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Ashry A, Al Naggar Y. Microplastic contamination in water, fish, and shrimp collected from the Nile River in Upper Egypt poses ecological and human health hazards. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2025; 281:121945. [PMID: 40436189 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.121945] [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: 03/06/2025] [Revised: 05/02/2025] [Accepted: 05/23/2025] [Indexed: 06/11/2025]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing environmental concern, particularly in freshwater ecosystems. This study investigates MP contamination in the Nile River in Upper Egypt by analyzing water samples and two aquatic species, Gambusia sp. and Caridina nilotica. Samples were collected from three sites with varying anthropogenic influences, and MPs were characterized based on shape, size, color, and polymer composition using FTIR spectroscopy. Results revealed a high MP concentration in water (4.5 ± 2.1 particles/L), with significant spatial variation. The highest contamination was recorded in urban-influenced areas, highlighting domestic and industrial waste as key pollution sources. Fibers (75 %) were the most abundant MP type, followed by fragments (19 %), with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) being the dominant polymer (79 %). Both Gambusia sp. and C. nilotica exhibited MP ingestion, with higher loads detected in Gambusia sp. Feeding preferences were observed, with Gambusia sp. favoring fragments and C. nilotica preferring fibers. Risk assessments classified MP pollution as extremely high, with severe ecological risks (RI > 1200). Initial estimates of human exposure through water consumption suggested that adults may ingest 5,840-12,373 MP/kg body weight annually, while children may ingest 3,103-6,187 MP/kg body weight for the best- and worst-case exposure scenarios. These findings highlight significant MP contamination in the Nile, raising concerns about ecosystem and human health risks. Urgent mitigation strategies, including improved waste management and pollution control, are necessary to reduce MP exposure and protect aquatic biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ashry
- Group of Zoology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University (82524), Sohag, Egypt.
| | - Yahya Al Naggar
- Applied College, Center of Bee Research and its Products, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia.
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2
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Pulvirenti E, Conti GO, Falqui L, Banni M, Ferrante M. Innovative prototype for the mitigation of water pollution from microplastics to safeguard the environment and health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2025; 977:179358. [PMID: 40239507 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2025] [Revised: 04/02/2025] [Accepted: 04/03/2025] [Indexed: 04/18/2025]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitary environmental pollutants facilitated by anthropic activities as wastewaters (WWs) not properly treated or dispersed. Our study focused on the validation of an innovative prototype filter for its future applications in WWs Treatment Plants (WWTPs) to reduce the release of MPs in the environment. The aims of the study were: The WWTPs resulted in catching 85 % and 73 % of MPs >10 and MPs <10 μm, respectively; instead, the WWTPs-prototype treated outputs showed a further reduction of 99 % and 92 % of the uncaught MPs. The mussel haemolymphs analysis showed a decrease of 100 % and 95 %, respectively, for both MPs <10 and >10 μm in filtering treatment against the normal WWTPs outputs. We revealed longer LMS times in mussels exposed to prototype-filtered WWs (29-41 min) compared to the raw output of WWTPs (18-24 min). MF and q-PCR of all studied genes revealed a reduced genotoxicity in mussels exposed to prototype-treated WWs. Hence, the results demonstrated the prototype efficacy, and it will be tested in real WWTPs at a field scale in the next study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Pulvirenti
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Italy; CRIAB, Interdepartmental Research Center for the Implementation of Physical, Chemical and Biological Monitoring Processes in Aquaculture and Bioremediation Systems, Catania, Italy.
| | - Gea Oliveri Conti
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy; CRIAB, Interdepartmental Research Center for the Implementation of Physical, Chemical and Biological Monitoring Processes in Aquaculture and Bioremediation Systems, Catania, Italy.
