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Jiang H, Cheng H, Wu S, Li H, Chen H, Li Z, Yao X, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Chen S, Chen S, Zheng L, Sui Y, Shao R. Microplastics footprint in nature reserves-a case study on the microplastics in the guano from Yancheng Wetland Rare Birds National Nature Reserve, China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 256:119252. [PMID: 38815716 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119252] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Bio-ingestion of microplastics poses a global threat to ecosystems, yet studies within nature reserves, crucial habitats for birds, remain scarce despite the well-documented ingestion of microplastics by avian species. Located in Jiangsu Province, China, the Yancheng Wetland Rare Birds Nature Reserve is home to diverse bird species, including many rare ones. This study aimed to assess the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in common bird species within the reserve, investigate microplastic enrichment across different species, and establish links between birds' habitat types and microplastic ingestion. Microplastics were extracted from the feces of 110 birds, with 84 particles identified from 37.27% of samples. Among 8 species studied, the average microplastic abundance ranged from 0.97 ± 0.47 to 43.43 ± 61.98 items per gram of feces, or 1.5 ± 0.87 to 3.4 ± 1.50 items per individual. The Swan goose (Anser cygnoides) exhibited the highest microplastic abundance per gram of feces, while the black-billed gull (Larus saundersi) had the highest abundance per individual. The predominant form of ingested microplastics among birds in the reserve was fibers, with polyethylene being the most common polymer type. Significant variations in plastic exposure were observed among species and between aquatic and terrestrial birds. This study represents the first quantitative assessment of microplastic concentrations in birds within the reserve, filling a crucial gap in research and providing insights for assessing microplastic pollution and guiding bird conservation efforts in aquatic and terrestrial environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Jiang
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, China; State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai Cheng
- Yancheng National Nature Reserve for Rare Birds, Administrative Bureau, Yancheng, China
| | - Shiyue Wu
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, China
| | - Hongshan Li
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Yancheng National Nature Reserve for Rare Birds, Administrative Bureau, Yancheng, China
| | - Zhenghao Li
- Yancheng National Nature Reserve for Rare Birds, Administrative Bureau, Yancheng, China
| | - Xinyun Yao
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Yancheng National Nature Reserve for Rare Birds, Administrative Bureau, Yancheng, China
| | - Yaqin Chen
- Yancheng National Nature Reserve for Rare Birds, Administrative Bureau, Yancheng, China
| | - Shuyi Chen
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, China
| | - Shihao Chen
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, China
| | - Liang Zheng
- East China Sea Fishery Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanming Sui
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, China; Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Rong Shao
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, China.
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Li NY, Zhong B, Guo Y, Li XX, Yang Z, He YX. Non-negligible impact of microplastics on wetland ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171252. [PMID: 38423326 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171252] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
There has been much concern about microplastic (MP) pollution in marine and soil environments, but attention is gradually shifting towards wetland ecosystems, which are a transitional zone between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This paper comprehensively reviews the sources of MPs in wetland ecosystems, as well as their occurrence characteristics, factors influencing their migration, and their effects on animals, plants, microorganisms, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It was found that MPs in wetland ecosystems originate mainly from anthropogenic sources (sewage discharge, and agricultural and industrial production) and natural sources (rainfall-runoff, atmospheric deposition, and tidal effects). The most common types and forms of MPs identified in the literature were polyethylene and polypropylene, fibers, and fragments. The migration of MPs in wetlands is influenced by both non-biological factors (the physicochemical properties of MPs, sediment characteristics, and hydrodynamic conditions) and biological factors (the adsorption and growth interception by plant roots, ingestion, and animal excretion). Furthermore, once MPs enter wetland ecosystems, they can impact the resident microorganisms, animals, and plants. They also have a role in global warming because MPs act as unique exogenous carbon sources, and can also influence GHG emissions in wetland ecosystems by affecting the microbial community structure in wetland sediments and abundance of genes associated with GHG emissions. However, further investigation is needed into the influence of MP type, size, and concentration on the GHG emissions in wetlands and the underlying mechanisms. Overall, the accumulation of MPs in wetland ecosystems can have far-reaching consequences for the local ecosystem, human health, and global climate regulation. Understanding the effects of MPs on wetland ecosystems is essential for developing effective management and mitigation strategies to safeguard these valuable and vulnerable environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Ying Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; School of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Bo Zhong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yun Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Xian-Xiang Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; School of Geography and Tourism, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 400047, China
| | - Zao Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yi-Xin He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Pietrelli L, Dodaro G, Pelosi I, Menegoni P, Battisti C, Coccia C, Scalici M. Microplastic in an apex predator: evidence from Barn owl (Tyto alba) pellets in two sites with different levels of anthropization. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:33155-33162. [PMID: 38733443 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33637-8] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in terrestrial and freshwater environments and its accumulation along food chains has been poorly studied in birds. The Barn owl (Tyto alba) is an opportunistic and nocturnal apex predator feeding mostly on small mammals. In this note, we reported evidence of microplastics (MPs) contamination in Barn owl pellets collected, for the first time, in two sites with different levels of anthropization (low: natural landscape mosaic vs. high extensive croplands). The following polymers have been recorded: polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), expanded polyester (EPS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyester (PL), viscose, and starch-based biopolymer. We found significant higher MPs frequency in the most anthropized site. Our results suggest that pellet' analysis may represent a cost-effective method for monitoring MP contamination along food chains in terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giuseppe Dodaro
- Sustainable Development Foundation, Via Garigliano 61a, 00198, Rome, Italia
| | - Ilaria Pelosi
- Department of Sciences, University of Rome Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Corrado Battisti
- "Torre Flavia" LTER (Long Term Ecological Research) Station, Città Metropolitana Di Roma, Servizio Aree protette - Parchi Regionali - Via Ribotta, 41 - 00144, Rome, Italy.
| | - Cristina Coccia
- Department of Sciences, University of Rome Tre, Rome, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Università Di Palermo, Piazza Marina 61, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Scalici
- Department of Sciences, University of Rome Tre, Rome, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Università Di Palermo, Piazza Marina 61, 90133, Palermo, Italy
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Mansfield I, Reynolds SJ, Lynch I, Matthews TJ, Sadler JP. Birds as bioindicators of plastic pollution in terrestrial and freshwater environments: A 30-year review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123790. [PMID: 38537798 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123790] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a global concern that has grown ever more acute in recent years. Most research has focused on the impact of plastic pollution in marine environments. However, plastic is increasingly being detected in terrestrial and freshwater environments with key inland sources including landfills, where it is accessible to a wide range of organisms. Birds are effective bioindicators of pollutants for many reasons, including their high mobility and high intra- and interspecific variation in trophic levels. Freshwater and terrestrial bird species are under-represented in plastic pollution research compared to marine species. We reviewed 106 studies (spanning from 1994 onwards) that have detected plastics in bird species dwelling in freshwater and/or terrestrial habitats, identifying knowledge gaps. Seventy-two studies focused solely on macroplastics (fragments >5 mm), compared to 22 microplastic (fragments <5 mm) studies. A further 12 studies identified plastics as both microplastics and macroplastics. No study investigated nanoplastic (particles <100 nm) exposure. Research to date has geographical and species' biases while ignoring nanoplastic sequestration in free-living freshwater, terrestrial and marine bird species. Building on the baseline search presented here, we urge researchers to develop and validate standardised field sampling techniques and laboratory analytical protocols such as Raman spectroscopy to allow for the quantification and identification of micro- and nanoplastics in terrestrial and freshwater environments and the species therein. Future studies should consistently report the internalised and background concentrations, types, sizes and forms of plastics. This will enable a better understanding of the sources of plastic pollution and their routes of exposure to birds of terrestrial and freshwater environments, providing a more comprehensive insight into the potential impacts on birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Mansfield
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | - S J Reynolds
- School of Biosciences, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; The Army Ornithological Society (AOS), c/o Prince Consort Library, Knollys Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 1PS, UK
| | - I Lynch
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - T J Matthews
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - J P Sadler
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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Martín-Vélez V, Cano-Povedano J, Cañuelo-Jurado B, López-Calderón C, Céspedes V, Ros M, Sánchez MI, Shamoun-Baranes J, Müller W, Thaxter CB, Camphuysen CJ, Cózar A, Green AJ. Leakage of plastics and other debris from landfills to a highly protected lake by wintering gulls. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 177:13-23. [PMID: 38281470 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2024.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
GENERAL CONTEXT Gulls ingest plastic and other litter while foraging in open landfills, because organic matter is mixed with other debris. Therefore, gulls are potential biovectors of plastic pollution into natural habitats, especially when they concentrate in wetlands for roosting. NOVELTY We quantified, for the first time, the flow of plastic and other anthropogenic debris from open landfills to a natural lake via the movement of gulls. We focused on Fuente de Piedra, an inland closed-basin lake in Spain that is internationally important for biodiversity. METHODOLOGY In 2022, we sampled gull pellets regurgitated in the lake by lesser black-backed gulls Larus fuscus that feed on landfills, as well as their faeces, then characterized and quantified debris particles of ≥0.5 mm. By combining GPS and census data from 2010 to 2022, together with plastic quantification based on FTIR-ATR analysis, we estimated the average annual deposition of plastic and other debris by the wintering gull population into the lake. MAIN RESULTS 86 % of pellets contained plastics, and 94 % contained other debris such as glass and textiles. Polyethylene (54 %), polypropylene (11.5 %) and polystyrene (11.5 %) were the main plastic polymers. An estimated annual mean of 400 kg of plastics were moved by gulls into the lake. Only 1 % of plastic mass was imported in faeces. DISCUSSION Incorporating the biovectoring role of birds can provide a more holistic view of the plastic cycle and waste management. Biovectoring is predictable in sites worldwide where gulls and other waterbirds feed in landfills and roost in wetlands. We discuss bird deterrence and other ways of mitigating debris leakage into aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Martín-Vélez
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), CSIC, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, Barcelona 37-49 08003, Spain; Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, Sevilla 41092, Spain.
