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Ventura E, Marín A, Gámez-Pérez J, Cabedo L. Recent advances in the relationships between biofilms and microplastics in natural environments. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:220. [PMID: 38809290 PMCID: PMC11136731 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-04021-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in the form of microplastics (MPs), poses a significant threat to natural ecosystems, with detrimental ecological, social, and economic impacts. This review paper aims to provide an overview of the existing research on the interaction between microbial biofilms and MPs in natural environments. The review begins by outlining the sources and types of MPs, emphasizing their widespread presence in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. It then discusses the formation and characteristics of microbial biofilms on MPs surfaces, highlighting their role in altering the physicochemical properties of MPs and facilitating processes such as vertical transport, biodegradation, dispersion of microorganisms, and gene transfer. Different methods used to assess these interactions are discussed, including microbiological and physicochemical characterization. Current gaps and challenges in understanding the complex relationships between biofilms and MPs are identified, highlighting the need for further research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these complex interactions and to develop effective mitigation strategies. Innovative solutions, including bioremediation techniques and their combination with other strategies, such as nanotechnology, advanced filtration technologies, and public awareness campaigns, are proposed as promising approaches to address the issue of MPs pollution. Overall, this review underscores the urgent need for a multidisciplinary approach to combating MPs pollution, combining scientific research, technological innovation, and public engagement to safeguard the health and integrity of natural ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Ventura
- Polymers and Advanced Materials Group (PIMA), Universitat Jaume I (UJI), Castelló de la Plana, Castellón, Spain
| | - Anna Marín
- Polymers and Advanced Materials Group (PIMA), Universitat Jaume I (UJI), Castelló de la Plana, Castellón, Spain
| | - José Gámez-Pérez
- Polymers and Advanced Materials Group (PIMA), Universitat Jaume I (UJI), Castelló de la Plana, Castellón, Spain
| | - Luis Cabedo
- Polymers and Advanced Materials Group (PIMA), Universitat Jaume I (UJI), Castelló de la Plana, Castellón, Spain.
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2
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Ridley RS, Conrad RE, Lindner BG, Woo S, Konstantinidis KT. Potential routes of plastics biotransformation involving novel plastizymes revealed by global multi-omic analysis of plastic associated microbes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8798. [PMID: 38627476 PMCID: PMC11021508 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59279-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite increasing efforts across various disciplines, the fate, transport, and impact of synthetic plastics on the environment and public health remain poorly understood. To better elucidate the microbial ecology of plastic waste and its potential for biotransformation, we conducted a large-scale analysis of all publicly available meta-omic studies investigating plastics (n = 27) in the environment. Notably, we observed low prevalence of known plastic degraders throughout most environments, except for substantial enrichment in riverine systems. This indicates rivers may be a highly promising environment for discovery of novel plastic bioremediation products. Ocean samples associated with degrading plastics showed clear differentiation from non-degrading polymers, showing enrichment of novel putative biodegrading taxa in the degraded samples. Regarding plastisphere pathogenicity, we observed significant enrichment of antimicrobial resistance genes on plastics but not of virulence factors. Additionally, we report a co-occurrence network analysis of 10 + million proteins associated with the plastisphere. This analysis revealed a localized sub-region enriched with known and putative plastizymes-these may be useful for deeper investigation of nature's ability to biodegrade man-made plastics. Finally, the combined data from our meta-analysis was used to construct a publicly available database, the Plastics Meta-omic Database (PMDB)-accessible at plasticmdb.org. These data should aid in the integrated exploration of the microbial plastisphere and facilitate research efforts investigating the fate and bioremediation potential of environmental plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney S Ridley
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
| | - Roth E Conrad
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Blake G Lindner
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Seongwook Woo
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Konstantinos T Konstantinidis
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
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3