| | - Luciano Falqui
- GREENERTECH Srl, via Nicola Fabrizi, 21, 95128 Catania, CT, Italy
| | - Mohamed Banni
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Environmental Toxicology, Sousse University, Chott-Mariem 4042, Sousse, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, Monastir University, Tunisia
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy; CRIAB, Interdepartmental Research Center for the Implementation of Physical, Chemical and Biological Monitoring Processes in Aquaculture and Bioremediation Systems, Catania, Italy
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3
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Roy IRW, Raj AS, Viaroli S. Microplastic removal, identification and characterization in Chennai sewage treatment plants. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2025; 380:125120. [PMID: 40147407 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125120] [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: 10/04/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2025] [Accepted: 03/22/2025] [Indexed: 03/29/2025]
Abstract
Sewage treatment plants (STPs) act as either sinks or sources of microplastic (MP) contamination in the environment. This study examined and assessed the occurrence, removal efficiencies, abundance and characteristics of MPs in two STPs in Chennai, India. Large volumes of influent and effluent water were collected and filtered on site via a filter in a series system. The samples were later treated in the laboratory to isolate the MPs from other organic and inorganic particles. The MPs were analysed via Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy to analyse the chemical composition of the isolated microplastics. Pollution load index (PLI) and EU classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) standard was incorporated to assess the pollution risk of MPs in STP. According to the results obtained from this research work, the MP concentrations in the influent waters were high for both STPs (5443 MPs/L and 4800 MPs/L). Although the MP removal efficiency of the STPs were quite high (~96 % and ~93 %), the pollution load indices at Kodungaiyur and Koyambedu STPs were observed to be 0.272 and 0.208 respectively, which were moderately contaminated. PORI scores revealed that Kodungaiyur Plant is in danger level I with the hazard score of 9.25 and Koyambedu plant is in danger level II with the hazard score of 12.78. The estimated quantity of the MPs discharged from the monitored STPs was approximately 28.4 & 28.2 billion MPs/day.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Ronald Win Roy
- Department of Physics, Loyola College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - A Stanley Raj
- Department of Physics, Loyola College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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4
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Bodzek M, Bodzek P. Remediation of Micro- and Nanoplastics by Membrane Technologies. MEMBRANES 2025; 15:82. [PMID: 40137034 PMCID: PMC11943828 DOI: 10.3390/membranes15030082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2025] [Revised: 02/18/2025] [Accepted: 03/03/2025] [Indexed: 03/27/2025]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (NPs) cannot be completely removed from water/wastewater in conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). According to the literature analysis, membrane processes, one of the advanced treatment technologies, are the most effective and promising technologies for the removal of microplastics (MPs) from water and wastewater. In this article, firstly, the properties of MPs commonly found in water and wastewater treatment and their removal efficiencies are briefly reviewed. In addition, research on the use of microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), reverse osmosis (RO), and membrane bioreactors (MBR) for the remediation of MPs and NPs from water/wastewater is reviewed, and the advantages/disadvantages of each removal method are discussed. Membrane filtration is also compared with other methods used to remove MPs. Furthermore, the problem of membrane fouling by MPs during filtration and the potential for MPs to be released from the polymeric membrane structure are discussed. Finally, based on the literature survey, the current status and gaps in research on MPs removal by membrane technologies are identified, and recommendations for further research are made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Bodzek
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Piotr Bodzek
- Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland;
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5
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Chen M, Qian X, Huang J, Wang L, Lv T, Wu Y, Chen H. Typical heavy metals in wastewater treatment plants in Nanjing, China: perspective of abundance, removal, and microbial response. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2025:1-15. [PMID: 39956141 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2025.2460240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2025] [Indexed: 02/18/2025]
Abstract
Heavy metals (HMs) are hazardous contaminants with persistence and bioaccumulation, attracting widespread attention. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) play vital roles in the pollution control of sewage, closely related to human health and the biological environment. Therefore, eight HMs in three typical WWTPs of Nanjing were determined in this study. The results revealed that Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn were high-level HMs in all WWTPs. Notably, the highest contents of high-level HMs were found in electroplating WWTP (EWWTP) influent among three WWTPs, probably causing their higher removal (19.34-55.32%) during their primary treatment. In contrast, most HMs could be removed in the secondary treatment stage of municipal WWTP (MWWTP) and industrial WWTP (IWWTP) with the highest removal of As (72.00-85.81%). Analogously, nutrients were mainly removed during the secondary stage, with superior performance in MWWTP. A decrease in HMs removal was observed in the tertiary treatment of MWWTP and IWWTP compared to the secondary stage, while higher HMs removal (0.51-29.15%) was found in EWWTP except Hg. The highest content of HMs in sludge was Zn and Cr, which was more abundant in EWWTP than other WWTPs. The results of Illumina Miseq sequencing demonstrated the inhibition of microbial richness and diversity of EWWTP and IWWTP by industrial wastewater. Besides, alterations of microbial community structure and components were also observed owing to various influent sources. More similarity was found between EWWTP and MWWTP, in which the abundance of dominant genera, including Saccharimonadales (7.60-9.56%), Raineyella (5.06-7.38%), and Thauera (2.48-4.45%) was much higher than IWWTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Chen
- Department of Water Environment, Nanjing Research Institute of Ecological and Environmental Protection, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuwen Qian
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Huang
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Luming Wang
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Lv
- Department of Water Environment, Nanjing Research Institute of Ecological and Environmental Protection, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yufeng Wu
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hsuan Chen
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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6
