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Socas-Hernández C, Miralles P, González-Sálamo J, Hernández-Borges J, Coscollà C. Assessment of anthropogenic particles content in commercial beverages. Food Chem 2024; 447:139002. [PMID: 38513486 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MPs) pollution is a current global concern that is affecting all environmental compartments and food sources. In this work, anthropogenic particles occurrence (MPs and natural and synthetic cellulosic particles), have been determined in 73 beverages packed in different containers. Overall, 1521 anthropogenic particles were found, being the lowest occurrence in water samples (7.2 ± 10.1 items·L-1) while beer had the highest (95.5 ± 91.8 items·L-1). Colourless/white particles were the most detected followed by blue and red colours. The highest mean size was 783 ± 715 μm in soft drinks. Cellulosic, both natural and semisynthetic particles, were the composition mostly found but regarding plastic polymers, it was polyester. Phenoxy resin particles from the can coatings were also identified in all metal containers which indicates that leaching from the packaging may be happening. The total estimated daily intake were 0.077 and 0.159 items·kg-1 body weight (b.w.)·day-1 for children and adult population, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Socas-Hernández
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Av. Catalunya, 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Pablo Miralles
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Av. Catalunya, 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Javier González-Sálamo
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Javier Hernández-Borges
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.
| | - Clara Coscollà
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Av. Catalunya, 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain
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2
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Li M, Wang Z, Zhu L, Zhu Y, Yi J, Fu X. Research advances on microplastics contamination in terrestrial geoenvironment: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 935:173259. [PMID: 38761947 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The contamination of microplastics in terrestrial geoenvironment (CMTG) is widespread and severe and has, received considerable attention. However, studies on CMTG are in their initial stages. The literature on CMTG published in the past decade was analyzed through bibliometric analysis, such as the annual publications, countries with the highest contributions, prolific authors, and author keywords. The sources, compositions, migrations and environmental impacts of CMTG are summarized, and possible future directions are proposed. This study analyzed the annual publications, countries with the highest contributions, prolific authors, and author keywords related to microplastics. The results demonstrated that 15,306 articles were published between 2014 and 2023. China is the leading country in terms of the total number of publications. The main sources of CMTG include landfills, agricultural non-point sources, sewage treatment systems and transportation systems. The composition of the CMTG exhibits significantly temporal and spatial variability from different sources. The migration paths of the CMTG were within the soil, groundwater seepage and wind transportation of suspended particles. Microplastics increase soil cohesion, decrease porosity, reduce pore scale, decrease air circulation, and increase water retention capacity, and the exudation of highly water-soluble additives in microplastics can cause secondary contamination of geological entities. Microplastics have an adverse effect on plant growth, animal digestion, microbial activity, energy and lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and respiratory diseases in humans. It is recommended to develop more efficient and convenient quantitative testing methods for microplastics, formulate globally harmonized testing and evaluation standards, include microplastic testing in testing programs for contaminated soils, and develop efficient methods for the remediation of microplastic contaminated geological bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingdong Li
- School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China; State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Resources and Environment, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China.
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Liping Zhu
- School of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China; State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Resources and Environment, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Yating Zhu
- School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Jinxiang Yi
- School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Xiaojie Fu
- School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China
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3
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Wang M, Wu Y, Li G, Xiong Y, Zhang Y, Zhang M. The hidden threat: Unraveling the impact of microplastics on reproductive health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 935:173177. [PMID: 38750730 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, with intricate physical and chemical characteristics, infiltrate the food chain and extensively impact ecosystems. Despite acknowledging the link between environmental pollution and declining fertility, the specific mechanisms affecting reproductive health remain to be elucidated. This review emphasizes the global correlation between microplastics and subfertility, focusing on entry pathways and impacts on ecosystems. Research suggests that microplastics disrupt the neuroendocrine system, influencing sex hormone synthesis through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In the reproductive system, microplastics interfere with the blood-testis barrier, impairing spermatogenesis in males, and causing placental dysfunction, ovarian atrophy, endometrial hyperplasia, and fibrosis in females. Moreover, microplastics potentially affect offspring's lipid metabolism and reproductive functions. However, complex microplastic compositions and detection method limitations impede research progress. Mitigation strategies for reproductive effects, combined with addressing microplastic pollution through sustainable practices, are imperative. This review underscores the urgency of global initiatives and collaborative research to safeguard reproductive health amid escalating microplastic contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health and Optimal Birth, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ying Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health and Optimal Birth, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China
| | - Guigui Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health and Optimal Birth, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yao Xiong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health and Optimal Birth, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yuanzhen Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health and Optimal Birth, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health and Optimal Birth, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China.
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4
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Abimbola I, McAfee M, Creedon L, Gharbia S. In-situ detection of microplastics in the aquatic environment: A systematic literature review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173111. [PMID: 38740219 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173111] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment and have emerged as a significant environmental issue due to their potential impacts on human health and the ecosystem. Current laboratory-based microplastic detection methods suffer from various drawbacks, including a lack of standardisation, limited spatial and temporal coverage, high costs, and time-consuming procedures. Consequently, there is a need for the development of in-situ techniques to detect and monitor microplastics to effectively identify and understand their sources, pathways, and behaviours. Herein, we adopt a systematic literature review method to assess the development and application of experimental and field technologies designed for the in-situ detection and monitoring of aquatic microplastics, without the need for sample preparation. Four scientific databases were searched in March 2023, resulting in a review of 62 relevant studies. These studies were classified into seven sensor categories and their working principles were discussed. The sensor classes include optical devices, digital holography, Raman spectroscopy, other spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, remote sensing, and other methods. We also looked at how data from these technologies are integrated with machine learning models to develop classifiers capable of accurately characterising the physical and chemical properties of microplastics and discriminating them from other particles. This review concluded that in-situ detection of microplastics in aquatic environments is feasible and can be achieved with high accuracy, even though the methods are still in the early stages of development. Nonetheless, further research is still needed to enhance the in-situ detection of microplastics. This includes exploring the possibility of combining various detection methods and developing robust machine-learning classifiers. Additionally, there is a recommendation for in-situ implementation of the reviewed methods to assess their effectiveness in detecting microplastics and identify their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismaila Abimbola
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland.
| | - Marion McAfee
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Intelligent Systems for Health and Environment (MISHE), Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Leo Creedon
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Intelligent Systems for Health and Environment (MISHE), Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Salem Gharbia
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
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5
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Santos VS, Vidal C, Bisinoti MC, Moreira AB, Montagner CC. Integrated occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern, including microplastics, in urban and agricultural watersheds in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 932:173025. [PMID: 38723955 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), including microplastics, have been the focus of many studies due to their environmental impact, affecting biota and human health. The diverse land uses and occupation of watersheds are important parameters driving the occurrence of these contaminants. CECs such as pesticides, drugs, hormones, and industrial-origin substances were analyzed in urban/industrial (Atibaia) and agricultural (Preto/Turvo) watersheds located in São Paulo state, Brazil. A total of 24 CECs were investigated, and, as a result, only 5 (caffeine, carbendazim, atrazine, ametrine and 2-hydroxytrazine) were responsible for 81.73 % of the statistical difference between watersheds contamination profile. The Atibaia watershed presented considerable concentrations of caffeine (ranging from 75 to 2025 ng L-1), while carbendazim (44 to 1144 ng L-1) and atrazine (3 to 266 ng L-1) presented highest levels in Preto/Turvo watershed. In all sampling points, the cumulative potential aquatic life risk assessed by the NORMAN database indicates some level of environmental concern associated to pesticides and caffeine (risk quotient >1). Microplastics had been analyzed in both watersheds, being the white/transparent fragments in size between 100 and 250 μm the most detected in this study. The estimated abundance in the Atibaia watershed ranged from 349 to 2898 items m-3 presenting some influence of pluviosity, while in Rio Preto/Turvo ranged from 169 to 6370 items m-3, being more abundant in the dam area without a clear influence of pluviosity. In both basins, polyethylene and polypropylene were the most detected polymers, probably due to the intense use of single-use plastics in urban areas. Possibly, due to the distinct physic-chemical properties of microplastics and organic CECs, no correlations were observed between their occurrence, which makes us conclude that they have different transport mechanism, behavior, and fate in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius S Santos
- University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Institute of Chemistry, Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Vidal
- University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Institute of Chemistry, Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Marcia C Bisinoti
- São Paulo State University, Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, São José do Rio Preto, SP 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Altair B Moreira
- São Paulo State University, Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, São José do Rio Preto, SP 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Cassiana C Montagner
- University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Institute of Chemistry, Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil.
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6
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Barrientos M, Vásquez Lavín F, Ponce Oliva RD, Nayga RM, Gelcich S. Microplastics in seafood: Consumer preferences and valuation for mitigation technologies. Food Res Int 2024; 187:114342. [PMID: 38763635 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, an emerging pollutant, have garnered widespread attention due to potential repercussions on human health and the environment. Given the critical role of seafood in food security, growing concerns about microplastics might be detrimental to meeting future global food demand. This study employed a discrete choice experiment to investigate Chilean consumers' preferences for technology aimed at mitigating microplastic levels in mussels. Using a between-subjects design with information treatments, we examined the impact of informing consumers about potential human health and environmental effects linked to microplastics pollution on their valuation for the technology. We found that the information treatments increased consumers' willingness to pay for mussels. Specifically, consumers were willing to pay a premium of around US$ 4 for 250 g of mussel meat with a 90 % depuration efficiency certification. The provision of health impact information increased the price premium by 56 %, while the provision of environmental information increased it by 21 %. Furthermore, combined health and environmental information significantly increased the probability of non-purchasing behavior by 22.8 % and the risk perception of microplastics for human health by 5.8 %. These results emphasized the critical role of information in shaping consumer preferences and provided evidence for validating investment in research and development related to microplastic pollution mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Felipe Vásquez Lavín
- School of Economics and Business, Universidad del Desarrollo, Concepción, Chile; Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Santiago, Chile; Coastal Socio-Ecological Millennium Institute (SECOS), Santiago, Chile
| | - Roberto D Ponce Oliva
- School of Economics and Business, Universidad del Desarrollo, Concepción, Chile; Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Santiago, Chile; Coastal Socio-Ecological Millennium Institute (SECOS), Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodolfo M Nayga
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Adjunct Professor, Korea University, Korea
| | - Stefan Gelcich
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Santiago, Chile; Coastal Socio-Ecological Millennium Institute (SECOS), Santiago, Chile; Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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7
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Zheng Y, Gan X, Lin C, Wang D, Chen R, Dai Y, Jiang L, Huang C, Zhu Y, Song Y, Chen J. Polystyrene nanoplastics cause reproductive toxicity in zebrafish: PPAR mediated lipid metabolism disorder. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172795. [PMID: 38677429 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172795] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitous presence of micro-and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the environment and everyday products has attracted attention due to their hazardous risks. However, the effects of MNPs on reproduction and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study investigated the impact of polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics of 80, 200 and 500 nm diameters on zebrafish reproduction at an environmentally relevant concentration of 0.5 mg/L. Exposure to PS delayed spermatogenesis and caused aberrant follicular growth, resulting in dysgenesis in F0 adults and impacting F1 embryo development. Notably, the reproductive toxicity exhibited size-dependency, with the 500 nm PS being the most detrimental. Combined analyses of transcriptomics and metabolomics in ovary tissue revealed that treatment with 500 nm PS affected the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway, dysregulated lipid transport, binding and activity processes, and led to dysgenesis in zebrafish. Specifically, the ovulatory dysfunction induced by PS exposure resembled clinical manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and can be attributed to lipid metabolism disorder involving glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, arachidonic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid. Collectively, our results provide new evidence revealing the molecular mechanisms of PS-induced reproductive toxicity, highlighting that MNPs may pose a risk to female reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China; Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Neurodevelopmental Pathology and Physiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Xiufeng Gan
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health, School of Public health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Chengyin Lin
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Danhan Wang
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Runyu Chen
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Yuqing Dai
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Lemiao Jiang
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Changjiang Huang
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health, School of Public health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Ya Zhu
- School of Medicine, Taizhou University, 318000 Taizhou, Zhejiang, PR China.
| | - Yang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China.
| | - Jiangfei Chen
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health, School of Public health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China; Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Neurodevelopmental Pathology and Physiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China.
