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Chen Y, Niu L, Li Y, Wang Y, Shen J, Zhang W, Wang L. Distribution characteristics and microbial synergistic degradation potential of polyethylene and polypropylene in freshwater estuarine sediments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134328. [PMID: 38643575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134328] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The microbial degradation of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) resins in rivers and lakes has emerged as a crucial issue in the management of microplastics. This study revealed that as the flow rate decreased longitudinally, ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), heavy fraction of organic carbon (HFOC), and small-size microplastics (< 1 mm) gradually accumulated in the deep and downstream estuarine sediments. Based on their surface morphology and carbonyl index, these sediments were identified as the potential hot zone for PE/PP degradation. Within the identified hot zone, concentrations of PE/PP-degrading genes, enzymes, and bacteria were significantly elevated compared to other zones, exhibiting strong intercorrelations. Analysis of niche differences revealed that the accumulation of NH4+-N and HFOC in the hot zone facilitated the synergistic coexistence of key bacteria responsible for PE/PP degradation within biofilms. The findings of this study offer a novel insight and comprehensive understanding of the distribution characteristics and synergistic degradation potential of PE/PP in natural freshwater environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Lihua Niu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China.
| | - Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China.
| | - Yingjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Jiayan Shen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Wenlong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Linqiong Wang
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
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2
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He YQ, McDonough LK, Zainab SM, Guo ZF, Chen C, Xu YY. Microplastic accumulation in groundwater: Data-scaled insights and future research. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 258:121808. [PMID: 38796912 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Given that microplastics (MPs) in groundwater have been concerned for risks to humans and ecosystems with increased publications, a Contrasting Analysis of Scales (CAS) approach is developed by this study to synthesize all existing data into a hierarchical understanding of MP accumulation in groundwater. Within the full data of 386 compiled samples, the median abundance of MPs in Open Groundwater (OG) and Closed Groundwater (CG) were 4.4 and 2.5 items/L respectively, with OG exhibiting a greater diversity of MP colors and larger particle sizes. The different pathways of MP entry (i.e., surface runoff and rock interstices) into OG and CG led to this difference. At the regional scale, median MP abundance in nature reserves and landfills were 17.5 and 13.4 items/L, respectively, all the sampling points showed high pollution load risk. MPs in agricultural areas exhibited a high coefficient of variation (716.7%), and a median abundance of 1.0 items/L. Anthropogenic activities at the regional scale are the drivers behind the differentiation in the morphological characteristics of MPs, where groundwater in residential areas with highly toxic polymers (e.g., polyvinylchloride) deserves prolonged attention. At the local scale, the transport of MPs is controlled by groundwater flow paths, with a higher abundance of MP particles downstream than upstream, and MPs with regular surfaces and lower resistance (e.g., pellets) are more likely to be transported over long distances. From the data-scaled insight this study provides on the accumulation of MPs, future research should be directed towards network-based observation for groundwater-rich regions covered with landfills, residences, and agricultural land.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qin He
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liza K McDonough
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), New Illawarra Rd, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - Syeda Maria Zainab
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China
| | - Zhao-Feng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China
| | - Cai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yao-Yang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China.
