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Albarano L, Maggio C, La Marca A, Iovine R, Lofrano G, Guida M, Vaiano V, Carotenuto M, Pedatella S, Spica VR, Libralato G. Risk assessment of natural and synthetic fibers in aquatic environment: A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173398. [PMID: 38777048 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173398] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Marine microplastics, categorized as primary and secondary, including synthetic microfibers like polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) and acrylic (PC), represent a potential environmental concern. The complex classification of these fibers, originating from diverse sources such as textiles and many others commercial goods, prompts a need for understanding their impact on aquatic organisms. This study assesses the ecological risks associated with both natural and synthetic fibers in aquatic ecosystems, focusing on toxicity data and their effects on taxonomic groups like Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata, Cnidaria, and Chordata. To carry out species sensitivity distribution (SSD) curves, a comprehensive analysis of scientific literature was conducted, collecting toxicity data related to various fibers. The resulting SSDs provide insights into the relative sensitivity of different taxonomic groups. The potential ecological risks were evaluated by comparing measured concentrations in diverse aquatic environments with Predicted No-Effect Concentration (PNEC) values. The calculation of Risk Quotient (RQ) allowed to indicate areas where fibers abundance poses a potential threat to aquatic organisms. The study reveals that nylon fibers can pose the highest toxicity risk, especially in Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, Arabian Gulf and VietNam river. Mollusca emerged as particularly sensitive to different fiber types, likely due to their body structure facilitating the accumulation of microfibers. The research emphasizes the urgent need for further studies to get data to human health risk analysis and to address comprehensive environmental management strategies to address the global issue of microfiber pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Albarano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Chiara Maggio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria La Marca
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosalba Iovine
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Giusy Lofrano
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Italy
| | - Marco Guida
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; Centro Servizi Metrologici e Tecnologici Avanzati (CeSMA), Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90133, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Vaiano
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Maurizio Carotenuto
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Silvana Pedatella
- Centro Servizi Metrologici e Tecnologici Avanzati (CeSMA), Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Romano Spica
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Italy
| | - Giovanni Libralato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
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Yang H, Ju J, Wang Y, Zhu Z, Lu W, Zhang Y. Micro-and nano-plastics induce kidney damage and suppression of innate immune function in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172952. [PMID: 38703841 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172952] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Aquatic environments serve as critical repositories for pollutants and have significantly accumulated micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) due to the extensive production and application of plastic products. While the disease resistance and immunity of fish are closely linked to the condition of their aquatic habitats, the specific effects of nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) within these environments on fish immune functions are still not fully understood. The present study utilized zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and larvae as model organisms to examine the impacts of polystyrene NPs (100 nm) and MPs (5 μm) on fish immune responses. Our findings reveal that NPs and MPs tend to accumulate on the surfaces of embryos and within the intestines of larvae, triggering oxidative stress and significantly increasing susceptibility to Edwardsiella piscicida infection in zebrafish larvae. Transmission electron microscopy examined that both NPs and MPs inflicted damage to the kidney, an essential immune organ, with NPs predominantly inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress and MPs causing lipid accumulation. Transcriptomic analysis further demonstrated that both NPs and MPs significantly suppress the expression of key innate immune pathways, notably the C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway and the cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway. Within these pathways, the immune factor interleukin-1 beta (il1b) was consistently downregulated in both exposure groups. Furthermore, exposure to E. piscicida resulted in restricted upregulation of il1b mRNA and protein levels, likely contributing to diminished disease resistance in zebrafish larvae exposed to MNPs. Our findings suggest that NPs and MPs similarly impair the innate immune function of zebrafish larvae and weaken their disease resistance, highlighting the significant environmental threat posed by these pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jian Ju
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Wenyan Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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Cheng C, Tian W, Wu Y, Wei J, Yang L, Wei Y, Jiang J. Microplastics have additive effects on cadmium accumulation and toxicity in Rice flower carp (Procypris merus). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 930:172679. [PMID: 38677436 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172679] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Procypris merus, a local fish species found in Guangxi, China is often exposed to both microplastics (MPs) and Cd. However, it remains unclear how these two pollutants affect P. merus. Therefore, we investigated the effects of MPs on Cd accumulation in P. merus. To this end, P. merus was separately exposed to Cd and MPs (500 μg/L) or their combination for 14 days. We found that MPs enhanced Cd accumulation in liver and gills of P. merus. Further, both the single-contaminant (MP and Cd) and combined treatments resulted in lesions in these two tissues, with more severe damage associated with the combined treatment. Even though the effect of MP on the antioxidant defense system of P. merus was limited, the Cd-only and combined treatments considerably affected the antioxidant parameters of P. merus, with the combined treatment showing a stronger effect. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs; TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor, trail-r) in the Cd-only treatment group were enriched for immune-related GO terms and cell growth and death related pathways, indicating that Cd toxicity affected immune defense in P. merus. The MP-only treatment downregulated DEGs (acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 1a, acsl1a) related to lipid metabolism, possibly leading to lipid accumulation in the liver. The combined treatment also upregulated DEGs (aspartate aminotransferase 1, ast 1) associated with immune-related GO terms and amino acid metabolism pathways, suggesting that it affected immune function in P. merus, thereby negatively impacting its health. Results indicated that MPs have additive effects on Cd accumulation and toxicity in rice flower carp. Consequently, MPs ingested by P. merus can promote Cd accumulation, more adverse effects on the health may occur after combined exposure, which can eventually reach humans through the food chain and pose potential risks to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxing Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin 541006, China
| | - Wenfei Tian
- College of Intelligent Medicine and Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Yangyang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin 541006, China
| | - Jinyou Wei
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin 541006, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin 541006, China
| | - Yuwei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin 541006, China
| | - Jiaoyun Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin 541006, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Gangxi Normal University, Guilin 541006, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Guangxi Veterinary Research Institute, Nanning 530001, China.
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Xiong G, Zhang H, Shi H, Peng Y, Han M, Hu T, Liao X, Liu Y, Zhang J, Xu G. Enhanced hepatotoxicity in zebrafish due to co-exposure of microplastics and sulfamethoxazole: Insights into ROS-mediated MAPK signaling pathway regulation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 278:116415. [PMID: 38703406 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116415] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The combined pollution of microplastics (MPs) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) often occurs in aquatic ecosystems, posing a serious threat to animal and human health. However, little is known about the liver damage caused by the single or co-exposure of MPs and SMZ, and its specific mechanisms are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of co-exposure to 20 μm or 80 nm MPs and SMZ in both larval and adult zebrafish models. Firstly, we observed a significant decrease in the number of hepatocytes and the liver damage in larval zebrafish worsened following co-exposure to SMZ and MPs. Additionally, the number of macrophages and neutrophils decreased, while the expression of inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant enzyme activities increased after co-exposure in larval zebrafish. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant changes in gene expression in the co-exposed groups, particularly in processes related to oxidation-reduction, inflammatory response, and the MAPK signaling pathway in the liver of adult zebrafish. Co-exposure of SMZ and MPs also promoted hepatocyte apoptosis and inhibited proliferation levels, which was associated with the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and an increase in protein levels of Nrf2 and NF-kB p65 in the adult zebrafish. Furthermore, our pharmacological experiments demonstrated that inhibiting ROS and blocking the MAPK signaling pathway partially rescued the liver injury induced by co-exposure both in larval and adult zebrafish. In conclusion, our findings suggest that co-exposure to SMZ and MPs induces hepatic dysfunction through the ROS-mediated MAPK signaling pathway in zebrafish. This information provides novel insights into the potential environmental risk of MPs and hazardous pollutants co-existence in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghua Xiong
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction of Anhui Province, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, Anhui 236041, China; College of Life Sciences, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an, Jiangxi 343009, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330022, China; College of Biology and Food Engineering, Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction of Anhui Province, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, Anhui 236041, China
| | - Huangqi Shi
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction of Anhui Province, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, Anhui 236041, China
| | - Yulin Peng
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction of Anhui Province, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, Anhui 236041, China
| | - Meiling Han
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction of Anhui Province, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, Anhui 236041, China
| | - Tianle Hu
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction of Anhui Province, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, Anhui 236041, China
| | - Xinjun Liao
- College of Life Sciences, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an, Jiangxi 343009, China
| | - Yong Liu
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction of Anhui Province, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, Anhui 236041, China
| | - Jun'e Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330022, China.
| | - Gaoxiao Xu
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction of Anhui Province, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, Anhui 236041, China.
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5
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Umeh OR, Ophori DU, Ibo EM, Eke CI, Oyen TP. Groundwater systems under siege: The silent invasion of microplastics and cock-tails worldwide. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124305. [PMID: 38830527 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) contamination is one of the significant escalating environmental concerns worldwide, and this stems from the increasing production and unlawful disposal of plastic materials. Regretfully, the synthesis of plastic materials is expected to triple in the upcoming years. Nevertheless, MPs pollution in marine, aquatic, and terrestrial settings has received much attention, unlike in groundwater systems. This study exhaustively reviewed varying degrees of recent publications in various search engines and provided a detailed state of current knowledge and research progress vis-à-vis MPs and cock-tail pollution in groundwater systems. Evidently, groundwater sources are severely contaminated as a result of growing anthropogenic activities and vertical movement of MPs and cock-tails from the atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic environments, however, fewer researchers have fixated their attention on estimating the occurrence of MPs in groundwater resources, while sufficient information regarding their sources, sampling methods, abundance, transport pathways, fate, modeling techniques, appropriate and adequate data, sorption properties, separation from other environmental media, toxicity, and remedial measures are extensively lacking. In addition, MPs may combine with other toxic emerging contaminants to improve migration and toxicity; however, no research has been conducted to fully understand cock-tail migration mechanisms and impacts in groundwater systems. Over time, groundwater may be regarded as the primary sink for MPs, if effective actions are neglected. Overall, this study detected a lack of concern and innumerable voids in this field; hence, vital and nascent research gaps were identified for immediate, advanced, and interdisciplinary research investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odera R Umeh
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA.
| | - Duke U Ophori
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA.
| | - Eziafakaego M Ibo
- Department of Environmental Management, Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute, Ibadan, Oyo State, 200002, Nigeria.
| | - Chima I Eke
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA.
| | - Toritseju P Oyen
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA.