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Parida D, Katare K, Ganguly A, Chakraborty D, Konar O, Nogueira R, Bala K. Molecular docking and metagenomics assisted mitigation of microplastic pollution. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 351:141271. [PMID: 38262490 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, tiny, flimsy, and direct progenitors of principal and subsidiary plastics, cause environmental degradation in aquatic and terrestrial entities. Contamination concerns include irrevocable impacts, potential cytotoxicity, and negative health effects on mortals. The detection, recovery, and degradation strategies of these pollutants in various biota and ecosystems, as well as their impact on plants, animals, and humans, have been a topic of significant interest. But the natural environment is infested with several types of plastics, all having different chemical makeup, structure, shape, and origin. Plastic trash acts as a substrate for microbial growth, creating biofilms on the plastisphere surface. This colonizing microbial diversity can be glimpsed with meta-genomics, a culture-independent approach. Owing to its comprehensive description of microbial communities, genealogical evidence on unconventional biocatalysts or enzymes, genomic correlations, evolutionary profile, and function, it is being touted as one of the promising tools in identifying novel enzymes for the degradation of polymers. Additionally, computational tools such as molecular docking can predict the binding of these novel enzymes to the polymer substrate, which can be validated through in vitro conditions for its environmentally feasible applications. This review mainly deals with the exploration of metagenomics along with computational tools to provide a clearer perspective into the microbial potential in the biodegradation of microplastics. The computational tools due to their polymathic nature will be quintessential in identifying the enzyme structure, binding affinities of the prospective enzymes to the substrates, and foretelling of degradation pathways involved which can be quite instrumental in the furtherance of the plastic degradation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Parida
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, 453552, India.
| | - Konica Katare
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, 453552, India.
| | - Atmaadeep Ganguly
- Department of Microbiology, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, West Bengal State University, Kolkata, 700118, India.
| | - Disha Chakraborty
- Department of Botany, Shri Shikshayatan College, University of Calcutta, Lord Sinha Road, Kolkata, 700071, India.
| | - Oisi Konar
- Department of Botany, Shri Shikshayatan College, University of Calcutta, Lord Sinha Road, Kolkata, 700071, India.
| | - Regina Nogueira
- Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Leibniz Universität, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Kiran Bala
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, 453552, India.
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4
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Messer LF, Lee CE, Wattiez R, Matallana-Surget S. Novel functional insights into the microbiome inhabiting marine plastic debris: critical considerations to counteract the challenges of thin biofilms using multi-omics and comparative metaproteomics. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:36. [PMID: 38389111 PMCID: PMC10882806 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01751-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbial functioning on marine plastic surfaces has been poorly documented, especially within cold climates where temperature likely impacts microbial activity and the presence of hydrocarbonoclastic microorganisms. To date, only two studies have used metaproteomics to unravel microbial genotype-phenotype linkages in the marine 'plastisphere', and these have revealed the dominance of photosynthetic microorganisms within warm climates. Advancing the functional representation of the marine plastisphere is vital for the development of specific databases cataloging the functional diversity of the associated microorganisms and their peptide and protein sequences, to fuel biotechnological discoveries. Here, we provide a comprehensive assessment for plastisphere metaproteomics, using multi-omics and data mining on thin plastic biofilms to provide unique insights into plastisphere metabolism. Our robust experimental design assessed DNA/protein co-extraction and cell lysis strategies, proteomics workflows, and diverse protein search databases, to resolve the active plastisphere taxa and their expressed functions from an understudied cold environment. RESULTS For the first time, we demonstrate the predominance and activity of hydrocarbonoclastic genera (Psychrobacter, Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas) within a primarily heterotrophic plastisphere. Correspondingly, oxidative phosphorylation, the citrate cycle, and carbohydrate metabolism were the dominant pathways expressed. Quorum sensing and toxin-associated proteins of Streptomyces were indicative of inter-community interactions. Stress response proteins expressed by Psychrobacter, Planococcus, and Pseudoalteromonas and proteins mediating xenobiotics degradation in Psychrobacter and Pseudoalteromonas suggested phenotypic adaptations to the toxic chemical microenvironment of the plastisphere. Interestingly, a targeted search strategy identified plastic biodegradation enzymes, including polyamidase, hydrolase, and depolymerase, expressed by rare taxa. The expression of virulence factors and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance suggested pathogenic genera were active, despite representing a minor component of the plastisphere community. CONCLUSION Our study addresses a critical gap in understanding the functioning of the marine plastisphere, contributing new insights into the function and ecology of an emerging and important microbial niche. Our comprehensive multi-omics and comparative metaproteomics experimental design enhances biological interpretations to provide new perspectives on microorganisms of potential biotechnological significance beyond biodegradation and to improve the assessment of the risks associated with microorganisms colonizing marine plastic pollution. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren F Messer
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland
| | - Charlotte E Lee
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland
| | - Ruddy Wattiez
- Proteomics and Microbiology Department, University of Mons, Mons, 7000, Belgium
| | - Sabine Matallana-Surget
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland.