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3
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Han Y, Gu X, Lin C, He M, Wang Y. Effects of COVID-19 on coastal and marine environments: Aggravated microplastic pollution, improved air quality, and future perspective. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141900. [PMID: 38579953 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141900] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic during 2020-2023 has wrought adverse impacts on coastal and marine environments. This study conducts a comprehensive review of the collateral effects of COVID-19 on these ecosystems through literature review and bibliometric analysis. According to the output and citation analysis of these publications, researchers from the coastal countries in Asia, Europe, and America payed more attentions to this environmental issue than other continents. Specifically, India, China, and USA were the top three countries in the publications, with the proportion of 19.55%, 18.99%, and 12.01%, respectively. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly aggravated the plastic and microplastic pollution in coastal and marine environments by explosive production and unproper management of personal protective equipment (PPE). During the pandemic, the estimated mismanaged PPE waste ranged from 16.50 t/yr in Sweden to 250,371.39 t/yr in Indonesia. In addition, the PPE density ranged from 1.13 × 10-5 item/m2 to 2.79 item/m2 in the coastal regions worldwide, showing significant geographical variations. Besides, the emerging contaminants released from PPE into the coastal and marine environments cannot be neglected. The positive influence was that the COVID-19 lockdown worldwide reduced the release of air pollutants (e.g., fine particulate matter, NO2, CO, and SO2) and improved the air quality. The study also analyzed the relationships between sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the publications and revealed the dynamic changes of SDGs in different periods the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, the air was cleaner due to the lockdown, but the coastal and marine contamination of plastic, microplastic, and emerging contaminants got worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last but not least, the study proposed four strategies to deal with the coastal and marine pollution caused by COVID-19, which were regular marine monitoring, performance of risk assessment, effective regulation of plastic wastes, and close international cooperation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Xiang Gu
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China; School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Chunye Lin
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Mengchang He
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yidi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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Zhao W, Jiang J, Liu M, Tu T, Wang L, Zhang S. Exploring correlations between microplastics, microorganisms, and water quality in an urban drinking water source. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 275:116249. [PMID: 38522286 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The microplastic pollution in freshwater system is gradually becoming more severe, which has led to increasing attention on the distribution and potential harmful effects of microplastics. Moreover, microplastics may have an impact on river ecology and pose risks to ecosystems. Therefore, it is important to reveal this process. This study aimed to explore correlations between microplastics and free-living microorganisms in an urban drinking water source of Xiangjiang River by using multivariate statistical analysis. The results indicated that the abundance of microplastics (size 50 μm to 5 mm) in surface water and sediments ranged from 0.72 to 18.6 (mean ± SD: 7.32 ± 2.36) items L-1 and 26.3-302 (150 ± 75.6) items kg-1 dry weight (dw), respectively, suggesting potential microplastic pollution despite the protected status as a drinking water source. Higher microplastic abundances were observed in urban areas and the downstream of wastewater plants, with mostly granular shape, transparent and black color as well as 50-100 μm in size. The multivariate statistical analysis presented that the abundance of microplastics is not significantly correlated with water indicators, due to the complexity of the abundance data. The water indicators showed an obvious correlation with microplastics in colors of transparent and black, and smaller sizes of 50-100 μm. This is also true for microplastics and microorganisms in water and sediment. Proteobacteria was the main prokaryote in water and sediments, being positively correlated with 50-100 μm microplastics; while Chloroplastida was the dominated eukaryotes, presenting a weak correlation with smaller-size microplastics. Overall, when considering the properties of microplastics such as shape, color and size, the potential correlations with water indicators and microorganisms were more evident than abundance. This study provides new insights into the multivariate statistical analysis, explaining the potential correlations among microplastic properties, microorganisms and environmental factors in a river system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Zhao
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha 410004, China.
| | - Jinfeng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Mengyue Liu
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
| | - Tianzi Tu
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China.
| | - Lijun Wang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Shengwei Zhang
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China; State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
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5
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Li K, Xu L, Bai X, Zhang G, Zhang M, Huang Y. Potential environmental risks of field bio/non-degradable microplastic from mulching residues in farmland: Evidence from metagenomic analysis of plastisphere. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133428. [PMID: 38198862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133428] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The plastisphere may act as reservoir of antibiotic resistome, accelerating global antimicrobial resistance dissemination. However, the environmental risks in the plastisphere of field microplastics (MPs) in farmland remain largely unknown. Here, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors (VFs) on polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate and polylactic acid microplastics (PBAT/PLA-MPs) from residues were investigated using metagenomic analysis. The results suggested that the profiles of ARG and VF in the plastisphere of PBAT/PLA-MPs had greater number of detected genes with statistically higher values of diversity and abundance than soil and PE-MP. Procrustes analysis indicated a good fitting correlation between ARG/VF profiles and bacterial community composition. Actinobacteria was the major host for tetracycline and glycopeptide resistance genes in the soil and PE-MP plastisphere, whereas the primary host for multidrug resistance genes changed to Proteobacteria in PBAT/PLA-MP plastisphere. Besides, three human pathogens, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Lactobacillus plantarum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were identified in the plastisphere. The PE-MP plastisphere exhibited a higher transfer potential of ARGs than PBAT/PLA-MP plastisphere. This work enhances our knowledge of potential environmental risks posed by microplastic in farmland and provides valuable insights for risk assessment and management of agricultural mulching applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Libo Xu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xinyi Bai
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Guangbao Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Mengjun Zhang
- Marine Institute for Bioresources and Environment, Peking University Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China.