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Sun Y, Zhang J, Jiang Z, Wang Y, Duan P, Min W, Zhang W. Polystyrene microplastics enhance oxidative dissolution but suppress the aquatic acute toxicity of a commercial cadmium yellow pigment under simulated irradiation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132881. [PMID: 37939558 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132881] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Commercial cadmium yellow (CdS) pigment widely coexist with microplastics (MPs) in surface water, thus it is important to understand how MPs affect CdS pigment stability and toxicity under irradiation. Herein, the dissolution of CdS pigment (krelease = 0.118 h-1) under irradiation was visibly increased to 0.144 h-1 by polystyrene (PS) MPs, due to reactive species generation such as 1O2, •OH and 3PS* , while O2•- was unimportant to this process. The O2, humic acid, photoaging status of PS MPs could promote PS MPs-related CdS pigment dissolution rate by modifying reactive species generation. However, the CO32-, PO43- and alkaline condition significantly decreased the dissolution rate to 0.091, 0.053 and 0.094 h-1, respectively, through modifying free Cd2+ stability. Comparably, PS MPs-related CdS pigment dissolution was relatively slow in natural water samples (krelease = 0.075 h-1). PS MPs at environmental concentration can also promote CdS pigment dissolution and Cd2+ release, but suppress acute toxicity of CdS pigment to zebrafish larvae as increasing 10 h survival from 65% to 85% by adsorbing the Cd2+ and decreasing Cd2+ bioavailability. This study emphasized the environmental risks and human safety of CdS pigment should be carefully evaluated in the presence of PS MPs in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghao Sun
- Center for Environment and Health in Water Source Area of South-to-North Water Diversion, School of Public Health, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- School of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China
| | - Zhoujie Jiang
- Center for Environment and Health in Water Source Area of South-to-North Water Diversion, School of Public Health, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Center for Environment and Health in Water Source Area of South-to-North Water Diversion, School of Public Health, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Peng Duan
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modelingand Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, China
| | - Wei Min
- Department of Resources and Environmental Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Weicheng Zhang
- Center for Environment and Health in Water Source Area of South-to-North Water Diversion, School of Public Health, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China.
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Missawi O, Wouters C, Lambert J, Garigliany MM, Kestemont P, Cornet V. Realistic microplastics harness bacterial presence and promote impairments in early zebrafish embryos: Behavioral, developmental, and transcriptomic approaches. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 350:141107. [PMID: 38171397 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.141107] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The plastisphere is a newly recognized ecosystem. However, its interaction with early life stages of aquatic vertebrates is a multifaceted issue that requires further research. This study investigated the involvement of bacteria in shaping realistic microplastics hazards in zebrafish Danio rerio embryos. Fish were exposed to bottle micro-fragments (FR) and textile micro-fibers (FI) of polyethylene terephthalate (5-15 μm), concomitant with Aeromonas salmonicida achromogenes challenge from 2h post-fertilization for 3 days. Egg chorion showed affinity for FR and FI, inducing earlier embryo hatching. However, this effect was masked by biofilm invasion. Fragments were more detrimental than fibers on developmental parameters, while bacterial presence compromised body length, eye, and yolk sac surface area. In a further finding, MPs alone increased locomotor activity in zebrafish larvae, without synergistic effect when combined with bacteria. Data showed that realistic MPs had no significant effects except for downregulated sod and cyp1a gene expression, whereas bacterial challenge inhibited larval potency for most of the evaluated mRNA levels (mpx (immune system), apoeb (lipid metabolism), nfkb and tfa (inflammation), cyp and sod (oxidative stress)). This study provides new insights into realistic microplastic effects under relevant conditions when combined with environmental pathogen within the first life stages of aquatic vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omayma Missawi
- University of Namur, Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, Namur, Belgium.
| | - Charlotte Wouters
- University of Namur, Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, Namur, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Lambert
- University of Namur, Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, Namur, Belgium
| | - Mutien-Marie Garigliany
- University of Liege, Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Liege, Belgium
| | - Patrick Kestemont
- University of Namur, Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, Namur, Belgium
| | - Valérie Cornet
- University of Namur, Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, Namur, Belgium
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Harikrishnan T, Sivakumar P, Sivakumar S, Arumugam S, Raman T, Singaram G, Thangavelu M, Kim W, Muthusamy G. Effect of microfibers induced toxicity in marine sedentary polychaete Hydroides elegans: Insight from embryogenesis axis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167579. [PMID: 37797759 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Presence of surgical face masks in the environment are more than ever before after the COVID-19 pandemic, and it poses a newer threat to aquatic habitats around the world due to microfibers (MFs) and other contaminants that get discharged when these masks deteriorate. The mechanism behind the developmental toxicity of MFs, especially released from surgical masks, on the early life stages of aquatic organisms are not well understood. Toxicity test were developed to examine the effects of MFs released from surgical facemask upon deterioration using the early gametes and early life stages of marine sedentary polychaete Hydroides elegans. For MFs release, cut pieces of face masks were allowed to degrade in seawater for different time points (1 day, 30 days and 120 days) after which the fibers were obtained for further toxicity studies. The gametes of H. elegans were exposed to the MFs (length < 20 μm) separately for 20 min at a concentration of 50 MFs/ml before fertilization. In addition, we also analyzed the experimental samples for heavy metals and organic substances released from face masks. Our findings demonstrated that gametes exposed to MFs affected the percentage of successful development, considerably slowed down the mitotic cell division and significantly postponed the time of larval hatching and also produced an adverse effect during embryogenesis. When the sperm were exposed fertilization rate was decreased drastically, whereas when the eggs were exposed to MFs fertilization was not inhibited but a delay in early embryonic development observed. In addition the release of heavy metals and other volatile organics from the degrading face masks could also contribute to overall toxicity of these materials in environment. Our study thus shows that inappropriately discarded face masks and MFs and other pollutants released from such face masks could pose long-term hazard to coastal ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilagam Harikrishnan
- Postgraduate and Research Department of Zoology, Pachaiyappa's College for Men, Chennai 600 030, India.
| | - Priya Sivakumar
- Postgraduate and Research Department of Zoology, Pachaiyappa's College for Men, Chennai 600 030, India
| | - Swetha Sivakumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Prince Venkateswara Arts and Science College, Chennai 600 073, India
| | - Sriramajayam Arumugam
- Postgraduate and Research Department of Zoology, Pachaiyappa's College for Men, Chennai 600 030, India
| | - Thiagarajan Raman
- Department of Zoology, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College (Autonomous), Chennai 600 004, India
| | - Gopalakrishnan Singaram
- Department of Biotechnology, Dwaraka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav College, Chennai 600106, India
| | - Muthukumar Thangavelu
- Dept BIN Convergence Tech, Dept PolymerNano Sci & Tech, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-dearo, Deokjin, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, South Korea
| | - Govarthanan Muthusamy
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, South Korea; Department of Biomaterials, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600 077, India.
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Chen R, Zhao X, Wu X, Wang J, Wang X, Liang W. Research progress on occurrence characteristics and source analysis of microfibers in the marine environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115834. [PMID: 38061148 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115834] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic microfiber pollution is a growing concern in the marine environment. However, critical issues associated with microfiber origins in marine environments have not been resolved. Herein, the potential sources of marine microfibers are systematically reviewed. The obtained results indicate that surface runoffs are primary contributors that transport land-based microfibers to oceans, and the breakdown of larger fiber plastic waste due to weathering processes is also a notable secondary source of marine microfibers. Additionally, there are three main approaches for marine microplastic source apportionment, namely, anthropogenic source classification, statistical analysis, and numerical simulations based on the Lagrangian particle tracking method. These methods establish the connections between characteristics, transport pathways and sources of microplastics, which provides new insights to further conduct microfiber source apportionment. This study helps to better understand sources analysis and transport pathways of microfibers into oceans and presents a scientific basis to further control microfiber pollution in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouzheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China.