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8
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Cole M, Gomiero A, Jaén-Gil A, Haave M, Lusher A. Microplastic and PTFE contamination of food from cookware. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172577. [PMID: 38641111 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are a prolific environmental contaminant that have been evidenced in human tissues. Human uptake of microplastic occurs via inhalation of airborne fibres and ingestion of microplastic-contaminated foods and beverages. Plastic and PTFE-coated cookware and food contact materials may release micro- and nanoplastics into food during food preparation. In this study, the extent to which non-plastic, new plastic and old plastic cookware releases microplastics into prepared food is investigated. Jelly is used as a food simulant, undergoing a series of processing steps including heating, cooling, mixing, slicing and storage to replicate food preparation steps undertaken in home kitchens. Using non-plastic cookware did not introduce microplastics to the food simulant. Conversely, using new and old plastic cookware resulted in significant increases in microplastic contamination. Microplastics comprised PTFE, polyethylene and polypropylene particulates and fibrous particles, ranging 13-318 μm. Assuming a meal was prepared daily per the prescribed methodology, new and old plastic cookware may be contributing 2409-4964 microplastics per annum into homecooked food. The health implications of ingesting microplastics remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Cole
- Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK.
| | - Alessio Gomiero
- NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Mekjarvik 12, 4072 Randaberg, Norway
| | - Adrián Jaén-Gil
- NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Mekjarvik 12, 4072 Randaberg, Norway
| | - Marte Haave
- NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Mekjarvik 12, 4072 Randaberg, Norway; SALT Lofoten AS, Pb. 91, Fiskergata 23, 8301 Svolvær, Norway
| | - Amy Lusher
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
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9
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Sun T, Teng Y, Ji C, Li F, Shan X, Wu H. Global prevalence of microplastics in tap water systems: Abundance, characteristics, drivers and knowledge gaps. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172662. [PMID: 38649043 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Tap water is a main route for human direct exposure to microplastics (MPs). This study recompiled baseline data from 34 countries to assess the current status and drivers of MP contamination in global tap water systems (TWS). It was shown that MPs were detected in 87 % of 1148 samples, suggesting the widespread occurrence of MPs in TWS. The detected concentrations of MPs spanned seven orders of magnitude and followed the linearized log-normal distribution (MSE = 0.035, R2 = 0.965), with cumulative concentrations at 5th, 50th and 95th percentiles of 0.028, 4.491 and 728.105 items/L, respectively. The morphological characteristics were further investigated, indicating that particles smaller than 50 μm dominated in global TWS, with fragment, polyester and transparent as the most common shape, composition and color of MPs, respectively. Subsequently, the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) algorithm was implemented to quantify the importance of variables affecting the MP abundance in global TWS, showing that the lower particle size limit was the most important variables. Subgroup analysis revealed that the concentration of MPs counted at the size limit of 1 μm was >20 times higher than that above 1 μm. Ultimately, current knowledge gaps and future research needs were elucidated.
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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
| | - Yuefa Teng
- 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; Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, 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
| | - Xiujuan Shan
- Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, 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; Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Qingdao 266071, PR China.
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10
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Wen Y, Deng S, Wang B, Zhang F, Luo T, Kuang H, Kuang X, Yuan Y, Huang J, Zhang D. Exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics induces hepatotoxicity involving NRF2-NLRP3 signaling pathway in mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 278:116439. [PMID: 38728945 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116439] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastic contamination has been of intense concern by virtue of the potential threat to human and ecosystem health. Animal experiments have indicated that exposure to nanoplastics (NPs) can deposit in the liver and contribute to hepatic injury. To explore the mechanisms of hepatotoxicity induced by polystyrene-NPs (PS-NPs), mice and AML-12 hepatocytes were exposed to different dosages of 20 nm PS-NPs in this study. The results illustrated that in vitro and in vivo exposure to PS-NPs triggered excessive production of reactive oxygen species and repressed nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (NRF2) antioxidant pathway and its downstream antioxidase expression, thus leading to hepatic oxidative stress. Moreover, PS-NPs elevated the levels of NLRP3, IL-1β and caspase-1 expression, along with an activation of NF-κB, suggesting that PS-NPs induced hepatocellular inflammatory injury. Nevertheless, the activaton of NRF2 signaling by tert-butylhydroquinone mitigated PS-NPs-caused oxidative stress and inflammation, and inbihited NLRP3 and caspase-1 expression. Conversely, the rescuing effect of NRF2 signal activation was dramatically supressed by treatment with NRF2 inhibitor brusatol. In summary, our results demonstrated that NRF2-NLRP3 pathway is involved in PS-NPs-aroused hepatotoxicity, and the activation of NRF2 signaling can protect against PS-NPs-evoked liver injury. These results provide novel insights into the hepatotoxicity elicited by NPs exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqian Wen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Shiyi Deng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Binhui Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Tao Luo
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Haibin Kuang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Xiaodong Kuang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Yangyang Yuan
- Clinical Medical Experimental Center of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Clinical Medical Experimental Center of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Dalei Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Disease Prevention and Public Health, Nanchang 330006, China.
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11
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Zhang Y, Tian L, Chen J, Liu X, Li K, Liu H, Lai W, Shi Y, Lin B, Xi Z. Selective bioaccumulation of polystyrene nanoplastics in fetal rat brain and damage to myelin development. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 278:116393. [PMID: 38714083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116393] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Micro(nano)plastic, as a new type of environmental pollutant, have become a potential threat to the life and health of various stages of biology. However, it is not yet clear whether they will affect brain development in the fetal stage. Therefore, this study aims to explore the potential effects of nanoplastics on the development of fetal rat brains. To assess the allocation of NPs (25 nm and 50 nm) in various regions of the fetal brain, pregnant rats were exposed to concentrations (50, 10, 2.5, and 0.5 mg/kg) of PS-NPs. Our results provided evidence of the transplacental transfer of PS-NPs to the fetal brain, with a prominent presence observed in several cerebral regions, notably the cerebellum, hippocampus, striatum, and prefrontal cortex. This distribution bias might be linked to the developmental sequence of each brain region. Additionally, we explored the influence of prenatal exposure on the myelin development of the cerebellum, given its the highest PS-NP accumulation in offspring. Compared with control rats, PS-NPs exposure caused a significant reduction in myelin basic protein (MBP) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) expression, a decrease in myelin thickness, an increase in cell apoptosis, and a decline in the oligodendrocyte population. These effects gave rise to motor deficits. In conclusion, our results identified the specific distribution of NPs in the fetal brain following prenatal exposure and revealed that prenatal exposure to PS-NPs can suppress myelin formation in the cerebellum of the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; School of Public Health and Management, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Jiang Chen
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063200, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Kang Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Huanliang Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Wenqing Lai
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Yue Shi
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Bencheng Lin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China.
| | - Zhuge Xi
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China.
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12
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Tarafdar A, Xie J, Gowen A, O'Higgins AC, Xu JL. Advanced optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy for comprehensive characterization of microplastics from intravenous fluid delivery systems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172648. [PMID: 38649036 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Growing attention is being directed towards exploring the potential harmful effects of microplastic (MP) particles on human health. Previous reports on human exposure to MPs have primarily focused on inhalation, ingestion, transdermal routes, and, potentially, transplacental transfer. The intravenous transfer of MP particles in routine healthcare settings has received limited exploration in existing literature. Standard hospital IV system set up with 0.9 % NaCl in a laminar flow hood with MP contamination precautions. Various volumes of 0.9 % NaCl passed through the system, some with a volumetric pump. Fluid filtered with Anodisc filters washed with isopropyl alcohol. The IV cannula was immersed in Mili-Q water for 72 h to simulate vein conditions. Subsequently, the water was filtered and washed. Optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) microspectroscopy is used to examine filters for MP particles. All filters examined from the IV infusion system contained MP particles, including MPs from the polymer materials used in the manufacture of the IV delivery systems (polydimethylsiloxane, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride) and MP particles arising from plastic resin additives (epoxy resin, polyamide resin, and polysiloxane-containing MPs). The geometric mean from the extrapolated result data indicated that approximately 0.90 MP particles per mL of 0.9 % NaCl solution can be administered through a conventional IV infusion system in the absence of a volumetric pump. However, with the implementation of a pump, this value may increase to 1.57 particles per mL. Notably, over 72 h, a single cannula was found to release approximately 558 MP particles including polydimethylsiloxane, polysiloxane-containing MPs, polyamide resin, and epoxy resin. Routine IV infusion systems release microplastics. MP particles are also released around IV cannulas, suggesting transfer into the circulatory system during standard IV procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhrajyoti Tarafdar
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Junhao Xie
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Aoife Gowen
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Amy C O'Higgins
- UCD Centre for Human Reproduction, The Coombe Hospital, Cork Street, Dublin 8, Ireland.