| | - Yi Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Marine Institute for Bioresources and Environment, Peking University Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China.
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6
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Maisto M, Ranauda MA, Zuzolo D, Tartaglia M, Postiglione A, Prigioniero A, Falzarano A, Scarano P, Castelvetro V, Corti A, Modugno F, La Nasa J, Biale G, Sciarrillo R, Guarino C. Effects of microplastics on microbial community dynamics in sediments from the Volturno River ecosystem, Italy. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:140872. [PMID: 38056715 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the sources, abundance, and ecological implications of microplastic (MP) pollution in Volturno, one of the main rivers in southern Italy, were explored by investigating the MP concentration levels in sediments collected along the watercourse. The samples were sieved through 5- and 2-mm sieves and treated with selective organic solvents. The polymer classes polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), nylon 6 (PA6), and nylon 6,6 (PA66) were quantified using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Furthermore, a 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis was performed using next-generation sequencing in Ion Torrent™ to explore the bacterial taxonomy and ecological dynamics of sediment samples. The MPs were detected in all samples collected from the study area. PP and PET were the most abundant and frequently detected polymer types in the analysed samples. The total MP concentration ranged from 1.05 to 14.55 ppm (parts per million), identifying two distinct data populations: high- and low-MP-contaminated sediments. According to the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI), MP pollution was categorised as hazard levels III and IV (corresponding to the danger category). Metagenomic data revealed that the presence of MPs significantly affected the abundance of bacterial taxa; Flavobacteraceae and Nocardiaceae, which are known to degrade polymeric substances, were present in high-MP-contaminated sediments. This study provides new insights into the ecological relevance of MP pollution and suggests that microorganisms may serve as biomarkers of MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maisto
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Ranauda
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Daniela Zuzolo
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy.
| | - Maria Tartaglia
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Alessia Postiglione
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Antonello Prigioniero
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Alessandra Falzarano
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Scarano
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Valter Castelvetro
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi, 13, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Corti
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi, 13, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Modugno
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi, 13, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Jacopo La Nasa
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi, 13, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Greta Biale
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi, 13, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rosaria Sciarrillo
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Carmine Guarino
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
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Chen H, Wang T, Ding Y, Yuan F, Zhang H, Wang C, Wang Y, Wang Y, Song Y, Fu G, Zou X. A catchment-wide microplastic pollution investigation of the Yangtze River: The pollution and ecological risk of tributaries are non-negligible. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133544. [PMID: 38244455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The Yangtze River is an important global channel for plastics and microplastics (MPs) to enter the sea. However, the existing research on MPs in the Yangtze River has primarily focused on the mainstream region, without regarding the occurrence, spatial distribution, and ecological risks associated with tributaries, as well as their relationship with the mainstream. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a large-scale catchment-wide investigation of the surface water in the Yangtze River, encompassing MPs (48 µm-5 mm) of the mainstream and 15 important tributaries. Tributaries and upstream regions exhibited relatively higher levels of MPs compared with the mainstream and different sections of the river. The distribution of MPs is primarily influenced by the emission of arable land and the pH of water. Notably, the upstream tributary areas demonstrated the highest ecological risks associated with MPs. Further analysis highlighted that the tributaries accounted for a contribution ranging from 16% to 67% in quantity and from 14% to 90% in mass of the microplastics observed in the mainstream. Our results suggest that the pollution of tributaries and their associated ecological risk migration must be effectively regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Chen
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Teng Wang
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210013, China
| | - Yongcheng Ding
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Feng Yuan
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hexi Zhang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Chenglong Wang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yameng Wang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yuyang Song
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Guanghe Fu
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xinqing Zou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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8