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Junyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Weigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
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de Souza Teodoro L, Jablonski CA, Pelegrini K, Pereira TCB, Maraschin TG, de Sousa Araujo AC, Monserrat JM, de Souza Basso NR, Kist LW, Bogo MR. Toxic effects of environmental-relevant exposure to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) micro and nanoparticles in zebrafish early development. NANOIMPACT 2024; 33:100497. [PMID: 38316295 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100497] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a commonly used thermoplastic in industry due to its excellent malleability and thermal stability, making it extensively employed in packaging manufacturing. Inadequate disposal of PET packaging in the environment and natural physical-chemical processes leads to the formation of smaller particles known as PET micro and nanoplastics (MNPs). The reduced dimensions enhance particle bioavailability and, subsequently, their reactivity. This study involved chemical degradation of PET using trifluoroacetic acid to assess the impact of exposure to varying concentrations of PET MNPs (0.5, 1, 5, 10, and 20 mg/L) on morphological, functional, behavioral, and biochemical parameters during the early developmental stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Characterization of the degraded PET revealed the generated microplastics (MPs) ranged in size from 1305 to 2032 μm, and that the generated nanoplastics (NPs) ranged from 68.06 to 955 nm. These particles were then used for animal exposure. After a six-day exposure period, our findings indicate that PET MNPs can diminish spontaneous tail coiling (STC), elevate the heart rate, accumulate on the chorion surface, and reduce interocular distance. These results suggest that PET exposure induces primary toxic effects on zebrafish embryo-larval stage of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian de Souza Teodoro
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), School of Health and Life Sciences, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Camilo Alexandre Jablonski
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), School of Health and Life Sciences, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6690 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Kauê Pelegrini
- Organometallic Compounds and Resins Laboratory, School of Technology, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Materials Technology and Engineering, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Talita Carneiro Brandão Pereira
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), School of Health and Life Sciences, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6690 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Thuany Garcia Maraschin
- Organometallic Compounds and Resins Laboratory, School of Technology, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Materials Technology and Engineering, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Alan Carvalho de Sousa Araujo
- Graduate Program in Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography (IO), Federal University of Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Jose Maria Monserrat
- Graduate Program in Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography (IO), Federal University of Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Luiza Wilges Kist
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), School of Health and Life Sciences, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maurício Reis Bogo
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), School of Health and Life Sciences, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6690 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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11
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Sun J, Qu H, Ali W, Chen Y, Wang T, Ma Y, Yuan Y, Gu J, Bian J, Liu Z, Zou H. Co-exposure to cadmium and microplastics promotes liver fibrosis through the hemichannels -ATP-P2X7 pathway. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 344:140372. [PMID: 37802476 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140372] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and cadmium (Cd) are important environmental pollutants, that damage the liver. However, the effect and mechanism of combined Cd and MPs exposure on liver fibrosis are still largely unknown. In this study investigated, Cd + MPs exposure increased superoxide anion production and promoted extracellular ATP release compared with exposure to Cd or MPs individually. Cd + MPs increased inflammatory cell infiltration, activated the P2X7-NLRP3 signaling pathway, and promoted inflammatory factor release. Cd + MPs aggravated Cd- or MPs-induced liver fibrosis and induced liver inflammation. In AML12/HSC-T6 cell in vitro poisoning model, exposure of AML12 cells to Cd + MPs increased the opening of connexin hemichannels and promoted extracellular ATP release. Treatment of HSC-T6 cells with the supernatant of AML12 cells exposed to Cd + MPs significantly promoted HSC-T6 cell activation. Treatment of HSC-T6 cells with different concentrations of ATP produced similar results. TAT-Gap19TFA, an inhibitor of connexin hemichannels, significantly inhibited the ATP release and activation of Cd + MPs-treated HSC-T6 cells. Finally, the expression of the ATP receptor P2X7 was silenced in HSC-T6 cells, which significantly inhibited their activation. In conclusion, exposure to Cd + MPs promoted liver fibrosis through the ATP-P2X7 pathway and synergistically affected liver inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Huayi Qu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Waseem Ali
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yonggang Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jianhong Gu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jianchun Bian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.
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12
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Wu X, Zhao X, Wang X, Chen R, Liu P, Liang W, Wang J, Shi D, Gao S. Bioaccessibility of polypropylene microfiber-associated tetracycline and ciprofloxacin in simulated human gastrointestinal fluids. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 179:108193. [PMID: 37703772 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics residues in natural waters can adsorb organic contaminants owing to their rough surface morphology and high specific surface area, potentially harming human health when ingested. Although humans inevitably ingest microplastics, the bioaccessibility of microplastic-associated chemicals in the human gastric and intestinal fluids remains unresolved. This study investigated the mechanism and primary factor controlling the bioaccessibility of polypropylene (PP) microplastic fiber-associated tetracycline (TC) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) in simulated human gastrointestinal fluids. After mixing 0.1 g of PP microfiber with 10 mg/L of TC (or CIP) for 96 h and exposure to simulated human gastrointestinal fluids, the TC concentrations were 0.440, 0.678, and 1.840 mg/L and the CIP concentrations were 0.700, 1.367, and 3.281 mg/L CIP in the simulated human saliva, gastric, and intestinal fluids after incubation for 60 s, 4 h, and 8 h, respectively. This indicated that the antibiotics TC and CIP adsorbed onto microfiber surface are readily released into human gastrointestinal fluids upon ingestion. Gastric and intestinal fluids showed enhanced bioaccessibility to TC/CIP adhered to PP microfiber. The primary factors affecting the bioaccessibility to TC/CIP adhered to PP microfiber surfaces were found to be pepsin in human gastric fluid and trypsin in human intestinal fluid. Molecular docking and simulated molecular dynamic analyses results showed that pepsin and trypsin stablish connections with TC via hydrogen bonds (reaction sites: pepsin TC: T139, T136, S97, D94, D277 and Y251; trypsin TC: S257, H120, K235, G274, and G276) and CIP via hydrophobic interactions (reaction sites: pepsin CIP: Y137, T136, T139, F173, I362, V353, and I275; trypsin CIP: W273, I161, C253, and C277). Our findings highlight that microplastic ingestion increases the risk of microplastics and the co-contaminants adsorbed to human health; thus, these findings are helpful to assess the risk of microplastics and co-contaminants to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Rouzheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Weigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Junyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Di Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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13
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Shu R, Li Z, Gao S, Zhang S, Yu W. Occurrence and accumulation of microplastics in commercial fish in the coastal waters of the Lvsi fishing ground in China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115181. [PMID: 37542947 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115181] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an exponential increase in the research popularity of microplastics (MPs) in offshore marine environments. However, there is still a gap in the research on the accumulation of MPs in different tissues of aquatic organisms and the trophic transfer of MPs between aquatic organisms. The common occurrence of MPs in the gills and guts of 11 species of commercial fishes was examined in the coastal waters of the Lvsi fishing ground (LSFG). The obtained results showed that >85 % of MPs existed in the gills and guts of these fish, and the abundance was 2.39 ± 1.38 pieces/fish and 2.56 ± 1.42 pieces/fish, respectively. Fibrous and blue are the most common colors and shapes of MPs, and PET is the main polymer type. At the species level, the abundance of MPs in the gills and guts of a few fishes (e.g., Larimichthys polyactis, Setipinna tenuifilis, Collichthys lucidus) decreased with increasing body length and body weight (P < 0.05). At the community level, this situation was not significant (P > 0.05). With increasing trophic level (TL), MPs tended to decrease in the gills (trophic magnification factor, TMF = 0.86) but did not significantly vary in the gut. We believe that MPs are multidimensional pollutants, and their accumulation in tissues/organs of organisms has not been accurately and qualitatively determined. To establish the relationship of MP transport and trophic transfer among water, sediments and organisms, we suggest that more efforts should be made to investigate MPs in aquatic organisms in the coastal waters of LSFG and to increase the examination of MPs in the water column and sediments. This study will help us improve our understanding of MPs pollution, and provide a good reference and basis for the management, monitoring and implementation of pollutants in marine organism of coastal water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruilin Shu
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Zheng Li
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Shike Gao
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Joint Laboratory for Monitoring and Conservation of Aquatic Living Resources In the Yangtze Estuary, Shanghai 200000, China.
| | - Wenwen Yu
- Jiangsu Research Institute of Marine Fisheries, Nantong 226007, China.
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14
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Geng Y, Liu Z, Hu R, Huang Y, Li F, Ma W, Wu X, Dong H, Song K, Xu X, Zhang Z, Song Y. Toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics: invisible killers of female fertility and offspring health. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1254886. [PMID: 37700763 PMCID: PMC10493312 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1254886] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emergent pollutants, which have sparked widespread concern. They can infiltrate the body via ingestion, inhalation, and cutaneous contact. As such, there is a general worry that MPs/NPs may have an impact on human health in addition to the environmental issues they engender. The threat of MPs/NPs to the liver, gastrointestinal system, and inflammatory levels have been thoroughly documented in the previous research. With the detection of MPs/NPs in fetal compartment and the prevalence of infertility, an increasing number of studies have put an emphasis on their reproductive toxicity in female. Moreover, MPs/NPs have the potential to interact with other contaminants, thus enhancing or diminishing the combined toxicity. This review summarizes the deleterious effects of MPs/NPs and co-exposure with other pollutants on female throughout the reproduction period of various species, spanning from reproductive failure to cross-generational developmental disorders in progenies. Although these impacts may not be directly extrapolated to humans, they do provide a framework for evaluating the potential mechanisms underlying the reproductive toxicity of MPs/NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuli Geng
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Runan Hu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanjing Huang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Li
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenwen Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haoxu Dong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kunkun Song
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohu Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yufan Song
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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15
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Zhang M, Shi J, Zhou J, Song L, Ding J, Deng HP, Weng L, Zhu Y, Xu Z. N6-methyladenosine methylation mediates non-coding RNAs modification in microplastic-induced cardiac injury. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115174. [PMID: 37354568 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Owing to their potential adverse health effects, global contamination by microplastics (MPs) has attracted increased scientific and societal concerns. However, in vivo studies on MP toxicity, along with its effects and underlying mechanisms, remain limited. We recently found that non-coding RNA (ncRNAs) contribute to MP-mediated vascular toxicity. Moreover, previous studies have identified N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications in ncRNAs as influencing factors in cardiovascular disease. However, whether and how m6A modifications in ncRNAs are affected by MP-induced cardiotoxicity remain unknown. Herein, we profiled differentially expressed ncRNAs and their related m6A modification profiles in MP-exposed myocardial tissue using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq). First, we observed that MPs accumulated in different organs and upregulated apoptosis in the heart, liver, spleen, and kidney cells. Furthermore, total m6A and METTL3 levels increased in the myocardium after exposure to MPs. RNA-seq results revealed that 392 lncRNAs and 302 circRNAs were differentially expressed in MP-treated mouse myocardium compared to the control group. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses showed that these altered lncRNAs and circRNAs were closely associated with endocytosis, cellular senescence, and cell cycle signaling pathways, which may cause cardiotoxicity. Furthermore, MeRIP-seq data showed different distributions and abundances of m6A modifications in lncRNAs and circRNAs. Additionally, we identified differentially m6A methylated lncRNAs and circRNAs through conjoint analysis of the two high-throughput sequencing datasets and found that both m6A modifications and the expression of circ-Arfgef2 and lncG3bp2 were upregulated after exposure to MPs. This suggests that MP-induced m6A modifications in ncRNAs are involved in cardiotoxicity. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of MP-induced cardiotoxicity and new molecular targets for treating cardiac injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Division of Cardiology, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200336 Shanghai, China.