| | - Julián Cano-Povedano
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, Sevilla 41092, Spain
| | - Belén Cañuelo-Jurado
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, Sevilla 41092, Spain
| | - Cosme López-Calderón
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, Sevilla 41092, Spain; Grupo de Investigación en Conservación. Biodiversidad y Cambio Global, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Vanessa Céspedes
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, Sevilla 41092, Spain
| | - Macarena Ros
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Av. Reina Mercedes 6, Sevilla 41012, Spain
| | - Marta I Sánchez
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, Sevilla 41092, Spain
| | - Judy Shamoun-Baranes
- Theoretical and Computational Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1090 GE, The Netherlands
| | - Wendt Müller
- Department of Biology, Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Chris B Thaxter
- British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU, UK
| | - Cornelis J Camphuysen
- COS Department, Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Andrés Cózar
- Department of Biology, Institute of Marine Research (INMAR), University of Cadiz and European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), Puerto Real 11510, Spain
| | - Andy J Green
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, Sevilla 41092, Spain
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McCann Smith E, Bartosova Z, Wagner M, Jaspers VLB, Monclús L. Exposure to microplastics affects fatty acid composition in the Japanese quail depending on sex and particle size. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169019. [PMID: 38048993 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Plastic ingestion in birds is a widespread phenomenon of increasing concern. However, little is known about how exposure to microplastics (MP) affects the health of birds. In other organisms, MP exposure alters lipid metabolism and composition. If also true in birds, this could affect their fitness, especially since birds heavily rely on lipids during migration and egg production. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if ingestion of MP (polypropylene and polyethylene collected in nature) in two size ranges, large (3 mm) and small (<125 μm), affects lipid metabolism in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). We orally exposed 55 one-week-old quail during 5 weeks to a total of 600 mg of MP in sizes of either large, small, or a mixture of both. After the exposure period, females fed small MP had higher liver masses compared to control females (on average ± SD, 8.95 ± 2.3 g vs. 6.34 ± 1.0 g), while liver lipid content did not differ in either males or females. The levels of monounsaturated fatty acids were lower in females exposed to large MP and the mixture of both MP sizes compared to controls. Females exposed to MP also had different levels of oleic- (18:1) and palmitoleic (16:1) acid compared to controls dependent on MP size. Exposure to small MP increased levels of palmitic- (16:0) and palmitoleic (16:1) acid in both males and females suggesting a possible increase in de novo fatty acid synthesis. Taken together, our results point towards a sex-specific sensitivity to MP as well as size-dependent MP effects on lipid metabolism in birds. Disruption of fatty acid composition could affect important life stages in female birds, such as migration and egg-laying. We stress the importance of further research focused on determining the mechanisms of action of MP on lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana McCann Smith
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Zdenka Bartosova
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Martin Wagner
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Laura Monclús
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
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Li S, Yang Y, Yang S, Zheng H, Zheng Y, M J, Nagarajan D, Varjani S, Chang JS. Recent advances in biodegradation of emerging contaminants - microplastics (MPs): Feasibility, mechanism, and future prospects. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 331:138776. [PMID: 37100247 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have become an essential part of life. When it enters the environment, it migrates and breaks down to form smaller size fragments, which are called microplastics (MPs). Compared with plastics, MPs are detrimental to the environment and pose a severe threat to human health. Bioremediation is being recognized as the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective degradation technology for MPs, but knowledge about the biodegradation of MPs is limited. This review explores the various sources of MPs and their migration behavior in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Among the existing MPs removal technologies, biodegradation is considered to be the best removal strategy to alleviate MPs pollution. The biodegradation potential of MPs by bacteria, fungi and algae is discussed. Biodegradation mechanisms such as colonization, fragmentation, assimilation, and mineralization are presented. The effects of MPs characteristics, microbial activity, environmental factors and chemical reagents on biodegradation are analyzed. The susceptibility of microorganisms to MPs toxicity might lead to decreased degradation efficiency, which is also elaborated. The prospects and challenges of biodegradation technologies are discussed. Eliminating prospective bottlenecks is necessary to achieve large-scale bioremediation of MPs-polluted environment. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the biodegradability of MPs, which is crucial for the prudent management of plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, 161006, China
| | - Yalun Yang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, 161006, China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Heshan Zheng
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, 161006, China.
| | - Yongjie Zheng
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, 161006, China
| | - Jun M
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Dillirani Nagarajan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sunita Varjani
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Jo-Shu Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan; Research Center for Energy Technology and Strategy, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Yuan Ze University, Chung-Li, Taiwan.
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Dent AR, Chadwick DDA, Eagle LJB, Gould AN, Harwood M, Sayer CD, Rose NL. Microplastic burden in invasive signal crayfish ( Pacifastacus leniusculus) increases along a stream urbanization gradient. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10041. [PMID: 37153013 PMCID: PMC10156447 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics are a globally pervasive pollutant with the potential to directly impact species and accumulate in ecosystems. However, there remains a relative paucity of research addressing their accumulation in freshwater ecosystems and a near absence of work in crayfish, despite their high ecological and economic importance. This study investigated the presence of microplastics in the invasive signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus along a stream urbanization gradient. The results demonstrate a ubiquitous presence of microplastics in crayfish digestive tracts at all sites and provide the first evidence of microplastic accumulation in tail tissue. Evidence of a positive linear trend was demonstrated between microplastic concentration in crayfish and upstream urban area size in generalized linear models. Evidence for a positive effect of the upstream urban area and a negative effect of crayfish length on microplastic concentrations in crayfish was demonstrated in multiple generalized linear regression models. Our results extend the current understanding of microplastics presence in freshwater ecosystems and demonstrate their presence in crayfish in the wild for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel D. A. Chadwick
- Department of GeographyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- PBA Applied EcologySettle, North YorkshireUK
| | - Lawrence J. B. Eagle
- Department of GeographyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- PBA Applied EcologySettle, North YorkshireUK
| | | | | | - Carl D. Sayer
- Department of GeographyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Neil L. Rose
- Department of GeographyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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9
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Jessieleena AA, Nambi IM. Distribution of microplastics in the catchment region of Pallikaranai marshland, a Ramsar site in Chennai, India. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 318:120890. [PMID: 36529343 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are persistent toxic pollutants, detected in different environmental compartments. Numerous studies on the characteristics and distribution of microplastics present in different environmental matrices are being carried out. However, limited studies have been performed in environmental systems like eco-sensitive freshwater marshlands. Therefore, to enrich the existing knowledge and understanding, this current study has analysed the distribution and characteristics of microplastics present in the catchment region of Pallikaranai marshland, Chennai, India. Both surface water and sediment samples were contaminated with microplastics in the range of 740-2826 items/m3and 700 to 5833 items/kg of dry sediment, respectively. Compared to other shapes, fibrous microplastics were predominant in most of the surface water (n = 11) and sediment (n = 8) samples. The abundant presence of smaller microplastics (<1 mm) in the surface water suggests elevated impacts on the aquatic species owing to their higher bioavailability. Elevated anthropogenic activities and frequent movement of people in urban and residential areas were noted to possibly influence the spatial distribution of microplastics. Furthermore, heavy metals' occurrence on microplastics was investigated using X-Ray Fluorescence Analyser (XRF) and Zn, Fe, Ti, and Ni are the commonly detected (>50% of the samples) elements. The estimated average pollution load index of 2.5 indicates the polluted state of Pallikaranai catchment region.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Angel Jessieleena
- Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 036, India.
| | - Indumathi M Nambi
- Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 036, India.
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10
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Wani AK, Akhtar N, Naqash N, Rahayu F, Djajadi D, Chopra C, Singh R, Mulla SI, Sher F, Américo-Pinheiro JHP. Discovering untapped microbial communities through metagenomics for microplastic remediation: recent advances, challenges, and way forward. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:1-24. [PMID: 36637649 PMCID: PMC9838310 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25192-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants persisting almost everywhere in the environment. With the increase in anthropogenic activities, MP accumulation is increasing enormously in aquatic, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. Owing to the slow degradation of plastics, MPs show an increased biomagnification probability of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic substances thereby creating a threat to environmental biota. Thus, remediation of MP-pollutants requires efficient strategies to circumvent the mobilization of contaminants leaching into the water, soil, and ultimately to human beings. Over the years, several microorganisms have been characterized by the potential to degrade different plastic polymers through enzymatic actions. Metagenomics (MGs) is an effective way to discover novel microbial communities and access their functional genetics for the exploration and characterization of plastic-degrading microbial consortia and enzymes. MGs in combination with metatranscriptomics and metabolomics approaches are a powerful tool to identify and select remediation-efficient microbes in situ. Advancement in bioinformatics and sequencing tools allows rapid screening, mining, and prediction of genes that are capable of polymer degradation. This review comprehensively summarizes the growing threat of microplastics around the world and highlights the role of MGs and computational biology in building effective response strategies for MP remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Khurshid Wani
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Nahid Akhtar
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Nafiaah Naqash
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Farida Rahayu
- Research Center for Applied Microbiology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Djajadi Djajadi
- Research Center for Horticulture and Plantation, National Research Innovation Agency, Bogor, 16111, Indonesia
| | - Chirag Chopra
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Reena Singh
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Sikandar I Mulla
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Allied Health Sciences, REVA University, Bengaluru, 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - Farooq Sher
- Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Juliana Heloisa Pinê Américo-Pinheiro
- Department of Forest Science, Soils and Environment, School of Agronomic Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Ave. Universitária, 3780, Botucatu, SP, 18610-034, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Brazil University, Street Carolina Fonseca, 584, São Paulo, SP, 08230-030, Brazil.