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Moreira-Mendieta A, Garcia-Garin O, Muñoz-Pérez JP, Urquía DO, Drago M, Borrell A, Páez-Rosas D. Detection and quantification of microplastic pollution in the endangered Galapagos sea lion. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:166223. [PMID: 37586531 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris pollution poses a significant global threat to biodiversity, with plastics being the primary debris type found in oceans due to their low-cost production and high demand worldwide. Microplastics (MPs, <5 mm in size) are highly bioavailable to a wide range of marine taxa, including marine mammals, through direct and indirect ingestion routes (i.e., trophic transfer). Recently, MP pollution has been detected on the Galapagos Marine Reserve, so in this study we developed a baseline framework for MP pollution in the Galapagos sea lion (GSL, Zalophus wollebaeki) through scat-based analysis. We collected 180 GSL scat samples from the southeast region following strict quality assurance/quality control protocols to detect, quantify and characterize physical-chemical properties of MPs through visual observations and μFT-IR spectroscopy. We recovered 81 MPs of varying sizes and colors in 37 % of samples (n = 66/180), consisting mostly of fibers (69 %, x¯ = 0.31 ± 0.57 particles scat-1). The number of particles per gram of sample wet weight ranged from 0.02 to 0.22 (x¯ = 0.04 ± 0.05 particles scat wet g-1). El Malecón and Punta Pitt rookeries at San Cristobal Island had the highest number of MPs (x¯ = 0.67 ± 0.51 and 0.43 ± 0.41 particles scat-1, respectively), and blue-colored particles were the most common in all samples. We identified eleven polymers in 46 particles, consisting mostly of polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer, polypropylene, cellulose, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride. The textile, fishing, and packaging industries are likely significant sources of microfibers into this insular ecosystem. Our results suggest that the GSL is exposed to MPs due to anthropogenic contamination that is subsequently transferred through trophic processes. These findings provide an important baseline framework and insights for future research on MP pollution in the region, as well as for management actions that will contribute to the long-term conservation of the GSL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Moreira-Mendieta
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Maestría en Ecología Tropical y Conservación, Diego de Robles s/n y Pampite, Quito, Ecuador; Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Galapagos Science Center, Av. Alsacio Northia s/n, Isla San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador.
| | - Odei Garcia-Garin
- Universitat de Barcelona, Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Barcelona 08028, Spain; Universitat de Barcelona, Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Juan Pablo Muñoz-Pérez
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Galapagos Science Center, Av. Alsacio Northia s/n, Isla San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador; University of the Sunshine Coast UniSC, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia
| | - Diego O Urquía
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Maestría en Ecología Tropical y Conservación, Diego de Robles s/n y Pampite, Quito, Ecuador; Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Galapagos Science Center, Av. Alsacio Northia s/n, Isla San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Massimiliano Drago
- Universitat de Barcelona, Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Barcelona 08028, Spain; Universitat de Barcelona, Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Asunción Borrell
- Universitat de Barcelona, Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Barcelona 08028, Spain; Universitat de Barcelona, Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Diego Páez-Rosas
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Galapagos Science Center, Av. Alsacio Northia s/n, Isla San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador; Dirección del Parque Nacional Galápagos, Unidad Técnica Operativa San Cristóbal, Isla San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador
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9
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Pasquier G, Doyen P, Dehaut A, Veillet G, Duflos G, Amara R. Vertical distribution of microplastics in a river water column using an innovative sampling method. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1302. [PMID: 37828146 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11915-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Due to limitations of sampling methods, subsurface water is usually a less well-investigated compartment of the water column when scientists assess microplastic contamination. In this study, microplastic (MP) contamination was assessed in a freshwater river both in surface and subsurface using an innovative sampling method. Microplastic contamination in the lower part of the water column, i.e., near-bottom water and in sediments, was also studied. Three sampling campaigns were carried out during different weather conditions: stormy, rainy, and dry in order to observe their influence on the microplastics vertical distribution. No significant difference was observed between the abundance and types of MPs in surface and subsurface water. The proportion of polymer with theoretical density < 1 (polypropylene d = 0.9, polyethylene d = 0.91-0.95) and polystyrene (d = 0.1-1.06) in the surface and subsurface samples was 73.5%, and this proportion drops to 40.8% for the samples located in the near-bottom water and the sediments. Our results indicate that the MP concentration of the different compartments analyzed can be significantly influenced by rainfall during and prior to the sampling day. This study highlights that in shallow rivers, surface water sampling is representative of the water column MP contamination, but that sampling without taking environmental conditions into account may lead to erroneous estimation of MPs concentration and flux entering the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Pasquier
- Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, CNRS, IRD, Univ. Lille, UMR 8187-LOG-Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, F-62930, Wimereux, France.