| | - Jun Shi
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Division of Cardiology, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200336 Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Song
- Division of Cardiology, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200336 Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Ding
- Department of General Practice, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Ping Deng
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Weng
- Department of Intervention, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yiqian Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhongqing Xu
- Department of General Practice, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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16
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Chen Y, Duan M, Xu X, Wu C. Multi-biomarkers hazard assessment of microplastics with different polymers by acute embryo test and chronic larvae test with zebrafish (Danio rerio). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 260:106595. [PMID: 37269673 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics as emerging contaminants show various composition features in the environment. However, influence of polymer types on the toxicity of microplastics is still unclear, thus affecting evaluation of their toxicity and ecological risks. In this work, toxic effects of microplastics (fragment, 52-74 μm) with different polymer types including polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) to zebrafish (Danio rerio) were studied using acute embryo test and chronic larvae test. Silicon dioxide (SiO2) was used as a control representing natural particles. Results showed microplastics with different polymers had no influence on embryonic development at environmental relevant concentration (102 particles/L), but could lead to accelerated heartbeat rate and increased embryonic death when exposed to SiO2, PE and PS at higher concentrations (104 and 106 particles/L). Chronic exposure for zebrafish larvae indicated different polymers of microplastics did not affect zebrafish larvae' feeding and growth, nor induce oxidative stress. But larvae' locomotion level and AChE (acetylcholinesterase) activities could be inhibited by SiO2 and microplastics at 104 particles/L. Our study demonstrated negligible toxicity of microplastics at environmental relevant concentration, while different polymers of microplastics have similar toxic effects as SiO2 at high concentrations. We suggest that microplastic particles may have the same biological toxicity as natural particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Chen
- Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Ming Duan
- Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiangrong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
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17
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Chen Q, Zhao H, Liu Y, Jin L, Peng R. Factors Affecting the Adsorption of Heavy Metals by Microplastics and Their Toxic Effects on Fish. TOXICS 2023; 11:490. [PMID: 37368590 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11060490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Fish not only constitute an important trophic level in aquatic ecosystems but also serve as an important source of protein for human beings. The health of fish is related to the sustained and healthy development of their entire aquatic ecosystem. Due to the widespread use, mass production, high disposal frequency, and degradation resistance of plastics, these pollutants are released into aquatic environments on a large scale. They have become one of the fastest growing pollutants and have a substantial toxic effect on fish. Microplastics have intrinsic toxicity and can absorb heavy metals discharged into water. The adsorption of heavy metals onto microplastics in aquatic environments is affected by many factors and serves as a convenient way for heavy metals to migrate from the environment to organisms. Fish are exposed to both microplastics and heavy metals. In this paper, the toxic effects of heavy metal adsorption by microplastics on fish are reviewed, and the focus is on the toxic effects at the individual (survival, feeding activity and swimming, energy reserves and respiration, intestinal microorganisms, development and growth, and reproduction), cellular (cytotoxicity, oxidative damage, inflammatory response, neurotoxicity, and metabolism) and molecular (gene expression) levels. This facilitates an assessment of the pollutants' impact on ecotoxicity and contributes to the regulation of these pollutants in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Haiyang Zhao
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yinai Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Libo Jin
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Renyi Peng
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
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18
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Al Marshoudi M, Al Reasi HA, Al Habsi A, Barry MJ. Additive effects of microplastics on accumulation and toxicity of cadmium in male zebrafish. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 334:138969. [PMID: 37244557 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as contaminants of concern because of their ubiquitous presence in almost all aquatic environments. The ecological effects of MPs are complex and depend on multiple factors including their age, size and the ecological matrix. There is an urgent need for multifactorial studies to elucidate their impacts. We measured the effects of virgin and naturally aged MPs, alone, pretreated with cadmium (Cd), or in combination with ionic Cd, on the bioaccumulation of Cd, metallothionein expression, behavior, and histopathology of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zebrafish were exposed to virgin or aged polyethylene MPs (0.1% MPs enriched diets, w/w) or waterborne Cd (50 μg/L) or a combination of the two for 21 days. There was an additive interaction between water-borne Cd and MPs on bioaccumulation in males but not in females, Cd accumulation increased by twofold when water-borne Cd and MPs were combined. Water-borne Cd significantly induced higher levels of metallothionein compared to MPs pre-exposed to Cd. However, Cd-treated MPs caused greater damage to the intestine and liver compared to untreated MPs suggesting that bound Cd could be released or modulate MPs toxicity. We also showed that co-exposure to water-borne Cd and MPs increased anxiety in the zebrafish, compared with water-borne Cd alone, suggesting using microplastics as a vector may increase toxicity. This study demonstrates that MPs can enhance the toxicity of Cd, but further study is needed to elucidate the mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maklas Al Marshoudi
- Biology Department, Sultan Qaboos University, PO Box 36, Muscat, 123, Sultanate of Oman; Current Address: College of Applied Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTA), Muscat, PO Box 74, Al-Khuwair, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Hassan A Al Reasi
- Biology Department, Sultan Qaboos University, PO Box 36, Muscat, 123, Sultanate of Oman; Center for Environmental Studies and Research, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khod, Muscat, PO Box: 17, Postal Code: 123 SQU, Oman
| | - Aziz Al Habsi
- Biology Department, Sultan Qaboos University, PO Box 36, Muscat, 123, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Michael J Barry
- Biology Department, Sultan Qaboos University, PO Box 36, Muscat, 123, Sultanate of Oman.
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19
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Zhang Q, Ma W, Zhu J. Combined Toxicities of Di-Butyl Phthalate and Polyethylene Terephthalate to Zebrafish Embryos. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11050469. [PMID: 37235283 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The increasing concern for the ecological risks of microplastics (MPs) as carriers of hydrophobic organic contaminants is evident. Di-butyl phthalate (DBP) is extensively utilized as an additive in plastic products, and both DBP and MPs are widespread in the environment. However, the combined toxicity of these substances remains uncertain. In this study, zebrafish embryos were employed to assess the toxic effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET, MPs) and DBP, with a focus on the DBP toxicities influenced by PET. The embryonic chorion was partially covered by PET particles, and PET led to a delayed hatching of zebrafish embryos without inducing death or teratogenesis. On the other hand, exposure to DBP considerably inhibited the hatching of embryos, leading to severe lethal and teratogenic effects. The most common phenotypes induced by DBP exposure were delayed yolk sac absorption and pericardial edema. The mortality increased in co-treatment with 100 particles/mL PET and 2 mg/L DBP at 24 hpf and 48 hpf. The malformation phenotype, bent notochord, and delayed yolk sac absorption became more severe in 1 mg/L DBP exposition with the co-exposure of 100 particles/mL PET at 72 hpf. PET might act as a carrier that enhances the bioavailability of ambient DBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- School of Fishery, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Change and Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Wenjie Ma
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Change and Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Jingmin Zhu
- School of Fishery, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Change and Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
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20
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Qualhato G, Vieira LG, Oliveira M, Rocha TL. Plastic microfibers as a risk factor for the health of aquatic organisms: A bibliometric and systematic review of plastic pandemic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 870:161949. [PMID: 36740053 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastic microfibers (PMFs) are emerging pollutants widely distributed in the environment. In the early 2020s, the need for personal protection due to the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased consumption of plastic materials (e.g., facemasks and gloves) and ultimately to increased plastic pollution, especially by PMFs. The PMFs present in the environment may be released in this form (primary particles) or in larger materials, that will release them as a result of environmental conditions. Although a considerable number of studies have been addressing the effects of microplastics, most of them studied round particles, with fewer studies focusing on PMFs. Thus, the current study aimed to summarize and critically discuss the available data concerning the ecotoxicological impact of PMFs on aquatic organisms. Aquatic organisms exposed to PMFs showed accumulation, mainly in the digestive tract, and several toxic effects, such as DNA damage, physiological alterations, digestive damage and even mortality, suggesting that PMFs can pose a risk for the health of aquatic organisms. The PMFs induced toxicity to aquatic invertebrate and vertebrate organisms depends on size, shape, chemical association and composition of fibers. Regarding other size range (nm) of plastic fibers, the literature review highlighted a knowledge gap in terms of the effects of plastic nanofibers on aquatic organisms. There is a knowledge gap in terms of the interaction and modes of action of PMFs associated with other pollutants. In addition, studies addressing effects at different trophic levels as well as the use of other biological models should be considered. Overall, research gaps and recommendations for future research and trends considering the environmental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Qualhato
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.; Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Lucélia Gonçalves Vieira
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Miguel Oliveira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Thiago Lopes Rocha
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil..
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21
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Xin X, Chen B, Yang M, Gao S, Wang H, Gu W, Li X, Zhang B. A critical review on the interaction of polymer particles and co-existing contaminants: Adsorption mechanism, exposure factors, effects on plankton species. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130463. [PMID: 36463745 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130463] [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: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This review considers the interaction of microplastics (MPs)/nanoplastics (NPs) and co-existing contaminants, including organic contaminants, potentially toxic elements (PTEs), and metal/metal-oxide nanoparticles. Stronger adsorption between plastic particles and co-existing contaminants can either facilitate or prevent more contaminants to enter plankton. The characteristics of MPs/NPs, such as polymer type, size, functional groups, and weathering, affect combined effects. Mixture toxicity is affected by those factors simultaneously and also affected by the type of co-existing contaminants, their concentrations, exposure time, dissolved organic matter, and surfactant. For co-exposure involving organics and metal nanoparticles, marine Skeletonema costatum generally had antagonistic effects, while marine Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Platymonas subcordiformis, and Tetraselmis chuii, showed synergistic effects. For co-exposure involving organics and PTEs, both Chlorella sp. and Microcystis aeruginosa generally demonstrated antagonistic effects. Freshwater Chlorella reinhardtii and Scenedesmus obliquus had synergistic effects for co-exposure involving metal/metal oxide nanoparticles. Zooplankton shows more unpredicted sensitivity towards the complex system. Different co-existing contaminants have different metabolism pathways. Organic contaminants could be biodegraded, which may enhance or alleviate mixture toxicity. PTEs could be adsorbed and desorbed under changing environments, and further affect the combined effects. The presence of metal/metal-oxide nanoparticles is more complicated, since some may release ion metals, increasing contaminant composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaying Xin
- Department of Civil Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada; Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada.
| | - Bing Chen
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Min Yang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Sichen Gao
- Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainable Communities, University of Regina, Regina S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Hongjie Wang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Wenwen Gu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xixi Li
- Center for Environmental Health Risk Assessment and Research, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Baiyu Zhang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada.