| | - Jun-Li Xu
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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13
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Cledera-Castro M, Hueso-Kortekaas K, Sanchez-Mata C, Morales-Polo C, Calzada-Funes J, Delgado-Mellado N, Caro-Carretero R. An exploratory study of fibre microplastics pollution in different process stages of salt production by solar evaporation in Spain. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31609. [PMID: 38828341 PMCID: PMC11140707 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics are a pollutant of growing concern. Several studies have found microplastics in table salt worldwide in the last decade, although most have focused on already prepackaged salt. To the best of our knowledge, there is no previous research analysing the entire salt production process. In this study focused on solar evaporation salinas, brine and salt samples were obtained from each stage of production, starting with the entrance of seawater/brine until the final stage of ready-to-sell salt, in six sites in Spain. We extracted microplastics from each sample after 30 % H2O2 digestion and filtration through cellulose nitrate 5 μm pore filters. Microplastic fibres were optically analysed with an Olympus DSX1000. Results indicate that microplastics are present both in seawater and air, with atmospheric fallout identified as the primary source. Microplastic concentrations from the entrance to the salina till the inlet to the crystallizers ranges from 256 to 1500 items per liter and from 79 to 193 microplastics per kg for packaged salt were estimated. Artisanal salina F shows the highest content in microplastics. This study hopes to give insight into the origin and causes of microplastic pollution in solar evaporation salinas and contribute to preventing this form of pollution in food-grade salt.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.M. Cledera-Castro
- ICAI School of Engineering. Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Alberto, Aguilera, 25, 28015 Madrid, Spain
- Group on Emerging Pollutants and Resource Recovery. Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Alberto Aguilera, 25, 28015, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Research in Technology, ICAI, Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Alberto Aguilera, 25, 28015, Madrid, Spain
| | - K. Hueso-Kortekaas
- ICAI School of Engineering. Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Alberto, Aguilera, 25, 28015 Madrid, Spain
- Group on Emerging Pollutants and Resource Recovery. Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Alberto Aguilera, 25, 28015, Madrid, Spain
- IPAISAL Network, Apartado de Correos 50, 28450, Collado Mediano, Madrid, Spain
| | - C. Sanchez-Mata
- ICAI School of Engineering. Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Alberto, Aguilera, 25, 28015 Madrid, Spain
| | - C. Morales-Polo
- ICAI School of Engineering. Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Alberto, Aguilera, 25, 28015 Madrid, Spain
- Group on Emerging Pollutants and Resource Recovery. Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Alberto Aguilera, 25, 28015, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Research in Technology, ICAI, Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Alberto Aguilera, 25, 28015, Madrid, Spain
| | - J. Calzada-Funes
- ICAI School of Engineering. Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Alberto, Aguilera, 25, 28015 Madrid, Spain
- Group on Emerging Pollutants and Resource Recovery. Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Alberto Aguilera, 25, 28015, Madrid, Spain
| | - N. Delgado-Mellado
- ICAI School of Engineering. Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Alberto, Aguilera, 25, 28015 Madrid, Spain
- Group on Emerging Pollutants and Resource Recovery. Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Alberto Aguilera, 25, 28015, Madrid, Spain
| | - R. Caro-Carretero
- ICAI School of Engineering. Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Alberto, Aguilera, 25, 28015 Madrid, Spain
- Cátedra de Catástrofes Fundación AON España, Calle Alberto Aguilera, 23, 28015, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Winiarska E, Jutel M, Zemelka-Wiacek M. The potential impact of nano- and microplastics on human health: Understanding human health risks. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118535. [PMID: 38460665 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Plastics are used all over the world. Unfortunately, due to limited biodegradation, plastics cause a significant level of environmental pollution. The smallest recognized to date are termed nanoplastics (1 nm [nm] up to 1 μm [μm]) and microplastics (1 μm-5 mm). These nano- and microplastics can enter the human body through the respiratory system via inhalation, the digestive tract via consumption of contaminated food and water, or penetration through the skin via cosmetics and clothes contact. Bioaccumulation of plastics in the human body can potentially lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory disorders like lung cancer, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, neurological symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness, inflammatory bowel disease and even disturbances in gut microbiota. Most studies to date have confirmed that nano- and microplastics can induce apoptosis in cells and have genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of plastics' actions may help extrapolate the risks to humans. The article provides a comprehensive review of articles in databases regarding the impact of nano- and microplastics on human health. The review included retrospective studies and case reports of people exposed to nanoplastics and microplastics. This research highlights the need for further research to fully understand the extent of the impact of plastics on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Winiarska
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marek Jutel
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; ALL-MED Medical Research Institute, Wroclaw, Poland
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15
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Oger MJL, Vermeulen O, Lambert J, Madanu TL, Kestemont P, Cornet V. Down to size: Exploring the influence of plastic particle Dimensions on physiological and nervous responses in early-stage zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 351:124094. [PMID: 38703983 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The chorion is the first protective barrier set to prevent numerous pollutants from damaging the developing embryo. However, depending on their size, some nanoplastics (NPs) can pass through this barrier and reach the embryo, while all microplastics (MPs) remain on the outside. This study brings a straight approach to compare MPs and NPs, and assess their direct and indirect effects on zebrafish embryos and larvae. Zebrafish eggs were exposed before 2 h post fertilization (hpf) to polystyrene MPs (5 μm) and NPs (250 nm) at a concentration of 1000 μg/L until 96 hpf. Physiotoxicity and neurotoxicity were assessed prior and post-hatching through several biomarkers. Response to hypoxia (upregulation of hif-1aa and hif-1ab) were found in embryos exposed to MPs, and partly found in those exposed to NPs. Embryos exposed to NPs showed significant tachycardia, reduced O2 consumption and increased apoptosis in the eyes, whereas MPs affected the expressions of all genes related to the neurodevelopment of embryos (elavl3, pax2a, pax6a, act1b). Post-hatching, physiological responses were muted. MPs and NPs exposures ended by evaluating larval behaviours during dark-and-light cycles. Both sizes of plastic particles negatively affected the visual motor response (VMR) and vibrational startle response (VSR). Thigmotaxis levels were significantly increased by NPs whereas MPs showed anxiolytic properties. This study shows that both MPs and NPs affect the physiology and neurodevelopment of zebrafish at different levels, before and after hatching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde J L Oger
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61-B-5000, Namur, Belgium.
| | - Océane Vermeulen
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61-B-5000, Namur, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Lambert
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61-B-5000, Namur, Belgium
| | - Thomas L Madanu
- Laboratory of Inorganic Materials Chemistry (CMI), University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61-B-5000, Namur, Belgium
| | - Patrick Kestemont
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61-B-5000, Namur, Belgium
| | - Valérie Cornet
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61-B-5000, Namur, Belgium
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16
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Luo Y, Naidu R, Fang C. Toy building bricks as a potential source of microplastics and nanoplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134424. [PMID: 38678720 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics have become noteworthy contaminants, affecting not only outdoor ecosystems but also making a notable impact within indoor environments. The release of microplastics and nanoplastics from commonly used plastic items remains a concern, and the characterisation of these contaminants is still challenging. This study focused on evaluating the microplastics and nanoplastics produced from plastic building bricks. Using Raman spectroscopy and correlation analysis, the plastic material used to manufacture building blocks was determined to be either acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (correlation value of 0.77) or polycarbonate (correlation value of 0.96). A principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm was optimised for improved detection of the debris particles released. Some challenges in microplastic analysis, such as the interference from the colourants in the building block materials, was explored and discussed. Combining Raman results with scanning electron microscopy - energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, we found the scratches on the building blocks to be a significant source of contamination, estimated several thousand microplastics and several hundred thousand nanoplastics were generated per mm2 following simulated play activities. The potential exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics during play poses risks associated with the ingestion and inhalation of these minute plastic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Luo
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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17
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Su QL, Wu J, Tan SW, Guo XY, Zou DZ, Kang K. The impact of microplastics polystyrene on the microscopic structure of mouse intestine, tight junction genes and gut microbiota. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304686. [PMID: 38837998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter, are widely present in the environment, have become a serious threat to aquatic life and human health, potentially causing ecosystem disorders and health problems. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of microplastics, specifically microplastics-polystyrene (MPs-PS), on the structural integrity, gene expression related to tight junctions, and gut microbiota in mice. A total of 24 Kunming mice aged 30 days were randomly assigned into four groups: control male (CM), control female (CF), PS-exposed male (PSM), and PS-exposed female (PSF)(n = 6). There were significant differences in villus height, width, intestinal surface area, and villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C) between the PS group and the control group(C) (p <0.05). Gene expression analysis demonstrated the downregulation of Claudin-1, Claudin-2, Claudin-15, and Occludin, in both duodenum and jejunum of the PS group (p < 0.05). Analysis of microbial species using 16S rRNA sequencing indicated decreased diversity in the PSF group, as well as reduced diversity in the PSM group at various taxonomic levels. Beta diversity analysis showed a significant difference in gut microbiota distribution between the PS-exposed and C groups (R2 = 0.113, p<0.01), with this difference being more pronounced among females exposed to MPs-PS. KEGG analysis revealed enrichment of differential microbiota mainly involved in seven signaling pathways, such as nucleotide metabolism(p<0.05). The relative abundance ratio of transcriptional pathways was significantly increased for the PSF group (p<0.01), while excretory system pathways were for PSM group(p<0.05). Overall findings suggest that MPs-PS exhibit a notable sex-dependent impact on mouse gut microbiota, with a stronger effect observed among females; reduced expression of tight junction genes may be associated with dysbiosis, particularly elevated levels of Prevotellaceae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Ling Su
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Jiang Wu
- Department of Animal Science, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Shao-Wen Tan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Guo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Ding-Zhe Zou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Kai Kang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
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18
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Liu F, Wu Y, Long M, Ma Y, Zheng M, Cao S, Chen S, Du Y, Chen C, Deng H. Activating Adsorption Sites of Waste Crayfish Shells via Chemical Decalcification for Efficient Capturing of Nanoplastics. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 38833666 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
The property of being stubborn and degradation resistant makes nanoplastic (NP) pollution a long-standing remaining challenge. Here, we apply a designed top-down strategy to leverage the natural hierarchical structure of waste crayfish shells with exposed functional groups for efficient NP capture. The crayfish shell-based organic skeleton with improved flexibility, strength (14.37 to 60.13 MPa), and toughness (24.61 to 278.98 MJ m-3) was prepared by purposefully removing the inorganic components of crayfish shells through a simple two-step acid-alkali treatment. Due to the activated functional groups (e.g., -NH2, -CONH-, and -OH) and ordered architectures with macropores and nanofibers, this porous crayfish shell exhibited effective removal capability of NPs (72.92 mg g-1) by physical interception and hydrogen bond/electrostatic interactions. Moreover, the sustainability and stability of this porous crayfish shell were demonstrated by the maintained high-capture performance after five cycles. Finally, we provided a postprocessing approach that could convert both porous crayfish shell and NPs into a tough flat sheet. Thus, our feasible top-down engineering strategy combined with promising posttreatment is a powerful contender for a recycling approach with broad application scenarios and clear economic advantages for simultaneously addressing both waste biomass and NP pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangtian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Min Long
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Yifan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Min Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Shiyi Cao
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Shixiong Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Resource Processing and Process Intensification Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yumin Du
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Chaoji Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Hongbing Deng