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Metcalf R, Messer LF, White HL, Ormsby MJ, Matallana-Surget S, Quilliam RS. Evidence of interspecific plasmid uptake by pathogenic strains of Klebsiella isolated from microplastic pollution on public beaches. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132567. [PMID: 37741206 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic beads are becoming a common feature on beaches, and there is increasing evidence that such microplastics can become colonised by potential human pathogens. However, whether the concentrations and pathogenicity of these pathogens pose a public health risk are still unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine realistic environmental concentrations of potential pathogens colonising microplastic beads, and quantify the expression of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Microplastic beads were collected from beaches and a culture-dependent approach was used to determine the concentrations of seven target bacteria (Campylobacter spp.; E. coli; intestinal enterococci; Klebsiella spp.; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Salmonella spp.; Vibrio spp.). All seven target bacteria were detected without the need for a pre-enrichment step; urban sites had higher bacterial concentrations, whilst polymer type had no influence on bacterial concentrations. Klebsiella was the most abundant target bacteria and possessed virulence and ARGs, some of which were present on plasmids from other species, and showed pathogenicity in a Galleria melonella infection model. Our findings demonstrate how pathogen colonised microplastic beads can pose a heightened public health risk at the beach, and highlights the urgency for improved monitoring and enforcement of regulations on the release of microplastics into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Metcalf
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK.
| | - Lauren F Messer
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Hannah L White
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Michael J Ormsby
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Sabine Matallana-Surget
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Richard S Quilliam
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
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Sérvulo T, Taylor JD, Proietti MC, Rodrigues LDS, Puertas IP, Barutot RA, Lacerda ALDF. Plastisphere composition in a subtropical estuary: Influence of season, incubation time and polymer type on plastic biofouling. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121873. [PMID: 37244532 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are abundant artificial substrates in aquatic systems that host a wide variety of organisms (the plastisphere), including potential pathogens and invasive species. Plastisphere communities have many complex, but not well-understood ecological interactions. It is pivotal to investigate how these communities are influenced by the natural fluctuations in aquatic ecosystems, especially in transitional environments such as estuaries. Further study is needed in sub-tropical regions in the Southern Hemisphere, where plastic pollution is ever increasing. Here we applied DNA-metabarcoding (16S, 18S and ITS-2) as well Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to assess the diversity of the plastisphere in the Patos Lagoon estuary (PLE), South Brazil. Through a one-year in situ colonization experiment, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) plates were placed in shallow waters, and sampled after 30 and 90 days within each season. Over 50 taxa including bacteria, fungi and other eukaryotes were found through DNA analysis. Overall, the polymer type did not influence the plastisphere community composition. However, seasonality significantly affected community composition for bacteria, fungi and general eukaryotes. Among the microbiota, we found Acinetobacter sp., Bacillus sp., and Wallemia mellicola that are putative pathogens of aquatic organisms, such as algae, shrimp and fish, including commercial species. In addition, we identified organisms within genera that can potentially degrade hydrocarbons (e.g. Pseudomonas and Cladosporium spp). This study is the first to assess the full diversity and variation of the plastisphere on different polymers within a sub-tropical southern hemisphere estuary, significantly expanding knowledge on plastic pollution and the plastisphere in estuarine regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Sérvulo
- Projeto Lixo Marinho - Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil.