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22
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Xia X, Guo W, Ma X, Liang N, Duan X, Zhang P, Zhang Y, Chang Z, Zhang X. Reproductive toxicity and cross-generational effect of polyethylene microplastics in Paramisgurnus dabryanus. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137440. [PMID: 36460160 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Pollution of microplastics (MPs) has become a global environmental issue due to the difficulty in its degradation and may cause unexpected ecological effects. Nevertheless, little is known about the potential effects of MPs on reproduction toxicity in aquatic species. In this study, adult loach (Paramisgurnus dabryanus, F0 generation) were exposed to two concentrations (1 and 10 mg/L) of polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs) for 15 or 30 days, and the toxic effects in parental loach and the offspring (F1 generation) were examined. Our results showed that PE-MPs exposure could change the indicators content of antioxidant system in the brain, liver, and gonad. PE-MPs can accumulate in the gonads, disrupt the transcription of HPG-axis related genes, alter sex hormone levels, increase cell apoptosis and gonadal pathological lesions, lead to the damage of biological characteristics of semen, and affect the reproduction in F0 generation. PE-MPs remaining in the parental gonads can be transferred to the F1 generation embryos and accumulated on the embryonic chorionic membrane, increasing mortality and malformation rates, accelerating hatching time, and decreasing hatching rate and body length. These results suggest that PE-MPs leads to a potential adverse influence on reproduction and serious impacts on population sustainability. This work provides a new perspective into the effects of MPs on reproductive damage and cross-generational effects in teleost fish, which have implications in fields of freshwater ecology and environmental toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Xia
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
| | - Wanwan Guo
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Ma
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
| | - Ning Liang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
| | - Xiangyu Duan
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
| | - Peihan Zhang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
| | - Ying Zhang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
| | - Zhongjie Chang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
| | - Xiaowen Zhang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
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23
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Continuum from microplastics to nanoplastics: effects of size and source on the estuarine bivalve Scrobicularia plana. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:45725-45739. [PMID: 36708472 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25588-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Plastic has been largely detected in estuarine environments and represents major concern towards aquatic living organisms. The present study evaluates the impact of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) under realistic exposure conditions. Scrobicularia plana individuals were exposed to low concentrations (0.008, 10, and 100 µg L-1) of environmental MPs and NPs as well as to standard PS NPs, as a comparison condition. The aim of this study was to understand the ecotoxicological effects of environmental plastic particles on S. plana gills and digestive glands but also to compare the effects of plastic polymers size in order to highlight if the size could induce different toxicity profiles within this model organism, at different levels of biological organization. Results showed a differential induction of detoxification enzymes (CAT, GST), immunity (AcP), DNA damage processes as well as a differential effect on behavior and condition index of animals depending upon the type of plastic, the size, the concentration tested, and the type of organ. This study underlines the necessity of testing (i) plastics collected from the environment as compared to standard ones and (ii) the effect of size using plastics coming from the same batch of macrosized plastics. This study concludes on the future need directions that plastic-based studies must take in order to be able to generate a large quantity of relevant data that could be used for future regulatory needs on the use of plastic.
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24
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Pinto EP, Paredes E, Bellas J. Influence of microplastics on the toxicity of chlorpyrifos and mercury on the marine microalgae Rhodomonas lens. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159605. [PMID: 36273570 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159605] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The growing use of plastics, including microplastics (MPs), has enhanced their potential release into aquatic environments, where microalgae represent the basis of food webs. Due to their physicochemical properties, MPs may act as carriers of organic and inorganic pollutants. The present study aimed to determine the toxicity of polyethylene MPs (plain and oxidized) and the model pollutants chlorpyrifos (CPF) and mercury (Hg) on the red microalgae Rhodomonas lens, to contribute to the understanding of the effects of MPs and associated pollutants on marine ecosystems, including the role of MPs as vectors of potentially harmful pollutants to marine food webs. R. lens cultures were exposed to MPs (1-1000 μg/L; 25-24,750 particles/mL), CPF (1-4900 μg/L), Hg (1-500 μg/L), and to CPF- and Hg-loaded MPs, for 96 h. Average specific growth rate (ASGR, day-1), cellular viability and pigment concentration (chlorophyll a, c2 and carotenoids) were measured at 48 and 96 h. No significant effects were observed on the growth pattern of the microalgae after 96-h exposure to plain and oxidized MPs. However, a significant increase in cell concentration was detected after 48-h exposure to plain MPs. A decrease of the ASGR was noticed after exposure to CPF, Hg and to CPF/Hg-loaded MPs, whereas viability was affected by exposure to MPs, CPF and Hg, alone and in combination. Chlorophyll a and c2 significantly decreased when microalgae were exposed to plain MPs and CPF, while both pigments significantly increased when exposed to CPF-loaded MPs. Similarly, chlorophyll and carotenoids content significantly decreased after exposure to Hg, whereas a significant increase in chlorophyll a was observed after 48-h exposure to Hg-loaded MPs, at the higher tested concentration. Overall, the presence of MPs modulates the toxicity of Hg and CPF to these microalgae, decreasing the toxic effects on R. lens, probably due to a lower bioavailability of the contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía P Pinto
- Centro de investigación Mariña (CIM), Departamento de Ecoloxía e Bioloxía Animal, Laboratorio de Ecoloxía Costeira (ECOCOST), Universidade de Vigo, Spain.
| | - Estefanía Paredes
- Centro de investigación Mariña (CIM), Departamento de Ecoloxía e Bioloxía Animal, Laboratorio de Ecoloxía Costeira (ECOCOST), Universidade de Vigo, Spain
| | - Juan Bellas
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO, CSIC), Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390 Vigo, Spain
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25
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Zhu X, Wang C, Duan X, Liang B, Genbo Xu E, Huang Z. Micro- and nanoplastics: A new cardiovascular risk factor? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 171:107662. [PMID: 36473237 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) is inevitable due to their omnipresence in the environment. A growing body of studies has advanced our understanding of the potential toxicity of MNPs but knowledge gaps still exist regarding the adverse effects of MNPs on the cardiovascular system and underlying mechanisms, particularly in humans. Here, we reviewed up-to-date data published in the past 10 years on MNP-driven cardiovascular toxicity and mechanisms. Forty-six articles concerning ADME (absorption, distribution, and aggregation behaviors) and toxicity of MNPs in the circulatory system of animals and human cells were analyzed and summarized. The results showed that MNPs affected cardiac functions and caused toxicity on (micro)vascular sites. Direct cardiac toxicity of MNPs included abnormal heart rate, cardiac function impairment, pericardial edema, and myocardial fibrosis. On (micro)vascular sites, MNPs induced hemolysis, thrombosis, blood coagulation, and vascular endothelial damage. The main mechanisms included oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, pyroptosis, and interaction between MNPs and multiple cellular components. Cardiovascular toxicity was determined by the properties (type, size, surface, and structure) of MNPs, exposure dose and duration, protein presence, the life stage, sex, and species of the tested organisms, as well as the interaction with other environmental contamination. The limited quantitative information on MNPs' ADME and the lack of guidelines for MNP cardiotoxicity testing makes risk assessment on cardiac health impossible. Furthermore, the future directions of cardiovascular research on MNPs are recommended to enable more realistic health risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Zhu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Chuanxuan Wang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaoyu Duan
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - Boxuan Liang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Elvis Genbo Xu
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark.
| | - Zhenlie Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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26
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Wang J, Wu J, Cheng H, Wang Y, Fang Y, Wang L, Duan Z. Polystyrene microplastics inhibit the neurodevelopmental toxicity of mercury in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae with size-dependent effects. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120216. [PMID: 36152722 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Insufficient evidence exists regarding the effects of microplastics (MPs) on the neuronal toxicity of heavy metals in the early stages of organisms. Herein, the effects of micro-polystyrene (μ-PS; 157 μm) and nano-polystyrene (n-PS; 100 nm) particles on the neurodevelopmental toxicity of mercury (Hg) in zebrafish embryos were compared. Zebrafish embryos exposed to Hg at the concentration of 0.1 mg L-1 revealed blood disorders, delayed hatching, and malformations such as pericardial oedema and tail deformity. The length of the larval head was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) and in vivo expression of atoh1a in the cerebellum of neuron-specific transgenic zebrafish Tg(atoh1a:dTomato) larvae was inhibited by 29.46% under the Hg treatment. Most of the toxic effects were inhibited by the combined exposure to μ-PS or n-PS with Hg, and n-PS decreased the neurodevelopmental toxicity of Hg more significantly than μ-PS. Metabolomic analysis revealed that in addition to inhibiting the amino acid metabolism pathway as in the μ-PS+Hg treatment, the n-PS+Hg treatment inhibited unsaturated fatty acid metabolism in zebrafish larvae, likely because of a greater reduction in Hg bioavailability, thus reducing the oxidative damage caused by Hg in the larvae. The combined effects of MPs and heavy metals differ greatly among different species and their targeted effects. We conclude that the combined toxicity mechanisms of MPs and heavy metals require further clarification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Jin Wu
- Tianjin Institute of Environment and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, the Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control Technology for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Haodong Cheng
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Yudi Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Yanjun Fang
- Tianjin Institute of Environment and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, the Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control Technology for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria / Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Zhenghua Duan
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300384, China.