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
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19
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Vincoff S, Schleupner B, Santos J, Morrison M, Zhang N, Dunphy-Daly MM, Eward WC, Armstrong AJ, Diana Z, Somarelli JA. The Known and Unknown: Investigating the Carcinogenic Potential of Plastic Additives. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38830620 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are routinely ingested and inhaled by humans and other organisms. Despite the frequency of plastic exposure, little is known about its health consequences. Of particular concern are plastic additives─chemical compounds that are intentionally or unintentionally added to plastics to improve functionality or as residual components of plastic production. Additives are often loosely bound to the plastic polymer and may be released during plastic exposures. To better understand the health effects of plastic additives, we performed a comprehensive literature search to compile a list of 2,712 known plastic additives. Then, we performed an integrated toxicogenomic analysis of these additives, utilizing cancer classifications and carcinogenic expression pathways as a primary focus. Screening these substances across two chemical databases revealed two key observations: (1) over 150 plastic additives have known carcinogenicity and (2) the majority (∼90%) of plastic additives lack data on carcinogenic end points. Analyses of additive usage patterns pinpointed specific polymers, functions, and products in which carcinogenic additives reside. Based on published chemical-gene interactions, both carcinogenic additives and additives with unknown carcinogenicity impacted similar biological pathways. The predominant pathways involved DNA damage, apoptosis, the immune response, viral diseases, and cancer. This study underscores the urgent need for a systematic and comprehensive carcinogenicity assessment of plastic additives and regulatory responses to mitigate the potential health risks of plastic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Vincoff
- Department of Medicine and the Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancer, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Beatrice Schleupner
- Department of Orthopaedics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Jasmine Santos
- Department of Medicine and the Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancer, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Margaret Morrison
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Newland Zhang
- Department of Medicine and the Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancer, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Meagan M Dunphy-Daly
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Laboratory, Duke University, Beaufort, North Carolina 28516, United States
| | - William C Eward
- Department of Orthopaedics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Andrew J Armstrong
- Department of Medicine and the Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancer, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Zoie Diana
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Laboratory, Duke University, Beaufort, North Carolina 28516, United States
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Wilcocks Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S3B2, Canada
| | - Jason A Somarelli
- Department of Medicine and the Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancer, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
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20
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Qin X, Cao M, Peng T, Shan H, Lian W, Yu Y, Shui G, Li R. Features, Potential Invasion Pathways, and Reproductive Health Risks of Microplastics Detected in Human Uterus. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38829656 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c01541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in global ecosystems and may pose a potential risk to human health. However, critical information on MP exposure and risk to female reproductive health is still lacking. In this study, we characterized MPs in human endometrium and investigated their size-dependent entry mode as well as potential reproductive toxicity. Endometrial tissues of 22 female patients were examined, revealing that human endometrium was contaminated with MPs, mainly polyamide (PA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene (PE), ranging from 2-200 μm in size. Experiments conducted in mice demonstrated that the invasion of the uterus by MPs was modulated either through diet-blood circulation (micrometer-sized particles) or via the vagina-uterine lacuna mode (larger particles reaching a size of 100 μm. Intravenous exposure to MPs resulted in reduced fertility and abnormal sex ratio in mouse offspring (P < 0.05). After 3.5 months of intragastric exposure, there was a significant inflammatory response in the endometrium (P < 0.05), confirmed by embryo transfer as a uterine factor leading to decreased fertility. Furthermore, human endometrial organoids cultured with MPs in vitro exhibited significantly apoptotic responses and disrupted growth patterns (P < 0.01). These findings raise significant concerns regarding MP contamination in the human uterus and its potential effects on reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunsi Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, P. R. China (2023), Beijing 100191, China
| | - Mingjun Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tianliu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, P. R. China (2023), Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hongying Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, P. R. China (2023), Beijing 100191, China
| | - Weisi Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, P. R. China (2023), Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, P. R. China (2023), Beijing 100191, China
| | - Guanghou Shui
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Rong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, P. R. China (2023), Beijing 100191, China
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21
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Mishra S, Ren Y, Sun X, Lian Y, Singh AK, Sharma N. Microplastics pollution in the Asian water tower: source, environmental distribution and proposed mitigation strategy. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124247. [PMID: 38838812 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics generated from fragmentation of leftover plastics and industrial waste has reached in the remotely located Asian water tower (AWT) region, the 3rd pole of earth and origin site of several freshwater rivers. The accumulation of microplastics in AWT ecosystem has potential to alter the climatic condition contributing in global warming and disturbing the biodiversity structural dynamics. The present paper provides a comprehensive critical discussion over quantitative assessment of microplastics in different ecosystems (i.e. river, lakes, sediment and snow or glacier) of AWT. The hydrodynamic fate and transport of microplastics and their ecological impact on hydromorphology and biodiversity of AWT has been exemplified. Furthermore, key challenges, perspectives and research directions are identified to mitigate microplastics associated problems. During survey, the coloured polyethylene and polyurethane fibers are the predominant microplastics found in most areas of AWT. These bio-accumulated MPs alter the rhizospheric community structure and deteriorate nitrogen fixation process in plants. Significance in climate change, MPs pollution is enhancing the emissions of greenhouse gases (NH3 by ∼34% and CH4 by ∼9%), contributing in global warming. Considering the seriousness of MPs pollution, this review study can enlighten the pathways to investigate the effect of MPs and to develop monitoring tools and sustainable remediation technologies with feasible regulatory strategies maintaining the natural significance of AWT region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Mishra
- Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Water Science and Technology, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210098, China; State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuling Ren
- Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaonan Sun
- Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanqing Lian
- Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Water Science and Technology, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210098, China; State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Anurag Kumar Singh
- University School of Chemical Technology, Guru Govind Singh Indraprastha University, sector 16c Dwarka, New Delhi 110078, India
| | - Neeraj Sharma
- Transport Planning and Environment Division, CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi 110025, India
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22
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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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23
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Schmidt C. Synergy under the Sun? Nanoplastics Enhance Estrogenicity of Common UV-Blocker. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:64001. [PMID: 38833378 DOI: 10.1289/ehp14939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Human cells and zebrafish coexposed to nanoplastics and the sunscreen ingredient homosalate showed more plastics in tissues, estrogenic activity, and relevant gene expression changes than they showed after either exposure alone.
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24
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Abad-López AP, Orozco-Pérez KK, Arana VA, Grande-Tovar CD. Microplastics suspended in dust from different indoor environments in Barranquilla, Colombia: Predominant microparticles? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 350:124023. [PMID: 38663508 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124023] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Considering that microplastics (MPs) are classified as ubiquitous pollutants, that air quality affects human health, and that people remain indoors most of the time, the need has arisen to evaluate the exposure to MPs within the suspended dust in indoor environments. With this objective, the present study carried out passive sampling to analyze the precipitation of microparticles in some indoor residential environments (2 apartments) and workplaces (an office, a pastry shop, a gift shop, and a paint shop) in Barranquilla, Colombia. The quantification and physical characterization of microparticles were carried out under a stereomicroscope, and the chemical characterization was carried out by infrared microspectroscopy (μFTIR). The highest average concentration of MPs in the apartments was found in the air-conditioned rooms (1.1 × 104 MP/m2/day), and concerning the workplaces, the gift shop and the paint shop were the spaces with a higher proportion of MPs (6.0-6.1 × 103 MP/m2/day), with polyesters being the main synthetic polymers, but being semi-synthetic particles the predominant among the samples. Regarding its morphology, fibers were the most abundant shape (>90%), grouping mainly in the 1000-5000 μm range, while the few fragments found were mostly grouped below 50 μm. Exposure by inhalation of MPs in adults was estimated between 1.7 × 102-1.6 × 103 MP/kg/day, while by ingestion it ranged between 2.7 × 102-2.4 × 103 MPs/kg/day. On the other hand, within our research, a significant presence of non-plastic microparticles was found, which reached up to 69% in analyzed samples, corresponding mainly to cotton and cellulose, so we suggest that these should also be included in future studies that aim to estimate potential health implications from exposure to suspended micropollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Patricia Abad-López
- Grupo de Investigación de Fotoquímica y Fotobiología, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Número 8-49, Puerto Colombia, 081001, Colombia
| | - Karollayn Karina Orozco-Pérez
- Grupo de Investigación de Fotoquímica y Fotobiología, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Número 8-49, Puerto Colombia, 081001, Colombia; Grupo de Investigación Ciencias, Educación y Tecnología-CETIC, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Número 8-49, Puerto Colombia, 081001, Colombia
| | - Victoria A Arana
- Grupo de Investigación Ciencias, Educación y Tecnología-CETIC, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Número 8-49, Puerto Colombia, 081001, Colombia
| | - Carlos David Grande-Tovar
- Grupo de Investigación de Fotoquímica y Fotobiología, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Número 8-49, Puerto Colombia, 081001, Colombia.
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25
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Xu T, Chen H, Zhang L, Xie D, Tan S, Guo H, Xiang M, Yu Y. Aged polystyrene microplastics cause reproductive impairment via DNA-damage induced apoptosis in Caenorhabditis elegans. CHEMOSPHERE 2024:142519. [PMID: 38830467 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Although polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) could induce toxic effects on environmental organisms, the toxicity of aged PS-MPs with H2O2 on soil organisms remains unclear. Our study utilized Caenorhabditis elegans as model organism to examine the reproductive toxicity of pristine PS-MPs (pPS-MPs) and aged PS-MPs (aPS-MPs) at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1-100 μg/L). Acute exposure to aPS-MPs could induce greater reproductive impairment compared to pPS-MPs, as evidenced by changes in brood size and egg release. Assessment of gonad development using the number of mitotic cells, length of gonad arm, and relative area of gonad arm as parameters revealed a high reproductive toxicity caused by aPS-MPs exposure. Furthermore, aPS-MPs exposure promoted substantial germline apoptosis. Additionally, exposure to aPS-MPs (100 μg/L) markedly altered the expression of DNA damage-induced apoptosis-related genes (e.g., egl-1, cep-1, clk-2, ced-3, -4, and -9). Alterations in germline apoptosis caused by aPS-MPs were observed in mutants of cep-1, hus-1, egl-1, ced-3, -4, and -9. Consequently, the augmentation of reproductive toxicity resulting from aPS-MPs exposure was attributed to DNA damage-triggered cellular apoptosis. Additionally, the EGL-1-CEP-1-HUS-1-CED-3-CED-4-CED-9 signaling pathway was identified as a key regulator of germline apoptosis in nematodes. Our study provides insights into potential environmental risk of aPS-MPs with H2O2 on environmental organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Xu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China; School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an,710048, China
| | - Haibo Chen
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China; Institute for Environmental pollution and health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China
| | - Luohong Zhang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an,710048, China
| | - Dongli Xie
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China; College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou 404100, China
| | - Shihui Tan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China; School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang,110122, China
| | - Hongzhi Guo
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China; College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou 404100, China
| | - Mingdeng Xiang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Yunjiang Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China.