| | - Joe D Taylor
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, UK
| | - Maíra C Proietti
- Projeto Lixo Marinho - Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Lucas D S Rodrigues
- Projeto Lixo Marinho - Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Igor P Puertas
- Projeto Lixo Marinho - Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Roberta A Barutot
- Projeto Lixo Marinho - Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Ana L D F Lacerda
- Projeto Lixo Marinho - Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil; University of Salford, Salford, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
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7
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Sun Y, Wu M, Zang J, Du L, Huang M, Chen C, Wang J. Plastisphere microbiome: Methodology, diversity, and functionality. IMETA 2023; 2:e101. [PMID: 38868423 PMCID: PMC10989970 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Broad topics of the plastisphere in various environments are reviewed, including its methodologies, diversity, functionality, and outlook.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanze Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Mochen Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jingxi Zang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Linna Du
- College of Advanced Materials EngineeringJiaxing Nanhu UniverisityJiaxingChina
| | - Muke Huang
- China International Engineering Consulting CorporationBeijingChina
| | - Cheng Chen
- China International Engineering Consulting CorporationBeijingChina
| | - Jie Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
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8
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Pasqualini V, Garrido M, Cecchi P, Connès C, Couté A, El Rakwe M, Henry M, Hervio-Heath D, Quilichini Y, Simonnet J, Rinnert E, Vitré T, Galgani F. Harmful algae and pathogens on plastics in three mediterranean coastal lagoons. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13654. [PMID: 36895393 PMCID: PMC9988496 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic is now a pervasive pollutant in all marine ecosystems. The microplastics and macroplastic debris were studied in three French Mediterranean coastal lagoons (Prevost, Biguglia and Diana lagoons), displaying different environmental characteristics. In addition, biofilm samples were analyzed over the seasons to quantify and identify microalgae communities colonizing macroplastics, and determine potentially harmful microorganisms. Results indicate low but highly variable concentrations of microplastics, in relation to the period and location of sampling. Micro-Raman spectroscopy analyses revealed that the majority of macroplastic debris corresponded to polyethylene (PE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and to a far lesser extent to polypropylene (PP). The observations by Scanning Electron Microscopy of microalgae communities colonizing macroplastic debris demonstrated differences depending on the seasons, with higher amounts in spring and summer, but without any variation between lagoons and polymers. Among the Diatomophyceae, the most dominant genera were Amphora spp., Cocconeis spp., and Navicula spp.. Cyanobacteria and Dinophyceae such as Prorocentrum cordatum, a potentially toxic species, were also found sporadically. The use of Primer specific DNA amplification tools enabled us to detect potentially harmful microorganisms colonizing plastics, such as Alexandrium minutum or Vibrio spp. An additional in situ experiment performed over one year revealed an increase in the diversity of colonizing microalgae in relation to the duration of immersion for the three tested polymers PE, LDPE and polyethylene terephthalates (PET). Vibrio settled durably after two weeks of immersion, whatever the polymer. This study confirms that Mediterranean coastal lagoons are vulnerable to the presence of macroplastic debris that may passively host and transport various species, including some potentially harmful algal and bacterial microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanina Pasqualini
- UMR SPE CNRS - UMS Stella Mare CNRS, University of Corsica, BP 52, 20250, Corte, France
| | - Marie Garrido
- Environmental Agency of Corsica, 7 Avenue Jean Nicoli, 20250, Corte, France
| | - Philippe Cecchi
- UMR MARBEC, IRD CNRS IFREMER, University of Montpellier, CC093, 34095, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Coralie Connès
- IFREMER, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources Provence-Azur-Corse (LER/PAC), Station de Bastia, Zone Industrielle de Furiani, 20600, Bastia, France
| | - Alain Couté
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Département RDDM, FRE 3206, USM 505, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Maria El Rakwe