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27
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Wang Y, Cui W, Duan Z, Qin L, Zhang H, Cheng H, Wang L. Investigation of microplastic pollution on paddy fields in Xiangtan City, Southern China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:81300-81307. [PMID: 35732889 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21415-3] [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: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have become a hot issue of environmental pollution. However, insufficient evidence exists regarding the distributions and fates of MPs in terrestrial environment, especially in farmlands. The distributions of MPs in paddy fields were investigated in Xiangtan City, a typical rice production area in China. The abundance of MPs in paddy seedling raising fields was 3805 ± 511 n·kg-1, which increased by approximately 9 times than that in common paddy fields. Transparent films became the dominant forms due to the huge usage of mulching films, corresponding to that the proportion of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) increased to 17% there. Moreover, an industrial plant nearby also contributed considerably to the MP pollution; the proportion of PVC (33%) in the paddy fields nearby increased to approximately 4 times of common paddy fields, while polyvinyl alcohol (PVA; 13%) used as an important chemical raw material to synthesis in various applications was uniquely detected there. These results highlight the input of MPs from agricultural and industrial activities in farmlands. Their contributions to the MP pollution in farmlands should be continuously investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudi Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology, School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, 391 Binshui West Rode, Xiqing District, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Wenjie Cui
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology, School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, 391 Binshui West Rode, Xiqing District, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Zhenghua Duan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology, School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, 391 Binshui West Rode, Xiqing District, Tianjin, 300384, China.
| | - Li Qin
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Tianjin, 300191, China
| | - Haihong Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology, School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, 391 Binshui West Rode, Xiqing District, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Haodong Cheng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology, School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, 391 Binshui West Rode, Xiqing District, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
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28
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Hodkovicova N, Hollerova A, Svobodova Z, Faldyna M, Faggio C. Effects of plastic particles on aquatic invertebrates and fish - A review. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 96:104013. [PMID: 36375728 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.104013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This review summarises the current knowledge on the effects of microplastics and their additives on organisms living in the aquatic environment, particularly invertebrates and fish. To date, microplastics have been recognised to affect not only the behaviour of aquatic animals but also their proper development, causing variations in fertility, oxidative stress, inflammations and immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and changes in metabolic pathways and gene expression. The ability of microplastics to bind other xenobiotics and cause combined toxicity along side the effect of other agents is also discussed as well. Microplastics are highly recalcitrant materials in both freshwater and marine environments and should be considered extremely toxic to aquatic ecosystems. They are severely problematic from ecological, economic and toxicological standpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Hodkovicova
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - A Hollerova
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Animal Protection and Welfare & Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Z Svobodova
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare & Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M Faldyna
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - C Faggio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
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29
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Kaur H, Rawat D, Poria P, Sharma U, Gibert Y, Ethayathulla AS, Dumée LF, Sharma RS, Mishra V. Ecotoxic effects of microplastics and contaminated microplastics - Emerging evidence and perspective. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 841:156593. [PMID: 35690218 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The high prevalence and persistence of microplastics (MPs) in pristine habitats along with their accumulation across environmental compartments globally, has become a matter of grave concern. The resilience conferred to MPs using the material engineering approaches for outperforming other materials has become key to the challenge that they now represent. The characteristics that make MPs hazardous are their micro to nano scale dimensions, surface varied wettability and often hydrophobicity, leading to non-biodegradability. In addition, MPs exhibit a strong tendency to bind to other contaminants along with the ability to sustain extreme chemical conditions thus increasing their residence time in the environment. Adsorption of these co-contaminants leads to modification in toxicity varying from additive, synergistic, and sometimes antagonistic, having consequences on flora, fauna, and ultimately the end of the food chain, human health. The resulting environmental fate and associated risks of MPs, therefore greatly depend upon their complex interactions with the co-contaminants and the nature of the environment in which they reside. Net outcomes of such complex interactions vary with core characteristics of MPs, the properties of co-contaminants and the abiotic factors, and are required to be better understood to minimize the inherent risks. Toxicity assays addressing these concerns should be ecologically relevant, assessing the impacts at different levels of biological organization to develop an environmental perspective. This review analyzed and evaluated 171 studies to present research status on MP toxicity. This analysis supported the identification and development of research gaps and recommended priority areas of research, accounting for disproportionate risks faced by different countries. An ecological perspective is also developed on the environmental toxicity of contaminated MPs in the light of multi-variant stressors and directions are provided to conduct an ecologically relevant risk assessment. The presented analyses will also serve as a foundation for developing environmentally appropriate remediation methods and evaluation frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harveen Kaur
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Deepak Rawat
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India; Department of Environmental Studies, Janki Devi, Memorial College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110060, India
| | - Pankaj Poria
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Udita Sharma
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Yann Gibert
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | | | - Ludovic F Dumée
- Khalifa University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Research and Innovation Center on CO(2) and Hydrogen, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Radhey Shyam Sharma
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India; Delhi School of Climate Change & Sustainability, Institute of Eminence, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
| | - Vandana Mishra
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
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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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Golin N, Barreto LS, Esquivel L, Souza TLD, Nazário MG, Oliveira AP, Martins CC, Oliveira Ribeiro CAD. Organic and inorganic pollutants in Jordão and Iguaçu rivers southern Brazil impact early phases of Rhamdia quelen and represent a risk for population. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 303:134989. [PMID: 35595115 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Iguaçu River basin presents high ecological importance due to its expressive endemic ichthyofauna rate, but chemical pollution may threat this biodiversity. Jordão River is one of the main tributaries of Iguaçu River and contribute to this pollution status, since it drains large agricultural areas receiving domestic and industrial effluents before flowing into the Iguaçu River. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the toxic effects of the Iguaçu, Jordão, and the combination of their waters to the embryo-larval phase of R. quelen, investigating the consequences to the population by means of mathematical modelling. R. quelen fertilized eggs were exposed for 96 h to water samples from Iguaçu River upstream (IR), Jordão River (JR), and downstream of both rivers (MR). The analysis of micropollutants in the water showed that JR presented the most complex mixture of substances and elements, followed by IR, while MR showed the lower number of micropollutants detected. Survival rate was not a sensitive endpoint, while the deformity indices were higher in individuals exposed to water from the three studied sites. Superoxide dismutase activity was increased in MR, while non-protein thiol levels were reduced in MR and JR showing the antioxidant mechanism activation. The mathematical modelling revealed that fish exposed to JR would lead to the greater population reduction (46.19%), followed by IR (40.48%) and MR (33.33%). Although the results showed toxicity in all studied sites, the JR site is the most impacted by micropollutants but decrease its toxicity after dilution with Iguaçu River.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Golin
- Laboratório de Toxicologia Celular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, CEP, 81531-980, Curitiba, PR, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, CEP, 81531-980, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Luiza Santos Barreto
- Laboratório de Toxicologia Celular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, CEP, 81531-980, Curitiba, PR, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, CEP, 81531-980, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Luíse Esquivel
- Estação de Piscicultura Panamá, Est. Geral Bom Retiro, CEP, 88490-000, Paulo Lopes, SC, Brazil
| | - Tugstênio Lima de Souza
- Laboratório de Toxicologia Celular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, CEP, 81531-980, Curitiba, PR, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, CEP, 81531-980, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Mariana Gallucci Nazário
- Laboratório de Análises Ambientais, Setor Litoral, Universidade Federal do Paraná, CEP, 83.260-000, Matinhos, PR, Brazil
| | - Andrea Pinto Oliveira
- Departamento de Química, Setor de Ciências Exatas, Centro Politécnico, Universidade Federal do Paraná, CEP, 81531-980, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - César Castro Martins
- Centro de Estudos do Mar, Campus Pontal do Paraná, Universidade Federal do Paraná, CEP, 83255-000, Pontal do Paraná, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ciro Alberto de Oliveira Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Toxicologia Celular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, CEP, 81531-980, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
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32
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Sun W, Yan S, Meng Z, Tian S, Jia M, Huang S, Wang Y, Zhou Z, Diao J, Zhu W. Combined ingestion of polystyrene microplastics and epoxiconazole increases health risk to mice: Based on their synergistic bioaccumulation in vivo. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 166:107391. [PMID: 35803075 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic and pesticide are two common environmental pollutants whose adverse effects have been widely reported, but it is unclear whether they cause combined toxicity in mammals. In this study, polystyrene microplastics (5 µm, 0.012 or 0.120 mg/kg) or/and epoxiconazole (0.080 mg/kg) were administered orally to mice for 6 weeks, their toxicity to liver and kidney was assessed from changes in histopathology, tissue function, oxidative defense system and metabolic profile. In addition, mechanism of combined toxicity was explored in terms of bioaccumulation levels, intestinal barrier, gut microbiota. Results showed that combined ingestion of polystyrene (0.120 mg/kg) and epoxiconazole caused more severe tissue damage, dysfunction, oxidative stress, and metabolic disorders compared to single exposure sources. Interestingly, occurrence of combined toxicity was associated with their increased accumulation in tissues. In-depth exploration found that epoxiconazole caused intestinal barrier damage by targeting the gut microbiota, leading to massive invasion and accumulation of polystyrene, which in turn interfered with the metabolic clearance of epoxiconazole in liver. In all, findings highlighted that polystyrene and epoxiconazole could cause combined toxicity in mice through the synergistic effect of their bioaccumulation in vivo, which provided new reference for understanding the health risks of microplastics and pesticides and sheds light on the potential risk to humans of their combined ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sun
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Sen Yan
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhiyuan Meng
- School of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Sinuo Tian
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ming Jia
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shiran Huang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhou
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jinling Diao
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wentao Zhu
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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Bour A, Leoni D, Sundh H, Carney Almroth B. Exposure to textile microfibers causes no effect on blood, behavior and tissue morphology in the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 180:113755. [PMID: 35642800 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113755] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We assessed textile microfibers impacts on the three-spined stickleback, using synthetic and natural fibers originating from yarns or washer effluents. After water exposure at 200 fibers/L, we assessed fish survival, behavior, tissue morphology and hemoglobin concentration, and paid special attention to exposure characterization. We report quantitative fiber distribution in the exposure system, fiber size distribution, and contamination. We provide a fiber preparation procedure and exposure method intended to ensure accurate and stable concentrations over time. Following exposure, no effect was observed on the studied endpoints in any of the treatment conditions. We observed fast sinking of the fibers. Fish organs and feces contained 1.3% and 6.8% of recovered fibers, and 12.6% fibers were found adhered to the tank walls. We show that water renewals in semi-static exposures is a critical step for the maintenance of stable concentrations, and discuss the practical and/or methodological challenges associated to the study of microfibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Bour