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26
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Zhang Q, Lang Y, Tang X, Cheng W, Cheng Z, Rizwan M, Xie L, Liu Y, Xu H, Liu Y. Polystyrene microplastic-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress contributes to growth plate endochondral ossification disorder in young rat. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:3314-3329. [PMID: 38440912 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies on the effects of microplastics (MPs) on bone in early development are limited. This study aimed to investigate the adverse effects of MPs on bone in young rats and the potential mechanism. METHODS Three-week-old female rats were orally administered MPs for 28 days, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitor salubrinal (SAL) and ER stress agonist tunicamycin (TM) were added to evaluate the effect of ER stress on toxicity of MPs. The indicators of growth and plasma markers of bone turnover were evaluated. Tibias were analyzed using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Histomorphological staining of growth plates was performed, and related gene expression of growth plate chondrocytes was tested. RESULTS After exposure of MPs, the rats had decreased growth, shortened tibial length, and altered blood calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Trabecular bone was sparse according to micro-CT inspection. In the growth plate, the thickness of proliferative zone substantial reduced while the thickness of hypertrophic zone increased significantly, and the chondrocytes were scarce and irregularly arranged according to tibial histological staining. The transcription of the ER stress-related genes BIP, PERK, ATF4, and CHOP dramatically increased, and the transcription factors involved in chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and matrix secretion were aberrant according to RT-qPCR and western blotting. Moreover, the addition of TM showed higher percentage of chondrocyte death. Administration of SAL alleviated all of the MPs-induced symptoms. CONCLUSION These results indicated that MPs could induce growth retardation and longitudinal bone damage in early development. The toxicity of MPs may attribute to induced ER stress and impaired essential processes of the endochondral ossification after MPs exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Lang
- Medical Imaging Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomin Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenshu Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zugen Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mohammad Rizwan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixin Xie
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanling Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
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27
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Yang Z, Li Y, Zhang G. Degradation of microplastic in water by advanced oxidation processes. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 357:141939. [PMID: 38621489 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Plastic products have gained global popularity due to their lightweight, excellent ductility, high durability, and portability. However, out of the 8.3 billion tons of plastic waste generated by human activities, 80% of plastic waste is discarded due to improper disposal, and then transformed into microplastic pollution under the combined influence of environmental factors and microorganisms. In this comprehensive study, we present a thorough review of recent advancements in research on the source, distribution, and effect of microplastics. More importantly, we conducted deep research on the catalytic degradation technologies of microplastics in water, including advanced oxidation and photocatalytic technologies, and elaborated on the mechanisms of microplastics degradation in water. Besides, various strategies for mitigating microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems are discussed, ranging from policy interventions, the initiative for plastic recycling, the development of efficient catalytic materials, and the integration of multiple technological approaches. This review serves as a valuable resource for addressing the challenge of removing microplastic contaminants from water bodies, offering insights into effective and sustainable solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiong Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Gaoke Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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28
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Tang Y, Yao J, Dong Z, Hu Z, Wu T, Zhang Y. A highly accurate and semi-automated method for quantifying spherical microplastics based on digital slide scanners and image processing. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118494. [PMID: 38365061 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), the emerging pollutants appeared in water environment, have grabbed significant attention from researchers. The quantitative method of spherical MPs is the premise and key for the study of MPs in laboratory researches. However, the manual counting is time-consuming, and the existing semi-automated analysis lacked of robustness. In this study, a highly accurate quantification method for spherical MPs, called VS120-MC was proposed. VS120-MC consisted of the digital slide scanner VS120 and the MPs image processing software, MPs-Counter. The full-area scanning photography was employed to fundamentally avoid the error caused by random or partition sampling modes. To accomplish high-performance batch recognition, the Weak-Circle Elimination Algorithm (WEA) and the Variable Coefficient Threshold (VCT) was developed. Finally, lower than 0.6% recognition error rate of simulated images with different aggregated indices was achieved by MPs-Counter with fast processing speed (about 2 s/image). The smallest size for VS120-MC to detect was 1 μm. And the applicability of VS120-MC in real water body was investigated. The measured value of 1 μm spherical MPs in ultra-pure water and two kinds of polluted water after digestion showed a good linear relationship with the Manual measurements (R2 = 0.982,0.987 and 0.978, respectively). For 10 μm spherical MPs, R2 reached 0.988 for ultra-pure water and 0.984 for both of the polluted water. MPs-Counter also showed robustness when using the same set of parameters processing the images with different conditions. Overall, VS120-MC eliminated the error caused by traditional photography and realized an accurate, efficient, stable image processing tool, providing a reliable alternative for the quantification of spherical MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tang
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Jie Yao
- Power China Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited, Hangzhou, 311122, China.
| | - Zekun Dong
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Zhihui Hu
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Tongqing Wu
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Sacco VA, Zuanazzi NR, Selinger A, Alliprandini da Costa JH, Spanhol Lemunie É, Comelli CL, Abilhoa V, Sousa FCD, Fávaro LF, Rios Mendoza LM, de Castilhos Ghisi N, Delariva RL. What are the global patterns of microplastic ingestion by fish? A scientometric review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 350:123972. [PMID: 38642794 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
The billions of tons of plastic released into the environment mostly fragment into smaller particles that reach rivers and oceans, posing toxicity risks to aquatic organisms. As fish serve as excellent environmental indicator organisms, this study aims to comprehensively review and quantify published data regarding the abundance of microplastics (MPs) ingested by fish through scientometric analysis. Systematic analysis reveals that global aquatic ecosystems are contaminated by MPs, with the characteristics of these contaminants stemming from inadequate disposal management practices. The abundance of MPs was recorded in several fish species, notably Cyprinus carpio in natural environments and Danio rerio in controlled environments. According to the surveyed studies, laboratory experiments do not accurately represent the conditions found in natural environments. The results suggest that, in natural environments, the predominant colors of MPs are blue, black, and red. Fibers emerged as the most prevalent type, with polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) being the most frequently identified chemical compositions. On the other hand, laboratory studies showed that the spheres and fragments ingested were predominantly polystyrene (PS) green, followed by the colors blue and red. This discrepancy complicates drawing accurate conclusions regarding the actual effects of plastic particles on aquatic biota. Given the enduring presence of plastic in the environment, it is imperative to consider and implement environmental monitoring for effective, long-term management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania Aparecida Sacco
- Graduate Program in Comparative Biology, State University of Maringá (UEM), Maringá, Brazil.
| | - Natana Raquel Zuanazzi
- Graduate Program in Comparative Biology, State University of Maringá (UEM), Maringá, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Selinger
- Laboratory of Biology of Marine and Coastal Organisms, Santa Cecília University (UNISANTA), Santos, São Paulo State, Brazil.
| | - João Henrique Alliprandini da Costa
- Laboratory of Ecophysiology and Aquatic Toxicology, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - (UNESP), Campus do Litoral Paulista, 11330-900, São Vicente, SP, Brazil.
| | - Érika Spanhol Lemunie
- Graduate Program in Conservation and Management of Natural Resources, State University of West Paraná (Unioeste), Cascavel, Brazil.
| | - Camila Luiza Comelli
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology - PPGBIOTEC - Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR) Dois Vizinhos, Brazil.
| | - Vinícius Abilhoa
- Laboratório de Ictiologia, Museu de História Natural Capão da Imbuia. Prefeitura Municipal de Curitiba, Secretaria Municipal do Meio Ambiente, Rua Prof. Benedito Conceição, 407 - Capão da Imbuia, CEP 82810080, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Fernando Carlos de Sousa
- Laboratório de Anatomia Humana, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR) Dois Vizinhos, Brazil.
| | - Luis Fernando Fávaro
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil.
| | - Lorena M Rios Mendoza
- Program of Chemistry and Physics, Department of Natural Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Superior, Belknap and Catlin, P.O. Box 2000, Superior, WI, 54880, USA.
| | - Nédia de Castilhos Ghisi
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology - PPGBIOTEC - Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR) Dois Vizinhos, Brazil.
| | - Rosilene Luciana Delariva
- Graduate Program in Comparative Biology, State University of Maringá (UEM), Maringá, Brazil; Laboratory of Ichthyology, Ecology and Biomonitoring, State University of West Paraná (Unioeste), Rua Universitária, University Garden, 1619, Cascavel, PR, Brazil.
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Hooda S, Mondal P. Predictive modeling of plastic pyrolysis process for the evaluation of activation energy: Explainable artificial intelligence based comprehensive insights. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 360:121189. [PMID: 38759553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Pyrolysis, a thermochemical conversion approach of transforming plastic waste to energy has tremendous potential to manage the exponentially increasing plastic waste. However, understanding the process kinetics is fundamental to engineering a sustainable process. Conventional analysis techniques do not provide insights into the influence of characteristics of feedstock on the process kinetics. Present study exemplifies the efficacy of using machine learning for predictive modeling of pyrolysis of waste plastics to understand the complexities of the interrelations of predictor variables and their influence on activation energy. The activation energy for pyrolysis of waste plastics was evaluated using machine learning models namely Random Forest, XGBoost, CatBoost, and AdaBoost regression models. Feature selection based on the multicollinearity of data and hyperparameter tuning of the models utilizing RandomizedSearchCV was conducted. Random forest model outperformed the other models with coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.941, root mean square error (RMSE) value of 14.69 and mean absolute error (MAE) value of 8.66 for the testing dataset. The explainable artificial intelligence-based feature importance plot and the summary plot of the shapely additive explanations projected fixed carbon content, ash content, conversion value, and carbon content as significant parameters of the model in the order; fixed carbon > carbon > ash content > degree of conversion. Present study highlighted the potential of machine learning as a powerful tool to understand the influence of the characteristics of plastic waste and the degree of conversion on the activation energy of a process that is essential for designing the large-scale operations and future scale-up of the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeevani Hooda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Prasenjit Mondal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India.
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31
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Ma T, Cheng H, Kong L, Shen C, Jin H, Li H, Pan C, Liang J. Combined exposure of PS-MPs with NaF induces Sertoli cell death and dysfunction via ferroptosis and apoptosis. Toxicology 2024:153849. [PMID: 38821197 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153849] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
The individual toxicity of sodium fluoride (NaF) and microplastics (MPs) has been extensively documented. Owing to their high specific surface area, widespread presence and durability, MPs can adsorb a broad spectrum of environmental contaminants into the organism. However, the combined toxicity of NaF and MPs has not been investigated. This study aimed to assess the effects of combined exposure to NaF and MPs on the function of testicular Sertoli cells (SCs) in male mice, and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The study revealed that combined exposure to NaF and MPs resulted in a decrease in the negative surface charge of MPs, along with an increase in the number of MPs entering the SCs. Through in vivo observation of the testicular pathological structure, spermatogenesis, and cell apoptosis in 180-day-old male mice, we discovered that combined exposure to NaF (80mg/L) and MPs (10mg/L) heightened reproductive toxicity compared to the individual exposure groups. This was evidenced by testicular structural defects, impaired spermatogenesis, and increased testicular cell apoptosis. Our in vitro studies showed that NaF (21μg/mL) and MPs (100μg/mL) synergistically induced SCs apoptosis and ferroptosis, leading to a reduction in SCs number and dysfunction. This ultimately resulted in structural and functional damage to the testes. Our findings demonstrate, for the first time, the synergistic effects of NaF and MPs on reproductive toxicity in mammals. These insights may provide valuable contributions to co-toxicity studies involving MPs and other environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan Ma
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huixian Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, No. 2 Zheshan Road, Wuhu 241001, Anhui, China
| | - Liang Kong
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenghao Shen
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haibo Jin
- School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chun Pan
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jingyan Liang
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China.
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32
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Peng Y, He Q. Reproductive toxicity and related mechanisms of micro(nano)plastics in terrestrial mammals: Review of current evidence. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116505. [PMID: 38810287 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) have been detected in various ecological environments and are widely used due to their stable properties, raising widespread concern about their potential human reproductive toxicity. Currently, infertility affects approximately 10-30% of couples of reproductive age globally. MNPs, as environmental pollutants, have been shown to exhibit reproductive toxicity through intrinsic mechanisms or as carriers of other hazardous substances. Numerous studies have established that MNPs of varying sizes and types can penetrate biological barriers, and enter tissues and even organelles of organisms through four main routes: dietary ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact, and medical interventions. However, historical research on the toxic effects of MNPs on reproduction mainly focused on lower and aquatic species. We conducted an inclusive review of studies involving terrestrial mammals, revealing that MNPs can induce reproductive toxicity via various mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis, autophagy, disruption of intestinal flora, endocrine disruption, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and DNA damage. In terrestrial mammals, reproductive toxicity predominantly manifests as disruption in the blood-testis barrier (BTB), impaired spermatogenesis, sperm malformation, sperm DNA damage, reduced sperm fertilizing capacity, compromised oocyte maturation, impaired follicular growth, granulosa cell apoptosis, diminished ovarian reserve function, uterine and ovarian fibrosis, and endocrine disruption, among other effects. Furthermore, MNPs can traverse the maternal-fetal interface, potentially impacting offspring reproductive health. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential reproductive toxicity and underlying mechanisms of MNPs with different sizes, polymer types, shapes, and carried toxins, as well as to explore effective protective interventions for mitigating reproductive damage, further in-depth animal studies, clinical trials, and large-scale epidemiological studies are urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Peng
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha 410008, China.