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11
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El Kholy S, Al Naggar Y. Exposure to polystyrene microplastic beads causes sex-specific toxic effects in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster. Sci Rep 2023; 13:204. [PMID: 36604504 PMCID: PMC9814852 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27284-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The toxicity of MPs on aquatic creatures has been extensively studied, but little attention was paid to terrestrial organisms. To fill this gab, we conducted a series of experiments using Drosophila as a model organism to understand whether exposure to different concentrations (0.005, 0.05, 0.5 µg/ml) of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) beads (2 µm in size) can impact flies feeding activity, digestion and excretion. The ability of flies to distinguish between normal and PS-MPs treated food media was tested first, and then we evaluated the effects of a 7-day short-term exposure to PS-MPs on food intake, mortality, starvation resistance, fecal pellet count, and the cellular structure of mid gut cells. The results revealed that flies can really differentiate and ignore MPs-treated food. We discovered sex-specific effects, with male flies being more sensitive to PS-MPs, with all males dying after 14 days when exposed to 0.5 µg/ml of PS-MPs, whereas female flies survived more. All male flies exposed to PS-MPs died after 24 h of starvation. Midgut cells showed concentration-dependent necrosis and apoptosis in response to PS-MPs. Our findings provide new insights into MPs toxicity on terrestrial organisms and giving a warning that management measures against MPs emission must be taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar El Kholy
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt.
| | - Yahya Al Naggar
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt.
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12
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Efficient extraction of small microplastic particles from rat feed and feces for quantification. Heliyon 2023; 9:e12811. [PMID: 36711289 PMCID: PMC9876835 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e12811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, microplastic is ubiquitously encountered in the environment. Studies analyzing microplastic in terrestrial ecosystems, including animal feces and feed, are few. Microplastic quantification method validation and harmonization are not yet far developed. For the analysis of small microplastic, approximately <0.5 mm, extraction from organic and inorganic materials is fundamental prior to quantitative and qualitative analysis. Method validation, including recovery studies, are necessary throughout the analytical chain. In this study, we developed an optimized, efficient protocol with a duration of 72 h for the digestion of laboratory rat feed and feces. A combination of a mild acidic (H2O2 15%; HNO3 5%) and an alkaline treatment (10% KOH) dissolving the previous filter, followed by enzymatic digestion (Viscozyme®L) proved to be efficient for the extraction and identification of spiked polyamide (15-20 μm) and polyethylene (40-48 μm) from feed and feces samples from rats, showing high recovery rates. Extracted rat feces samples from an in vivo study in which Wistar rats were fed with feed containing microplastic were analyzed with pyrolysis-gas chromatography-Orbitrap™ mass spectrometry, quantifying recovered microplastic in rat feces in environmentally relevant concentrations. The presented three-step protocol provides a suitable, time and cost-effective method to extract microplastic from rat feed and feces.
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13
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Navarro A, Luzardo OP, Gómez M, Acosta-Dacal A, Martínez I, Felipe de la Rosa J, Macías-Montes A, Suárez-Pérez A, Herrera A. Microplastics ingestion and chemical pollutants in seabirds of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114434. [PMID: 36495613 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution constitutes an environmental problem in the Canary Islands nowadays. Nevertheless, studies evaluating the impact of plastics on its avifauna are still scarce. Gastrointestinal tracts of 88 birds belonging to 14 species were studied for the presence of plastics. Moreover, their livers were analyzed for the determination of bromodiphenyl ethers (BDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Among Cory's shearwaters (n = 45), the frequency of occurrence of plastic ingestion was considerably high (88.89 %). This species had the highest mean value of items (7.22 ± 5.66) and most of them were compatible with lines derived from fishing gear. PCBs and PAHs were detected in all of the samples and OCPs in the great majority of them (98.86 %). Our results highlight the problems that plastic debris (mainly for seabirds) and organic pollutants pose to these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Navarro
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Octavio Pérez Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - May Gómez
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Andrea Acosta-Dacal
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Ico Martínez
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Jorge Felipe de la Rosa
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Ana Macías-Montes
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | | | - Alicia Herrera
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
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14
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Daudt NW, Bugoni L, Nunes GT. Plastics and waterbirds in Brazil: A review of ingestion, nest materials and entanglement reveals substantial knowledge gaps and opportunities for research. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120615. [PMID: 36356888 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is an increasing global problem, especially in aquatic environments. From invertebrates to vertebrates, many aquatic species have been affected by plastic pollution worldwide. Waterbirds also interact with plastics, mainly by ingesting them or using them as nest material. Brazil has one of the largest aquatic environment areas, including the most extensive wetland (the Pantanal) and biggest river (the Amazon), and a ∼7500 km long coastline, which hosts a remarkable waterbird diversity with more than 200 species from 28 bird families. Here, we synthesise published and grey literature to assess where, how, and which waterbirds (marine and continental) interact with plastics in Brazil. We found 96 documents reporting interaction between waterbirds and plastics. Only 32% of the occurring species in the country had at least one individual analysed. Plastic ingestion was reported in 67% of the studies, and seabirds were the study subject in 79% of them. We found no reports in continental aquatic environments, unveiling entire regions without any information regarding interactions. Consequently, this geographic bias drew a considerable taxonomic bias, with whole families and orders without information. Additionally, most studies did not aim to search for plastic interactions, which had a twofold effect. First, studies did not report their findings using the proposed standard metrics, hampering thus advances in understanding trends or defining robust baselines. Second, as it was not their main objective, plastics were not mentioned in titles, abstracts, and keywords, making it difficult to find these studies. We propose means for achieving a better understanding of waterbird-plastic interactions in space and time, and recommend searching for sentinel species and for allocating research grants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Winterle Daudt
- Waterbirds and Sea Turtles Laboratory, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand.
| | - Leandro Bugoni
- Waterbirds and Sea Turtles Laboratory, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Tavares Nunes
- Centro de Estudos Costeiros, Limnológicos e Marinhos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Imbé, RS, Brazil
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15
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Nessi A, Winkler A, Tremolada P, Saliu F, Lasagni M, Ghezzi LLM, Balestrieri A. Microplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystems: A study using barn owl (Tyto alba) pellets. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136281. [PMID: 36064015 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are recognised as an emerging environmental problem that needs to be carefully monitored. So far, MPs have been widely recorded in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Still, few studies have focused on MP occurrence in terrestrial ecosystems, although soils are suspected to be one of the main MP reservoirs. To test a non-invasive method for assessing MP contamination in terrestrial ecosystems, we analysed the pellets of a top terrestrial predator, the barn owl (Tyto alba). Sixty pellets were collected from three agricultural areas (20 pellets each) and analysed to assess both barn owl diet and MP content. Thirty-four MPs were confirmed by micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μ-FTIR) analysis in 33% of the pellets (min-max 1-5 MPs per pellet). Most of the detected items were microfibres (88.2%). Polyethylene terephthalate, polyacrylonitrile and polyamide were the most abundant polymers. One of the three sites was significantly less contaminated. In the two sites with the highest MP occurrences, barn owl diet was characterised by predation on synanthropic rodents, particularly brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), which may indicate habitat degradation and increased exposure to MPs. Analyses also suggest that Savi's pine vole (Microtus savii) is the prey least at risk of MP contamination, probably due to its strictly herbivorous diet. We argue that the analysis of barn owl pellets may represent a cost-effective method for monitoring MP contamination in terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Nessi
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Anna Winkler
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Tremolada
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Balestrieri
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
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16
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Plastic Debris in Nests of Two Water Bird Species Breeding on Inland Saline Lakes in a Mediterranean Biosphere Reserve. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223222. [PMID: 36428449 PMCID: PMC9686961 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite more studies being carried out to know the impacts associated with plastic debris and much effort being spent on marine ecosystems, the impacts of plastics on terrestrial and freshwater species remain largely unknown. Here, we explored the presence of anthropogenic materials in nests of two wader species, the gull-billed tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) and the black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus), breeding on the inland salt lakes in the “La Mancha Húmeda” Biosphere Reserve, Central Spain. We revealed the presence of anthropogenic debris, mainly macroplastics (>5 mm), in 2.4% and 12.5% of the sampled nests of the gull-billed tern and the black-winged stilt, respectively. The fragments found in nests ranged from 8 mm to 257 mm for the gull-billed tern and from 7 mm to 19 mm for the black-winged stilt. This debris showed no clear pattern of color or size and probably originated both in the agricultural activities in the surroundings and domestic refuse. Although we did not detect any pernicious impacts on adults or chicks (e.g., entangled, injured, or dead individuals), the presence of plastics and other human waste directly placed in nests located in a protected area should warn us about the ubiquity of these pollutants, and the endocrine and immunological effects, among others, that may reduce the recruitment of new animals to the population should be assessed.