- IFREMER, Laboratoire Détection, Capteurs et Mesures (LDCM), Centre Bretagne, ZI de la Pointe du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Maryvonne Henry
- IFREMER, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources Provence-Azur-Corse (LER/PAC), Station de Toulon, Zone Portuaire de Brégaillon, CS 20330, 83507, La Seyne sur Mer, France
| | - Dominique Hervio-Heath
- IFREMER, Laboratoire Adaptation, Reproduction et Nutrition des Poissons (LARN), Centre Bretagne, ZI de la Pointe du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Yann Quilichini
- UMR SPE CNRS - UMS Stella Mare CNRS, University of Corsica, BP 52, 20250, Corte, France
| | - Jérémy Simonnet
- IFREMER, Laboratoire Santé, Environnement et Microbiologie (LSEM), Centre Bretagne, ZI de la Pointe du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Emmanuel Rinnert
- IFREMER, Laboratoire Cycle Géochimique et Ressources (LCG), Centre Bretagne, ZI de la Pointe du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Thomas Vitré
- IFREMER, Laboratoire Adaptation, Reproduction et Nutrition des Poissons (LARN), Centre Bretagne, ZI de la Pointe du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - François Galgani
- IFREMER, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources Provence-Azur-Corse (LER/PAC), Station de Bastia, Zone Industrielle de Furiani, 20600, Bastia, France
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Leighton RE, Correa Vélez KE, Xiong L, Creech AG, Amirichetty KP, Anderson GK, Cai G, Norman RS, Decho AW. Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in vitro colonization on plastics influenced by temperature and strain variability. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1099502. [PMID: 36704570 PMCID: PMC9871911 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1099502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine bacteria often exist in biofilms as communities attached to surfaces, like plastic. Growing concerns exist regarding marine plastics acting as potential vectors of pathogenic Vibrio, especially in a changing climate. It has been generalized that Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus often attach to plastic surfaces. Different strains of these Vibrios exist having different growth and biofilm-forming properties. This study evaluated how temperature and strain variability affect V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus biofilm formation and characteristics on glass (GL), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). All strains of both species attached to GL and all plastics at 25, 30, and 35°C. As a species, V. vulnificus produced more biofilm on PS (p ≤ 0.05) compared to GL, and biofilm biomass was enhanced at 25°C compared to 30° (p ≤ 0.01) and 35°C (p ≤ 0.01). However, all individual strains' biofilm biomass and cell densities varied greatly at all temperatures tested. Comparisons of biofilm-forming strains for each species revealed a positive correlation (r = 0.58) between their dry biomass weight and OD570 values from crystal violet staining, and total dry biofilm biomass for both species was greater (p ≤ 0.01) on plastics compared to GL. It was also found that extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) chemical characteristics were similar on all plastics of both species, with extracellular proteins mainly contributing to the composition of EPS. All strains were hydrophobic at 25, 30, and 35°C, further illustrating both species' affinity for potential attachment to plastics. Taken together, this study suggests that different strains of V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus can rapidly form biofilms with high cell densities on different plastic types in vitro. However, the biofilm process is highly variable and is species-, strain-specific, and dependent on plastic type, especially under different temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan E. Leighton
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States,NIEHS Center for Oceans and Human Health and Climate Change Interactions, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Karlen Enid Correa Vélez
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States,NIEHS Center for Oceans and Human Health and Climate Change Interactions, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Liyan Xiong
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Addison G. Creech
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Karishma P. Amirichetty
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Gracie K. Anderson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Guoshuai Cai
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - R. Sean Norman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States,NIEHS Center for Oceans and Human Health and Climate Change Interactions, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Alan W. Decho