| | - Qi He
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha 410008, China
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33
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Chand R, Putna-Nīmane I, Vecmane E, Lykkemark J, Dencker J, Haaning Nielsen A, Vollertsen J, Liu F. Snow dumping station - A considerable source of tyre wear, microplastics, and heavy metal pollution. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108782. [PMID: 38821018 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Snow dumping stations can be a hotspots for pollutants to water resources. However, little is known about the amount of microplastics including tyre wear particles transported this way. This study investigated microplastics and metals in snow from four snow dumping stations in Riga, Latvia, a remote site (Gauja National Park), and a roof top in Riga. Microplastics other than tyre wear particles were identified with Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) (>500 µm) and focal plane array based micro-Fourier Transform Infrared (FPA-µFTIR) imaging (10-500 µm), tyre wear particles by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (Py-GC-MS), and total metals by Inductively Coupled Plasma with Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Microplastics detected by FTIR were quantified by particle counts and their mass estimated, while tyre wear particles were quantified by mass. The concentrations varied substantially, with the highest levels in the urban areas. Microplastic concentrations measured by FTIR ranged between 26 and 2549 counts L-1 of melted snow with a corresponding estimated mass of 19-573 µg/L. Tyre wear particles were not detected at the two reference sites, while other sites held 44-3026 µg/L. Metal concentrations varied several orders of magnitude with for example sodium in the range 0.45-819.54 mg/L and cadmium in the range 0.05-0.94 µg/L. Correlating microplastic measured by FTIR to metal content showed a weak to moderate correlation. Tyre wear particles, however, correlated strongly to many of the metals. The study showed that snow can hold considerable amounts of these pollutants, which upon melting and release of the meltwater to the aquatic environment could impact receiving waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupa Chand
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9200 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Ieva Putna-Nīmane
- Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Voleru str. 4, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Elina Vecmane
- Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Voleru str. 4, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Jeanette Lykkemark
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9200 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jytte Dencker
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9200 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Asbjørn Haaning Nielsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9200 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9200 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Fan Liu
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9200 Aalborg, Denmark.
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34
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You HJ, Jo YJ, Kim G, Kwon J, Yoon SB, Youn C, Kim Y, Kang MJ, Cho WS, Kim JS. Disruption of early embryonic development in mice by polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics in an oxidative stress mechanism. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142407. [PMID: 38795919 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has been used in many products, such as acrylic glass, and is estimated to reach 5.7 million tons of production per year by 2028. Thus, nano-sized PMMA particles in the environment are highly likely due to the weathering process. However, information on the hazards of nanoplastics, including PMMA in mammals, especially reproductive toxicity and action mechanism, is scarce. Herein, we investigated the effect of PMMA nanoplastics on the female reproductive system of mice embryos during pre-implantation. The treated plastic particles in embryos (10, 100, and 1000 μg/mL) were endocytosed into the cytoplasm within 30 min, and the blastocyst development and indices of embryo quality were significantly decreased from at 100 μg/mL. Likewise, the transfer of nanoplastic-treated embryos at 100 μg/mL decreased the morula implantation rate on the oviduct of pseudopregnant mice by 70%, calculated by the pregnant individual, and 31.8% by the number of implanted embryos. The PMMA nanoplastics at 100 μg/mL significantly increased the cellular levels of reactive oxygen species in embryos, which was not related to the intrinsic oxidative potential of nanoplastics. This study highlights that the nanoplastics that enter systemic circulation can affect the early stage of embryos. Thus, suitable action mechanisms can be designed to address nanoplastic occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeong-Ju You
- Primate Resources Center (PRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 351-33, Neongme-gil, Ibam-myeon, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do, 56216, Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Science, Chonnam National University, 77, Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Jin Jo
- Primate Resources Center (PRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 351-33, Neongme-gil, Ibam-myeon, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do, 56216, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyuri Kim
- Lab of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, 37, Nakdong-daero 550 beon-gil, Saha-gu, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongwoo Kwon
- Primate Resources Center (PRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 351-33, Neongme-gil, Ibam-myeon, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do, 56216, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Bin Yoon
- Primate Resources Center (PRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 351-33, Neongme-gil, Ibam-myeon, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do, 56216, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsic Youn
- Primate Resources Center (PRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 351-33, Neongme-gil, Ibam-myeon, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do, 56216, Republic of Korea
| | - Yejin Kim
- Primate Resources Center (PRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 351-33, Neongme-gil, Ibam-myeon, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do, 56216, Republic of Korea
| | - Man-Jong Kang
- Department of Animal Science, Chonnam National University, 77, Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Wan-Seob Cho
- Lab of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, 37, Nakdong-daero 550 beon-gil, Saha-gu, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji-Su Kim
- Primate Resources Center (PRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 351-33, Neongme-gil, Ibam-myeon, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do, 56216, Republic of Korea.
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Bai CL, Wang D, Luan YL, Huang SN, Liu LY, Guo Y. A review on micro- and nanoplastics in humans: Implication for their translocation of barriers and potential health effects. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142424. [PMID: 38795915 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
As emerging contaminants, micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) can absorb and leach various toxic chemicals and ultimately endanger the health of the ecological environment and humans. With extensive research on MNPs, knowledge about MNPs in humans, especially their translocation of barriers and potential health effects, is of utmost importance. In this review, we collected literature published from 2000 to 2023, focusing on MNPs on their occurrence in humans, penetrating characteristics in the placental, blood-brain, and blood-testis barriers, and exposure effects on mammalian health. The characteristics and distributions of MNPs in human samples were analyzed, and the results demonstrated that MNPs were ubiquitous in most human samples, except for kidneys and cerebrospinal fluid. In addition, the phenomenon of MNPs crossing barriers and their underlying mechanisms were discussed. We also summarized the potential factors that may affect the barrier crossing and health effects of MNPs, including characteristics of MNPs, exposure doses, administration routes, exposure durations, co-exposure to other pollutants, and genetic predisposition. Exposure to MNPs may cause cytotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and developmental and reproductive toxicity in mammals. People are encouraged to reduce their exposure to MNPs to prevent these adverse health effects. Finally, we discussed the shortcomings of current research on MNPs in humans, providing a valuable reference for understanding and evaluating the potential health risks from MNP exposure in mammals, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Lan Bai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Hainan Branch, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Sanya, 572022, China
| | - Yu-Ling Luan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Si-Nan Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Liang-Ying Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ying Guo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Paudel S, Janaswamy S. Corncob-derived biodegradable packaging films: A sustainable solution for raspberry post-harvest preservation. Food Chem 2024; 454:139749. [PMID: 38797104 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139749] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Plastic food packaging, with its harmful migration of microplastics and nanoplastics into food, presents significant ecological imbalance and human health risks. In this regard, using food and agricultural byproducts as packaging materials reduces environmental and economic concerns and supports their sustainable management. Herein, cellulosic residue from corncob was employed as a renewable source for developing biodegradable packaging films. It was solubilized in ZnCl2 solution, crosslinked with Ca2+ ions, and plasticized with sorbitol to form films and used to improve the shelf-life of raspberries. The optimized film possesses water vapor permeability, tensile strength, and elongation at break of 1.8(4) x10-10 g-1 s-1 Pa-1, 4.7(1) MPa, and 15.4(7)%, respectively. It displays UV-blocking and antioxidant properties and biodegrades within 29 days at 24% soil moisture. It preserves raspberries for 7 and 5 more days at room temperature and refrigeration conditions, respectively, compared to polystyrene film. Overall, more value addition could be envisioned from agricultural residues to minimize post-harvest losses and food waste through biodegradable packaging, which also aids in mitigating plastic perils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Paudel
- Department of Dairy and Food Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - Srinivas Janaswamy
- Department of Dairy and Food Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA.
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Karim A, Yadav A, Sweety UH, Kumar J, Delgado SA, Hernandez JA, White JC, Vukovic L, Narayan M. Interfacial Interactions between Nanoplastics and Biological Systems: toward an Atomic and Molecular Understanding of Plastics-Driven Biological Dyshomeostasis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:25740-25756. [PMID: 38722759 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c03008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nano-plastics (NPs) are found in human milk, blood, tissues, and organs and associate with aberrant health outcomes including inflammation, genotoxicity, developmental disorders, onset of chronic diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Yet, interfacial interactions between plastics and biomolecular systems remain underexplored. Here, we have examined experimentally, in vitro, in vivo, and by computation, the impact of polystyrene (PS) NPs on a host of biomolecular systems and assemblies. Our results reveal that PS NPs essentially abolished the helix-content of the milk protein β-lactoglobulin (BLG) in a dose-dependent manner. Helix loss is corelated with the near stoichiometric formation of β-sheet elements in the protein. Structural alterations in BLG are also likely responsible for the nanoparticle-dependent attrition in binding affinity and weaker on-rate constant of retinol, its physiological ligand (compromising its nutritional role). PS NP-driven helix-to-sheet conversion was also observed in the amyloid-forming trajectory of hen egg-white lysozyme (accelerated fibril formation and reduced helical content in fibrils). Caenorhabditis elegans exposed to PS NPs exhibited a decrease in the fluorescence of green fluorescent protein-tagged dopaminergic neurons and locomotory deficits (akin to the neurotoxin paraquat exposure). Finally, in silico analyses revealed that the most favorable PS/BLG docking score and binding energies corresponded to a pose near the hydrophobic ligand binding pocket (calyx) of the protein where the NP fragment was found to make nonpolar contacts with side-chain residues via the hydrophobic effect and van der Waals forces, compromising side chain/retinol contacts. Binding energetics indicate that PS/BLG interactions destabilize the binding of retinol to the protein and can potentially displace retinol from the calyx region of BLG, thereby impairing its biological function. Collectively, the experimental and high-resolution in silico data provide new insights into the mechanism(s) by which PS NPs corrupt the bimolecular structure and function, induce amyloidosis and onset neuronal injury, and drive aberrant physiological and behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afroz Karim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Anju Yadav
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Ummy Habiba Sweety
- Environmental Science and Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Jyotish Kumar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Sofia A Delgado
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Jose A Hernandez
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Jason C White
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Lela Vukovic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Mahesh Narayan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
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38
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DeLoid GM, Yang Z, Bazina L, Kharaghani D, Sadrieh F, Demokritou P. Mechanisms of ingested polystyrene micro-nanoplastics (MNPs) uptake and translocation in an in vitro tri-culture small intestinal epithelium. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 473:134706. [PMID: 38795489 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) are now ubiquitous contaminants of food and water. Many cellular and animal studies have shown that ingested MNPs can breach the intestinal barrier to reach the circulation. To date however, the cellular mechanisms involved in intestinal absorption of MNPs have not been investigated with physiologically relevant models, and thus remain unknown. We employed in vitro simulated digestion, a tri-culture small intestinal epithelium model, and a panel of inhibitors to assess the contributions of the possible mechanisms to absorption of 26 nm carboxylated polystyrene (PS26C) MNPs. Inhibition of ATP synthesis reduced translocation by only 35 %, suggesting uptake by both active endocytic pathways and passive diffusion. Translocation was also decreased by inhibition of dynamin and clathrin, suggesting involvement of clathrin mediated endocytosis (CME) and fast endophilin-mediated endocytosis (FEME). Inhibition of actin polymerization also significantly reduced translocation, suggesting involvement of macropinocytosis or phagocytosis. However, inhibition of the Na+-H+ exchanger had no effect on translocation, thus ruling out macropinocytosis. Together these results suggest uptake by passive diffusion as well as by active phagocytosis, CME, and FEME pathways. Further studies are needed to assess uptake mechanisms for other environmentally relevant MNPs as a function of polymer, surface chemistry, and size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen M DeLoid