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17
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Roman L, Hardesty BD, Schuyler Q. A systematic review and risk matrix of plastic litter impacts on aquatic wildlife: A case study of the Mekong and Ganges River Basins. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 843:156858. [PMID: 35772547 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic litter is a pollutant of aquatic environments worldwide, with some of the world's highest litter densities occurring in freshwater ecosystems. Little information about the risk that plastic litter poses to aquatic wildlife is available across the world's most polluted waterways. To help assess the risk to aquatic species where empirical data is lacking, our review presents i) a risk assessment methodology for predicting plastic litter impacts on aquatic wildlife in data poor environments, ii) a case study demonstrating this risk assessment methodology for wildlife across two heavily polluted river basins in Asia, the Mekong and Ganges River Basins; and iii) a broad review summarising common trends in litter interactions and risk to freshwater fish, aquatic birds, cetaceans and raptors. This risk analysis unites a systematic review approach with risk matrices following International Standards Organization's risk assessment criteria, evaluating the risk of plastic entanglement and ingestion and the potential for harm to the animal. In the Mekong and Ganges River Basins, we found that the risk of litter entanglement is higher than litter ingestion. Four species were forecast to be at high risk of entanglement: Ganges River dolphin, Gharial, Mekong giant catfish and Irrawaddy dolphin. The eastern imperial eagle and greater spotted eagle were noted to be at moderate risk of entanglement. Both the Ganges River dolphin and Irrawaddy dolphin were predicted to have a moderate risk of plastic ingestion. Interestingly, cranes, waterfowl and wading birds were deemed at low or negligible risk from plastic litter. This risk matrix methodology can be applied to other waterways and taxa to assess the risk posed by plastic. It can also be readily updated as more information becomes available. This review enables decision makers to bridge a data gap by providing a tool for conservation and management before comprehensive empirical data is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Roman
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Britta Denise Hardesty
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Qamar Schuyler
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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18
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Buwono NR, Risjani Y, Soegianto A. Spatio-temporal patterns of occurrence of microplastics in the freshwater fish Gambusia affinis from the Brantas River, Indonesia. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 311:119958. [PMID: 35973453 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The first investigation of microplastics in G. affinis from the Brantas River was carried out in this study. Microplastics were found at higher concentrations in gambusia fish captured downstream (209.18 ± 48.85 particles/gram) than upstream (24.44 ± 0.14 particles/gram). Microplastic particle concentrations in G. affinis have a positive linear relationship with fish length. The fiber was the most prominent shape at Sites 1 and 2, whereas the fragment was dominant at Sites 3 and 4. With a value of 45-48%, black dominates the entire site, followed by blue (29-38%), transparent colors (7-11%), red (2-4%), purple (1-3%), and other colors (5-7%). Microplastics measuring <0.1 mm are commonly found in fish bodies. Cyclohexylmethyl octyl ester (phthalic acid) is the most abundant component found in microplastics, accounting for 30.11% of the total. This study provides evidence that G. affinis can be used to monitor the presence of microplastic pollution in the Brantas River but further studies are needed regarding the effects of microplastics and their health hazards on fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanik Retno Buwono
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Dr. Ir. Soekarno Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia; Departement of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Brawijaya University, Jl. Veteran Malang, 65145, Indonesia; AquaRES Research Group, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Brawijaya University, Jl. Veteran Malang, 65145, Indonesia
| | - Yenny Risjani
- Departement of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Brawijaya University, Jl. Veteran Malang, 65145, Indonesia
| | - Agoes Soegianto
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Dr. Ir. Soekarno Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia; Research Group of Environmental Technology and Innovation, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Dr. Ir. Soekarno Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia.
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19
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Xi B, Wang B, Chen M, Lee X, Zhang X, Wang S, Yu Z, Wu P. Environmental behaviors and degradation methods of microplastics in different environmental media. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134354. [PMID: 35306053 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics, as a group of emerging contaminants, are widely present in environmental media and have the potential to endanger the ecological environment and human health. Due to the inconsistencies and difficulties inherent in the analysis of microplastic particles, global monitoring data on the distribution of microplastics in the environment are still far from sufficient. The fate and migration of microplastics in the environment are also uncertain. Therefore, there have been increasing reviews on the distribution, biological effects, migration, and health risks of microplastics. However, reports focusing on the degradation of microplastics are still rare. Understanding and commanding the environmental behavior of microplastics are of great significance to explore the treatment of microplastic pollution. Although some preliminary studies on microplastics have been carried out, there is still an urgent need to conduct a comprehensive study on environmental behaviors and degradation methods of microplastics in different environmental media. This article summarizes the recent advances on microplastics, basically includes the distribution and ecological impact of microplastics in soil and water environments, then elaborates the migration behavior and influencing factors of microplastics, and focuses on the research progress of microplastics degradation methods. On this basis, the problems existing in the current research and the future development directions have been proposed. This review could provide a more systematic reference for the development and research of microplastics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Xi
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Bing Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China.
| | - Miao Chen
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Xinqing Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, Guizhou 550081, China
| | - Xueyang Zhang
- School of Environmental Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Industrial Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou 221018, China
| | - Shengsen Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
| | - Zebin Yu
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Panfeng Wu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224051, China
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20
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Grant ML, Bond AL, Lavers JL. The influence of seabirds on their breeding, roosting, and nesting grounds: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Anim Ecol 2022; 91:1266-1289. [PMID: 35395097 PMCID: PMC9324971 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Seabird species worldwide are integral to both marine and terrestrial environments, connecting the two systems by transporting vast quantities of marine-derived nutrients and pollutants to terrestrial breeding, roosting, and nesting grounds via the deposition of guano and other allochthonous inputs (e.g., eggs, feathers). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis and provide insight into what types of nutrients and pollutants seabirds are transporting, the influence these subsidies are having on recipient environments, with a particular focus on soil, and what may happen if seabird populations decline. The addition of guano to colony soils increased nutrient levels compared to control soils for all seabirds studied, with cascading positive effects observed across a range of habitats. Deposited guano sometimes led to negative impacts, such a guanotrophication, or guano-induced eutrophication, which was often observed where there was an excess of guano or in areas with high seabird densities. While the literature describing nutrients transported by seabirds is extensive, literature regarding pollutant transfer is comparatively limited, with a focus on toxic and bioaccumulative metals. Research on persistent organic pollutants and plastics transported by seabirds is likely to increase in coming years. Studies were limited geographically, with hotspots of research activity in a few locations, but data were lacking from large regions around the world. Studies were also limited to seabird species listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. As seabird populations are impacted by multiple threats and steep declines have been observed for many species worldwide, gaps in the literature are particularly concerning. The loss of seabirds will impact nutrient cycling at localised levels and potentially on a global scale as well, yet it is unknown what may truly happen to areas that rely on seabirds if these populations disappear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Grant
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, School Road, Newnham, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Alexander L Bond
- Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.,Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania, Australia
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21
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Bai CL, Liu LY, Hu YB, Zeng EY, Guo Y. Microplastics: A review of analytical methods, occurrence and characteristics in food, and potential toxicities to biota. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150263. [PMID: 34571218 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in various environment compartments, including food. Here, we collected research reports of MPs in food published during 2010-2020, and summarized the analytical methods developed and utilized by researchers (e.g., digestion, separation and identification, as well as related QA/QC measures implemented), the occurrence, and the characteristics of MPs in six kinds of food. The potential effects on biota from exposure to MPs were also reviewed. The results showed that most researchers digested food samples using chemical solutions such as HNO3, H2O2, KOH, or NaOH. FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy were the main technique for identifying MPs, and microscopes were used to count MP particles. The abundances MPs were in the ranges of 0-5860, 2.00-1100, 0-698, 4.00-18.7, 0-5.68 × 104 and 900-3000 particles/kg in beverages, condiments, honey, meat, seafood and vegetables, respectively. The "maximum" annual human intake of MPs from these foods is approximately 1.42 × 105-1.54 × 105 particles/capita, equivalent to the consumption of 50 plastic bags (size: 0.04 mm × 250 mm × 400 mm, density: 0.98 g/cm3) each year. Blue-colored and fiber-shaped MP particles were the most commonly observed in food, predominated by PA, PE, PES, PET and PP types. Toxicity studies indicated that MPs, additives of MPs and adsorbents or microorganisms on the surfaces of MPs were all somewhat toxic to cells or biota. Exposure to MPs may induce oxidative stress, inflammation, neurotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity, and change the structure of intestinal microflora in cells or biota. Therefore, we call for more investigation into the residual, excretion and bioavailability of MPs or related absorbents/additives in biota and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Lan Bai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, and Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Liang-Ying Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, and Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yi-Bin Hu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, and Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Eddy Y Zeng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, and Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ying Guo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, and Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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22