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States,NIEHS Center for Oceans and Human Health and Climate Change Interactions, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States,*Correspondence: Alan W. Decho,
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10
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Zhang C, Mu Y, Li T, Jin FJ, Jin CZ, Oh HM, Lee HG, Jin L. Assembly strategies for polyethylene-degrading microbial consortia based on the combination of omics tools and the "Plastisphere". Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1181967. [PMID: 37138608 PMCID: PMC10150012 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1181967] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous microorganisms and other invertebrates that are able to degrade polyethylene (PE) have been reported. However, studies on PE biodegradation are still limited due to its extreme stability and the lack of explicit insights into the mechanisms and efficient enzymes involved in its metabolism by microorganisms. In this review, current studies of PE biodegradation, including the fundamental stages, important microorganisms and enzymes, and functional microbial consortia, were examined. Considering the bottlenecks in the construction of PE-degrading consortia, a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches is proposed to identify the mechanisms and metabolites of PE degradation, related enzymes, and efficient synthetic microbial consortia. In addition, the exploration of the plastisphere based on omics tools is proposed as a future principal research direction for the construction of synthetic microbial consortia for PE degradation. Combining chemical and biological upcycling processes for PE waste could be widely applied in various fields to promote a sustainable environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengxiao Zhang
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Centre for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yulin Mu
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Centre for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Taihua Li
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Centre for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng-Jie Jin
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Centre for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun-Zhi Jin
- Cell Factory Research Centre, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Mock Oh
- Cell Factory Research Centre, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Gwan Lee
- Cell Factory Research Centre, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Hyung-Gwan Lee,
| | - Long Jin
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Centre for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Long Jin,
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11
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Cao Y, Zhang B, Cai Q, Zhu Z, Liu B, Dong G, Greer CW, Lee K, Chen B. Responses of Alcanivorax species to marine alkanes and polyhydroxybutyrate plastic pollution: Importance of the ocean hydrocarbon cycles. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 313:120177. [PMID: 36116568 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Understanding microbial responses to hydrocarbon and plastic pollution are crucial for limiting the detrimental impacts of environmental contaminants on marine ecosystems. Herein, we reported a new Alcanivorax species isolated from the North Atlantic Ocean capable of degrading alkanes and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) plastic (one of the emerging bioplastics that may capture the future plastic market). The whole-genome sequencing showed that the species harbors three types of alkane 1-monooxygenases (AlkB) and one PHB depolymerase (PhaZ) to initiate the degradation of alkanes and plastics. Growth profiling demonstrated that n-pentadecane (C15, the main alkane in the marine environment due to cyanobacterial production other than oil spills) and PHB could serve as preferential carbon sources. However, the cell membrane composition, PhaZ activity, and expression of three alkB genes were utterly different when grown on C15 and PHB. Further, Alcanivorax was a well-recognized alkane-degrader that participated in the ocean hydrocarbon cycles linking with hydrocarbon production and removal. Our discovery supported that the existing biogeochemical processes may add to the marine ecosystem's resilience to the impacts of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Cao
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollutant Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Baiyu Zhang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollutant Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada.
| | - Qinhong Cai
- Gaia Refinery, Saint John, NB E2J 2E7, Canada
| | - Zhiwen Zhu
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollutant Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Bo Liu
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollutant Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Guihua Dong
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollutant Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Charles W Greer
- National Research Council Canada, Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ecosystem Science, Ottawa, ON K1A 0E6, Canada
| | - Bing Chen
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollutant Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
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12
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Omeyer LCM, Duncan EM, Aiemsomboon K, Beaumont N, Bureekul S, Cao B, Carrasco LR, Chavanich S, Clark JR, Cordova MR, Couceiro F, Cragg SM, Dickson N, Failler P, Ferraro G, Fletcher S, Fong J, Ford AT, Gutierrez T, Shahul Hamid F, Hiddink JG, Hoa PT, Holland SI, Jones L, Jones NH, Koldewey H, Lauro FM, Lee C, Lewis M, Marks D, Matallana-Surget S, Mayorga-Adame CG, McGeehan J, Messer LF, Michie L, Miller MA, Mohamad ZF, Nor NHM, Müller M, Neill SP, Nelms SE, Onda DFL, Ong JJL, Pariatamby A, Phang SC, Quilliam R, Robins PE, Salta M, Sartimbul A, Shakuto S, Skov MW, Taboada EB, Todd PA, Toh TC, Valiyaveettil S, Viyakarn V, Wonnapinij P, Wood LE, Yong CLX, Godley BJ. Priorities to inform research on marine plastic pollution in Southeast Asia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 841:156704. [PMID: 35718174 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Southeast Asia is considered to have some of the highest levels of marine plastic pollution in the world. It is therefore vitally important to increase our understanding of the impacts and risks of plastic pollution to marine ecosystems and the essential services they provide to support the development of mitigation measures in the region. An interdisciplinary, international network of experts (Australia, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam) set a research agenda for marine plastic pollution in the region, synthesizing current knowledge and highlighting areas for further research in Southeast Asia. Using an inductive method, 21 research questions emerged under five non-predefined key themes, grouping them according to which: (1) characterise marine plastic pollution in Southeast Asia; (2) explore its movement and fate across the region; (3) describe the biological and chemical modifications marine plastic pollution undergoes; (4) detail its environmental, social, and economic impacts; and, finally, (5) target regional policies and possible solutions. Questions relating to these research priority areas highlight the importance of better understanding the fate of marine plastic pollution, its degradation, and the impacts and risks it can generate across communities and different ecosystem services. Knowledge of these aspects will help support actions which currently suffer from transboundary problems, lack of responsibility, and inaction to tackle the issue from its point source in the region. Being profoundly affected by marine plastic pollution, Southeast Asian countries provide an opportunity to test the effectiveness of innovative and socially inclusive changes in marine plastic governance, as well as both high and low-tech solutions, which can offer insights and actionable models to the rest of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy C M Omeyer
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom.
| | - Emily M Duncan
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; Institute of Marine Sciences - Okeanos, University of the Azores, Rua Professor Doutor Frederico Machado 4, 9901-862 Horta, Portugal.
| | - Kornrawee Aiemsomboon
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Nicola Beaumont
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, Devon PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Sujaree Bureekul
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Bin Cao
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Luis R Carrasco
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore
| | - Suchana Chavanich
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Aquatic Resources Research Institute Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - James R Clark
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, Devon PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Muhammad R Cordova
- Research Centre for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Jalan Pasir Putih 1, Ancol Timur, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia; Research Centre for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jalan Pasir Putih 1, Ancol Timur, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia
| | - Fay Couceiro
- School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Faculty of Technology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 3AH, United Kingdom
| | - Simon M Cragg
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO4 9LY, United Kingdom; Centre for Enzyme Innovation, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2DY, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Dickson
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
| | - Pierre Failler
- Centre for Blue Governance, Department of Economics and Finance, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 3DE, United Kingdom
| | - Gianluca Ferraro
- Centre for Blue Governance, Department of Economics and Finance, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 3DE, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Fletcher
- School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 3DE, United Kingdom; UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Fong
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alex T Ford
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO4 9LY, United Kingdom
| | - Tony Gutierrez
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Fauziah Shahul Hamid
- Centre for Research in Waste Management, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jan G Hiddink
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
| | - Pham T Hoa
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Hinh City, Viet Nam
| | - Sophie I Holland
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lowenna Jones
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; Department of Politics and International Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Nia H Jones
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
| | - Heather Koldewey
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Federico M Lauro