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Denise Leoni
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Sundh
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bethanie Carney Almroth
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Sridharan S, Kumar M, Saha M, Kirkham MB, Singh L, Bolan NS. The polymers and their additives in particulate plastics: What makes them hazardous to the fauna? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 824:153828. [PMID: 35157873 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Due to the increasing concerns on global ecosystems and human health, the environmental risks posed by microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have become an important topic of research. Their ecological impacts on various faunal species have been extensively researched and reviewed. However, the majority of those studies perceive these micro(nano)-plastics (MNPs) as a single entity rather than a collective term for a group of chemically distinct polymeric particulates. Each of the plastic polymers can possess unique physical and chemical behavior, which, in turn, can determine the possible environmental impacts. Furthermore, many studies explore the adsorption, absorption, and release of other environmental pollutants by MNPs. But only a handful of them explore the leaching of additives possessed by these polymers. Data on the environmental behavior and toxicity of individual additives associated with different polymer particulates are scarce. Knowledge about the leachability and ecotoxicity of the additives associated with environmental MNPs (unlike large plastic particles) remains limited. The ecological impacts of different MNPs together with their additives and the basis of their toxicity have not been explored yet. The present review systematically explores the potential implications of environmentally predominant polymers and their associated additives and discusses their physicochemical characteristics. The review ultimately aims to provide novel insights on what components precisely make MNPs hazardous to the fauna. The paper also discusses the major challenges proposed in the available literature along with recommendations for future research to throw light on possible solutions to overcome the hazards of MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinidhi Sridharan
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mahua Saha
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States of America
| | - Lal Singh
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The UWA Institute of Agriculture, M079, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
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35
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Zhang S, He Z, Wu C, Wang Z, Mai Y, Hu R, Zhang X, Huang W, Tian Y, Xia D, Wang C, Yan Q, He Z, Shu L. Complex Bilateral Interactions Determine the Fate of Polystyrene Micro- and Nanoplastics and Soil Protists: Implications from a Soil Amoeba. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:4936-4949. [PMID: 35348318 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nano- and microplastics have become a serious global concern, threatening our living environments. Previous studies have shown that many organisms, including bacteria, animals, and plants, can be affected by microplastics. However, little is known about one ecologically important group of soil organisms, the protists. In this study, we investigated how polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics interacted with a soil amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. The results showed that environmental concentrations of nano- and microplastics could negatively affect the soil amoeba's fitness and development. D. discoideum ingested both nano- and microplastics through phagocytosis but packed and excreted them during slug migration, which also promoted their biodegradation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses revealed the formation of new oxygen-containing functional groups and the sign of possible oxidation of polystyrene. Also, nano- and microplastic exposure disrupted the nutrient and energy metabolisms of D. discoideum and affected the expression of key genes (e.g., cf45-1, dcsA, aprA, dymB, and gefB) related to morphogenesis and phagocytosis. In conclusion, our results show that nano- and microplastics have complex bilateral interactions with the soil amoeba, affecting each other's fate in the soil environment. This study provides new insights into how soil protists interact with nano- and microplastics in the soil ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Zhang
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhenzhen He
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chenyuan Wu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zihe Wang
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yingwen Mai
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ruiwen Hu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhang
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuehui Tian
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dehua Xia
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qingyun Yan
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhili He
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Longfei Shu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Cao J, Liao Y, Yang W, Jiang X, Li M. Enhanced microalgal toxicity due to polystyrene nanoplastics and cadmium co-exposure: From the perspective of physiological and metabolomic profiles. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 427:127937. [PMID: 34863563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
As important emerging contaminants, nanoplastics can act as vectors for other environmental pollutants, resulting in their migration throughout ecosystems and altering their toxicity. In this study, the fluorescent dye label aggravated the toxicity of polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics (100 nm diameter particles) to microalgae Euglena gracilis. Therefore, the toxicity of non-fluorescent labelled PS alone and in combination with divalent cadmium (Cd2+) on Euglena gracilis in the environmentally relevant concentrations was investigated. Results revealed that co-exposure to 50 μg/L (1.1 × 1010 particles/L) PS and 50 μg/L Cd2+ resulted in synergistic effects, significantly inhibiting microalgal growth by 28.76%. Superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and extracellular polymeric substances were distinctly enhanced in co-exposure treatments compared to the control, indicating that cellular antioxidant defense responses were activated. LC-MS-based metabolomic analysis suggested that PS and Cd2+ exposure alone or in combination induced significant disruption to carbohydrate and purine metabolism-related pathways, as compared to controls. As part of the PS and Cd2+ stress response, differential metabolites involved in lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism provide antioxidants and cell membrane protective molecules. Overall, this combined physiological and metabolomic analysis approach provides a better understanding of the potential risks posed by nanoplastics and heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yuanchen Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Weishu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaofeng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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37
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Chen X, Peng LB, Wang D, Zhu QL, Zheng JL. Combined effects of polystyrene microplastics and cadmium on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and GH/IGF axis in zebrafish early life stages. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 813:152514. [PMID: 34968615 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The toxicological interactions of microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals have been paid much attention in aquatic organism. The mechanisms are not fully clear, particularly in fish early life stages. To the end, zebrafish embryos were exposed to 500 μg/L MPs, 5 μg/L cadmium (Cd), and their combination for 30 days. Body weight, adsorption characteristics of Cd onto MPs, Cd accumulation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I (GH/IGF) axis were examined. Exposure to MPs and Cd alone reduced body weight, which was aggravated by co-exposure. An increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels was observed in larvae exposed to Cd or MPs + Cd, suggesting an induction of oxidative stress. Lipid peroxidation levels were not affected by exposure to MPs and Cd alone but dramatically enhanced by co-exposure, which may be explained by the reduction of total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and activity levels of Mn-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and catalase (CAT) after co-exposure. Increased apoptotic cells were observed in the vertebral body of larvae exposed to Cd, the esophagus of larvae exposed to MPs, and both organs of larvae exposed to MPs + Cd, which was further confirmed by changes in the activities of Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and Caspase-9. PCR array on the transcription of genes related to growth, oxidative stress and apoptosis was examined, showing that the combined exposure resulted in greater magnitude of changes than MPs and Cd alone. The results indicate that MPs can enhance the negative effects of Cd on growth, oxidative damage and apoptosis in early life stages of zebrafish. However, the adsorption of Cd onto MPs was not observed and the combined exposure did not increase the Cd content in larvae compared to the single Cd exposure, implying that vector role of MPs in Cd uptake is negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, College of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, PR China
| | - Li-Bin Peng
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, College of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, PR China
| | - Dan Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, College of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, PR China
| | - Qing-Ling Zhu
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, College of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, PR China
| | - Jia-Lang Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, College of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, PR China.
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38
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Lu J, Wu J, Gong L, Cheng Y, Yuan Q, He Y. Combined toxicity of polystyrene microplastics and sulfamethoxazole on zebrafish embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:19273-19282. [PMID: 34714475 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17198-8] [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: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite extensive investigation on the toxicity of microplastics (MPs), an emerging global concern, little is known about the combined toxicity of MPs and co-occurring pollutants in aquatic environments. In this study, the combined toxicity of polystyrene MPs and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) antibiotics was explored in zebrafish embryos in terms of the developmental, physiological, and endocrine toxicities. Exposure to PS and SMZ induced mortality (rate: 25.0 ± 7.5%) and malformation (rate: 20~35%) at multiple regions and stages of zebrafish development. Physiological toxicity was also induced as shown by the significant decrease in fetal movement (by 31.1~37.0%) and swimming frequency (by 26.9~36.8%) and the increase in heartbeat rate (by 19.0~20.9%). Finally, PS and SMZ exposure also induced extensive endocrine toxicities in zebrafish as confirmed by increases in various biomarkers including vitellogenin, 17β-estradiol, testosterone, and triiodothyronine. The combination index showed that antagonistic effects were present between PS and SMZ toxicity, which slightly decreased their combined toxicity. This study aims to further understand the combined toxicity of MPs and co-occurring pollutants in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Lu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
- Nanjing Foreign Language School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Jie Wu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Lulin Gong
- Nanjing Foreign Language School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yuan Cheng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Qingbin Yuan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China.
| | - Yide He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China.
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Jing J, Zhang L, Han L, Wang J, Zhang W, Liu Z, Gao A. Polystyrene micro-/nanoplastics induced hematopoietic damages via the crosstalk of gut microbiota, metabolites, and cytokines. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 161:107131. [PMID: 35149446 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Micro-/nanoplastics (MNPLs), novel environmental pollutants, widely exist in the environment and life and bring health risks. Previous studies have shown that NMPLs can penetrate bone marrow, but whether they cause hematopoietic damage remains uncertain. In this study, C57BL/6J mice were treated with polystyrene MNPLs (PS-MNPLs, 10 μm, 5 μm and 80 nm) at 60 μg doses for 42 days by intragastric administration. We evaluated the hematopoietic toxicity induced by MNPLs and potential mechanisms via combining 16S rRNA, metabolomics, and cytokine chips. The results demonstrated that PS-MNPLs induced hematopoietic toxicity, which was manifested by the disorder of bone marrow cell arrangement, the reduction in colony-forming, self-renewal and differentiation capacity, and the increased proportion of lymphocytes. PS-MNPLs also disrupted the homeostasis of the gut microbiota, metabolism, and inflammation, all of which were correlated with hematotoxicity, suggesting that abnormal gut microbiota-metabolite-cytokine axes might be the crucial pathways in MNPLs-induced hematopoietic injury. In conclusion, our study systematically demonstrated that multi-scale PS-MNPLs induced hematopoietic toxicity via the crosstalk of gut microbiota, metabolites, and cytokines and provided valuable insights into MNPLs toxicity, which was conducive to health risk assessment and informed policy decisions regarding PS-MNPLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaru Jing
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 10069, PR China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Lin Han
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Ziyan Liu
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Ai Gao
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China.