| | - Périne Doyen
- Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, UMRt 1158 BioEcoAgro, USC ANSES, INRAe, Univ. Artois, Univ. Lille, Univ. Picardie Jules Verne, Univ. Liège, Junia, 62200, Boulogne-Sur-Mer, France
| | - Alexandre Dehaut
- ANSES-Laboratoire de Sécurité des Aliments, Boulevard du Bassin Napoléon, F-62200, Boulogne-Sur-Mer, France
| | - Guillaume Veillet
- Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, CNRS, IRD, Univ. Lille, UMR 8187-LOG-Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, F-62930, Wimereux, France
| | - Guillaume Duflos
- ANSES-Laboratoire de Sécurité des Aliments, Boulevard du Bassin Napoléon, F-62200, Boulogne-Sur-Mer, France
| | - Rachid Amara
- Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, CNRS, IRD, Univ. Lille, UMR 8187-LOG-Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, F-62930, Wimereux, France
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Gong X, Shi G, Zou D, Wu Z, Qin P, Yang Y, Hu X, Zhou L, Zhou Y. Micro- and nano-plastics pollution and its potential remediation pathway by phytoremediation. PLANTA 2023; 257:35. [PMID: 36624317 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-023-04069-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This review proposed that phytoremediation could be applied for the decontamination of MPs/NPs. Micro- and nano-plastics (MPs < 5 mm; NPs < 100 nm) are emerging contaminants. Much of the recent concerns have focused on the investigation of their pollution and their potential eco-toxicity. Yet little review was available on the decontamination of MPs/NPs. Recently, the uptake of MPs/NPs by plants has been confirmed. Here, in view of the current knowledge, this review introduces MPs/NPs pollution and highlights the updated information about the interaction between MPs/NPs and plants. This review proposed that phytoremediation could be a potential possible way for the in situ remediation of MPs/NPs-contaminated environment. The possible mechanisms, influencing factors, and existing problems are summarized, and further research needs are proposed. This review herein provides new insights into the development of plant-based process for emerging pollutants decontamination, as well as the alleviation of MPs/NPs-induced toxicity to the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Gong
- College of Resources and Environment, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China.
- Key Laboratory for Rural Ecosystem Health in the Dongting Lake Area of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410128, China.
| | - Guanwei Shi
- College of Resources and Environment, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- Key Laboratory for Rural Ecosystem Health in the Dongting Lake Area of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Dongsheng Zou
- College of Resources and Environment, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- Key Laboratory for Rural Ecosystem Health in the Dongting Lake Area of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Zhibin Wu
- College of Resources and Environment, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- Key Laboratory for Rural Ecosystem Health in the Dongting Lake Area of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Pufeng Qin
- College of Resources and Environment, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Yang Yang
- College of Resources and Environment, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- Key Laboratory for Rural Ecosystem Health in the Dongting Lake Area of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Xi Hu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha, 410114, China
| | - Yaoyu Zhou
- College of Resources and Environment, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
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