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Vanstreels RET, Gallo L, Serafini PP, Santos AP, Egert L, Uhart MM. Ingestion of plastics and other debris by coastal and pelagic birds along the coast of Espírito Santo, Eastern Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113046. [PMID: 34673429 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Although the ingestion of plastics and other anthropogenic debris by seabirds is a global problem, few studies have employed standardized protocols to quantify and classify the debris ingested by seabirds in the Southwest Atlantic. We evaluated the ingestion of marine debris (items >0.1 mm) by 126 coastal and pelagic birds (19 species) along the coast of Espírito Santo, Eastern Brazil. Debris were found in 30% of birds examined (11 species). Particles <1 mm accounted for 35% of all debris items. Most ingested debris were plastics (97%). Ingestion of >0.1 g of plastic debris was recorded in five species: Atlantic yellow-nosed albatrosses (Thalassarche chlororhynchos), Cory's shearwaters (Calonectris borealis), Manx shearwaters (Puffinus puffinus), brown boobies (Sula leucogaster), and Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus). Our findings suggest that the ingestion of marine debris, especially plastics, is a common problem for coastal and pelagic birds in tropical Southwest Atlantic waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Eric Thijl Vanstreels
- Institute of Research and Rehabilitation of Marine Animals, Rodovia BR-262 km 0, Jardim América, Cariacica, Espírito Santo 29140-130, Brazil; One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, VM3B, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Luciana Gallo
- Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Boulevard Brown 2915, Puerto Madryn U9120ACD, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Patricia P Serafini
- Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Aves Silvestres, Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Rodovia Maurício Sirotski Sobrinho SC 402, km 02, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina 88053-700, Brazil
| | - Allan P Santos
- Institute of Research and Rehabilitation of Marine Animals, Rodovia BR-262 km 0, Jardim América, Cariacica, Espírito Santo 29140-130, Brazil
| | - Leandro Egert
- Institute of Research and Rehabilitation of Marine Animals, Rodovia BR-262 km 0, Jardim América, Cariacica, Espírito Santo 29140-130, Brazil
| | - Marcela M Uhart
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, VM3B, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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23
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Richard FJ, Southern I, Gigauri M, Bellini G, Rojas O, Runde A. Warning on nine pollutants and their effects on avian communities. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
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24
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Martín-Lara MA, Godoy V, Quesada L, Lozano EJ, Calero M. Environmental status of marine plastic pollution in Spain. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 170:112677. [PMID: 34186451 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The excessive use of plastic in our society is causing a massive accumulation, since it is a non-biodegradable product and with still poor recycling rates. This effect can be observed in the seas, which more and more plastic waste are accumulating. The present work is a critical review, based on all currently available literature, that reports environmental status of marine plastic pollution, especially microplastic pollution, in Spain. The three Spanish water areas with the highest presence of plastics are the Alboran Sea, the Gulf of Alicante and the vicinity of Barcelona probably related to fishing and industrial activities and high population densities. With regard to microplastic contamination on beaches in Spain, annual monitoring by the Spanish government shows contamination along the entire coast of the country, with particularly high concentrations in the Canary Islands (between 800 and 8800 particles/m2 in spring). Between 40 and 50% of the particles analyzed were pellets and the main factors postulated for the distribution of these particles are marine currents and the geomorphological characteristics. With regards to biota, ingestion of microplastics by fish has been intensely confirmed and, important differences were observed between the locations of the sampling, being bogues (Boops boops) one of the fish species more studied in Spain. Finally, the work includes a revision of European and Spanish legislation about plastics and marine pollution and some strategies to reduce this kind of contamination in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Martín-Lara
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - V Godoy
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - L Quesada
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - E J Lozano
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - M Calero
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
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25
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Fleury JB, Baulin VA. Microplastics destabilize lipid membranes by mechanical stretching. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2104610118. [PMID: 34326264 PMCID: PMC8346836 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2104610118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimated millions of tons of plastic are dumped annually into oceans. Plastic has been produced only for 70 y, but the exponential rise of mass production leads to its widespread proliferation in all environments. As a consequence of their large abundance globally, microplastics are also found in many living organisms including humans. While the health impact of digested microplastics on living organisms is debatable, we reveal a physical mechanism of mechanical stretching of model cell lipid membranes induced by adsorbed micrometer-sized microplastic particles most commonly found in oceans. Combining experimental and theoretical approaches, we demonstrate that microplastic particles adsorbed on lipid membranes considerably increase membrane tension even at low particle concentrations. Each particle adsorbed at the membrane consumes surface area that is proportional to the contact area between particle and the membrane. Although lipid membranes are liquid and able to accommodate mechanical stress, the relaxation time is much slower than the rate of adsorption; thus, the cumulative effect from arriving microplastic particles to the membrane leads to the global reduction of the membrane area and increase of membrane tension. This, in turn, leads to a strong reduction of membrane lifetime. The effect of mechanical stretching of microplastics on living cells membranes was demonstrated by using the aspiration micropipette technique on red blood cells. The described mechanical stretching mechanism on lipid bilayers may provide better understanding of the impact of microplastic particles in living systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Fleury
- Experimental Physics, Universitat des Saarlandes, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany;
- Center for Biophysics, Universitat des Saarlandes, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Vladimir A Baulin
- Departament Química Física i Inorgànica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
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26
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Pérez-Guevara F, Kutralam-Muniasamy G, Shruti VC. Critical review on microplastics in fecal matter: Research progress, analytical methods and future outlook. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 778:146395. [PMID: 34030364 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
There has been an ever-increasing attention over years for investigating microplastics in feces of lower to higher trophic organisms from diverse environments. Focusing on the standardization of methodologies for reliable generation and comparison of data is one of the important aspects in microplastic area. This first review, comprising 20 studies in total, critically summarizes and compares the methodological approaches for the determination of microplastics in feces as well outlines the levels and characteristics of microplastics detected in feces worldwide. Contaminations and QA/QC measures are also discussed. Despite variations among the approaches, most studies (n = 12) described herein rely on the digestion processes involving H2O2 (n = 7) and KOH (n = 6) for the separation of microplastics, whereas very few included wet sieving (n = 5), density separation using NaCl (n = 3) and NaI (n = 1) and enzymatic digestion (n = 2). Microscopical sorting and spectroscopic methods such as infrared and Raman were combined for identification and characterization of microplastics. The detected microplastics varied by size, shape, color and polymer types and the differences in reporting units of microplastic abundance make comparison across studies difficult. Taking advantage of the current knowledge, our review identified analytical challenges and suggested appropriate methods on research into microplastic contamination in feces. This work will serve as a valuable information of available analytical methods for examining microplastics in feces and will stimulate further research to advance our understanding of microplastics from feces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fermín Pérez-Guevara
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Program, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - V C Shruti
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Centro Mexicano para la Producción más Limpia (CMP+L), Av. Acueducto s/n, Col. Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340, México City, Mexico.
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27
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Azevedo-Santos VM, Brito MFG, Manoel PS, Perroca JF, Rodrigues-Filho JL, Paschoal LRP, Gonçalves GRL, Wolf MR, Blettler MCM, Andrade MC, Nobile AB, Lima FP, Ruocco AMC, Silva CV, Perbiche-Neves G, Portinho JL, Giarrizzo T, Arcifa MS, Pelicice FM. Plastic pollution: A focus on freshwater biodiversity. AMBIO 2021; 50:1313-1324. [PMID: 33543362 PMCID: PMC8116388 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01496-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are dominant pollutants in freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Scientific studies that investigated the interaction between plastics and freshwater biodiversity are incipient, especially if compared to the marine realm. In this review, we provide a brief overview of plastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems around the world. We found evidence of plastic ingestion by 206 freshwater species, from invertebrates to mammals, in natural or semi-natural ecosystems. In addition, we reported other consequences of synthetic polymers in freshwater ecosystems-including, for instance, the entanglement of animals of different groups (e.g., birds). The problem of plastic pollution is complex and will need coordinated actions, such as recycling programs, correct disposal, stringent legislation, regular inspection, replacement of synthetic polymers with other materials, and ecological restoration. Current information indicates that the situation in freshwater ecosystems may be as detrimental as the pollution found in the ocean, although highly underappreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcelo F G Brito
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ecologia E Conservação, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | - Pedro S Manoel
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Júlia F Perroca
- Laboratório de Biologia de Camarões Marinhos E de Água Doce (LABCAM), Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Bauru, SP, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Universidade Do Estado de Santa Catarina, Laguna, SC, Brazil
| | - Jorge Luiz Rodrigues-Filho
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Universidade Do Estado de Santa Catarina, Laguna, SC, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Planejamento Territorial e Desenvolvimento Socioambiental, Universidade Do Estado de Santa Catarina, Laguna, SC, Brazil
| | - Lucas R P Paschoal
- Faculdade de Tecnologia Nilo de Stéfani (FATEC), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Milena R Wolf
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo C Andrade
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática E Pesca da Amazônia and Laboratório de Biologia Pesqueira E Manejo Dos Recursos Aquáticos, Grupo de Ecologia Aquática, Universidade Federal Do Pará, 2651 Avenida Perimetral, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - André B Nobile
- Ictiológica Consultoria Ambiental ME/LTDA, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe P Lima
- Ictiológica Consultoria Ambiental ME/LTDA, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana M C Ruocco
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Gilmar Perbiche-Neves
- Laboratório de Plâncton, Departamento de Hidrobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Jorge L Portinho
- Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Tommaso Giarrizzo