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Zhenning Yang
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Lila Bazina
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Davood Kharaghani
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Faranguisse Sadrieh
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Philip Demokritou
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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Liu Z, Liang T, Liu X. Characteristics, distribution patterns and sources of atmospheric microplastics in the Bohai and Yellow Seas, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171906. [PMID: 38531455 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Although the prevalence of microplastics in the atmosphere has recently received considerable attention, there is little information available regarding the distribution of atmospheric microplastics over oceanic regions. In this study, during the summer and autumn months of 2022, we investigated atmospheric microplastics in four marine regions off the eastern coast of mainland China, namely, the southern, middle, and northern regions of the Yellow Sea, and the Bohai Sea. The abundance of atmospheric microplastics in these regions ranged from 1.65 to 16.80 items/100 m3 during summer and from 0.38 to 14.58 items/100 m3 during autumn, although we detected no significant differences in abundance among these regions. Polyamide, chlorinated polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate were identified as the main types of plastic polymer. On the basis of meteorological data and backward trajectory model analyses, we established that the atmospheric microplastics detected during summer were mainly derived from the adjacent marine atmosphere and that over the continental landmass in the vicinity of the sampling area, whereas microplastics detected during autumn appear to have originated mainly from the northeast of China. By influencing the settlement and migration of microplastics, meteorological factors, such as relative humidity and wind speed, were identified as potential factors determining the distribution and characteristics of the detected microplastics. Our findings in this study, revealing the origin and fate of marine atmospheric microplastics, make an important contribution to our current understanding of the distribution and transmission of microplastics within the surveyed region and potentially worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjinhao Liu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; MoE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Ting Liang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; MoE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaoshou Liu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; MoE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
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Akbulut S, Akman PK, Tornuk F, Yetim H. Microplastic Release from Single-Use Plastic Beverage Cups. Foods 2024; 13:1564. [PMID: 38790864 PMCID: PMC11121293 DOI: 10.3390/foods13101564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have attracted considerable attention as one of the most remarkable food and drink pollutants in recent years. Disposable cups, which are widely used as single-use containers, have been suspected as the primary sources of MPs found in cold and hot beverages. In this study, the effect of different exposure times (0, 5, 10 and 20 min) and temperatures (4 °C, 50 °C and 80 °C) on MP release from the single-use cups made of four different materials [polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE) coated paper cups and expanded polystyrene (EPS)] into the water was investigated. The number of MPs ranged from 126 p/L to 1420 p/L, while the highest and lowest counts were observed in the PP (50 °C for 20 min) and PE-coated paper cups (4 °C 0 min), respectively. Washing the cups with ultrapure water prior to use reduced the MP release by 52-65%. SEM images demonstrated the abrasion on the surface of the disposable cups as a result of hot water exposure. Intensities of FTIR absorbance levels at some wavelengths were decreased by the water treatment, which could be evidence of surface abrasion. The annual MP exposure of consumers was calculated as 18,720-73,840 by the consumption of hot and cold beverages in disposable cups. In conclusion, as the level and potential toxicity of MP exposure in humans are not yet fully known, this study sheds light on the number of MPs transferred to cold and hot beverages from single-use disposable cups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selen Akbulut
- Department of Food Technology, Vocational School of Health Services, Uskudar University, 34674 Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, 34349 Istanbul, Türkiye; (P.K.A.); (F.T.)
| | - Perihan Kubra Akman
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, 34349 Istanbul, Türkiye; (P.K.A.); (F.T.)
| | - Fatih Tornuk
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, 34349 Istanbul, Türkiye; (P.K.A.); (F.T.)
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140 Sivas, Türkiye
| | - Hasan Yetim
- Food Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, 34303 Istanbul, Türkiye;
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Krause S, Ouellet V, Allen D, Allen S, Moss K, Nel HA, Manaseki-Holland S, Lynch I. The potential of micro- and nanoplastics to exacerbate the health impacts and global burden of non-communicable diseases. Cell Rep Med 2024:101581. [PMID: 38781963 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101581] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCD) constitute one of the highest burdens of disease globally and are associated with inflammatory responses in target organs. There is increasing evidence of significant human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MnPs). This review of environmental MnP exposure and health impacts indicates that MnP particles, directly and indirectly through their leachates, may exacerbate inflammation. Meanwhile, persistent inflammation associated with NCDs in gastrointestinal and respiratory systems potentially increases MnP uptake, thus influencing MnP access to distal organs. Consequently, a future increase in MnP exposure potentially augments the risk and severity of NCDs. There is a critical need for an integrated one-health approach to human health and environmental research for assessing the drivers of human MnP exposure and their bidirectional links with NCDs. Assessing these risks requires interdisciplinary efforts to identify and link drivers of environmental MnP exposure and organismal uptake to studies of impacted disease mechanisms and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Krause
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Institute for Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA), University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés (LEHNA), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023, 69622 Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Valerie Ouellet
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Institute for Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Deonie Allen
- WESP - Centre for Water, Environment, Sustainability & Public Health, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
| | - Steven Allen
- WESP - Centre for Water, Environment, Sustainability & Public Health, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
| | - Kerry Moss
- Institute for Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Holly A Nel
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Semira Manaseki-Holland
- Institute for Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Iseult Lynch
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Institute for Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA), University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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Buzenchi Proca TM, Solcan C, Solcan G. Neurotoxicity of Some Environmental Pollutants to Zebrafish. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:640. [PMID: 38792660 PMCID: PMC11122474 DOI: 10.3390/life14050640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The aquatic environment encompasses a wide variety of pollutants, from plastics to drug residues, pesticides, food compounds, and other food by-products, and improper disposal of waste is the main cause of the accumulation of toxic substances in water. Monitoring, assessing, and attempting to control the effects of contaminants in the aquatic environment are necessary and essential to protect the environment and thus human and animal health, and the study of aquatic ecotoxicology has become topical. In this respect, zebrafish are used as model organisms to study the bioaccumulation, toxicity, and influence of environmental pollutants due to their structural, functional, and material advantages. There are many similarities between the metabolism and physiological structures of zebrafish and humans, and the nervous system structure, blood-brain barrier function, and social behavior of zebrafish are characteristics that make them an ideal animal model for studying neurotoxicity. The aim of the study was to highlight the neurotoxicity of nanoplastics, microplastics, fipronil, deltamethrin, and rotenone and to highlight the main behavioral, histological, and oxidative status changes produced in zebrafish exposed to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora Maria Buzenchi Proca
- Department of Preclinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences Ion Ionescu de la Brad, 700490 Iasi, Romania; (T.M.B.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Carmen Solcan
- Department of Preclinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences Ion Ionescu de la Brad, 700490 Iasi, Romania; (T.M.B.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Gheorghe Solcan
- Internal Medicine Unit, Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences Ion Ionescu de la Brad, 700490 Iasi, Romania
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Li F, Song N, Li X, Jirigalantu, Mi X, Sun C, Sun Y, Feng S, Wang G, Qiu J, Bayanheshig. Detection of microplastics via a confocal-microscope spatial-heterodyne Raman spectrometer with echelle gratings. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 313:124099. [PMID: 38513421 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has become a global environmental problem that cannot be ignored. Raman spectroscopy has been widely used for microplastics detection because it can be performed in real-time and is non-destructive. Conventional detection techniques have had weak signals and low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). Here, an efficient and reliable detection method is demonstrated. Specifically, a confocal microscope combined with an echelle-grating spatial-heterodyne Raman spectrometer (CM-ESHRS) was constructed. The confocal microscopy and the characteristics of the echelle grating enabled high optical throughput, high SNR, high spectral resolution, and a wide spectral detection band. After spectral calibration, the resolution approached 0.67 cm-1, moreover, the spectral detection range for a single order was 1372.16 cm-1. We detected and analyzed nineteen kinds of microplastics, such as polyamide, polypropylene, and polymethylmethacrylate, and the main vibrational spectral bands were categorized. Compared with commercial dispersive spectrometers, CM-ESHRS has a higher optical throughput. In addition, we examined microplastics with various particle sizes, microplastics mixed in flour, and microplastic particles of different materials under mixed conditions, all of which yielded complete spectral information. Overall, CM-ESHRS exhibits good potential applications for the detection of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuguan Li
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; National Engineering Research Center for Diffraction Gratings Manufacturing and Application, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China.
| | - Nan Song
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China; National Engineering Research Center for Diffraction Gratings Manufacturing and Application, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China.
| | - Xiaotian Li
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; National Engineering Research Center for Diffraction Gratings Manufacturing and Application, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China
| | - Jirigalantu
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; National Engineering Research Center for Diffraction Gratings Manufacturing and Application, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China
| | - Xiaotao Mi
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; National Engineering Research Center for Diffraction Gratings Manufacturing and Application, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China
| | - Ci Sun
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China; National Engineering Research Center for Diffraction Gratings Manufacturing and Application, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China
| | - Yuqi Sun
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China; National Engineering Research Center for Diffraction Gratings Manufacturing and Application, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China.
| | - Shulong Feng
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; National Engineering Research Center for Diffraction Gratings Manufacturing and Application, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China
| | - Geng Wang
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China; National Engineering Research Center for Diffraction Gratings Manufacturing and Application, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China
| | - Jun Qiu
- The Institute for Al International Governance of Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Bayanheshig
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; National Engineering Research Center for Diffraction Gratings Manufacturing and Application, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China
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Li H, Lee LM, Yu D, Chan SH, Li A. An optimized multi-technique based analytical platform for identification, characterization and quantification of nanoplastics in water. Talanta 2024; 272:125800. [PMID: 38394751 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.125800] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) have been identified as an emerging concern for the environment and our food chains in recent years. Monitoring the concentration and size of nanoplastics is essential to assess the potential risks that nanoplastic particles may pose. In this study, we presented a multi-technique based analytical platform to identify, characterize and quantify nanoplastics in water samples through a combination of sample pre-concentration, asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation coupled with multi-angle light scattering (AF4-MALS) and pyrolysis-GC/MS (Py-GC/MS). Models for predicting NPs concentration and particle number in unknown samples were established and validated using NPs standards of known size and AF4-MALS response. Py-GC/MS was applied for further identification of polymer type and quantification of mass concentration. Filtration conditions for pre-concentration were optimized to ensure a high recovery rate with minimal effect on original particle size. The addition of 0.05% SDS prior to filtration, using controlled filtration procedures, effectively improved the recovery. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the application of the analytical platform for the characterization and quantification of different nanoparticles (e.g. spiked PMMA and PS NPs) in the size range 60 nm-350 nm with detection limits down to 0.01 ppm in water samples. The established analytical platform can fill an analytical gap by offering a solution for quantifying size-resolved mass concentrations of nanoplastics and providing comprehensive data on size distribution, particle number and mass quantification with high sensitivity for detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Li
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, 609919, Singapore
| | - Lin Min Lee
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, 609919, Singapore
| | - Dingyi Yu
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, 609919, Singapore.