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Cheng H, Duan Z, Wu Y, Wang Y, Zhang H, Shi Y, Zhang H, Wei Y, Sun H. Immunotoxicity responses to polystyrene nanoplastics and their related mechanisms in the liver of zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 161:107128. [PMID: 35134711 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics in aquatic environments may induce adverse immunotoxicity effects in fish. However, there is insufficient evidence on the visible immunotoxicity endpoints in the larval stages of fish. The liver plays an important role in systemic and local innate immunity in the fish. In this study, the hepatic inflammatory effects of polystyrene (PS) nanoplastic particles (NPs: 100 and 50 nm) and micron PS particles on transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae were estimated using fluorescent-labeled neutrophils, macrophages, and liver-type inflammatory binding protein (fabp10a). Particles with smaller size induced higher aggregations of neutrophils and apoptosis of macrophages in the abdomen of the larvae, corresponding to greater hepatic inflammation in the larvae. NPs increased the expression of fabp10a in the larval livers in a dose- and size-dependent manner. PS particles of 50 nm at a concentration of 0.1 mg·L-1 increased the expression of fabp10a in the larval liver by 21.90% (P < 0.05). The plausible mechanisms of these effects depend on their distribution and the generation of reactive oxygen species in the larvae. Metabonomic analysis revealed that the metabolic pathways of catabolic processes, amino acids, and purines were highly promoted by NPs, compared to micron PS particles. NPs also activate steroid hormone biosynthesis in zebrafish larvae, which may lead to the occurrence of immune-related diseases. For the first time, the liver was identified as the target organ for the immunotoxicity effects of NPs in the larval stage of fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haodong Cheng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology / School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Zhenghua Duan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology / School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China; MOE Key Laboratory on Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria / College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Yinghong Wu
- Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin 300011, China
| | - Yudi Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology / School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Haihong Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology / School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Yansong Shi
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology / School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Huajing Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory on Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria / College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yanjie Wei
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection in Water Transport Engineering Ministry of Communications, Tianjin Research Institute of Water Transport Engineering, Tianjin 300456, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory on Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria / College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
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Sun T, Wang S, Ji C, Li F, Wu H. Microplastics aggravate the bioaccumulation and toxicity of coexisting contaminants in aquatic organisms: A synergistic health hazard. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127533. [PMID: 34879523 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
There are ongoing controversies regarding the effects of microplastics (MPs) on the bioaccumulation and toxicity of coexisting contaminants in aquatic organisms. This study aims to quantitatively evaluate this issue based on 870 endpoints from 40 publications. It was shown that the presence of MPs significantly increased the bioaccumulation of co-contaminants by 31%, with high statistical power and without obvious publication bias. The aggravated bioaccumulation was also revealed by the strongly positive correlation between bioconcentration factors in the presence and the absence of MPs. Furthermore, the subgroup/regression analyses indicated that the vector effect of MPs on other chemicals was affected by multiple factors and their interactions, such as particle size and exposure time. In addition, a relatively comprehensive biomarker profile was recompiled from included studies to assess the changes in toxicity caused by combined exposure. Results confirmed that the presence of MPs obviously exacerbated the toxicity of co-contaminants by 18%, manifested by the potentiated cytotoxicity, endocrine disruption, immunotoxicity and oxidative stress, implying a synergistic health hazard. Ultimately, the mismatches between laboratory and field conditions were discussed, and the recommendations for future research were offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai, 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Shuang Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai, 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Chenglong Ji
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Qingdao 266071, PR China
| | - Fei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Qingdao 266071, PR China
| | - Huifeng Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Qingdao 266071, PR China.
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Qin L, Duan Z, Cheng H, Wang Y, Zhang H, Zhu Z, Wang L. Size-dependent impact of polystyrene microplastics on the toxicity of cadmium through altering neutrophil expression and metabolic regulation in zebrafish larvae. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 291:118169. [PMID: 34536643 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Insufficient evidence exists regarding the visible physiological toxic endpoints of MPs exposures on zebrafish larvae due to their small sizes. Herein, the impacts of micro-polystyrene particles (μ-PS) and 100 nm polystyrene particles (n-PS) on the toxicity of cadmium (Cd) through altering neutrophil expressions were identified and quantified in the transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae Tg(lyz:DsRed2), and the effects were size-dependent. When exposed together with μ-PS, the amount of neutrophils in Cd treated zebrafish larvae decreased by 25.56% through reducing Cd content in the larvae. By contrast, although n-PS exposure caused lower Cd content in the larvae, the expression of neutrophils under their combined exposure remained high. The mechanism of immune toxicity was analyzed based on the results of metabonomics. n-PS induced high oxidative stress in the larvae, which promoted taurine metabolism and unsaturated fatty biosynthesis in n-PS + Cd treatment. This observation was accordance with the significant inhibition of the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes detected in their combined treatment. Moreover, n-PS promoted the metabolic pathways of catabolic processes, amino acid metabolism, purine metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis in Cd treated zebrafish larvae. Nanoplasctis widely coexist with other pollutants in the environment at relatively low concentrations. We conclude that more bio-markers of immune impact should be explored to identify their toxicological mechanisms and mitigate the effects on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Qin
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin, 300191, China
| | - Zhenghua Duan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300384, China.
| | - Haodong Cheng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Yudi Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Haihong Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Zhe Zhu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria / Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
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Cao Y, Zhao M, Ma X, Song Y, Zuo S, Li H, Deng W. A critical review on the interactions of microplastics with heavy metals: Mechanism and their combined effect on organisms and humans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 788:147620. [PMID: 34029813 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Although individual toxicity of microplastics (MPs) to organism has been widely studied, limited knowledge is available on the interactions between heavy metals and MPs, as well as potential biological impacts from their combinations. The interaction between MPs and heavy metals may alter their environmental behaviors, bioavailability and potential toxicity, leading to ecological risks. In this paper, an overview of different sources of heavy metals on MPs is provided. Then the recent achievements in adsorption isotherms, adsorption kinetics and interaction mechanism between MPs and heavy metals are discussed. Besides, the factors that influence the adsorption of heavy metals on MPs such as polymer properties, chemical properties of heavy metals, and other environmental factors are also considered. Furthermore, potential combined toxic effects from MPs and heavy metals on organisms and human health are further summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxiao Cao
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China; School of Information and Safety Engineering, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China.
| | - Mengjie Zhao
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China; School of Information and Safety Engineering, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China
| | - Xianying Ma
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China; School of Information and Safety Engineering, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China
| | - Yongwei Song
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China; School of Information and Safety Engineering, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China
| | - Shihan Zuo
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China; School of Information and Safety Engineering, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China
| | - Honghu Li
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China; School of Information and Safety Engineering, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China
| | - Wenzhuo Deng
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China; School of Information and Safety Engineering, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China
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Reality Check: Experimental Studies on Microplastics Lack Realism. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11188529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Environmental microplastics are gaining interest due to their ubiquity and the threat they pose to environmental and human health. Critical studies have revealed the abundance of microplastics in nature, while others have tested the impacts of these small plastics on organismal health in the laboratory. Yet, there is often a mismatch between these two areas of research, resulting in major discrepancies and an inability to interpret certain findings. Here, we focus on several main lines of inquiry. First, even though the majority of environmental microplastics are plastic microfibers from textiles, laboratory studies still largely use spherical microbeads. There are also inconsistencies between the measurements of microplastics in the environment as compared to the concentrations that tend to be used in experimental studies. Likewise, the period of exposure occurring in experimental studies and in the environment are vastly different. Lastly, although experimental studies often focus on a particular subset of toxic chemicals present on microplastics, textile microfibers carry other dyes and chemicals that are understudied. They also cause types of physical damage not associated with microspheres. This review will analyze the literature pertaining to these mismatches, focusing on aquatic organisms and model systems, and seek to inform a path forward for this burgeoning area of research.
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Marczynski M, Lieleg O. Forgotten but not gone: Particulate matter as contaminations of mucosal systems. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2021; 2:031302. [PMID: 38505633 PMCID: PMC10903497 DOI: 10.1063/5.0054075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
A decade ago, environmental issues, such as air pollution and the contamination of the oceans with microplastic, were prominently communicated in the media. However, these days, political topics, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, have clearly taken over. In spite of this shift in focus regarding media representation, researchers have made progress in evaluating the possible health risks associated with particulate contaminations present in water and air. In this review article, we summarize recent efforts that establish a clear link between the increasing occurrence of certain pathological conditions and the exposure of humans (or animals) to airborne or waterborne particulate matter. First, we give an overview of the physiological functions mucus has to fulfill in humans and animals, and we discuss different sources of particulate matter. We then highlight parameters that govern particle toxicity and summarize our current knowledge of how an exposure to particulate matter can be related to dysfunctions of mucosal systems. Last, we outline how biophysical tools and methods can help researchers to obtain a better understanding of how particulate matter may affect human health. As we discuss here, recent research has made it quite clear that the structure and functions of those mucosal systems are sensitive toward particulate contaminations. Yet, our mechanistic understanding of how (and which) nano- and microparticles can compromise human health via interacting with mucosal barriers is far from complete.
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