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática E Pesca da Amazônia and Laboratório de Biologia Pesqueira E Manejo Dos Recursos Aquáticos, Grupo de Ecologia Aquática, Universidade Federal Do Pará, 2651 Avenida Perimetral, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Marlene S Arcifa
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando M Pelicice
- Núcleo de Estudos Ambientais, Universidade Federal Do Tocantins, Porto Nacional, TO, Brazil
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28
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Qian J, Tang S, Wang P, Lu B, Li K, Jin W, He X. From source to sink: Review and prospects of microplastics in wetland ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:143633. [PMID: 33223161 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The source, distribution, migration, and fate of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems have received much attention. However, the relevant reports in wetland ecosystems, the boundary area between water and land, are still rare. Where are the sources and sinks of MPs in the wetland? The latest researches have shown that the sources of MPs in wetlands include sewage discharge, surface runoff, and plastic wastes from aquaculture. Fibers and fragments are the most common shapes, and PE, PP, PS can be detected in water or sediment matrices, and biota of wetlands. The distribution is affected by hydrodynamic conditions, sediment properties, and vegetation coverage. Factors affecting the vertical migration of MPs include their own physical and chemical properties, the combination of substances that accelerate deposition (mineral adsorption and biological flocculation), and resuspension. Minerals tend to adsorb negatively charged MPs while algae aggregates have a preference for positively charged MPs. The wetlands vegetation can trap MPs and affect their migration. In water matrices, MPs are ingested by organisms and integrated into sediments, which makes them seem undetectable in the wetland ecosystem. Photodegradation and microbial degradation can further reduce the MPs in size. Although recent research has increased, we are still searching for a methodological harmonization of the detection practices and exploring the migration rules and fate patterns of MPs. Our work is the first comprehensive review of the source, distribution, migration, and fate of MPs in wetland ecosystems. It reveals the uniqueness of wetland habitat in the research of MPs and indicates the potential of wetlands acting as sources or sinks for MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Qian
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sijing Tang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Peifang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Bianhe Lu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Jin
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Xixian He
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
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29
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Lehel J, Murphy S. Microplastics in the Food Chain: Food Safety and Environmental Aspects. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 259:1-49. [PMID: 34611754 DOI: 10.1007/398_2021_77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastic has been an incredibly useful and indispensable material in all aspects of human life. Without it many advances in medicine, technology or industry would not have been possible. However, its easy accessibility and low cost have led to global misuse. Basically, the production of the plastics from different chemical agents is very easy but unfortunately difficult to reuse or recycle, and it is thrown away as litter, incinerated or disposed of in landfill. Plastic once in the environment begins to degrade to very small sizes. Thus, many animals mistake them for food, so plastic enters a marine, terrestrial or freshwater food web. These microplastics although chemically inert have been shown to act as tiny "bio-sponges" for harmful chemicals found in the environment changing the nature of a plastic particle from chemically harmless to potentially toxic. It was believed that microparticles would simply pass through the gastrointestinal tract of animals and humans with no biological effect. However, studies have shown that they are sometimes taken up and distributed throughout the circulatory and lymphatic system and may be stored in the fatty tissues of different organisms. The result of the uptake of them showed potential carcinogenic effects, liver dysfunction and endocrine disruption. This review focuses on micro- and nanoplastics and their way entering marine and freshwater food webs, with particular attention to microplastic trophic transfer, their toxic side effects and influence to the human consumer in health and safety in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- József Lehel
- Department of Food Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Sadhbh Murphy
- Department of Food Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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30
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Winkler A, Nessi A, Antonioli D, Laus M, Santo N, Parolini M, Tremolada P. Occurrence of microplastics in pellets from the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) along the Ticino River, North Italy. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:41731-41739. [PMID: 32696405 PMCID: PMC7593284 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10163-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has reported avian plastic ingestion in marine bird species. Yet, while research attention on plastic pollution is shifting from marine to freshwater ecosystems, very few information on plastic ingestion is available for freshwater birds. Here, we examined the presence of microplastic in regurgitated pellets of the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) collected along the Ticino River (North Italy). In total, 133 kingfisher's pellets were examined between March and October 2019 from 54 transects along the river. Plastic elements were detected and identified by visual inspection followed by μ-FTIR and SEM-EDS. Overall, we found 12 (micro)plastics from at least three different polymers in 7.5% of the pellets. This study provides the first report of plastic uptake of this bird species. It highlights the importance of spectroscopic techniques in plastic monitoring studies in order to avoid misidentification of items found. Documenting the presence of plastic ingestion by top carnivores such as fish-eating birds is necessary to understand the pervasiveness and impact of (micro)plastic pollution in food webs of freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Winkler
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Nessi
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Antonioli
- University of Piemonte Orientale, DISIT, Via T. Michel 11, 15121, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Michele Laus
- University of Piemonte Orientale, DISIT, Via T. Michel 11, 15121, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Nadia Santo
- Unitech NOLIMITS, Imaging facility, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Tremolada
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
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31
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Coughlan NE, Doyle S, Baker-Arney C, Griffith RM, Lyne L, Williams H, Kelly TC, McMahon BJ, Dick JTA, Cunningham EM. Ingestion of anthropogenic debris by migratory barnacle geese Branta leucopsis on a remote north-eastern Atlantic island. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111588. [PMID: 32853840 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although seabirds are frequently used as sentinel species for anthropogenic pollution, the extent and impacts of synthetic debris ingestion remains poorly studied for many water bird species. Here, we assess ingestion of synthetic particles (≥0.5 mm) by barnacle geese, Branta leucopsis, wintering on a remote island. Faecal samples were collected over a period of four wintering seasons. In total, 71 individual samples were assessed, with 79% of samples displaying at least one debris particle (maximum lengths 0.5-5 mm) from anthropogenic sources. The recovered synthetic debris were identified as micro-fibres (n = 166) and micro-fragments (n = 165). The number of synthetic particles detected per sample was generally low at 4.7 ± 0.9, 43 (mean ± SE, maximum): micro-fibres 2.3 ± 0.3, 10; micro-fragments 2.3 ± 0.8, 40. Particle numbers detected per gram of faecal sample differed amongst wintering seasons. Our results suggest that non-marine water birds can frequently ingest low quantities of synthetic particles in remote coastal habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil E Coughlan
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK; Queen's Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry BT22 1PF, Northern Ireland, UK; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Susan Doyle
- School of Agriculture & Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Connie Baker-Arney
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK; Queen's Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry BT22 1PF, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Rose M Griffith
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK; Queen's Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry BT22 1PF, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Linda Lyne
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, Cork, Ireland
| | - Hannah Williams
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK; Queen's Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry BT22 1PF, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Thomas C Kelly
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, Cork, Ireland
| | - Barry J McMahon
- School of Agriculture & Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jaimie T A Dick
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK; Queen's Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry BT22 1PF, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Eoghan M Cunningham
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK; Queen's Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry BT22 1PF, Northern Ireland, UK; School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, 3 Byrom St, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
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32
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Angnunavuri PN, Attiogbe F, Mensah B. Consideration of emerging environmental contaminants in africa: Review of occurrence, formation, fate, and toxicity of plastic particles. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2020.e00546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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33
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Brander SM, Renick VC, Foley MM, Steele C, Woo M, Lusher A, Carr S, Helm P, Box C, Cherniak S, Andrews RC, Rochman CM. Sampling and Quality Assurance and Quality Control: A Guide for Scientists Investigating the Occurrence of Microplastics Across Matrices. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2020; 74:1099-1125. [PMID: 32643389 DOI: 10.1177/0003702820945713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a defining environmental contaminant and is considered to be one of the greatest environmental threats of the Anthropocene, with its presence documented across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The majority of this plastic debris falls into the micro (1 μm-5 mm) or nano (1-1000 nm) size range and comes from primary and secondary sources. Its small size makes it cumbersome to isolate and analyze reproducibly, and its ubiquitous distribution creates numerous challenges when controlling for background contamination across matrices (e.g., sediment, tissue, water, air). Although research on microplastics represents a relatively nascent subfield, burgeoning interest in questions surrounding the fate and effects of these debris items creates a pressing need for harmonized sampling protocols and quality control approaches. For results across laboratories to be reproducible and comparable, it is imperative that guidelines based on vetted protocols be readily available to research groups, many of which are either new to plastics research or, as with any new subfield, have arrived at current approaches through a process of trial-and-error rather than in consultation with the greater scientific community. The goals of this manuscript are to (i) outline the steps necessary to conduct general as well as matrix-specific quality assurance and quality control based on sample type and associated constraints, (ii) briefly review current findings across matrices, and (iii) provide guidance for the design of sampling regimes. Specific attention is paid to the source of microplastic pollution as well as the pathway by which contamination occurs, with details provided regarding each step in the process from generating appropriate questions to sampling design and collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne M Brander