| | - Sheot Harn Chan
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, 609919, Singapore
| | - Angela Li
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, 609919, Singapore
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Liu C, Jiao Y, Guo J, Li B, Gu C, Qian T, Liu X. Tracing the entry process of submicrometre plastics in soybean sprouts by leaf-derived fluorescent carbon dots. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134272. [PMID: 38613953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134272] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
As a global emerging contaminant, microplastics (MPs) in water or soil can accumulate in vegetables, making them easily ingested through the diet. With excellent and tunable optical properties, carbon dots (CDs) are highly advantageous for tracing the entry process of MPs. Originally, long-wavelength CDs were synthesized from leaf-derived extracts, and fluorescent submicrometer plastics (CDs-MPs) with clean surfaces and concentrated particle sizes were obtained by soap-free microemulsion polymerization. The concentration of CDs-MPs exhibits a significant linear relationship with long-wavelength fluorescence intensity (λEx/λEm: 415/676 nm). Soybean sprouts (SBS), as an important type of food, are susceptible to contamination of MPs due to their soft epidermis and rapidly growing biomass. The results showed that CDs-MPs could be embedded into the cortex of SBS and enter the plant with cell division and elongation, leading to an increase in pore size on the cell wall surface. After entering the root system, CDs-MPs will pass through the Casparian strip and migrate in the vessels. Then, CDs-MPs enter the leaves through vascular bundles, and the distribution and size of epicuticular wax on leaves have changed. Furthermore, SBS showed resistant growth and increased levels of oxidative response when exposed to MPs/CDs-MPs. It is the first study to demonstrate the application of leaf-derived CDs in the prevention of MPs pollution by revealing the migration behavior of submicrometre plastics in SBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecological Security in Fenhe River Basin, Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Low Carbon Remediation for Water and Soil Pollution in Yellow River Basin, Jinzhong 030600, China
| | - Yuan Jiao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecological Security in Fenhe River Basin, Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Low Carbon Remediation for Water and Soil Pollution in Yellow River Basin, Jinzhong 030600, China
| | - Junmei Guo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecological Security in Fenhe River Basin, Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Low Carbon Remediation for Water and Soil Pollution in Yellow River Basin, Jinzhong 030600, China
| | - Bo Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecological Security in Fenhe River Basin, Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Low Carbon Remediation for Water and Soil Pollution in Yellow River Basin, Jinzhong 030600, China
| | - Changxin Gu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecological Security in Fenhe River Basin, Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Low Carbon Remediation for Water and Soil Pollution in Yellow River Basin, Jinzhong 030600, China
| | - Tianwei Qian
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecological Security in Fenhe River Basin, Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Low Carbon Remediation for Water and Soil Pollution in Yellow River Basin, Jinzhong 030600, China.
| | - Xiaona Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecological Security in Fenhe River Basin, Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Low Carbon Remediation for Water and Soil Pollution in Yellow River Basin, Jinzhong 030600, China.
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Kadac-Czapska K, Jutrzenka Trzebiatowska P, Mazurkiewicz M, Kowalczyk P, Knez E, Behrendt M, Mahlik S, Zaleska-Medynska A, Grembecka M. Isolation and identification of microplastics in infant formulas - A potential health risk for children. Food Chem 2024; 440:138246. [PMID: 38154286 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.138246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles between 0.1 and 5,000 µm in size that can contaminate food. Unfortunately, to date, little attention has been paid to analyzing the presence of such particles in baby foods. The present study aimed to determine the degree of contamination of infant formula with MPs. A total of thirty products were subjected to analysis. The research methodology used included the isolation of plastic particles, identification and characterization of MPs using advanced microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. Microplastics were detected in all tested samples. The most frequently identified polymers were polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, and poly(ethylene terephthalate). The particles exhibited diverse forms, including fibers, fragments, and films, displaying a range of colors such as colorless, black, and brown particles. Furthermore, the daily intake of MPs by children fed exclusively infant formula was estimated to be approximately 49 ± 32 MPs. This poses a potential health risk for the youngest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornelia Kadac-Czapska
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | | | - Piotr Kowalczyk
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Eliza Knez
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Mirosław Behrendt
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Sebastian Mahlik
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Adriana Zaleska-Medynska
- Department of Environmental Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Grembecka
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland.
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47
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Kaur M, Sharma A, Bhatnagar P. Vertebrate response to microplastics, nanoplastics and co-exposed contaminants: Assessing accumulation, toxicity, behaviour, physiology, and molecular changes. Toxicol Lett 2024; 396:48-69. [PMID: 38677566 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Pollution from microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) has gained significant public attention and has become a serious environmental problem worldwide. This review critically investigates MPs/NPs' ability to pass through biological barriers in vertebrate models and accumulate in various organs, including the brain. After accumulation, these particles can alter individuals' behaviour and exhibit toxic effects by inducing oxidative stress or eliciting an inflammatory response. One major concern is the possibility of transgenerational harm, in which toxic consequences are displayed in offspring who are not directly exposed to MPs/NPs. Due to their large and marked surface hydrophobicity, these particles can easily absorb and concentrate various environmental pollutants, which may increase their toxicity to individuals and subsequent generations. This review systematically provides an analysis of recent studies related to the toxic effects of MPs/NPs, highlighting the intricate interplay between co-contaminants in vitro and in vivo. We further delve into mechanisms of MPs/NPs-induced toxicity and provide an overview of potential therapeutic approaches to lessen the negative effects of these MPs/NPs. The review also emphasizes the urgency of future studies to examine the long-term effects of chronic exposure to MPs/NPs and their size- and type-specific hazardous dynamics, and devising approaches to safeguard the affected organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjyot Kaur
- Department of Zoology, IIS (deemed to be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Anju Sharma
- Department of Zoology, IIS (deemed to be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Pradeep Bhatnagar
- Department of Zoology, IIS (deemed to be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
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V L Leonard S, Liddle CR, Atherall CA, Chapman E, Watkins M, D J Calaminus S, Rotchell JM. Microplastics in human blood: Polymer types, concentrations and characterisation using μFTIR. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108751. [PMID: 38761430 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are an everyday part of life, and are now ubiquitous in the environment. Crucially, MPs have not just been found within the environment, but also within human bodies, including the blood. We aimed to provide novel information on the range of MP polymer types present, as well as their size and shape characteristics, in human whole blood from 20 healthy volunteers. Twenty-four polymer types were identified from 18 out of 20 (90 %) donors and quantified in blood, with the majority observed for the first time. Using an LOQ approach, five polymer types met the threshold with a lower mean ± SD of 2466 ± 4174 MP/L. The concentrations of plastics analysed in blood samples ranged from 1.84 - 4.65 μg/mL. Polyethylene (32 %), ethylene propylene diene (14 %), and ethylene-vinyl-acetate/alcohol (12 %) fragments were the most abundant. MP particles that were identified within the blood samples had a mean particle length of 127.99 ± 293.26 µm (7-3000 µm), and a mean particle width of 57.88 ± 88.89 µm (5-800 µm). The MPs were predominantly categorised as fragments (88 %) and were white/clear (79 %). A variety of plastic additive chemicals were identified including endocrine disrupting-classed phthalates. The procedural blank samples comprised 7 polymer types, that were distinct from those identified in blood, mainly resin (25 %), polyethylene terephthalate (17 %), and polystyrene (17 %) with a mean ± SD of 4.80 ± 5.59 MP/L. This study adds to the growing evidence that MPs are taken up into the human body and are transported via the bloodstream. The shape and sizes of the particles raise important questions with respect to their presence and associated hazards in terms of potential detrimental impacts such as vascular inflammation, build up within major organs, and changes to either immune cell response, or haemostasis and thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie V L Leonard
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Catriona R Liddle
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte A Atherall
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Chapman
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Watkins
- College of Health and Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, United Kingdom
| | - Simon D J Calaminus
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom.
| | - Jeanette M Rotchell
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom; College of Health and Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, United Kingdom.
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49
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Demirelli E, Tepe Y, Oğuz U, Aydın H, Kodat M, Tok DS, Sönmez MG, Öğreden E. The first reported values of microplastics in prostate. BMC Urol 2024; 24:106. [PMID: 38745203 PMCID: PMC11092166 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-024-01495-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microplastics are ubiquitous, widespread environmental pollutants with unavoidable human exposure. Herein, it was aimed to investigate the presence of microplastics in prostate tissue. METHODS Prostate tissues from 12 patients who underwent Trans Urethral Resection of the Prostate (TUR-P) were analyzed to investigate the presence of microplastics. Initially, the prostate tissues were analyzed for microplastic particles using a light microscope after extraction. Subsequently, the chemical composition of the particles found in the prostate tissues was characterized using Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectrophotometry. RESULTS Microplastic particles of various types were detected in 6 out of 12 patients. All detected plastic particles in this study were microplastics, with sizes below 26 μm in size. These microplastics exhibited different shapes as pellets, spheres or fibers. Overall, among the 12 analyzed prostate tissue samples, four different types of plastic were identified in six samples. The most common type of microplastic detected was Polyamide (Nylon 6), found in samples from three patients. Other detected types, Polypropylene, Polyacrylic Acid and Poly (dimethylsiloxane) were each determined in samples from one patient. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to demonstrate the presence of microplastics in prostate tissue, serving as an exploratory investigation, which can trigger further research to validate the results in a larger patient cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erhan Demirelli
- Department of Urology, Giresun University Faculty of Medicine, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Yalçın Tepe
- Department of Biology, Giresun University Faculty of Arts and Scienc, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Ural Oğuz
- Department of Urology, Giresun University Faculty of Medicine, Giresun, Turkey.
| | - Handan Aydın
- Department of Biology, Giresun University Faculty of Arts and Scienc, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Murat Kodat
- Department of Biology, Giresun University Faculty of Arts and Scienc, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Doğan Sabri Tok
- Department of Urology, Giresun University Faculty of Medicine, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Giray Sönmez
- Department of Urology, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ercan Öğreden
- Department of Urology, Giresun University Faculty of Medicine, Giresun, Turkey
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50
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Chen K, Chen L, Shao H, Li J, Wang H, Mao C, Xu G. Investigation into the characteristics of electron beam-aged microplastics and adsorption behavior of dibutyl phthalate. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 360:142342. [PMID: 38754492 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are increasingly prevalent in the environment, and their ability to adsorb various organic additives, posing harm to organisms, has attracted growing attention. Currently, there are no effective methods to age microplastics, and there is limited discussion on the subsequent treatment of aged microplastics. This study focuses on micro polyethylene (PE) and employs electron beam technology for aging treatment, investigating the adsorption and leaching behavior between PE and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) before and after aging. Experimental results indicate that with increasing doses of electron beam irradiation, the surface microstructure of PE worsens, inducing the generation of oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of polyethylene. Comparative evaluations between electron beam aging and existing methods show that electron beam technology surpasses existing aging methods, achieving a level of aging exceeding 0.7 within an extremely short period of 1 min at doses exceeding 350 kGy. Adsorption experiments demonstrate that the adsorption between PE and DBP conforms to pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Freundlich model both before and after aging. The adsorption capacity of microplastics for DBP increases from 76.8 mg g-1 to 167.0 mg g-1 after treatment, exceeding that of conventional DBP adsorbents. Electron beam irradiation causes aging of microplastics mainly through the generation of ·OH, which lead to the formation of oxygen-containing functional groups on the microplastics' surface, thereby enhancing their adsorption capacity for DBP. This provides a new perspective for the degradation of aged microplastics and composite pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Chen
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Lei Chen
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Haiyang Shao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, PR China.
| | - Jiayuan Li
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Hongyong Wang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Chengkai Mao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Gang Xu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, PR China; Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200444, PR China.
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