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore; Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Charlotte Lee
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Lewis
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
| | - Danny Marks
- School of Law and Government, Dublin City University, Dublin 9 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sabine Matallana-Surget
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | | | - John McGeehan
- Centre for Enzyme Innovation, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2DY, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren F Messer
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Michie
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO4 9LY, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle A Miller
- Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zeeda F Mohamad
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nur Hazimah Mohamed Nor
- Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Moritz Müller
- Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Kuching 93350, Malaysia
| | - Simon P Neill
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
| | - Deo Florence L Onda
- The Marine Science Institute, Velasquez St., University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Joyce J L Ong
- Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Agamuthu Pariatamby
- Jeffrey Sachs Centre on Sustainable Development, Sunway University, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia
| | - Sui C Phang
- Centre for Blue Governance, Department of Economics and Finance, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 3DE, United Kingdom; The Nature Conservancy, London Office, 5 Chancery Lane Suite 403, London WC2A 1LG, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Quilliam
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - Peter E Robins
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Salta
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2DY, United Kingdom
| | - Aida Sartimbul
- Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, East Java, Indonesia; Marine Resources Exploration and Management (MEXMA) Research Group, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Shiori Shakuto
- Department of Anthropology, School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Sydney, Social Sciences Building, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Martin W Skov
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
| | - Evelyn B Taboada
- BioProcess Engineering and Research Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of San Carlos, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
| | - Peter A Todd
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Tai Chong Toh
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore; College of Alice & Peter Tan, National University of Singapore, 8 College Avenue East, 138615, Singapore
| | - Suresh Valiyaveettil
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, 117543, Singapore
| | - Voranop Viyakarn
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Aquatic Resources Research Institute Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Passorn Wonnapinij
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Centre for Advanced Studies in Tropical Natural Resources, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Omics Center for Agriculture, Bioresources, Food and Health, Kasetsart University (OmiKU), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Louisa E Wood
- Centre for Blue Governance, Department of Economics and Finance, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 3DE, United Kingdom
| | - Clara L X Yong
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
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13
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Soltani N, Keshavarzi B, Moore F, Busquets R, Nematollahi MJ, Javid R, Gobert S. Effect of land use on microplastic pollution in a major boundary waterway: The Arvand River. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 830:154728. [PMID: 35331773 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) was investigated in the Arvand River (Iran). The Arvand River (200 Km) is a major water body that flows through land with diverse use and it meets the Persian Gulf. This study constitutes the first assessment of MP pollution (prevalence and physico-chemical characteristics) in the Arvand river, both in the sediment and in the water. MP monitoring has been carried out in 24 stations located along the river. The MP pollution found ranged between 1 and 291 items·L-1 and 70 to 15,620 items·kg-1 (dw), in water and sediment, respectively. The majority of MPs were fibres, black/grey and yellow/orange in colour, and mainly 250-500 μm and >1000 μm in size. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), nylon (NYL), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polystyrene (PS) were found in sediment samples. All these polymers, except HDPE, were also identified in the water samples. PET and PP were dominant in the water samples; whereas PET and PS were the most abundant in the sediments. The vicinity of urban wastewater effluents could be behind MP pollution in both water and sediments. Significant differences (p < 0.05) of MP concentrations were affected by different land uses when comparing MP levels in undisturbed natural area with urban areas. A strong correlation between MP fibres and fragments found with PCA biplots revealed their similar distribution in water. In the sediment samples, fibre and fragment MP particles were significantly correlated with colloidal particles (e.g., clay and organic matter) suggesting a relevant role of colloidal particles in the aquatic ecosystem of the Arvand River in transporting MPs. This study contributes to the better understanding of the presence of MP in major rivers, which are systems that have been scarcely investigated for this type of pollution, and it can inform interventions to reduce MP inputs to the river and sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naghmeh Soltani
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Behnam Keshavarzi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Farid Moore
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Rosa Busquets
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | | | - Reza Javid
- Khorramshahr Environmental Protection Office, Khorramshahr 6491846783, Iran; Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Science and Oceanography, Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology, Khorramshahr, Iran
| | - Sylvie Gobert
- STAtion de REcherche Sous-Marineset Océanographiques (STARESO), 20260 Calvi, France; Université de Liège, Centre MARE, Laboratoire d'Océanologie, Sart-Tilman, B6c, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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