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Kumar P, Kumar A, Kumar D, Prajapati KB, Mahajan AK, Pant D, Yadav A, Giri A, Manda S, Bhandari S, Panjla R. Microplastics influencing aquatic environment and human health: A review of source, determination, distribution, removal, degradation, management strategy and future perspective. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2025; 375:124249. [PMID: 39869960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124249] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 12/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2025] [Indexed: 01/29/2025]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are produced from various primary and secondary sources and pose multifaceted environmental problems. They are of non-biodegradable nature and may stay in aquatic environments for a long time period. The present review has covered novel aspects pertaining to MPs that were not covered in earlier studies. It has been observed that several methods are being employed for samples collection, extraction and identification of MPs and polymer types using various equipment, chemicals and instrumental techniques. Aquatic species mistakenly ingest MPs, considering them prey and through food-chain, and then suffer from various metabolic disorders. The consumption of seafood and fish may consequently cause health implications in humans. Certain plasticizers are added during manufacturing to provide colour, durability, flexibility, and strength to plastics, but they leach out during usage, storage, and transport, as well as after entering the bodies of aquatic species and human beings. The leached chemicals (bisphenol-A, triclosan, phthalates, etc.) act as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which effect on homeostasis; thereby causing neurotoxicity, cytotoxicity, reproductive problems, adverse behaviour and autism. Negative influence of MPs on carbon sequestration potential of water bodies is also observed, however more studies are required to understand it with a detail mechanism under natural conditions. The wastewater treatment plants are found to remove a large amount of MPs, but in turn, also act as significant sources of their release in sludge and effluents. Further, it is covered that how advanced oxidation processes, thermal- and photo-oxidation, fungi, algae and microbes degrade the plastics and increase their numbers in the surrounding environment. The management strategy comprising recovery of energy and other valuable by-products from plastic wastes, recycling and regulatory framework; are also described in detail. The future perspectives can be of paramount importance to control MPs generation and their abundance in the aquatic and other types of environments. The studies in future need to focus on advanced filtration techniques, advanced oxidation processes, energy recovery from plastic wastes and influences of MPs on carbon sequestration in aquatic environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Kumar
- Department of Natural Resources Management, Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India.
| | - Anil Kumar
- Forest Ecology and Climate Change Division, ICFRE-Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Panthaghati, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171013, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, 125001, India
| | - Kalp Bhusan Prajapati
- Department of Environmental Studies, Central University of Haryana, Jant-Pali, Mahendergarh, 123031, India
| | - Ambrish Kumar Mahajan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, 176215, India
| | - Deepak Pant
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, 176215, India
| | - Anoop Yadav
- Department of Environmental Studies, Central University of Haryana, Jant-Pali, Mahendergarh, 123031, India
| | - Anand Giri
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, 171013, India
| | - Satish Manda
- Department of Natural Resources Management, Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| | - Soniya Bhandari
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, 176215, India
| | - Richa Panjla
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, 176215, India
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7
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Kumar P, Perumal PK, Sumathi Y, Singhania RR, Chen CW, Dong CD, Patel AK. Nano-enabled microalgae bioremediation: Advances in sustainable pollutant removal and value-addition. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 263:120011. [PMID: 39284486 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.120011] [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: 07/27/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Microalgae-assisted bioremediation, enriched by nanomaterial integration, offers a sustainable approach to environmental pollution mitigation while harnessing microalgae's potential as a biocatalyst and biorefinery resource. This strategy explores the interaction between microalgae, nanomaterials, and bioremediation, advancing sustainability objectives. The potent combination of microalgae and nanomaterials highlights the biorefinery's promise in effective pollutant removal and valuable algal byproduct production. Various nanomaterials, including metallic nanoparticles and semiconductor quantum dots, are reviewed for their roles in inorganic and organic pollutant removal and enhancement of microalgae growth. Limited studies have been conducted to establish nanomaterial's (CeO2, ZnO, Fe3O4, Al2O3, etc.) role on microalgae in pollution remediation; most studies cover inorganic pollutants (heavy metals and nutrients) remediation, exhibited 50-300% bioremediation efficiency improvement; however, some studies cover antibiotics and toxic dyes removal efficiency with 19-95% improvement. These aspects unveil the complex mechanisms underlying nanomaterial-pollutant-microalgae interactions, focusing on adsorption, photocatalysis, and quantum dot properties. Strategies to enhance bioremediation efficiency are discussed, including pollutant uptake improvement, real-time control, tailored nanomaterial design, and nutrient recovery. The review assesses recent advancements, navigates challenges, and envisions a sustainable future for bioremediation, underlining the transformative capacity of nanomaterial-driven microalgae-assisted bioremediation. This work aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by exploring nanomaterial-enhanced microalgae bioremediation for sustainable pollution management and resource utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kumar
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan
| | - Pitchurajan Krishna Perumal
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan
| | - Yamini Sumathi
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan
| | - Reeta Rani Singhania
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan; Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow, 226 029, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Chiu-Wen Chen
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Di Dong
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
| | - Anil Kumar Patel
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan; Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow, 226 029, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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8
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Li D, Li J, Zhu Y, Wu Y, Du L, Wu Y, Li J, Guo W. Responses of SNEDPR-AGS system under long-term exposure of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics for treating low C/N wastewater: Granular effect and microbial structure. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 480:136299. [PMID: 39467437 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 10/22/2024] [Accepted: 10/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/30/2024]
Abstract
The removal of nutrients in sewage treatment plants can be significantly impacted by carbon limitations, especially for treating low carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) wastewater, which can markedly increase operational costs. Simultaneous nitrification, endogenous denitrification, and phosphorus removal combined with aerobic granular sludge (SNEDPR-AGS) has emerged as one of the optimal processes for treating low C/N wastewater owing to its high carbon utilization efficiency; however, the long-term effect of microplastics (MPs) on this system remains unclear. This study investigated the granular effect and microbial response of an SNEDPR-AGS system for treating low C/N wastewater under long-term exposure (180 d) to polyethylene terephthalate microplastics (PET-MPs). The results showed that the integrity of the AGS structure was disrupted significantly as the PET-MP concentration increased, with clear AGS cracks appearing on days 180, 124, and 74 after exposure to 1, 10, and 100 mg/L of PET-MPs, respectively. Additionally, the addition of PET-MPs also inhibited denitrification and phosphorus removal due to a decrease in the relative abundance of functional genes (napAB, nirK/nirS, ppk1, ppk2, and ppx). Notably, both chemometric and high-throughput sequencing results indicated that the metabolic form of the system would shift from a polyphosphate-accumulating metabolism to a glycogen-accumulating metabolism. The reason may be that PET-MP stress inhibited the relative abundance of functional genes related to carbon, glycogen, phosphorus, and energy metabolism pathways in Candidatus Accumulibacter and Dechloromonas, but promoted their relative abundance of Candidatus Competibacter. Flow cytometry and molecular docking simulations have also demonstrated the direct toxic effects of PET-MPs on the SNEDPR-AGS system. The biological enhancement and functional recovery of damaged SNEDPR-AGS systems must be further investigated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyue Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jiarui Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yuhan Zhu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yaodong Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Linzhu Du
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yanshuo Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jun Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Wei Guo
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
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9
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Ho WK, Lum JTS, Lam TK, Yip TN, Hor CHH, Leung KSY. Quantifying the effects of chlorine disinfection on microplastics by time-resolved inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 954:176132. [PMID: 39260477 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176132] [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: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Using current water treatment systems, significant amounts of microplastics (MPs) are passing through and being released into the aquatic environment. However, we do not clearly know what effects disinfection processes have had on these particles. In this study, we applied inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) operating in time-resolved analysis (TRA) mode for quantifying changes in the chlorine (Cl) content of MPs under a variety of water treatment scenarios. Our results illustrated that time-resolved ICP-MS offers a potential method for sensitive and direct analysis of Cl content, including Cl mass and chlorine association (%Cl/C), of discrete particles in the MP suspension by the fast sequential measurements of signals from 35Cl1H2 and 12C1H. Our research, across various water treatment scenarios, also showed that polystyrene (PS) MPs exhibited greater reactivity to Cl disinfectant after being pre-disinfected with UV light and in mildly acidic to neutral pH environments. It is noteworthy that about half of the particles in MP suspension exposed to 10 mg Cl2/L, a typical Cl dose applied in water treatment, were chlorinated, and had a Cl content comparable to that of particles subjected to extreme conditions. Of even greater concern is the fact that our cell viability tests revealed that chlorinated MPs induced considerably higher rates of cell death in both human A549 and Caco-2 cells, and that the effects were Cl dose- and polymer type-dependent. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of time-resolved ICP-MS as a valuable technique for quantifying the Cl content of MP particles, which is crucial to assessing the fate and transformation of MPs in our water supply and treatment systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai-Kit Ho
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Judy Tsz-Shan Lum
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Tsz-Ki Lam
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Tai-Nam Yip
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Catherine Hong-Huan Hor
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Kelvin Sze-Yin Leung
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China; HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen Virtual University Park, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Capodaglio AG. Microplastics in the urban water cycle: A critical analysis of issues and of possible (needed?) solutions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 954:176580. [PMID: 39349210 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 09/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) contamination is a problem that affects even remote, scarcely populated regions of the world. This topic has recently been the subject of many published studies, however, these often adopt hyperbolic statements and do not actually provide definitive evidence that MPs are a cause of environmental risk in actual environmental conditions. New technologies to remove MPs from supply and waste water are being investigated, but they are able to intercept a minimal fraction of the MPs circulating in all environmental media. Recently, several pieces of legislation were introduced to reduce plastic production, use, and disposal, but it is not clear how such measures could achieve a significant environmental MP reduction. This paper addresses the MP issue within the urban water cycle, examining recent current literature on MP presence in drinking and waste water, and overviewing available recent treatment technologies for their removal. The ensuing discussion attempts to holistically assess the actual relevance of the issue in the light of the current scientific evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G Capodaglio
- Department of Civil Engineering & Architecture, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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11
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Vicente-Martínez Y, Soler-García I, Hernández-Córdoba M, López-García I, Penalver R. Development of a Fast and Efficient Strategy Based on Nanomagnetic Materials to Remove Polystyrene Spheres from the Aquatic Environment. Molecules 2024; 29:4565. [PMID: 39407495 PMCID: PMC11477501 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29194565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2024] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics contamination is growing globally, being a risk for different environmental compartments including animals and humans. At present, some Spanish beaches and coasts have been affected by discharges of these pollutants, which have caused a serious environmental problem. Therefore, efficient strategies to remove microplastics (MPs) from environmental samples are needed. In this study, the application of three magnetic materials, namely iron oxide (Fe3O4) and the composites Fe3O4@Ag and Fe3O4@Ag@L-Cysteine, to remove MPs, specifically polystyrene (PS), from water samples has been assessed. The magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized by field effect scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy detection (FESEM-EDX). Experimental conditions such as temperature, time, and pH during the removal process were assessed for the different adsorbent materials. The removal rate was calculated by filtering the treated water samples and counting the remaining MPs in the water using ImageJ software. The strongest removal efficiency (100%) was shown using Fe3O4@Ag@L-Cysteine for PS at 50 mg L-1 within 15 min of the separation process at room temperature and a neutral pH. A thermodynamic study demonstrated that the developed MPs elimination strategy was a spontaneous and physisorption process. Coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were demonstrated to be an efficient adsorbent for MP removal in aquatic environments and their use a promising technique for the control of MPs contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rosa Penalver
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (Y.V.-M.); (I.S.-G.); (M.H.-C.); (I.L.-G.)
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12
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Noornama, Abidin MNZ, Abu Bakar NK, Hashim NA. Innovative solutions for the removal of emerging microplastics from water by utilizing advanced techniques. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116752. [PMID: 39053257 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is one of the most pressing global environmental problems due to its harmful effects on living organisms and ecosystems. To address this issue, researchers have explored several techniques to successfully eliminate microplastics from water sources. Chemical coagulation, electrocoagulation, magnetic extraction, adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, and biodegradation are some of the recognized techniques used for the removal of microplastics from water. In addition, membrane-based techniques encompass processes propelled by pressure or potential, along with sophisticated membrane technologies like the dynamic membrane and the membrane bioreactor. Recently, researchers have been developing advanced membranes composed of metal-organic frameworks, MXene, zeolites, carbon nanomaterials, metals, and metal oxides to remove microplastics. This paper aims to analyze the effectiveness, advantages, and drawbacks of each method to provide insights into their application for reducing microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noornama
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta, Pakistan
| | | | - Nor Kartini Abu Bakar
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nur Awanis Hashim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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13
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Xu T, Yang J, Shao Z, Shen C, Yao F, Xia J, Zheng J, Wu Y, Kan S. Life cycle assessment of plastic waste in Suzhou, China: Management strategies toward sustainable express delivery. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 360:121201. [PMID: 38796870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The explosive growth of China's express delivery industry has greatly increased plastic waste, with low-value plastics not effectively utilized, such as PE packaging bags, which are often not recycled and end up in landfills or incinerators, causing significant resource waste and severe plastic pollution. A gate -to- grave life cycle assessment was adopted to assess the impacts of express delivery plastic waste (EDPW) management models (S1, landfill; S2, incineration; S3, mechanical pelletization), with Suzhou, China as a case. Results showed that mechanical pelletization, was the most environmentally advantageous, exhibiting a comprehensive environmental impact potential of -215.54 Pt, significantly lower than that of landfill (S1, 78.45 Pt) and incineration (S2, -121.77 Pt). The analysis identified that the end-of-life disposal and sorting stages were the principal contributors to environmental impacts in all three models, with transportation and transfer stages of residual waste having minimal effects. In terms of all environmental impact categories, human carcinogenic toxicity (HTc) emerged as the most significant contributor in all three scenarios. Specifically, S1 exhibited the most detrimental effect on human health, while S2 and S3 showed positive environmental impacts. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the application and innovation in mechanical recycling technologies be enhanced, the promotion of the eco-friendly transformation of packaging materials be pursued, and a sustainable express delivery packaging recycling management system be established. These strategies are essential for achieving more eco-friendly management of EDPW, reducing its environmental pollution, and moving towards more sustainable express delivery management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, China
| | - Jie Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, China.
| | - Zhijuan Shao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, China
| | - Chunqi Shen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, China
| | - Fenggen Yao
- Suzhou Environmental Sanitation Administration Agency, Suzhou, 215007, China
| | - Jinyu Xia
- Suzhou Environmental Sanitation Administration Agency, Suzhou, 215007, China
| | - Jiaxing Zheng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, China
| | - Yulian Wu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, China
| | - Shiye Kan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, China
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14
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Suzuki G, Uchida N, Tanaka K, Higashi O, Takahashi Y, Kuramochi H, Yamaguchi N, Osako M. Global discharge of microplastics from mechanical recycling of plastic waste. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123855. [PMID: 38548151 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The increasing production of plastic products and generation of plastic waste have had increasingly negative environmental impacts. Although recycling could reduce plastic pollution, microplastics can be generated during the process of crushing plastic products during mechanical recycling. We conducted crushing tests with 13 different plastics and documented the size distribution of particles generated. We then estimated the discharge of microplastics associated with recycling and their removal in wastewater treatment plants. We estimated that the global discharge of microplastics would increase from 0.017 Mt in 2000 to 0.749 Mt in 2060. Although mechanical recycling was estimated to account for 3.1% of the total emissions of microplastics for 2017, discharges of microplastics from plastic recycling may increase, even if plastic pollution from well-known sources decreases. Non-OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) Asia could be a major discharging region and would play a vital role in reducing discharges of microplastics. Reduction of the discharge of microplastics will require less use of plastic products and upgrading wastewater treatment in many countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Go Suzuki
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan.
| | - Natsuyo Uchida
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Kosuke Tanaka
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Osamu Higashi
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan; EX Research Institute Ltd., Takada 2-17-22, Toshimaku, Tokyo, 171-0033 Japan
| | - Yusuke Takahashi
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Kuramochi
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Naohisa Yamaguchi
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan; EX Research Institute Ltd., Takada 2-17-22, Toshimaku, Tokyo, 171-0033 Japan
| | - Masahiro Osako
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
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15
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Wei Z, Wei T, Chen Y, Zhou R, Zhang L, Zhong S. Seasonal dynamics and typology of microplastic pollution in Huixian karst wetland groundwater: Implications for ecosystem health. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 358:120882. [PMID: 38663080 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
This study offers an insightful and detailed examination of microplastic pollution in the Huixian karst wetland's groundwater, providing novel insights into the complex interplay of microplastic characteristics and their seasonal dynamics. We meticulously quantified microplastic concentrations, observing significant seasonal variation with values ranging from 4.9 to 13.4 n·L-1 in the wet season and 0.53-49.4 n·L-1 in the dry season. Our analysis pinpoints human activities and atmospheric deposition as key contributors to this contamination. A critical finding of our research is the pronounced disparity in microplastic levels between open wells and covered artesian wells, highlighting the vulnerability of open wells to higher pollution levels. Through correlation analysis, we unearthed the crucial influence of the karst region's unique hydrogeological characteristics on microplastic migration, distinctively different from non-karst areas. The karst terrain, characterized by its caves and subterranean rivers, facilitates the downward movement of microplastics from surface to groundwater, exacerbating pollution levels. Our investigation identifies agricultural runoff and domestic wastewater as primary pollution sources. These findings not only underscore the urgent need for environmental stewardship in karst regions but also provide a crucial foundation for formulating effective strategies to mitigate microplastic pollution in karst groundwater. The implications of this study extend beyond the Huixian karst wetland, offering a template for addressing microplastic pollution in similar ecosystems globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengxian Wei
- College of Life Sciences, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Tao Wei
- School of Automobile Engineering, Guilin University of Aerospace Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Yan Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Ruyue Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Lishan Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China.
| | - Shan Zhong
- College of Life Sciences, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
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Balu S, Ganapathy D, Arya S, Atchudan R, Sundramoorthy AK. Advanced photocatalytic materials based degradation of micropollutants and their use in hydrogen production - a review. RSC Adv 2024; 14:14392-14424. [PMID: 38699688 PMCID: PMC11064126 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra01307g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and pesticides in modern healthcare and agriculture, along with expanding industrialization, heavily contaminates aquatic environments. This leads to severe carcinogenic implications and critical health issues in living organisms. The photocatalytic methods provide an eco-friendly solution to mitigate the energy crisis and environmental pollution. Sunlight-driven photocatalytic wastewater treatment contributes to hydrogen production and valuable product generation. The removal of contaminants from wastewater through photocatalysis is a highly efficient method for enhancing the ecosystem and plays a crucial role in the dual-functional photocatalysis process. In this review, a wide range of catalysts are discussed, including heterojunction photocatalysts and various hybrid semiconductor photocatalysts like metal oxides, semiconductor adsorbents, and dual semiconductor photocatalysts, which are crucial in this dual function of degradation and green fuel production. The effects of micropollutants in the ecosystem, degradation efficacy of multi-component photocatalysts such as single-component, two-component, three-component, and four-component photocatalysts were discussed. Dual-functional photocatalysis stands out as an energy-efficient and cost-effective method. We have explored the challenges and difficulties associated with dual-functional photocatalysts. Multicomponent photocatalysts demonstrate superior efficiency in degrading pollutants and producing hydrogen compared to their single-component counterparts. Dual-functional photocatalysts, incorporating TiO2, g-C3N4, CeO2, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), layered double hydroxides (LDHs), and carbon quantum dots (CQDs)-based composites, exhibit remarkable performance. The future of synergistic photocatalysis envisions large-scale production facilitate integrating advanced 2D and 3D semiconductor photocatalysts, presenting a promising avenue for sustainable and efficient pollutant degradation and hydrogen production from environmental remediation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendar Balu
- Department of Prosthodontics, Centre for Nano-Biosensors, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences, Saveetha University Chennai 600077 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Dhanraj Ganapathy
- Department of Prosthodontics, Centre for Nano-Biosensors, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences, Saveetha University Chennai 600077 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Sandeep Arya
- Department of Physics, University of Jammu 180006 Jammu Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Raji Atchudan
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University 38541 Gyeongsan Republic of Korea
| | - Ashok K Sundramoorthy
- Department of Prosthodontics, Centre for Nano-Biosensors, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences, Saveetha University Chennai 600077 Tamil Nadu India
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17
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Kang P, Zhao Y, Wei T, Cai Y, Ji B, Addo-Bankas O. Interactions between MPs and PFASs in aquatic environments: A dual-character situation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119907. [PMID: 38157575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119907] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have drawn great attention as emerging threats to aquatic ecosystems. Although the literature to study the MPs and PFASs alone has grown significantly, our knowledge of the overlap and interactions between the two contaminations is scarce due to the unawareness of it. Actually, numerous human activities can simultaneously release MPs and PFASs, and the co-sources of the two are common, meaning that they have a greater potential for interactions. The direct interaction lies in the PFASs adsorption by MPs in water with integrated mechanisms including electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, plus many influence factors. In addition, the existence and transportation of MPs and PFASs in the aquatic environment have been identified. MPs and PFASs can be ingested by aquatic organisms and cause more serious combined toxicity than exposure alone. Finally, curbing strategies of MPs and PFASs are overviewed. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) can be an effective place to remove MPs from wastewater, while they are also an important point source of MPs pollution in water bodies. Although adsorption has proven to be a successful curbing method for PFASs, more technological advancements are required for field application. It is expected that this review can help revealing the unheeded relationship and interaction between MPs and PFASs in aquatic environments, thus assisting the further investigations of both MPs and PFASs as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiying Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, 710048, PR China; Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, School of Water Resources and Hydroelectric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, 710048, PR China; Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Yaqian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, 710048, PR China; Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, School of Water Resources and Hydroelectric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, 710048, PR China.
| | - Ting Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, 710048, PR China; Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, School of Water Resources and Hydroelectric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, 710048, PR China; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yamei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, 710048, PR China; Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, School of Water Resources and Hydroelectric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, 710048, PR China
| | - Bin Ji
- School of Civil Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Olivia Addo-Bankas
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, 710048, PR China; Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, School of Water Resources and Hydroelectric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, 710048, PR China
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18
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Qian X, Jin P, Fan K, Pei H, He Z, Du R, Cao C, Yang Y. Polystyrene microplastics exposure aggravates acute liver injury by promoting Kupffer cell pyroptosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:111307. [PMID: 38035408 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the long-term effects of polystyrene (PS) exposure on acute liver injury. METHODS The carbon tetrachloride-induced acute injury mouse model was subjected to long-term PS exposure. Pyroptosis was inhibited by knocking out Gsdmd in mice or treating with the Gsdmd inhibitor necrosulfonamide (NSA) to evaluate the effect of PS on liver injury. Kupffer cells were used as a cellular model to examine the effects of PS on cell pyroptosis, lactate dehydrogenase release rate, structural integrity (propidium iodide staining), and inflammatory factor levels. RESULTS In mice, PS exposure exacerbated acute liver injury, which was mitigated upon Gsdmd knockout (KO) or NSA treatment along with the downregulation of tissue inflammatory response. In vitro studies demonstrated that PS promoted Kupffer cell pyroptosis, which was suppressed upon Gsdmd KO or NSA treatment along with the alleviation of inflammation. CONCLUSION These results suggest that long-term PS exposure exacerbates acute liver injury by promoting Kupffer cell pyroptosis, which is one of the hepatotoxic mechanisms of PS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Qian
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Baoshan Luodian Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, Suining Branch of the Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Suining, China.
| | - Kaijian Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Mental Health Center, Chongming District, Shanghai 202150, China.
| | - Hongyan Pei
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.
| | - Zhongmei He
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.
| | - Rui Du
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.
| | - Chenxi Cao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, China.
| | - Yi Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, China.
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19
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Parashar N, Hait S. Abundance, characterization, and removal of microplastics in different technology-based sewage treatment plants discharging into the middle stretch of the Ganga River, India. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167099. [PMID: 37730063 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are considered as a prominent source for releasing microplastics (MPs) into the riverine systems. Though MPs abundance and removal efficacy in different secondary treatment technique-based STPs have been extensively studied worldwide, such studies are scarce in Indian conditions. Herein, this study comprehensively assesses MPs abundance, characterization, and their removal in the selected secondary treatment technique-based STPs discharging into the middle stretch of the Ganga River in India. MPs concentration (n/L) in influent and effluent of the STPs varied between 42 ± 10 to 150 ± 19 and 3 ± 1 to 22 ± 5, respectively. Overall, the primary treatment stage was observed to remove MPs by 23-42 %, while the secondary treatment stage removed MPs by 67-90 %. Selected technique-based STPs exhibited varying MPs removal efficacies as follows: SBR (94 %), TF (90 %), AL (88 %), UASB (87 %), ASP (85 %), FAB (84 %), and Bio-tower (77 %). MPs ranging from 50 to 250 μm were the dominant sizes, with PP, PE, and PS being the prevalent polymers. The Ganga River receives about 3 × 108 MPs/day from STP effluents, and an estimated 4.5 × 107 MPs/day are released via the sludge. This comprehensive assessment of MPs abundance and removal from different technology-based Indian STPs will allow the comparison of the generated dataset with similar studies worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Parashar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar 801 106, India
| | - Subrata Hait
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar 801 106, India.
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20
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Li YQ, Zhao BH, Zhang YQ, Zhang XY, Chen XT, Yang HS. Effects of polyvinylchloride microplastics on the toxicity of nanoparticles and antibiotics to aerobic granular sludge: Nitrogen removal, microbial community and resistance genes. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 238:117151. [PMID: 37716388 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) have ecological risk to humans and ecosystems. Polyvinylchloride microplastics (PVC MPs), as a representative of microplastics, may often coexist with CuO NPs and CIP in wastewater treatment systems due to their widespread application. However, the co-impact of PVC MPs in wastewater systems contained with CuO NPs and CIP on nitrogen removal and ecological risk is not clear. In this work, PVC MPs co-impacts on the toxicity of CuO NPs and CIP to aerobic granular sludge (AGS) systems and potential mechanisms were investigated. 10 mg/L PVC MPs co-addition did not significantly affect the nitrogen removal, but it definitely changed the microbial community structure and enhanced the propagation and horizontal transfer of antibiotics resistance genes (ARGs). 100 mg/L PVC MPs co-addition resulted in a raise of CuO NP toxicity to the AGS system, but reduced the co-toxicity of CuO NPs and CIP and ARGs expression. The co-impacts with different PVC MPs concentration influenced Cu2+ concentrations, cell membrane integrity, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) contents and microbial communities in AGS systems, and lead to a change of nitrogen removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qi Li
- Department of Municipal Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, PR China; Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200238, PR China
| | - Bai-Hang Zhao
- Department of Municipal Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, PR China.
| | - Yu-Qing Zhang
- Department of Municipal Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, PR China
| | - Xin-Yue Zhang
- Beijing Municipal Institute of City Management, Beijing, 100028, PR China
| | - Xiao-Tang Chen
- Department of Municipal Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, PR China
| | - Hai-Shan Yang
- Department of Municipal Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, PR China
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21
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Girish N, Parashar N, Hait S. Coagulative removal of microplastics from aqueous matrices: Recent progresses and future perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165723. [PMID: 37482362 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation (CFS) system has been identified as one of the favored treatment technique in water/wastewater treatment systems and hence, it is crucial to comprehend the efficacy of different coagulants used in removing microplastics (MPs) from aqueous matrices. Henceforth, this study critically reviews the recent progress and efficacy of different coagulants used to date for MPs removal. This includes laboratory and field-scale studies on inorganic and organic coagulants, as well as laboratory-scale studies on natural coagulants. Inorganic and organic coagulants have varying MPs removal efficiencies such as: Fe/Al-salts (30 %-95 %), alum (99 %), and poly aluminum chloride (13 %-97 %), magnesium hydroxide (84 %), polyamine (99 %), organosilanes (>95 %), and polyacrylamide (85 %-98 %). Moreover, studies have highlighted the use of natural coagulants, such as chitosan, protein amyloid fibrils, and starch has shown promising results in MPs removal with sevral advantages over traditional coagulants. These natural coagulants have demonstrated high MPs removal efficiencies with chitosan-tannic acid (95 %), protein amyloid fibrils (98 %), and starch (>90 %). Moreover, the MPs removal efficiencies of natural coagulants are compared and their predominant removal mechanisms are determined. Plant-based natural coagulants can potentially remove MPs through mechanisms such as polymer bridging and charge neutralization. Further, a systematic analysis on the effect of operational parameters highlights that the pH affects particle surface charge and coagulation efficiency, while mixing speed affects particle aggregation and sedimentation. Also, the optimal mixing speed for effective MPs removal depends on coagulant type and concentration, water composition, and MPs characteristics. Moreover, this work highlights the advantages and limitations of using different coagulants for MPs removal and discusses the challenges and future prospects in scaling up these laboratory studies for real-time applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandika Girish
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar 801 106, India
| | - Neha Parashar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar 801 106, India
| | - Subrata Hait
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar 801 106, India.
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Gao N, Ning R, Deng X. Feasibility, challenges, and future prospects of microalgae-based bioremediation technique for removing microplastics from wastewater. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1288439. [PMID: 37929194 PMCID: PMC10621199 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1288439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Gao
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Impacts of Hydraulic-projects and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystem of Ministry of Water Resources, Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Huangdao Gaoning Clinic of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Ruoxu Ning
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiangyuan Deng
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Impacts of Hydraulic-projects and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystem of Ministry of Water Resources, Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
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