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Corvallis, USA
| | - Violet C Renick
- Environmental Services Department, Orange County Sanitation District, Fountain Valley, USA
| | | | - Clare Steele
- California State University Channel Islands, Environmental Science and Resource Management, Camarillo, USA
| | - Mary Woo
- California State University Channel Islands, Environmental Science and Resource Management, Camarillo, USA
| | - Amy Lusher
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Oslo, Norway
| | - Steve Carr
- San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory, County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles, Whittier, USA
| | - Paul Helm
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Sam Cherniak
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robert C Andrews
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Vockenberg T, Wichard T, Ueberschaar N, Franke M, Stelter M, Braeutigam P. The sorption behaviour of amine micropollutants on polyethylene microplastics - impact of aging and interactions with green seaweed. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2020; 22:1678-1687. [PMID: 32638776 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00119h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment. Due to still rising global production, the emission of polymers into the environment and the abundance of microplastics have increased accordingly. Due to the long mineralization processes of microplastics, distribution in all compartments can be found. The hydrophobic surfaces of the particles can sorb chemical pollutants, therefore providing a potential pathway to accumulation by organisms within the food web. However, little is known about how long-term aging and degradation processes of microplastics can affect the sorption behaviours of organic pollutants on the particles. In this study, important industrial additives of emerging environmental concern, such as hydrophobic aromatic amines, were studied in relation to their sorption behaviour on high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene microplastics. Diphenylamine (log POW (logarithmic octanol-water partition coefficient) = 3.5) showed strong sorption, carbamazepine (log POW = 2.5) showed moderate sorption, and aniline (log POW = 0.9) showed no detectable sorption behaviour. Artificially aged particles exposed to photochemical aging and long-term mechanical treatment in water were compared to pristine microplastics. While mechanically aged microplastics promoted the sorption of aromatic amines, photochemically aged particles showed a decrease in sorption capacity due to changed surface chemistry. Importantly, the sorption capacity increased with increasing salinity, leading to strong implications for ocean systems, as an elevated uptake of pollutants could occur under marine conditions. Moreover, our study demonstrates that the ecotoxicological effects of diphenylamine on the growth of the seaweed Ulva (sea lettuce, Chlorophyta) were reduced in the presence of microplastics. As the plastic particles withdrew enough contaminants from solution, even toxic levels of diphenylamine (c = 10-4 M) became tolerable for the algae. However, the pollutants initially sorbed on the microplastics can be released again at a later point in the ageing process, thus having delayed pollution potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorben Vockenberg
- Institute of Technical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany. and Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry (CEEC Jena), Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Wichard
- Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Nico Ueberschaar
- Mass Spectrometry Platform, Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Marcus Franke
- Institute of Technical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany. and Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry (CEEC Jena), Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Stelter
- Institute of Technical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany. and Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry (CEEC Jena), Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany and Fraunhofer IKTS, Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems, Hermsdorf, Germany
| | - Patrick Braeutigam
- Institute of Technical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany. and Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry (CEEC Jena), Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
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Unraveling the Role of Plastic Waste Pollution in the Amvrakikos Wetlands National Park, Greece: The Stakeholders’ Views. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse8080549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste pollution in marine environments is considered a major environmental problem in coastal areas. Relative environmental problems are also recorded in protected wetlands. The National Park of Amvrakikos Wetlands, one of the largest wetlands of Greece, is studied in order to evaluate the influence of plastic waste in the protected area and its surroundings, according to the stakeholders’ views. The survey applied using the method of census addressing the key stakeholders in the area of interest and the use of a questionnaire; the data analyzed with the Statistical Package SSPS. The main findings reveal that waste management is not considered satisfactory in the broader area. Marine litter, pollution, overfishing, ecosystem degradation, agriculture and livestock activities, as well as the insufficiency of the municipal solid waste management and recycling system are listed as the most important environmental problems of the coastal area. The stakeholders’ participation is regarded as crucial for effective decision making. Therefore, special strategies should be designed involving Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to widely address the local communities and increase their awareness on the problem in order to reduce plastic waste pollution. It should be noted that environmental conditions are closely affiliated with the citizens’ quality of life.
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D'Souza JM, Windsor FM, Santillo D, Ormerod SJ. Food web transfer of plastics to an apex riverine predator. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:3846-3857. [PMID: 32441452 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
As a rapidly accelerating expression of global change, plastics now occur extensively in freshwater ecosystems, yet there is barely any evidence of their transfer through food webs. Following previous observations that plastics occur widely in their prey, we used a field study of free-living Eurasian dippers (Cinclus cinclus), to test the hypotheses that (1) plastics are transferred from prey to predators in rivers, (2) plastics contained in prey are transferred by adults to altricial offspring during provisioning and (3) plastic concentrations in faecal and regurgitated pellets from dippers increase with urbanization. Plastic occurred in 50% of regurgitates (n = 74) and 45% of faecal samples (n = 92) collected non-invasively from adult and nestling dippers at 15 sites across South Wales (UK). Over 95% of particles were fibres, and concentrations in samples increased with urban land cover. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy identified multiple polymers, including polyester, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and vinyl chloride copolymers. Although characterized by uncertainty, steady-state models using energetic data along with plastic concentration in prey and excreta suggest that around 200 plastic particles are ingested daily by dippers, but also excreted at rates that suggest transitory throughput. As some of the first evidence revealing that plastic is now being transferred through freshwater food webs, and between adult passerines and their offspring, these data emphasize the need to appraise the potential ecotoxicological consequences of increasing plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M D'Souza
- Water Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Fredric M Windsor
- Water Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - David Santillo
- Greenpeace Research Laboratories, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Stephen J Ormerod
- Water Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Provencher JF, Borrelle SB, Bond AL, Lavers JL, van Franeker JA, Kühn S, Hammer S, Avery-Gomm S, Mallory ML. Recommended best practices for plastic and litter ingestion studies in marine birds: Collection, processing, and reporting. Facets (Ott) 2019. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2018-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine plastic pollution is an environmental contaminant of significant concern. There is a lack of consistency in sample collection and processing that continues to impede meta-analyses and large-scale comparisons across time and space. This is true for most taxa, including seabirds, which are the most studied megafauna group with regards to plastic ingestion research. Consequently, it is difficult to evaluate the impacts and extent of plastic contamination in seabirds fully and accurately, and to make inferences about species for which we have little or no data. We provide a synthesized set of recommendations specific for seabirds and plastic ingestion studies that include best practices in relation to sample collection, processing, and reporting, as well as highlighting some “cross-cutting” methods. We include guidance for how carcasses, regurgitations, and pellets should be handled and treated to prevent cross-contamination, and a discussion of what size class of microplastics can be assessed in each sample type. Although we focus on marine bird samples, we also include standardized techniques to remove sediment and biological material that are generalizable to other taxa. Lastly, metrics and data presentation of ingested plastics are briefly reviewed in the context of seabird studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer F. Provencher
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3, Canada
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Stephanie B. Borrelle
- David H. Smith Conservation Research Program, Society for Conservation Biology, Washington, DC 20005, USA
- Northern New Zealand Seabird Trust, Leigh 0947, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alexander L. Bond
- Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, UK
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Jennifer L. Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Jan A. van Franeker
- Wageningen Marine Research, Ankerpark 27, 1781 AG Den Helder, the Netherlands
| | - Susanne Kühn
- Wageningen Marine Research, Ankerpark 27, 1781 AG Den Helder, the Netherlands
| | - Sjúrður Hammer
- Faroe Marine Research Institute, FO-110 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Stephanie Avery-Gomm
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Mark L. Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
- Canada Fulbright Chair in Arctic Studies, University of Washington, Box 353650, Seattle, WA 98195-3560, USA
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38
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Microplastics in the environment: A review of analytical methods, distribution, and biological effects. Trends Analyt Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Provencher JF, Vermaire JC, Avery-Gomm S, Braune BM, Mallory ML. Garbage in guano? Microplastic debris found in faecal precursors of seabirds known to ingest plastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 644:1477-1484. [PMID: 30743860 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is global environmental contaminant. Plastic particulates break down into smaller fragments in the environment, and these small pieces are now commonly found to be ingested by animals. To date, most plastic ingestion studies have focused on assessing retained plastics or regurgitated plastics, but it is likely that animals also excrete plastic and other debris items. We examined the terminal portion of the gastrointestinal tract of a seabird known to commonly ingest plastics, the Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), to determine if seabirds excrete microplastics and other debris via their guano. We also examine how guano collections may be used as an indicator of retained plastics. The frequency of occurrence of microplastics did not correlate between the gut and faecal precursor samples, but there was a positive relationship between the number of pieces of plastics in the gut and the number of microplastics in the guano. Our findings suggest that seabirds are acting as vectors of microplastics and debris in the marine environment where their guano accumulates around their colonies. This transport of microplastics and debris by colonial seabirds needs to be further examined, and considered when designing environmental monitoring for microplastics in regions where seabird colonies are found.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Provencher
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4P 2R6, Canada.
| | - J C Vermaire
- Institute of Environmental Science and Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - S Avery-Gomm
- Centre for Excellence in Environmental Decisions, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - B M Braune
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - M L Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4P 2R6, Canada
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Yang X, Bento CPM, Chen H, Zhang H, Xue S, Lwanga EH, Zomer P, Ritsema CJ, Geissen V. Influence of microplastic addition on glyphosate decay and soil microbial activities in Chinese loess soil. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 242:338-347. [PMID: 29990941 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The intensive use of pesticide and plastic mulches has considerably enhanced crop growth and yield. Pesticide residues and plastic debris, however, have caused serious environmental problems. This study investigated the effects of the commonly used herbicide glyphosate and micrometre-sized plastic debris, referred as microplastics, on glyphosate decay and soil microbial activities in Chinese loess soil by a microcosm experiment over 30 days incubation. Results showed that glyphosate decay was gradual and followed a single first-order decay kinetics model. In different treatments (with/without microplastic addition), glyphosate showed similar half-lives (32.8 days). The soil content of aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), the main metabolite of glyphosate, steadily increased without reaching plateau and declining phases throughout the experiment. Soil microbial respiration significantly changed throughout the entirety of the experiment, particularly in the treatments with higher microplastic addition. The dynamics of soil β-glucosidase, urease and phosphatase varied, especially in the treatments with high microplastic addition. Particles that were considerably smaller than the initially added microplastic particles were observed after 30 days incubation. This result thus implied that microplastic would hardly affect glyphosate decay but smaller plastic particles accumulated in soils which potentially threaten soil quality would be further concerned especially in the regions with intensive plastic mulching application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Soil Physics and Land Management, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands; State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Célia P M Bento
- Soil Physics and Land Management, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hao Chen
- Soil Physics and Land Management, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hongming Zhang
- Soil Physics and Land Management, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands; College of Information Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Sha Xue
- Soil Physics and Land Management, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands; State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Esperanza Huerta Lwanga
- Soil Physics and Land Management, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Agroecología, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Campeche, Av Poligono S/n, Ciudad Industrial, Lerma, Campeche, Mexico
| | - Paul Zomer
- Institute of Food Safety (RIKILT), Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Coen J Ritsema
- Soil Physics and Land Management, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Violette Geissen
- Soil Physics and Land Management, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Blettler MCM, Abrial E, Khan FR, Sivri N, Espinola LA. Freshwater plastic pollution: Recognizing research biases and identifying knowledge gaps. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 143:416-424. [PMID: 29986250 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The overwhelming majority of research conducted to date on plastic pollution (all size fractions) has focused on marine ecosystems. In comparison, only a few studies provide evidence for the presence of plastic debris in freshwater environments. However, owing to the numerous differences between freshwater studies (including studied species and habitats, geographical locations, social and economic contexts, the type of data obtained and also the broad range of purposes), they show only fragments of the overall picture of freshwater plastic pollution. This highlights the lack of a holistic vision and evidences several knowledge gaps and data biases. Through a bibliometric analysis we identified such knowledge gaps, inconsistencies and survey trends of plastic pollution research within freshwater ecosystems. We conclude that there is a continued need to increase the field-data bases about plastics (all size fractions) in freshwater environments. This is particularly important to estimate river plastic emissions to the world's oceans. Accordingly, data about macroplastics from most polluted and larger rivers are very scarce, although macroplastics represent a huge input in terms of plastics weight. In addition, submerged macroplastics may play an important role in transporting mismanaged plastic waste, however almost no studies exist. Although many of the most plastic polluted rivers are in Asia, only 14% of the reviewed studies were carried out in this continent (even though the major inland fisheries of the world are located in Asia's rivers). The potential damage caused by macroplastics on a wide range of freshwater fauna is as yet undetermined, even though negative impacts have been well documented in similar marine species. We also noted a clear supremacy of microplastic studies over macroplastic ones, even though there is no reason to assume that freshwater ecosystems remain unaffected by macro-debris. Finally, we recommend focusing monitoring efforts in most polluted rivers worldwide, but particularly in countries with rapid economic development and poor waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martín C M Blettler
- Instituto Nacional de Limnología (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Ciudad Universitaria (3000), Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Elie Abrial
- Instituto Nacional de Limnología (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Ciudad Universitaria (3000), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Farhan R Khan
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, PO Box 260, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Nuket Sivri
- Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa, Engineering Faculty, Department of Environmental Engineering, Istanbul, 34320, Turkey
| | - Luis A Espinola
- Instituto Nacional de Limnología (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Ciudad Universitaria (3000), Santa Fe, Argentina
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Ryan PG. Entanglement of birds in plastics and other synthetic materials. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 135:159-164. [PMID: 30301025 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.06.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Entanglement of animals is one of the main environmental impacts of waste plastic. A 2015 review of entanglement records found that the proportion of affected seabirds increased from 16% of species to 25% over the last two decades. However, this was restricted to published records; Google Images and other web-based sources indicate that at least 147 seabird species (36%), as well as 69 freshwater birds (10%) and 49 landbirds (0.5%) from 53 families have been entangled in plastic or other synthetic materials. Fishing gear is responsible for entangling most species (83%), although it is often difficult to differentiate entanglement from bycatch on active gear. Mitigation measures include banning high-risk applications where there are alternatives (e.g. six-pack rings), discouraging the use of high-risk items (e.g. balloons on strings, 'manja' kites), and encouraging fishers to not discard waste fishing gear by providing specific receptacles and associated educational signage in fishing areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter G Ryan
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
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43
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de Souza Machado AA, Kloas W, Zarfl C, Hempel S, Rillig MC. Microplastics as an emerging threat to terrestrial ecosystems. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2018; 24:1405-1416. [PMID: 29245177 PMCID: PMC5834940 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 832] [Impact Index Per Article: 138.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (plastics <5 mm, including nanoplastics which are <0.1 μm) originate from the fragmentation of large plastic litter or from direct environmental emission. Their potential impacts in terrestrial ecosystems remain largely unexplored despite numerous reported effects on marine organisms. Most plastics arriving in the oceans were produced, used, and often disposed on land. Hence, it is within terrestrial systems that microplastics might first interact with biota eliciting ecologically relevant impacts. This article introduces the pervasive microplastic contamination as a potential agent of global change in terrestrial systems, highlights the physical and chemical nature of the respective observed effects, and discusses the broad toxicity of nanoplastics derived from plastic breakdown. Making relevant links to the fate of microplastics in aquatic continental systems, we here present new insights into the mechanisms of impacts on terrestrial geochemistry, the biophysical environment, and ecotoxicology. Broad changes in continental environments are possible even in particle-rich habitats such as soils. Furthermore, there is a growing body of evidence indicating that microplastics interact with terrestrial organisms that mediate essential ecosystem services and functions, such as soil dwelling invertebrates, terrestrial fungi, and plant-pollinators. Therefore, research is needed to clarify the terrestrial fate and effects of microplastics. We suggest that due to the widespread presence, environmental persistence, and various interactions with continental biota, microplastic pollution might represent an emerging global change threat to terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Abel de Souza Machado
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin. Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz- Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries. Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research. Berlin, Germany
| | - Werner Kloas
- Leibniz- Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries. Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Berlin, Germany
| | - Christiane Zarfl
- Center for Applied Geosciences, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen. Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Hempel
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin. Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research. Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias C Rillig
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin. Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research. Berlin, Germany
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Reynolds C, Ryan PG. Micro-plastic ingestion by waterbirds from contaminated wetlands in South Africa. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 126:330-333. [PMID: 29421107 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite a large literature on the impacts of micro-plastic pollution in marine ecosystems, very little research has focused on these pollutants in freshwater ecosystems. Recently, however, a few studies have demonstrated that micro-plastic pollutants are ingested by freshwater taxa, including birds. To explore this potential environmental threat in African freshwater systems we quantified micro-plastic pollutants in the faeces and feather brushings of seven southern African duck species. We analysed 283 faecal samples and 408 feather brushings, and found that 5% of faecal samples and 10% of feather samples contained micro-plastic fibres. The presence and abundance of micro-fibres differed between sampling sites, with significantly higher amounts recorded for the site that received effluent from a sewage treatment facility. Additionally, micro-fibre presence differed across duck species, indicating that foraging behaviour affects plastic ingestion. Our study confirms that African freshwater ecosystems and the biodiversity they support are under threat from micro-plastic contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chevonne Reynolds
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
| | - Peter G Ryan
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
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Lourenço PM, Serra-Gonçalves C, Ferreira JL, Catry T, Granadeiro JP. Plastic and other microfibers in sediments, macroinvertebrates and shorebirds from three intertidal wetlands of southern Europe and west Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 231:123-133. [PMID: 28797901 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.07.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are widespread in aquatic environments and can be ingested by a wide range of organisms. They can also be transferred along food webs. Estuaries and other tidal wetlands may be particularly prone to this type of pollution due to their particular hydrological characteristics and sewage input, but few studies have compared wetlands with different anthropogenic pressure. Furthermore, there is no information on microplastic transfer to secondary intertidal consumers such as shorebirds. We analysed intertidal sediments, macroinvertebrates and shorebirds, from three important wetlands along the Eastern Atlantic (Tejo estuary, Portugal; Banc d'Arguin, Mauritania and Bijagós archipelago, Guinea-Bissau), in order to evaluate the prevalence and transfer of microplastics along the intertidal food web. We further investigated variables that could explain the distribution of microplastics within the intertidal areas of the Tejo estuary. Microfibers were recorded in a large proportion of sediment samples (91%), macroinvertebrates (60%) and shorebird faeces (49%). μ-FTIR analysis indicated only 52% of these microfibers were composed of synthetic polymers (i.e. plastics). Microfiber concentrations were generally higher in the Tejo and lower in the Bijagós, with intermediate values for Banc d'Arguin, thus following a latitudinal gradient. Heavier anthropogenic pressure in the Tejo explains this pattern, but the relatively high concentrations in a pristine site like the Banc d'Arguin demonstrate the spread of pollution in the oceans. Similar microfiber concentrations in faeces of shorebirds with different foraging behaviour and similar composition of fibres collected from invertebrate and faeces suggest shorebirds mainly ingest microfibers through their prey, confirming microfiber transfer along intertidal food webs. Within the Tejo estuary, concentration of microfibers in the sediment and bivalves were positively related with the percentage of fine sediments and with the population size of the closest township, suggesting that hydrodynamics and local domestic sewage are the main factors influencing the distribution of microfibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M Lourenço
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Catarina Serra-Gonçalves
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; Estação de Biologia Marinha do Funchal, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade da Madeira, 9000-107 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Joana Lia Ferreira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Conservação e Restauro, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Teresa Catry
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - José P Granadeiro
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
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