1
|
Boughattas I, Vaccari F, Zhang L, Bandini F, Miras-Moreno B, Missawi O, Hattab S, Mkhinini M, Lucini L, Puglisi E, Banni M. Co-exposure to environmental microplastic and the pesticide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) induce distinctive alterations in the metabolome and microbial community structure in the gut of the earthworm Eisenia andrei. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123213. [PMID: 38158010 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123213] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are recognized as emergent pollutants and have become a significant environmental concern, especially when combined with other contaminants. In this study, earthworms, specifically Eisenia andrei, were exposed to MPs (at a concentration of 10 μg kg-1 of soil), herbicide 2,4-D (7 mg kg-1 of soil), and a combination of the two for 7 and 14 days. The chemical uptake in the earthworms was measured, and the bacterial and archaeal diversities in both the soil and earthworm gut were analyzed, along with the metabolomic profiles. Additionally, data integration of the two omics approaches was performed to correlate changes in gut microbial diversity and the different metabolites. Our results demonstrated that earthworms ingested MPs and increased 2,4-D accumulation. More importantly, high-throughput sequencing revealed a shift in microbial diversity depending on single or mixture exposition. Metabolomic data demonstrated an important modulation of the metabolites related to oxidative stress, inflammatory system, amino acids synthesis, energy, and nucleic acids metabolism, being more affected in case of co-exposure. Our investigation revealed the potential risks of MPs and 2,4-D herbicide combined exposure to earthworms and soil fertility, thus broadening our understanding of MPs' toxicity and impacts on terrestrial environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iteb Boughattas
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Agrobiodiversity, Sousse University, Tunisia; Regional Field Crops Research Center of Beja, IRESA, Tunisia
| | - Filippo Vaccari
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Leilei Zhang
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Francesca Bandini
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Begoña Miras-Moreno
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Omayma Missawi
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Agrobiodiversity, Sousse University, Tunisia
| | - Sabrine Hattab
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Agrobiodiversity, Sousse University, Tunisia; Regional Research Centre in Horticulture and Organic Agriculture, Chott-Mariem, 4042 Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Marouane Mkhinini
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Agrobiodiversity, Sousse University, Tunisia
| | - Luigi Lucini
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Edoardo Puglisi
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy.
| | - Mohamed Banni
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Agrobiodiversity, Sousse University, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, Monastir University, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Marini E, De Bernardi A, Tagliabue F, Casucci C, Tiano L, Marcheggiani F, Vaccari F, Taskin E, Puglisi E, Brunetti G, Vischetti C. Copper toxicity on Eisenia fetida in a vineyard soil: a combined study with standard tests, genotoxicity assessment and gut metagenomic analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:13141-13154. [PMID: 38240981 PMCID: PMC10881645 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31946-6] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Copper (Cu) toxicity is a pressing concern for several soils, especially in organic viticulture. The objective of this work was to assess Cu toxicity on the non-target organism Eisenia fetida, employing both traditional and novel tools for early identification of Cu-induced damages. In addition to traditional tests like avoidance and reproductive toxicity experiments, other tests such as the single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) and gut microbiome analysis were evaluated to identify early and more sensitive pollution biomarkers. Four sub-lethal Cu concentrations were studied, and the results showed strong dose-dependent responses by the earthworm avoidance test and the exceeding of habitat threshold limit at the higher Cu doses. An inverse proportionality was observed between reproductive output and soil Cu concentration. Bioaccumulation was not detected in earthworms; soil concentrations of potentially bioavailable Cu were not affected by E. fetida presence or by time. On the contrary, the SCGE test revealed dose-dependent genotoxicity for the 'tail length' parameter already at the second day of Cu exposition. Gut microbiome analysis a modulation of microbial composition, with the most aboundant families being Pectobateriaceae, Comamonadaceae and Microscillaceae. Bacillaceae increased over time and showed adaptability to copper up to 165 mg/kg, while at the highest dose even the sensitive Acetobacteriaceae family was affected. The research provided new insights into the ecotoxicity of Cu sub-lethal doses highlighting both alterations at earthworms' cellular level and changes in their gut microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Marini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Arianna De Bernardi
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Francesca Tagliabue
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Cristiano Casucci
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Luca Tiano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Fabio Marcheggiani
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Filippo Vaccari
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Eren Taskin
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Edoardo Puglisi
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Gianluca Brunetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Boulevard, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, SA5095, Australia
| | - Costantino Vischetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhou Y, Wu C, Li Y, Jiang H, Miao A, Liao Y, Pan K. Effects of nanoplastics on clam Ruditapes philippinarum at environmentally realistic concentrations: Toxicokinetics, toxicity, and gut microbiota. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 456:131647. [PMID: 37245360 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics are ubiquitous in marine environments, understanding to what extent nanoplastics accumulate in bivalves and the adverse effects derived from their retention is imperative for evaluating the detrimental effects in the benthic ecosystem. Here, using palladium-doped polystyrene nanoplastics (139.5 nm, 43.8 mV), we quantitatively determined nanoplastic accumulation in Ruditapes philippinarum and investigated its toxic effects by combining physiological damage assessments with a toxicokinetic model and 16 S rRNA sequencing. After a 14 days exposure, significant nanoplastic accumulation was observed, up to 17.2 and 137.9 mg·kg-1 for the environmentally realistic (0.02 mg·L-1) and ecologically (2 mg·L-1) relevant groups, respectively. Ecologically relevant nanoplastic concentrations evidently attenuated the total antioxidant capacity and stimulated excessive reactive oxygen species, which elicited lipid peroxidation, apoptosis, and pathological damage. The modeled uptake (k1) and elimination (k2) rate constants (from physiologically based pharmacokinetic model) were significantly negatively correlated with short-term toxicity. Although no obvious toxic effects were found, environmentally realistic exposures notably altered the intestinal microbial community structure. This work increases our understanding of how the accumulation of nanoplastics influences their toxic effects in terms of the toxicokinetics and gut microbiota, providing further evidence of their potential environmental risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Zhou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yanping Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wetland Evolution and Ecological Restoration, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Aijun Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210023, China
| | - Yongyan Liao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Ke Pan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pathogens transported by plastic debris: does this vector pose a risk to aquatic organisms? Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:349-358. [PMID: 36205551 DOI: 10.1042/etls20220022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics are small (<5 mm) plastic particles of varying shapes and polymer types that are now widespread global contaminants of marine and freshwater ecosystems. Various estimates suggest that several trillions of microplastic particles are present in our global oceanic system, and that these are readily ingested by a wide range of marine and freshwater species across feeding modes and ecological niches. Here, we present some of the key and pressing issues associated with these globally important contaminants from a microbiological perspective. We discuss the potential mechanisms of pathogen attachment to plastic surfaces. We then describe the ability of pathogens (both human and animal) to form biofilms on microplastics, as well as dispersal of these bacteria, which might lead to their uptake into aquatic species ingesting microplastic particles. Finally, we discuss the role of a changing oceanic system on the potential of microplastic-associated pathogens to cause various disease outcomes using numerous case studies. We set out some key and imperative research questions regarding this globally important issue and present a methodological framework to study how and why plastic-associated pathogens should be addressed.
Collapse
|
5
|
Giangeri G, Morlino MS, De Bernardini N, Ji M, Bosaro M, Pirillo V, Antoniali P, Molla G, Raga R, Treu L, Campanaro S. Preliminary investigation of microorganisms potentially involved in microplastics degradation using an integrated metagenomic and biochemical approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 843:157017. [PMID: 35777567 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is becoming an emerging environmental issue due to inappropriate disposal at the end of the materials life cycle. When plastics are released, they undergo physical and chemical corrosion, leading to the formation of small particles, commonly referred to as microplastics. In this study, a microbial community derived from the leachate of a bioreactor containing a mixture of soil and plastic collected during a landfill mining process underwent an enrichment protocol in order to select the microbial species specifically involved in plastic degradation. The procedure was set up and tested on polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene terephthalate, both in anaerobic and aerobic conditions. The evolution of the microbiome has been monitored using a combined approach based on microscopy, marker-gene amplicon sequencing, genome-centric metagenomics, degradation assays, and GC-MS analyses. This procedure permitted us to deeply investigate the metabolic pathways potentially involved in plastic degradation and to depict the route for microplastics metabolization from the enriched microbial community. Six enzymes, among the ones already identified, were found in our samples (alkane 1-monooxygenase, cutinase, feruloyl esterase, triacylglycerol lipase, medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase) and new enzymes, addressed as MHETases most probably for the presence of the catalytic triad (His-Asp-Ser), were detected. Among the enzymes involved in plastics degradation, alkane 1-monooxygenase was found in high copy number (between ten and 62 copies) in the metagenomes that resulted most abundant in the microbiome enriched with polyethylene, while protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase was found between one and eight copies in the most abundant metagenomes of the microbial culture enriched with polyethylene terephthalate. Degradation assays, performed using both bacterial lysates and supernatants, revealed interesting results on polyethylene terephthalate degradation. Moreover, this study demonstrates to what extent different types of microplastics can affect the microbial community composition. The results obtained significantly increase the knowledge of the plastic degradation process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ginevra Giangeri
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, via U. Bassi 58/b, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Silvia Morlino
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, via U. Bassi 58/b, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Nicola De Bernardini
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, via U. Bassi 58/b, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Mengyuan Ji
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, via U. Bassi 58/b, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Bosaro
- Italiana Biotecnologie, Via Vigazzolo 112, 36054 Montebello Vicentino, Italy
| | - Valentina Pirillo
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J. H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Paolo Antoniali
- Italiana Biotecnologie, Via Vigazzolo 112, 36054 Montebello Vicentino, Italy
| | - Gianluca Molla
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J. H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Roberto Raga
- ICEA, Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padua, via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Treu
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, via U. Bassi 58/b, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Stefano Campanaro
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, via U. Bassi 58/b, 35131 Padova, Italy; CRIBI biotechnology center, University of Padua, via U. Bassi 58/b, 35131 Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Trevisan R, Ranasinghe P, Jayasundara N, Di Giulio RT. