah Aba Al-Khail-Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences (SA-CIRBS), International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Aqsa Dilshad
- Sulaiman Bin Abdullah Aba Al-Khail-Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences (SA-CIRBS), International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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11
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Zhou M, Yanai H, Yap CK, Emmanouil C, Okamura H. Anthropogenic Microparticles in Sea-Surface Microlayer in Osaka Bay, Japan. J Xenobiot 2023; 13:685-703. [PMID: 37987445 PMCID: PMC10660477 DOI: 10.3390/jox13040044] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The abundance, distribution, and composition of microparticles (MPs) in the sea-surface microlayer (S-SML, less than 100 μm of sea surface in this experiment) and in bulk water (1 m under the sea surface) were investigated to evaluate the pollution level of MPs in Osaka Bay in Japan. Both seawater fractions were collected at eight sites including ship navigation routes, the coastal area, and the center of Osaka Bay for 2021-2023. MPs were filtered for four size ranges (10-53, 53-125, 125-500, and >500 μm) and then digested with H2O2. MPs' abundance was microscopically assessed; and polymer types of MPs were identified by a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). For the 22 collections performed along eight sites, the average MPs' abundance was 903 ± 921 items/kg for S-SML, while for the 25 collections performed along the same sites, the average MPs' abundance was 55.9 ± 40.4 items/kg for bulk water, respectively. MPs in both S-SML and bulk water exhibited their highest abundance along the navigation routes. The smallest MPs (10-53 μm) accounted for 81.2% and for 62.2% of all MPs in S-SML and in bulk water among all sites, respectively. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was the major type of MPs identified while minor ones were polyethylene, polyesters, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, etc. PMMA comprised 95.1% of total MPs in S-SML and 45.6% of total MPs in bulk water. In addition, PMMA accounted for 96.6% in S-SML and 49.5% in bulk water for the smallest MP category (10-53 μm). It can be assumed that the MP sources were marine paints-primarily APPs (antifouling paint particles)-as well as land coatings. Sea pollution due to microparticles from ship vessels should be given proper attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Zhou
- Graduate School of Maritime Sciences, Kobe University, Fukaeminami-machi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe 658-0022, Japan; (M.Z.); (H.Y.); (C.K.Y.)
| | - Hirofumi Yanai
- Graduate School of Maritime Sciences, Kobe University, Fukaeminami-machi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe 658-0022, Japan; (M.Z.); (H.Y.); (C.K.Y.)
| | - Chee Kong Yap
- Graduate School of Maritime Sciences, Kobe University, Fukaeminami-machi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe 658-0022, Japan; (M.Z.); (H.Y.); (C.K.Y.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Christina Emmanouil
- School of Spatial Planning and Development, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Hideo Okamura
- Research Center for Inland Seas, Kobe University, Fukaeminami-machi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe 658-0022, Japan
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12
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Jeyaraj J, Baskaralingam V, Stalin T, Muthuvel I. Mechanistic vision on polypropylene microplastics degradation by solar radiation using TiO 2 nanoparticle as photocatalyst. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 233:116366. [PMID: 37302740 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116366] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are emerging contaminants owing to their occurrence and distribution in everywhere the ecosystem and leading to major environmental problems. Management methods are more suitable for larger-sized plastics. Here, the current study elucidates that, TiO2 photocatalyst under sunlight irradiation actively mitigates polypropylene microplastics (pH 3, 50 h) in an aqueous medium. End of post-photocatalytic experiments, the weight loss percentage of microplastics was 50.5 ± 0.5%. Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) spectroscopy results revealed the formation of peroxide and hydroperoxide ions, carbonyl, keto and ester groups at the end of the post-degradation process. Ultraviolet-Visible Diffuse Reflectance spectroscopic (UV - DRS) results showed variation in the optical absorbance of polypropylene microplastics peak values at 219 and 253 nm. Increased the weight percentage of oxygen level due to the oxidation of functional groups and decreased the weight percentage of carbon content in electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), probably owing to breakdown of long-chain polypropylene microplastics. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) microscopic analysis showed the surface having holes, cavities, and cracks on irritated polypropylene microplastics. The overall study and their mechanistic pathway strongly confirmed the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with help of the movement of electrons by photocatalyst under solar irradiation which aids the degradation of polypropylene microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeyavani Jeyaraj
- Biomaterials and Biotechnology in Animal Health Lab, Department of Animal Health and Management, Science Campus, 6th Floor, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630004, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vaseeharan Baskaralingam
- Biomaterials and Biotechnology in Animal Health Lab, Department of Animal Health and Management, Science Campus, 6th Floor, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630004, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Thambusamy Stalin
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630003, India
| | - Inbasekaran Muthuvel
- Advanced Photocatalysis Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalaingar, 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India; Photocatalysis Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, M.R.Govt.Arts College, Mannargudi, 614 001, Tamil Nadu, India
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13
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Hassan YAM, Badrey AEA, Osman AGM, Mahdy A. Occurrence and distribution of meso- and macroplastics in the water, sediment, and fauna of the Nile River, Egypt. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1130. [PMID: 37653356 PMCID: PMC10471642 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11696-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The present study described the most recent findings concerning the abundance and distribution of plastic in water, sediment, and fauna in the Nile River of Upper Egypt as an interesting research point. The findings revealed that plastics were abundant in the water, sediments, fish, and crayfish throughout the sites. The Nagaa Hammadi site has the highest abundance of meso- and macroplastics in its water and sediment. African catfish had the highest abundance of meso- and macroplastics compared to the other species, while Nile tilapia had no meso- or macroplastics in its alimentary canal or gills in all sites. The Edfu site has the highest abundance of mesoplastics in the alimentary canals of African catfish, while the Nagaa Hammadi site has the highest abundance of mesoplastics in the gills, and macroplastics appeared only in the alimentary canal of African catfish from the El-wasta site. Only mesoplastics were found in the crayfish's alimentary canal, with the Nagaa Hammadi site having the highest abundance. No macroplastics were detected in the crayfish's gills or alimentary canal. Additionally, this work lets us understand how plastics behave in freshwater environments, and it is a step toward decision-makers taking appropriate measures to reduce their risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine A M Hassan
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Assiut Branch), Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E A Badrey
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Assiut Branch), Assiut, 71524, Egypt.
| | - Alaa G M Osman
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Assiut Branch), Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Aldoushy Mahdy
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Assiut Branch), Assiut, 71524, Egypt
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14
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Shalumon CS, Ratanatamskul C. A novel simplified method for extraction of microplastic particles from face scrub and laundry wastewater. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14168. [PMID: 37644111 PMCID: PMC10465532 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41457-y] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in different environmental matrices is a serious concern in the recent times. Personal care products and washing of synthetic fabrics are some of the main sources of microplastic pollution. In this work, a novel simplified, effective and sustainable method for extraction of microplastic particles from face scrub and laundry wastewater was developed. Different parameters affecting the extraction were analysed and the extraction process was optimised. The extraction efficiency of the proposed method was found to be ~ 94.1 ± 1.65%, which was slightly better than the previously available method with an advantage of ease in extraction and lesser time and resource consuming. The developed method was used to demonstrate the extraction of microplastic particles from 12 face scrub samples with different brands. It was found that the samples contained microplastic particles of varying size. The physical and chemical structure intactness of microplastic particles during the extraction was also analysed and found to be acceptable. The developed extraction method was also applied for the extraction of microfibers from the laundry wastewater. It was found that this proposed method is suitable to make the cleaner extracted samples for an easy and more effective qualitative and quantitative analysis of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Shalumon
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Innovative Waste Treatment and Water Reuse, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chavalit Ratanatamskul
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Center of Excellence in Innovative Waste Treatment and Water Reuse, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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15
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Parashar N, Hait S. Recent advances on microplastics pollution and removal from wastewater systems: A critical review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 340:118014. [PMID: 37121002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) (plastic particles <5 mm) are globally acknowledged as a serious emerging micropollutant, which passes through various pathways in natural habitats and eventually ends up in our food chain. In this context, the present study critically reviews recent advances in MPs sampling and detection, occurrence, fate, and removal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) by delineating their characteristics that manifest toxicity in the environment via effluent discharge. While there is currently no standard protocol in place, this work examined and compared the latest approaches adopted for improved sampling, sample processing, and characterization of MPs via fluorescence imaging and certified reference materials for method validation. MPs concentration from different sources in the WWTPs varies considerably ranging between 0.28 and 18285 MPs/L (raw wastewater), 0.004-750 MPs/L (effluent), and 0.00023-10380 MPs/kg (sludge). Assessment of MPs removal efficiency across different treatment stages in various in WWTPs has been performed and elucidated their removal mechanisms. The overall MPs removal efficiency in primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment stages in WWTPs reported to be around 57-99%, 78.1-99.4%, and 90-99.2%, respectively. Moreover, the review covers advanced treatment methods for removing MPs, including membrane bioreactors, coagulation/flocculation, ultrafiltration, rapid sand filtration, ozonation, disc filtration, and reverse osmosis, which have been found to be highly effective (>99%). Membrane bioreactors have been proclaimed to be the most reliable secondary treatment technique for MPs removal. Coagulation (92.2-95.7%) followed by ozonation (99.2%) as a tertiary treatment chain has been demonstrated to be the most efficient in removing MPs from secondary-treated wastewater effluent. Further, the review delineates the effect of different treatment stages on the physical and chemical characteristics of MPs, associated toxicity, and potential impact factors that can influence the MPs removal efficiency in WWTPs. Conclusively, the merits and demerits of advanced treatment techniques to mitigate MPs pollution from the wastewater system, research gaps, and future perspectives have been highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Parashar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar, 801 106, India
| | - Subrata Hait
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar, 801 106, India.
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16
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Cai C, Zhu L, Hong B. A review of methods for modeling microplastic transport in the marine environments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115136. [PMID: 37329736 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115136] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is ubiquitous in the oceans and poses serious threats to the marine ecosystems. Nowadays numerical modeling has become one of the widely used tools for monitoring and predicting the transport and fate of MP in marine environments. Despite the growing body of research on numerical modeling of marine MP, the advantages and disadvantages of various modeling methods have not received systematic evaluation in published works. Important aspects such as parameterization schemes for MP behaviors, factors influencing MP transport, and proper configuration in beaching are essential for guiding researchers to choose proper methods in their work. For this purpose, we comprehensively reviewed the current knowledge on factors influencing MP transport, classified modeling approaches according to the governing equations, and summarized up-to-date parameterization schemes for MP behaviors. Critical factors such as vertical velocity, biofouling, degradation, fragmentation, beaching, and washing-off were reviewed in the frame of MP transport processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyuan Cai
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liangsheng Zhu
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Hong
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
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17
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Rani M, Ducoli S, Depero LE, Prica M, Tubić A, Ademovic Z, Morrison L, Federici S. A Complete Guide to Extraction Methods of Microplastics from Complex Environmental Matrices. Molecules 2023; 28:5710. [PMID: 37570680 PMCID: PMC10420958 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustainable development is a big global challenge for the 21st century. In recent years, a class of emerging contaminants known as microplastics (MPs) has been identified as a significant pollutant with the potential to harm ecosystems. These small plastic particles have been found in every compartment of the planet, with aquatic habitats serving as the ultimate sink. The challenge to extract MPs from different environmental matrices is a tangible and imperative issue. One of the primary specialties of research in environmental chemistry is the development of simple, rapid, low-cost, sensitive, and selective analytical methods for the extraction and identification of MPs in the environment. The present review describes the developments in MP extraction methods from complex environmental matrices. All existing methodologies (new, old, and proof-of-concept) are discussed and evaluated for their potential usefulness to extract MPs from various biotic and abiotic matrices for the sake of progress and innovation. This study concludes by addressing the current challenges and outlining future research objectives aimed at combating MP pollution. Additionally, a set of recommendations is provided to assist researchers in selecting appropriate analytical techniques for obtaining accurate results. To facilitate this process, a proposed roadmap for MP extraction is presented, considering the specific environmental compartments under investigation. By following this roadmap, researchers can enhance their understanding of MP pollution and contribute to effective mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Rani
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
| | - Serena Ducoli
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
| | - Laura Eleonora Depero
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
| | - Miljana Prica
- Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Aleksandra Tubić
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Zahida Ademovic
- Faculty of Forestry, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Liam Morrison
- Earth and Ocean Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, University of Galway, H91TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Stefania Federici
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
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18
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Kalčíková G, Roy R, Klun B, Rozman U, Marolt G, Skalar T, Feckler A, Bundschuh M. Interactions between titanium dioxide nanoparticles and polyethylene microplastics: Adsorption kinetics, photocatalytic properties, and ecotoxicity. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 329:138628. [PMID: 37030341 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138628] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the adsorption mechanism of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) on polyethylene microplastics (MPs) and the resulting photocatalytic properties. This effort was supported by ecotoxicological assessments of MPs with adsorbed nTiO2 on the immobility and behaviour of Daphnia magna in presence and absence of UV irradiation. The results showed that nTiO2 were rapidly adsorbed on the surface of MPs (72% of nTiO2 in 9 h). The experimental data fit well with the pseudo-second order kinetic model. Both suspended nTiO2 and nTiO2 immobilized on MPs exhibited comparable photocatalytic properties, with the latter showing a lower effect on Daphnia mobility. A likely explanation is that the suspended nTiO2 acted as a homogeneous catalyst under UV irradiation and generated hydroxyl radicals throughout the test vessel, whereas the nTiO2 adsorbed on MPs acted as a heterogeneous catalyst and generated hydroxyl radicals only locally and thus near the air-water interface. Consequently, Daphnia, which were hiding at the bottom of the test vessel, actively avoided exposure to hydroxyl radicals. These results suggest that the presence of MPs can modulate the phototoxicity of nTiO2 - at least the location at which it is active - under the studied conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Kalčíková
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Rajdeep Roy
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Barbara Klun
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ula Rozman
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Marolt
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Skalar
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alexander Feckler
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany; Eußerthal Ecosystem Research Station, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Eußerthal, Germany
| | - Mirco Bundschuh
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany; Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
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19
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Wang B, Smith M, Liu Y, Pileggi V, Chang S. Microplastic isolation method for wastewater and sludge samples by removal of excess organic and inorganic interferences. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 329:138625. [PMID: 37030345 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138625] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The isolation of microplastics from other organic and inorganic contents is a major hurdle to the effective quantification and characterization of microplastics in wastewater and biosolids samples. As a result, a well-established and standardized isolation method is vital for the analysis of microplastics. In this study, we evaluated biological hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis, wet peroxidation and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid treatment for microplastics isolation and demonstrated that the integration of these processes can effectively remove organic and inorganic contents to provide a clear microscope view for microplastics identification from wastewater and sludge samples. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to introduce biological hydrolysis and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid treatment for the isolation of microplastics from environmental samples. The results reported could facilitate the establishment of a standardized procedure for microplastic isolation from wastewater and biosolid samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Wang
- School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Megan Smith
- School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Vince Pileggi
- Water Standards Section, Technical Assessment and Standards Development Branch, Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks, Canada
| | - Sheng Chang
- School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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20
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Asadi A, Khodadost F, Pirsaheb M, Davoodi R. Abundance, characteristics, fate, and removal of microplastics during municipal wastewater treatment plant in the west of Iran: the case of Kermanshah city. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:857. [PMID: 37330424 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11473-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The threat of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic systems is almost a new challenge in environmental management. The municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) act both as collectors of MPs from anthropic use and as a source to natural environments. This study is aimed to determine the abundance, characteristics, and removal of MPs in a municipal WWTP with conventional activated sludge process. Particle size/type, influent loads, and removal rate of MPs in bar screen, grit chamber, primary sedimentation, returned activated sludge, and secondary clarification units of this WWTP were studied by collecting composite samples from wastewater and sludge over a 3-month sampling campaign. Suspected MP particles were counted by light microscopy and characterized using SEM, EDS, FTIR, and TGA-DSC techniques. The mean total MPs, fibers, and fragment concentration after the grit chamber were 6608, 3594, and 3014 which were reduced to 1855, 802, and 1053 particles/L in the effluent, respectively. The sludge retention of total MPs, fibers, and fragments were 8001, 3277, and 4719 particles/L, respectively. The overall efficiency of WWTP with an activated sludge process to remove MPs was 64% and it removed 66.6% and 60% of fibers and fragments, respectively. Fibers were the dominant shape for the collected samples after the grit chamber and fragments were prevalent in the effluent. Polyethylene polymer was detected in most wastewater samples. Existing treatment processes are effective in the removal of MP particles but still act as a potential source to the aquatic ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anvar Asadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Faranak Khodadost
- Students Research Committee, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Meghdad Pirsaheb
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Reza Davoodi
- Kermanshah, Water & Waste Water Co, Kermanshah, Iran
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21
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Sun A, Wang WX. Photodegradation of Microplastics by ZnO Nanoparticles with Resulting Cellular and Subcellular Responses. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:8118-8129. [PMID: 37192337 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Both zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and microplastics (MPs) were extracted from one commercial sunscreen, while other ingredients were removed based on the "like dissolves like" principle. MPs were further extracted by acidic digestion of ZnO NPs using HCl and characterized as spherical particles of approximately 5 μm with layered sheets in an irregular shape on the surface. Although MPs were stable in the presence of simulated sunlight and water after 12 h of exposure, ZnO NPs promoted the photooxidation by producing hydroxyl radicals, with a 2.5-fold increase in the carbonyl index of the degree of surface oxidation. As a result of surface oxidation, spherical MPs were more soluble in water and fragmented to irregular shapes with sharp edges. We then compared the cytotoxicity of primary MPs and secondary MPs (25-200 mg/L) to the HaCaT cell line based on viability loss and subcellular damages. The cellular uptake of MPs transformed by ZnO NPs was enhanced by over 20%, and MPs caused higher cytotoxicity compared with the pristine ones, as evidenced by a 46% lower cell viability, 220% higher lysosomal accumulation, 69% higher cellular reactive oxygen species, 27% more mitochondrial loss, and 72% higher mitochondrial superoxide at 200 mg/L. Our study for the first time explored the activation of MPs by ZnO NPs derived from commercial products and revealed the high cytotoxicity caused by secondary MPs, providing new evidence on the effects of secondary MPs on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Sun
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Wen-Xiong Wang
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
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22
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Taghipour H, Ghayebzadeh M, Ganji F, Mousavi S, Azizi N. Tracking microplastics contamination in drinking water in Zahedan, Iran: From source to consumption taps. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162121. [PMID: 36773917 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162121] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) that pollute drinking water are inherently toxic, act as an adsorbent of hazardous pollutants, and threaten human health. So, the fate of microplastics in drinking water from the source to consumption taps (CTs) was assessed in spring and winter in Zahedan city in Iran. Sampling was performed from 4 reservoirs (raw water), before and after two water treatment plants (WTPs), and 10 CTs. The reservoirs were sampled using a plankton net (pore size = 100 μm), and the remaining samples were taken using a sampling device (containing a stainless steel membrane as a filter with pore size = 5 μm). The combination of density separation techniques, digestion, observation, Micro-Raman and FTIR, and SEM analysis was performed to recognize MPs. The average number of MPs in raw water varied between 15.4 and 44.7 MP/m3 (winter) and 22-51.8 MP/m3 (spring). The results before and after the treatment plant showed that about 64 % and 75 % of particles were eliminated in WTP1 and WTP2, respectively. The average number of MPs in CTs was more than treatment water (CTa = 85-390 MP/m3 and CTb = 75-400 MP/m3), which is a probable confirmation of secondary contamination (abrasion from pipes, installations, and sealing materials). The dominant type of polymer detected in raw water, treated water, and consumption taps were PS. The estimated daily intake for children and adults was about 0.16-15 MP/kg/bw/year and 0.07-5.7 MP/kg/bw/year, respectively. The surface morphology of MPs showed that the particles were affected by continuous weathering, mechanical breakage, and oxidation. MPs threaten the environment and human health due to the adsorption and transport of hazardous pollution and their intrinsic toxicity, so a solution must be thought of to prevent the pollution of drinking water by MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Taghipour
- Health and Environment Research Center, School of Public Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Ghayebzadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Ganji
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Saeid Mousavi
- Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nahid Azizi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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23
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Li Q, Han Z, Su G, Hou M, Liu X, Zhao X, Hua Y, Shi B, Meng J, Wang M. New insights into the distribution, potential source and risk of microplastics in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 175:107956. [PMID: 37178609 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) as emerging contaminants have become a major global concern, however, the distribution and origin of MPs in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and their impacts on ecosystem are poorly known. Hence, we systematically evaluated the profile of MPs on the representative metropolitan locations of Lhasa and Huangshui Rivers and the scenic sites of Namco and Qinghai Lake. The average abundance of MPs in the water samples was 7020 items/m3, which was 34 and 52 times higher than those for the sediment (206.7 items/m3) and soil samples (134.7 items/m3), respectively. Huangshui River had the highest levels, followed by Qinghai Lake, Lhasa River and Namco. Human activities rather than altitude and salinity impacted the distribution of MPs in those areas. Besides the consumption of plastic products by locals and tourists, laundry wastewater and exogenous tributary inputs, the unique prayer flag culture also contributed to the MPs emission in QTP. Notably, the stability and fragment of MPs were crucial for their fate. Multiple assessment models were employed to evaluate the risk of MPs. PERI model took MP concentration, background value and toxicity into account, comprehensively describing the risk differences of each site. The large PVC proportion in Qinghai Lake posed the highest risk. Furthermore, concerns should be raised about PVC, PE and PET in Lhasa and Huangshui Rivers, and PC in Namco Lake. Risk quotient suggested that aged MPs in sediments slowly released biotoxic DEHP and should be cleaned up promptly. The findings offer baseline data of MPs in QTP and ecological risks, providing important support for the prioritization of future control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ziwei Han
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guijin Su
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Meifang Hou
- School of Ecological Technology and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China
| | - Xihui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yukang Hua
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bin Shi
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Meng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mengjing Wang
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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24
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Kalčíková G. Beyond ingestion: Adhesion of microplastics to aquatic organisms. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 258:106480. [PMID: 36948066 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The interactions of microplastics with aquatic organisms have been studied primarily using animal species, with dietary ingestion being the most important uptake route. However, recent research indicated that microplastics also interact with biota via bioadhesion. This process has been studied in aquatic macrophytes under laboratory conditions where microplastics adhered to their biomass, but monitoring studies also confirmed that microplastic bioadhesion occurs in other species and in the natural environment. Similarly, microplastics adhere to microorganisms, and in the aquatic environment they can be retained by ubiquitous biofilms. This can occur on a natural substrate such as sediment or rocks, but biofilms are also responsible for enhanced bioadhesion of microplastics to other biotic surfaces such as plant surfaces. Adhesion to these large biotic surfaces could influence the abundance and bioavailability of microplastics in the environment. Only few studies have been conducted on the bioadhesion of microplastics to animals, but their results confirmed that bioadhesion may be even greater than particle ingestion by some animals, such as corals or bivalves. However, the ecotoxicological effects are not yet fully understood and the possible transport of microplastics, e.g. adhered to fish or aquatic insects, also needs to be considered. In summary, bioadhesion seems to be an important process for the interactions of microplastics and biota. Neglecting bioadhesion in an environmental context may limit our understanding of the behavior, fate, and effects of microplastics in the aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Kalčíková
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 113 Večna pot, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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25
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Lee Y, Cho S, Park K, Kim T, Kim J, Ryu DY, Hong J. Potential lifetime effects caused by cellular uptake of nanoplastics: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 329:121668. [PMID: 37087090 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have been used for about 100 years, and daily-use products composed of plastics are now prevalent. As a result, humans are very easily exposed to the plastic particles generated from the daily-use plastics. However, studies on cellular uptake of nanoplastics in "human cells" have only recently begun to attract attention. In previous studies, definitions of nanoplastics and microplastics were vague, but recently, they have been considered to be different and are being studied separately. However, nanoplastics, unlike plastic particles of other sizes such as macro- and microplastics, can be absorbed by human cells, and thus can cause various risks such as cytotoxicity, inflammation, oxidative stress, and even diseases such as cancer82, 83. and diabetes (Fan et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2023). Thus, in this review, we defined microplastics and nanoplastics to be different and described the potential risks of nanoplastics to human caused by cellular uptake according to their diverse factors. In addition, during and following plastic product usage a substantial number of fragments of different sizes can be generated, including nanoplastics. Fragmentation of microplastics into nanoplastics may also occur during ingestion and inhalation, which can potentially cause long-term hazards to human health. However, there are still few in vivo studies conducted on the health effect of nanoplastics ingestion and inhalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoojin Lee
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seongeun Cho
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungtae Park
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Taihyun Kim
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyu Kim
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Du-Yeol Ryu
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinkee Hong
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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26
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Citterich F, Lo Giudice A, Azzaro M. A plastic world: A review of microplastic pollution in the freshwaters of the Earth's poles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161847. [PMID: 36709890 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is of great environmental concern. MPs have been found all over the Earth, including in the poles, which is indicative for the important threat they constitute. Yet, while the ocean is object of major interest, the data available in the literature about MP pollution in the freshwaters of the Earth's poles are still limited. Here, we review the current knowledge of MP pollution in the freshwaters of the Arctic, Antarctica and Third Pole, and we assess its ecological implications. This review highlights the presence of MPs in the lakes, rivers, snow, and glaciers of the investigated sites, questions the transport patterns through which MPs reach these remote areas, and illustrates that MP pollution is a real problem not only in marine systems, but also in the freshwater environments of the Earth's poles. MPs can indeed be ingested by animals and can physically damage their digestive tracts, as well as escalate the trophic levels. MPs can also alter microbial communities by serving as surfaces onto which microbes can grow and develop, and can enhance ice melting when trapped in glaciers. Hence, considered the limited data available, we encourage more research on the theme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Citterich
- Institute of Polar Sciences (ISP), National Research Council (CNR-ISP), Spianata S. Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Angelina Lo Giudice
- Institute of Polar Sciences (ISP), National Research Council (CNR-ISP), Spianata S. Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Azzaro
- Institute of Polar Sciences (ISP), National Research Council (CNR-ISP), Spianata S. Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy
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27
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Li B, Li B, Jia Q, Cai Y, Xie Y, Yuan X, Yang Z. Dynamic characteristics of microplastics under tidal influence and potential indirect monitoring methods. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161869. [PMID: 36709889 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are an important channel for the transport of microplastics from inland areas to the ocean. It is of great significance to explore the dynamic changes in microplastic pollution characteristics under tidal fluctuations to understand the exchange of microplastics between rivers and oceans. In this study, the occurrence of microplastics in typical tidal channels in the lower reaches of the Dong River was investigated during the wet and dry weather seasons, and high frequency continuous dynamic monitoring of microplastics was carried out in a typical tidal cross section during a tidal cycle. The abundances of microplastics during wet and dry weather seasons were 3.97-102.87 ± 28.63 item/m3 and 5.43-56.43 ± 14.32 item/m3, respectively. The microplastics generally exhibited a fluctuating growth pattern, with low contents in the upstream area and high contents in the downstream area, and the abundance of microplastics differed greatly in the different functional zones. The dynamic monitoring results showed that the abundance of microplastics was clearly affected by the tides, in that it increased during the flood tide and decreased during the ebb tide, with abundances ranging from 11.15 to 95.26 item/m3. In addition, there was a significant linear relationship between the abundance of microplastics and flow in the typical tidal cross section. The relationship between the response of microplastic pollution characteristics and tides combined with local hydrometeorological factors may be a potentially effective real-time monitoring method for assessing microplastic pollution indirectly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bo Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Qunpo Jia
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yanpeng Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Yulei Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiao Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhifeng Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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28
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Adeniji AO, Okaiyeto K, Mohammed JN, Mabaleha M, Tanor EB, George MJ. A mixed method assessment of research productivity on microplastics in various compartments in the environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : IJEST 2023:1-28. [PMID: 37360561 PMCID: PMC10088809 DOI: 10.1007/s13762-023-04916-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic distribution and pollution as emerging contaminants have become a leading environmental issue globally, owing to their ecological and health implications on biota and humans. Although several bibliometric studies have been reported on microplastics, they are mostly restricted to selected environmental media. As a result, the present study aimed at assessing the literature growth trend of microplastics-related research and their distribution in the environment using a bibliometric approach. The Web of Science Core Collection was explored to retrieve published articles on microplastics from 2006 to 2021, and the data were analysed using the Biblioshiny package of RStudio. This study also highlighted filtration, separation, coagulation, membrane technology, flotation, bionanomaterials, bubble barrier devices, and sedimentation as MP remediation techniques. In the present study, a total of 1118 documents were collected from the literature search; the documents/author and authors/document were 0.308 and 3.25, respectively. A significant growth rate of 65.36% was recorded with notable progress between 2018 and 2021. China, the USA, Germany, the UK, and Italy recorded the highest number of publications within the period under consideration. A collaboration index of 3.32 was also relatively high, with the Netherlands, Malaysia, Iran, France, and Mexico having the highest MCP ratios, respectively. It is anticipated that findings from this study will help the policymakers in addressing issues concerning microplastic pollution assist the researchers in identifying areas to concentrate their studies, and where to seek collaboration in their future research plans. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13762-023-04916-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. O. Adeniji
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, National University of Lesotho, P. O. Roma 180, Roma, Lesotho
| | - K. Okaiyeto
- Phytomedicine and Phytochemistry Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, 7535 South Africa
| | - J. N. Mohammed
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, P M B 11, Lapai, Nigeria
| | - M. Mabaleha
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, National University of Lesotho, P. O. Roma 180, Roma, Lesotho
| | - E. B. Tanor
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, National University of Lesotho, P. O. Roma 180, Roma, Lesotho
| | - M. J. George
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, National University of Lesotho, P. O. Roma 180, Roma, Lesotho
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Fatema K, Rahman T, Islam MJ, Sumon KA, Uddin MH, Hasan SJ, Kawsar SMA, Arakawa H, Haque MM, Rashid H. Microplastics pollution in the river Karnaphuli: a preliminary study on a tidal confluence river in the southeast coast of Bangladesh. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:38853-38868. [PMID: 36586026 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24998-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Bangladesh is a deltaic country in Asia, and its riverine systems ultimately drain into the Bay of Bengal. Plastic is a severe environmental issue for coastal-marine ecosystems due to the indiscriminate usage and discarding of plastic items in the upstream river that eventually find their route into the Bay of Bengal. Microplastics (MPs) are widespread pollutants in almost all environmental compartments, including aquatic environments. This study aimed to quantify and understand the distribution of microplastics in surface water and sediments of the river Karnaphuli, a tidal confluence river adjacent to the Chattogram seaport city of Bangladesh, a highly inhabited and industrial area on the southeast coast of the Bay of Bengal. A manta trawl net (300-µm mesh size) was used to collect surface water samples, while an Ekman dredge was used to collect sediment samples. The concentrations of microplastics in the surface water of the river Karnaphuli during late monsoon, winter, and early summer were recorded to be 120,111.11, 152,222.22, and 164,444.44 items/km2, respectively, while in sediments, those were recorded to be 103.83, 137.50, and 103.67 items/kg, respectively. A higher abundance of microplastics was observed in downstream surface water (228,888.88 items/km2) and sediments (164.17 items/kg). Smaller sizes (0.3 to 0.5 mm) of microplastics were predominant, fibers or threads were the frequent types, and black was the most common color in the river Karnaphuli. The Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed that polyethylene terephthalate (surface water: 22%, sediments: 19%), polyamide (surface water: 15%, sediments: 13%), polyethylene (surface water: 12%, sediments: 18%), polystyrene (surface water: 13%, sediments: 11%), and alkyd resin (surface water: 13%, sediments: 10%) were the most prevalent polymers in the river Karnaphuli. Moreover, there was a moderate positive correlation between MPs abundance in surface water and sediments. Therefore, improved long-term research (in different seasons with horizontal and vertical monitoring) is necessary in order to accurately determine the flux of microplastics from the river Karnaphuli to the Bay of Bengal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaniz Fatema
- Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
- Department of Fisheries Management, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Turabur Rahman
- Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
- Marine Station, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Md Jakiul Islam
- Department of Fisheries Technology and Quality Control, Faculty of Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Kizar Ahmed Sumon
- Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Md Helal Uddin
- Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Shanur Jahedul Hasan
- Marine Station, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - S M Abe Kawsar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Hisayuki Arakawa
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Md Mahfuzul Haque
- Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Harunur Rashid
- Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh.
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30
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Vercauteren M, Semmouri I, Van Acker E, Pequeur E, Janssen CR, Asselman J. Toward a Better Understanding of the Contribution of Wastewater Treatment Plants to Microplastic Pollution in Receiving Waterways. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:642-654. [PMID: 36524859 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (1 µm-5 mm), are ubiquitous in daily-use products and regularly end up in the wastewater. The main part of the wastewater is treated in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), which allow for at least partial removal of microplastics. The present study aimed to understand the contribution of domestic wastewater to microplastic pollution in Flanders (Belgium) via two main discharge routes of microplastics: (1) the effluent, and (2) removed fractions. Furthermore the effect of effluent discharge on the microplastic contamination in the waterway was studied in both surface water and sediment samples of upstream and downstream locations of the discharge from three WWTPs. On average, 12.64 ± 20.20 microplastic/L entered a WWTP (10 µm-5 mm). The effluent contained on average 0.41 ± 0.91 microplastic/L, resulting in an average removal efficiency of 97.46% ± 2.33%, which is comparable with various (non-)European countries. Removal efficiencies are both polymer- and size-specific, and data suggest that smaller particles are less efficiently removed from the wastewater, which also causes an increased input of smaller particles to the environment. The sludge is the most efficient treatment process to remove microplastics. Despite the high removal efficiencies, still 1.11 × 107 ± 3.07 × 107 microplastics end up in the nearby waterway daily. Nonetheless, based on the results gathered in the present study, this does not seem to impact the microplastic concentration in the waterway significantly. In summary, the present study offers a holistic approach in the research on the impact of wastewater on microplastic pollution in the ecosystem, integrating different discharge routes and measuring the impact on environmental microplastic pollution. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:642-654. © 2022 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Vercauteren
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ilias Semmouri
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Ostend, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Van Acker
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emmy Pequeur
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Colin R Janssen
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Ostend, Belgium
| | - Jana Asselman
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Ostend, Belgium
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31
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Priya A, Anusha G, Thanigaivel S, Karthick A, Mohanavel V, Velmurugan P, Balasubramanian B, Ravichandran M, Kamyab H, Kirpichnikova IM, Chelliapan S. Removing microplastics from wastewater using leading-edge treatment technologies: a solution to microplastic pollution-a review. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2023; 46:309-321. [PMID: 35301580 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-022-02715-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in environmental studies have revealed that public sewage treatment plants are a common pathway for microplastics to reach local surroundings. Microplastics are becoming more of a worry, posing a danger to both marine wildlife and humans. These plastic items not only contribute to the macrocosmic proliferation of plastics but also the scattering of microplastics and the concentration of other micropollutant-containing objects, increasing the number of pollutants identified. Microplastics' behavior, movement, transformation, and persistence mechanisms, as well as their mode of action in various wastewater effluent treatment procedures, are still unknown. They are making microplastics made from wastewater a big deal. We know that microplastics enter wastewater treatment facilities (WWTPs), that wastewater is released into the atmosphere, and that this wastewater has been considered to represent a threat to habitats and ground character based on our literature assessment. The basic methods of wastewater and sewage sludge, as well as the treatment procedure and early characterization, are covered throughout the dissection of the problematic scientific conceptualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunkumar Priya
- Department of Civil Engineering, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641407, India.
| | - Gururajan Anusha
- Department of Civil Engineering, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641407, India
| | - Sundaram Thanigaivel
- Saveetha School of Engineering, Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Thandalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 602105, India
| | - Alagar Karthick
- Renewable Energy lab, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641407, India.
| | - Vinayagam Mohanavel
- Centre for Materials Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Selaiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600073, India
| | - Palanivel Velmurugan
- Centre for Materials Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Selaiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600073, India
| | | | - Manickam Ravichandran
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, K. Ramakrishnan College of Engineering, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, 621112, India
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, 140413, India
| | - Hesam Kamyab
- Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, 54100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Irina Mikhailovna Kirpichnikova
- Electric Power Station, Network, and Supply System, South Ural State University, (National Research University), 76 Prospekt Lenina, 454080, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation
| | - Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan
- Engineering Department, Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jln Sultan Yahya Petra, 54100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Mamun AA, Prasetya TAE, Dewi IR, Ahmad M. Microplastics in human food chains: Food becoming a threat to health safety. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159834. [PMID: 36461575 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
While versatile application of plastics has generated huge benefits in our life, the 'plastic end-of-life' comes with downsides of emerging concern is plastic particles within all parts of environments. Plastics are highly resistant to degradation and sustain in the environment for a prolonged period resulting in easy access of microplastics into human food chain. Microplastic exposure to humans is caused by foods of both animal and plant origin, food additives, drinks, and plastic food packaging. Living organisms can accumulate microplastics in cells and tissues which results in threats of chronic biological effects and potential health hazards for humans including body gastrointestinal disorders, immunity, respiratory problem, cancer, infertility, and alteration in chromosomes. Because of the threat of microplastics on human health, it is essential to ensure food safety as well as control plastic use with strict regulation of proper management. This study aims to enlighten future research into the core component of microplastics, their exposure to human food, prevention to human food chain, and biological reactions in human body. Finally, it is recommended to consider the presence of microplastics in different foods, as most of the existing research mainly focused on sea foods. And it is important to study the mechanism of toxicity with pathways in the human body based on the different types, shapes, and sizes of plastic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al Mamun
- Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Campus C, Surabaya 60115, East Java, Indonesia.
| | - Tofan Agung Eka Prasetya
- Health Department, Faculty of Vocational Studies, Universitas Airlangga, Campus B, Surabaya 60286, East Java, Indonesia.
| | - Indiah Ratna Dewi
- Centre for Leather, Rubber and Plastics, Yogyakarta 55166, Indonesia.
| | - Monsur Ahmad
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong 4225, Bangladesh
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Adegoke KA, Adu FA, Oyebamiji AK, Bamisaye A, Adigun RA, Olasoji SO, Ogunjinmi OE. Microplastics toxicity, detection, and removal from water/wastewater. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114546. [PMID: 36640497 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The world has witnessed massive and preeminent microplastics (MPs) pollution in water bodies due to the inevitable continuous production of plastics for various advantageous chemical and mechanical features. Plastic pollution, particularly contamination by MPs (plastic particles having a diameter lesser than 5 mm), has been a rising environmental concern in recent years due to the inappropriate disposal of plastic trash. This study presents the recent advancements in different technologies for MPs removal in order to gain proper insight into their strengths and weaknesses, thereby orchestrating the preparation for innovation in the field. The production, origin, and global complexity of MPs were discussed. This study also reveals MPs' mode of transportation, its feedstock polymers, toxicities, detection techniques, and the conventional removal strategies of MPs from contaminated systems. Modification of conventional methods vis-à-vis new materials/techniques and other emerging technologies, such as magnetic extraction and sol-gel technique with detailed mechanistic information for the removal of MPs are presented in this study. Conclusively, some future research outlooks for advancing the MPs removal technologies/materials for practical realization are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayode Adesina Adegoke
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa.
| | - Folasade Abimbola Adu
- Discipline of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Abel Kolawole Oyebamiji
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria.
| | - Abayomi Bamisaye
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Rasheed Adewale Adigun
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Fountain University, P. M. B. 4491, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.
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Gan Q, Cui J, Jin B. Environmental microplastics: Classification, sources, fates, and effects on plants. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137559. [PMID: 36528162 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a global concern due to the generation of extensive plastic waste and products (370 million metric tons in 2020) that are difficult to biodegrade. Therefore, MPs have attracted a great deal of research attention, and many new findings regarding MPs (over 9000 papers published in the last 3 years) have been reported. MPs generally exert adverse effects on plants. As MPs accumulate in agricultural ecosystems, many studies have sought to understand the sources and fates of MPs and their effects on various plants. However, there have been few reviews of the properties of MPs, their effects on plants, and their interactions with other factors (e.g., drought, heat, ultraviolet light, plant hormones, heavy metals, and other pollutants) remain poorly understood. In this review, we performed scientometrics analyses of research papers (January 1, 2019, to September 30, 2022) in this field. We focused on the recent progress in the classification of MPs and their sources, circulation, and deposition in agricultural ecosystems. We review MP uptake and transport in plants, as well as factors (size, type, and environmental factors) that affect MP uptake, the positive and negative effects of MPs on plants, and the mechanisms of MP impacts on plants. We discuss current issues and future perspectives concerning research into plant interactions with MPs, along with some promising methods to manage the MP issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Gan
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| | - Jiawen Cui
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| | - Biao Jin
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
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Ye Y, Zhang A, Teng J, Yang X, Yuan X, Wang Q, Zhao J, Zhang B, Zhang T, Chen X, Guan T, Ma X. Pollution characteristics and ecological risk of microplastic in sediments of Liaodong Bay from the northern Bohai Sea in China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114505. [PMID: 36566512 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widely distributed in marine environments. The pollution characteristics and risk assessment of MPs in estuarine sediments are still insufficient. In this study, the MPs pollution characteristics in surface sediments of the Liao Estuary and Daliao Estuary were investigated. The characteristics of MPs in sediments were determined by stereo microscopy and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the average MPs abundance ranged from 32.33 to 49.91 items·kg-1 d.w. The MPs were mainly composed of 500-2000 μm black and blue fibers. Five polymer types were identified, including rayon (RA) (87.46 %), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (6.81 %), polyamide (PA) (2.94 %), polypropylene (PP) (2.17 %) and polyethylene (PE) (0.62 %). The pollution load index (PLI) risk assessment showed that all sampling sites were at Hazard Level I. Our results can provide useful information for assessing the environmental risks of MPs in coastal areas of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuheng Ye
- School of Architecture and Civil Engineering of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China
| | - Anguo Zhang
- National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Dalian 116023, PR China
| | - Jia Teng
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Xiaolong Yang
- National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Dalian 116023, PR China
| | - Xiutang Yuan
- National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Dalian 116023, PR China; Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Qing Wang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China.
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Bin Zhang
- School of Architecture and Civil Engineering of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China; School of food and biotechnology of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China.
| | - Tianzhe Zhang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Xuejiao Chen
- School of food and biotechnology of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China
| | - Tongwei Guan
- School of food and biotechnology of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China
| | - Xindong Ma
- National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Dalian 116023, PR China
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Golgoli M, Khiadani M, Sen TK, Razmjou A, Johns ML, Zargar M. Synergistic effects of microplastics and organic foulants on the performance of forward osmosis membranes. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 311:136906. [PMID: 36270521 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136906] [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: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants that are abundantly present in the influent and effluent of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Forward osmosis (FO) is an advanced treatment technology with potential applications in WWTPs. The presence of MPs in WWTP effluents can contribute to FO fouling and performance deterioration. This study focuses on FO membrane fouling by MPs of different sizes, and the interactional impacts of MPs and Humic acid (HA) (as the most common organic foulant in WWTPs) on FO membrane performance. The synergistic effect of combined MPs and HA fouling is shown to cause higher flux decline for FO membranes than that of HA or MPs alone. Reverse salt flux increased in the presence of MPs, and decreased when HA was present. Further, full flux recovery was obtained for all fouled membranes after hydraulic cleaning. This indicates the efficiency of FO systems for treating wastewater with high fouling potential. This study highlights the necessity of considering MPs in studying fouling behaviour, and for mitigation strategies of membranes used in WWT. The fundamentals created here can be further extended to other membrane-assisted separation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Golgoli
- School of Engineering, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Mehdi Khiadani
- School of Engineering, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Tushar Kanti Sen
- Chemical Engineering Department, King Faisal University, P.O. Box: 380, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amir Razmjou
- School of Engineering, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia; UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia; Mineral Recovery Research Center (MRRC), School of Engineering, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Michael L Johns
- Fluid Science & Resources Division, Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Masoumeh Zargar
- School of Engineering, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia; Mineral Recovery Research Center (MRRC), School of Engineering, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, WA 6027, Australia.
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Jachimowicz P, Jo YJ, Cydzik-Kwiatkowska A. Polyethylene microplastics increase extracellular polymeric substances production in aerobic granular sludge. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158208. [PMID: 36028039 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants act as microplastic (MPs) sinks and secondary MP pollution sources. Little is known about the effect of MPs on biomass and the efficiency of biological wastewater treatment. This study assessed the impact of polyethylene (PE) MPs concentrations (1, 10, 50 mg/L) in wastewater on biological conversions and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production (including alginate) in aerobic granular sludge (AGS). PE MPs did not worsen the efficiency of biological treatment but stimulated the production of EPS and alginate in AGS. The alginate content increased from 238.7 ± 4.4 mg/g MLSS in control to 441.6 ± 13.8 mg/g MLSS at the highest PE load in wastewater. The presence of MP changed AGS morphology and worsened the settling properties of biomass, causing biomass washout from the reactors. At the highest PE load in wastewater, the biomass concentration in the reactor effluent was over 2.8 times higher than in the control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Jachimowicz
- University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Faculty of Geoengineering, Department of Environmental Biotechnology, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Young-Jae Jo
- University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Faculty of Geoengineering, Department of Environmental Biotechnology, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Cydzik-Kwiatkowska
- University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Faculty of Geoengineering, Department of Environmental Biotechnology, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland
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Montecinos S, Gil M, Tognana S, Salgueiro W, Amalvy J. Distribution of microplastics present in a stream that receives discharge from wastewater treatment plants. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120299. [PMID: 36181936 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) in freshwater systems that receive discharge of urban effluent implies a great environmental impact. In order to be able to generate proposals that solve this problem, it is necessary to know in detail the contributions of different MPs sources. The aim of this work was to study the contribution of urban sewage discharge to MPs pollution in a stream that runs through a medium-sized city. The spatial distribution of MPs with sizes between 100 μm and 1.5 mm present in surface water was measured and their characteristics, dimensions, shapes and identification were determined. Physical-chemical parameters of the stream water were measured, and a decrease in water quality was found due to wastewater treatment plants. The main source of MPs was effluent from the plants (97% of the total MPs), while the rest came from storm drains and discharge of tributaries. The maximum concentration of MPs found was around 72,000 MP/L (equivalent to 53 million MPs/s), at a point after discharge from both plants. Around 70% of MPs correspond to microfibers with a mean length of around 300 μm and a mean width of around 15 μm, and they are mainly polyethylene fibers. The remaining 30% of MPs are particles with lengths of around 140 μm. The transport of MPs between a point located after discharge of the plants and another point located about 3 km further on was studied, and no significant variation was found in the concentration of MPs. Electrical conductivity was used as a conservative tracer of MPs concentration. This work presents for the first time a detailed analysis of different contributions of MPs to a freshwater system in South America, which receives discharge of wastewater treatment plants, evidencing its important role in pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Montecinos
- IFIMAT, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Pinto 399, 7000, Tandil, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas CONICET, Av. Rivadavia, 1917, C1033AAJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CIFICEN (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), Pinto 399, 7000, Tandil, Argentina.
| | - M Gil
- IFIMAT, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Pinto 399, 7000, Tandil, Argentina
| | - S Tognana
- IFIMAT, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Pinto 399, 7000, Tandil, Argentina; CIFICEN (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), Pinto 399, 7000, Tandil, Argentina; Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Bs. As., Calle 526 Entre 10 y 11, 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - W Salgueiro
- IFIMAT, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Pinto 399, 7000, Tandil, Argentina; CIFICEN (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), Pinto 399, 7000, Tandil, Argentina; Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Bs. As., Calle 526 Entre 10 y 11, 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - J Amalvy
- Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Bs. As., Calle 526 Entre 10 y 11, 1900, La Plata, Argentina; CITEMA (UTN-CICPBA) 60 y 124, 1900, La Plata, Argentina
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Ribeiro A, Gravato C, Cardoso J, Ribeiro CA, Vieira MN, Rodrigues C. Microplastic Contamination and Ecological Status of Freshwater Ecosystems: A Case Study in Two Northern Portuguese Rivers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192315956. [PMID: 36498031 PMCID: PMC9735593 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315956] [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: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most European rivers have not yet achieved "good" ecological status. In addition, the presence and abundance of microplastics (MPs) in freshwater is a matter of great concern to the scientific community. METHODOLOGY This study assesses the ecological status of four sampling sites of Selho (S1-S4) and Costa-Couros (C1-C4) rivers (Guimarães, Portugal), and the abundance of MPs in sediments and benthic macroinvertebrates (Oligochaeta) from those sites. RESULTS All sites of both rivers under higher pressure did not reach a "good" ecological status (S2-S3, C2-C4) based on the macroinvertebrate community. High levels of nutrients were observed at all sites in both rivers (except C2), especially phosphorus. In the Oligochaeta's gut of Costa-Couros river, the high number of MPs seems to be associated with their weight (95.25 ± 25.61 to 1069.00 ± 385.30 MPs g/fresh weight), suggesting the existence of malnutrition and digestive disorders, whereas the highest number of MPs in gut (134.00 ± 30.36 to 558.6 ± 100.70 MPs g/fresh weight) were found for the heaviest organisms of Selho. CONCLUSIONS Thus, sites with higher ecological status do not necessarily have lower abundance of MPs. In the sediments, urbanization seems to be the main driver for MP contamination. MP contamination is pervasive across the sediments and Oligochaeta's gut in both rivers. Since MPs have the potential to cause harm to environmental and human health, it is essential to monitor not only the ecological status of freshwaters, but also emerging pollutants such as MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Ribeiro
- Landscape Laboratory, Rua da Ponte Romana, Creixomil, 4835-095 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Carlos Gravato
- Faculty of Sciences of University of Lisbon & Centro de Estudos de Ambiente e Mar (CESAM), University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Cardoso
- Department of Biology, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | | | - Maria Natividade Vieira
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carolina Rodrigues
- Landscape Laboratory, Rua da Ponte Romana, Creixomil, 4835-095 Guimarães, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Rozman U, Kalčíková G. The Response of Duckweed Lemna minor to Microplastics and Its Potential Use as a Bioindicator of Microplastic Pollution. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:2953. [PMID: 36365405 PMCID: PMC9658923 DOI: 10.3390/plants11212953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Biomonitoring has become an indispensable tool for detecting various environmental pollutants, but microplastics have been greatly neglected in this context. They are currently monitored using multistep physico-chemical methods that are time-consuming and expensive, making the search for new monitoring options of great interest. In this context, the aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using an aquatic macrophyte as a bioindicator of microplastic pollution in freshwaters. Therefore, the effects and adhesion of three types of microplastics (polyethylene microbeads, tire wear particles, and polyethylene terephthalate fibers) and two types of natural particles (wood dust and cellulose particles) to duckweed Lemna minor were investigated. The results showed that fibers and natural particles had no effect on the specific growth rate, chlorophyll a content, and root length of duckweed, while a significant reduction in the latter was observed when duckweed was exposed to microbeads and tire wear particles. The percentage of adhered particles was ten times higher for polyethylene microbeads than for other microplastics and natural particles, suggesting that the adhesion of polyethylene microbeads to duckweed is specific. Because the majority of microplastics in freshwaters are made of polyethylene, the use of duckweed for their biomonitoring could provide important information on microplastic pollution in freshwaters.
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Jachimowicz P, Cydzik-Kwiatkowska A. Coagulation and Flocculation before Primary Clarification as Efficient Solutions for Low-Density Microplastic Removal from Wastewater. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13013. [PMID: 36293592 PMCID: PMC9602620 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) removal from wastewater was investigated using various types and doses of commercial coagulants (PIX, PAX) and flocculants (FPM, PEL, FCT) before primary clarification in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Dosing with FPM, PIX, and PEL caused small MPs (180-212 µm) to be transferred mainly to the settled sludge (up to 86.4% of MP at a dose of 5 mL FMP/m3), while dosing of FCT and PAX caused these MPs to be transferred to the floated sludge (up to 64% MP at a dose of 5 mL PAX/m3). The efficiency of MP removal from wastewater was the highest (90%) with 2.5 mL PAX/m3; the generated primary sludge had a low MP content and could be safely managed in subsequent stages of sludge treatment. At the highest doses, PIX significantly increased the removal of P-PO4 (up to 94%) and COD (up to 73%). FPM and FCT resulted in over 40% efficiency of ammonium removal-such disturbance in wastewater composition may negatively affect further biological treatment. Effective removal of MP in the mechanical part of WWTP resulting from coagulation and flocculation enables the safe use of the excess sludge for agricultural purposes.
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Yu X, Zhang Y, Tan L, Han C, Li H, Zhai L, Ma W, Li C, Lu X. Microplastisphere may induce the enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes on microplastics in aquatic environments: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 310:119891. [PMID: 35934152 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been proven to be hotspots of bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The enrichment of ARGs in microplastisphere, the specific niche for diverse microbial communities attached to the surface of microplastic, has attracted worldwide attention. By collecting 477 pairs of ARG abundance data belonging to 26 ARG types, based on the standardized mean difference (SMD) under the random effect model, we have performed the first meta-analysis of the ARG enrichment on microplastics in aquatic environments in order to quantitatively elucidate the enrichment effect, with comparison of non-microplastic materials. It was found that ARGs enriched on the microplastics were more abundant than that on the inorganic substrates (SMD = 0.26) and natural water environments (SMD = 0.10), but lower abundant than that on the natural organic substrates (SMD = -0.52). Furthermore, microplastics in freshwater tended to have a higher degree of ARG enrichment than those in saline water and sewage. The biofilm formation stage, structure, and component of microplastisphere may play a significant role in the enrichment of ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yu
- Tianjin International Joint Research Center for Environmental Biogeochemical Technology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, China
| | - Lu Tan
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin, 300191, China
| | - Chenglong Han
- Tianjin International Joint Research Center for Environmental Biogeochemical Technology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Haixiao Li
- Tianjin International Joint Research Center for Environmental Biogeochemical Technology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Lifang Zhai
- Tianjin International Joint Research Center for Environmental Biogeochemical Technology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Weiqi Ma
- Tianjin International Joint Research Center for Environmental Biogeochemical Technology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Chengtao Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Xueqiang Lu
- Tianjin International Joint Research Center for Environmental Biogeochemical Technology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
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Uogintė I, Pleskytė S, Pauraitė J, Lujanienė G. Seasonal variation and complex analysis of microplastic distribution in different WWTP treatment stages in Lithuania. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 194:829. [PMID: 36161366 PMCID: PMC9511462 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10478-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Industrial wastewater, domestic wastewater, and stormwater are the three entry points for microplastics (MP) in wastewater treatment plants. Extreme weather conditions, such as rising temperatures and heavy rainfall caused by climate change, can alter the rate at which MP enters wastewater treatment plants. In this study, wastewater and sludge samples from different treatment stages were collected during a 12-month sampling campaign (seasonal) to determine the efficiency of a municipal wastewater treatment plant in removing microplastic particles. MP ranging from 20 to 1000 µm were detected and classified by shape, color, size, and chemical composition. All samples contained MP particles, with concentration ranging from 1964 ± 50-2982 ± 54 MP/L in influent to 744 ± 13-1244 ± 21 MP/L in effluent and 91.1 ± 8-61.9 ± 5 MP/g in sludge; 71.6-90.1% identified particles were fragment-type with black, white, and transparent colors. Most of the microplastic particles were removed in the activated sludge tank, while the average removal rate in the wastewater treatment plant was 57%. The total concentration of MP was 27% higher in spring than in other seasons. The most common microplastic particles were polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), and polypropylene (PP). These results demonstrate the value of long-term monitoring and MP quantification, which would provide a more accurate estimate of MP pollution from wastewater treatment plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ieva Uogintė
- SRI Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Savanorių ave. 231, Vilnius, LT-02300, Lithuania.
| | - Sonata Pleskytė
- SRI Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Savanorių ave. 231, Vilnius, LT-02300, Lithuania
| | - Julija Pauraitė
- SRI Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Savanorių ave. 231, Vilnius, LT-02300, Lithuania
| | - Galina Lujanienė
- SRI Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Savanorių ave. 231, Vilnius, LT-02300, Lithuania
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Wang L, Shi Y, Chai J, Huang L, Wang Y, Wang S, Pi K, Gerson AR, Liu D. Transfer of microplastics in sludge upon Fe(II)-persulfate conditioning and mechanical dewatering. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:156316. [PMID: 35660426 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sewage treatment plants act as both sinks and sources of microplastics with elevated concentrations of microplastics accumulating in the sludge. Consequently, the effects of sludge conditioning and dewatering processes on the fate of microplastics need to be clarified. Microplastic characteristics in sludge, before and after advanced oxidation Fe(II)-activated persulfate conditioning were studied using a microplastics dynamic flotation separator (MDFS). In the unconditioned sludge (no dewatering), white and transparent microplastics dominated and seven types of plastic polymer were detected with polyethylene (30.3%) and polypropylene (23.9%) being the main ones. Pellet microplastics were found to be the dominant morphology, accounting for 67.0% of the total number of microplastics. The abundance of microplastics extracted using the MDFS device from the unconditioned (no dewatering) sludge was 320 ± 3 particles g-1 dried sludge, which was greater by 37% than extracted using microplastics static flotation separation. Due to the release of the adsorbed microplastics from the destroyed sludge flocs after conditioning, the abundance of extractable microplastics increased by 19 ± 2% as compared to the unconditioned sludge (both with no dewatering). After filter presses (plate-frame filter, vacuum filter) and centrifuge dewatering, 81-90% of the microplastics were present in the filter cake, of which microplastics <500 μm accounted for more than 80% of the total number. The abundance of microplastics per unit volume of filtrate after filter press dewatering was significantly smaller than after centrifuge dewatering (3.2-4.4 × 103 cf 13.0 × 103 particles L-1, respectively). The difference increments in relative abundance of <10 μm microplastics in the centrifuge filtrate was about twice that of the filter presses. The surface morphology of the microplastics did not change in the conditioning process. This study highlights the need to assess the application of advanced oxidation conditioning which has significant influence on the microplastics distribution via the subsequent sludge dewatering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Yafei Shi
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Ecological Restoration for River-Lakes and Algal Utilization, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China.
| | - Jiaqi Chai
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Lin Huang
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Shulian Wang
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Kewu Pi
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Ecological Restoration for River-Lakes and Algal Utilization, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Andrea R Gerson
- Blue Minerals Consultancy, Wattle Grove, Tasmania 7109, Australia
| | - Defu Liu
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Ecological Restoration for River-Lakes and Algal Utilization, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
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Jia YW, Wang P, Yang S, Huang Z, Liu YH, Zhao JL. Influence of microplastics on triclosan bioaccumulation and metabolomics variation in Tilapia fish tissues. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:62984-62993. [PMID: 35445920 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20278-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and chemical pollutants usually coexist in aquatic environments. The bioaccumulation and metabolism of pollutants in aquatic organisms can be influenced by MPs. In this study, the bioaccumulation of triclosan (TCS) in tilapia tissues was determined, and metabolomics in the liver, gills, and gut were investigated after 10-day exposure to micro-sized polystyrene (PS) and TCS in water. The results showed that TCS bioaccumulated in various tissues, with the highest average concentration of 2728 ± 577 ng g-1 in the gut. The log bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for TCS in these tissues were in the range of 0.99-3.56. Compared to the TCS treatment alone, MPs showed enhancement on the bioaccumulation of TCS in tilapia skin, liver, gut, gills, and stomach tissues in the TCS plus MP exposure. Especially in the skin and liver, the TCS concentrations were up to 2.06 and 1.38 times higher in the co-exposure of TCS and MPs, respectively. Based on the metabolomic analysis, MPs mainly disturbed the lipid and energy metabolism in tilapia fish. The altered metabolites between treatment with TCS alone and TCS + MPs were consistent, indicating that TCS has stronger disturbance in lipid and energy metabolism than MPs. This implies that the metabolism influence by the mixture of MPs and compounds is complicated in fish tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wei Jia
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
- Analytical, Environmental and Geochemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussel, Belgium
| | - Ping Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Biological Products and Materia Medica, Guangzhou, 510440, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sheng Yang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
- School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Huang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
- School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue-Hong Liu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
- School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Liang Zhao
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
- School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
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Herath A, Salehi M. Studying the combined influence of microplastics' intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics on their weathering behavior and heavy metal transport in storm runoff. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 308:119628. [PMID: 35716893 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The weathering and contaminant transport behavior of both primary (PMPs) and secondary microplastics (SMPs) are interrelated to their original physiochemical features and variations within the environment. This study examines the influence of PMPs' intrinsic characteristics (polymer structure and crystallinity) and SMPs' extrinsic features (surface oxidation and external sediments attachment) on the photodegradation kinetics, and subsequently Pb(II) and Zn(II) uptake from stormwater. For this purpose, high density polyethylene (HDPE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) with different degrees of crystallinities were produced as PMPs, and their photodegradation behaviors were compared with original polymers. Furthermore, the SMPs generated by abrasion and surface oxidation of PMPs and the virgin PMPs underwent accelerated photodegradation, and the changes of their crystallinity, surface chemistry, and morphology were examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) studies revealed the formation of cracks and different oxidized functionalities on MPs surface due to UV photodegradation. The vinyl and carbonyl indices calculated using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy demonstrated an elevated photodegradation rate for SMPs compared to the PMPs. Moreover, the Differential Scanning Colorimetry (DSC) demonstrated an increasing percentage of crystallinity in all MPs due to the photodegradation. The percent crystallinity of HDPE pellets increased after photodegradation from 49.8 to 62.6 and it increased from 17.2 to 38.9 for LDPE pellets respectively. The greater level of increase in crystallinity for LDPE in comparison to HDPE upon photodegradation was referred to as LDPE's greater amorphous content and branched structure. A greater level of metal uptake was obtained for photodegraded LDPE pellets as 2526 μg/m2 for Pb(II) and 2028 μg/m2 for Zn(II) respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amali Herath
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Maryam Salehi
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Yaseen A, Assad I, Sofi MS, Hashmi MZ, Bhat SU. A global review of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants: Understanding their occurrence, fate and impact. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113258. [PMID: 35430276 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging as a serious environmental concern, with wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) acting as the main entry routes for MPs into aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. On a global scale, our literature review found that MP research in WWTPs has only been conducted on 121 WWTPs in 17 countries, with the majority of the work being done in Europe (53%), followed by the United States of America and Canada (24%), Asia (18%), and Australia (5%) in recent years. MPs in WWTPs are primarily derived from Personal Care and Cosmetic Products (PCCPs), which are primarily composed of polyethylene (PE) derivatives. Based on the studies, microfibers (57%) and fragments (47%) are observed to be the most common MP forms in influents and effluents of WWTPs. The chemical characterization of MPs detected in WWTPs, showed the occurrence of polyethylene (PE) (22%), polystyrene (PS) (21%), and polypropylene (13%). Although MP retention/removal efficiencies of different treatment technologies vary from medium to high, deliberations on sludge disposal on agricultural soils containing MPs and MP intrusion into groundwater are required to sustainably regulate MP contaminant transport. Thus, the development of efficient detection methods and understanding their fate are of immense significance for the management of MPs. Despite the fact that ongoing research in MPs and WWTPs has unquestionably improved our understanding, many questions and concerns remain unanswered. In this review, the current status of the detection, occurrence, and impact of MPs in WWTPs across the world are systematically reviewed to prioritize policy-making to recognize the WWTPs as global conduits of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarif Yaseen
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir, 190006, India
| | - Irfana Assad
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir, 190006, India
| | - Mohd Sharjeel Sofi
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir, 190006, India
| | | | - Sami Ullah Bhat
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir, 190006, India.
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48
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Elimination of Microplastics at Different Stages in Wastewater Treatment Plants. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14152404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has been widely studied as a global issue due to increased plastic usage and its effect on human and aquatic life. Microplastics originate from domestic and industrial activities. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) play an important role in removing a significant amount of microplastics; otherwise, they end up in bioaccumulation. This study provides knowledge about the characteristics of microplastics, removal efficiency, and the correlation between wastewater quality and microplastic concentrations from three different WWTPs that differ in the type of biological and advanced wastewater treatment techniques that are believed to play an important role in microplastic removal. Microplastics of different types, such as fragments, fibers, and beads, are identified by using an optical microscope before and after the treatment process at each stage to assess the effect of different treatment techniques. In the screening unit and primary clarifier unit, WWTP-B shows the highest removal efficiency with 74.76% due to a distribution flow system installed before the primary clarifier to ensure a constant flow of wastewater. WWTP-B uses a bioreactor consisting of a filter plate coated with activated carbon (BSTS II) that can enhance the adaptability and adhesion of microorganisms and showed that 91.04% of the microplastic was removed. Furthermore, only WWTP-A and WWTP-B were applied coagulation, followed by the disc filter; they showed significant results in microplastic removal, compared to WWTP-C, which only used a disc filter. In conclusion, from all WWTP, WWTP-B shows good treatment series for removing microplastic in wastewater; however, WWTP-B showed a high rate of microplastic removal; unfortunately, large amounts of microplastics are still released into rivers.
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Ounjai K, Boontanon SK, Piyaviriyakul P, Tanaka S, Fujii S. Assessment of microplastic contamination in the urban lower Chao Phraya River of Bangkok city, Thailand. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:1243-1254. [PMID: 36044192 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are one of the major pathways for the transportation of microplastics (MPs) from land-based sources to the ocean. However, there are only a few studies on MPs in freshwater environments, particularly in Asian countries. In this study, MP contamination in the Chao Phraya River in selected locations distributed throughout Bangkok, Thailand was investigated. MPs were collected using a Manta net with a mesh size of 335 μm. After digestion and distinction based on density, MPs were observed using a stereomicroscope, and polymer types were identified using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. MP concentrations detected in the five sampling locations of the river water from upstream to downstream were 11, 35, 40, 15, and 4 particles/m3, with an average concentration of 21±16 particles/m3. Most MPs were identified as either fragments or sheets/films. Polypropylene was the dominant polymer type. The number of MPs increases as their size decreases. Potential sources of MPs may include the degradation of single-use plastic products, especially containers and plastic packaging. MP concentrations and characteristics varied for different locations, indicating different sources and pathways of MPs in urban contexts. Further investigation on the different pathways of the transportation of MPs to river water from land-based sources is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khattiya Ounjai
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhonpathom 73170, Thailand E-mail:
| | - Suwanna Kitpati Boontanon
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhonpathom 73170, Thailand E-mail: ; Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Pitchaya Piyaviriyakul
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhonpathom 73170, Thailand E-mail:
| | - Shuhei Tanaka
- Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Shigeo Fujii
- Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
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50
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Nie C, Yang J, Sang C, Xia Y, Huang K. Reduction performance of microplastics and their behavior in a vermi-wetland during the recycling of excess sludge: A quantitative assessment for fluorescent polymethyl methacrylate. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:155005. [PMID: 35381247 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Large amounts of microplastics (MPs) that have accumulated in excess sludge may increase the environmental risk for its subsequent treatment. This study aimed to investigate the performance and mechanism of the reduction of MPs in excess sludge in a vermi-wetland. For this, 1 μm, 100 μm, and 500 μm of fluorescent MPs stained with Nile red were added to raw sludge, and their decreased numbers were quantified during the treatment of sludge. The results showed that the removal rates of chemical oxygen demand and total solids from the excess sludge were 63.44%-90.98% and 37.61%-51.56% in the vermi-wetland, respectively. The numbers of 1 μm, 100 μm, and 500 μm MPs could be reduced by 86.62%-95.69%, 95.44%-99.52%, and 100% in the vermi-wetland, respectively. These results indicate that the vermi-wetland is more effective at eliminating MPs. Further insight into the vermi-wetland stratification was obtained, and more than 74.87% of the MPs were intercepted in the vermicompost layer. Moreover, all the particle sizes of MPs were found in the excrement of earthworms. However, only 1 μm MPs were detected in their digestive organs. This study suggests that the interception effect is primarily responsible for elimination of MPs in excess sludge, and the bioturbation of earthworms plays an important role in the mobilization of MPs in vermi-wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cailong Nie
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jing Yang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Key Laboratory of Yellow River Water Environment in Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Chunlei Sang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Key Laboratory of Yellow River Water Environment in Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yu Xia
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Kui Huang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Key Laboratory of Yellow River Water Environment in Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730070, China.
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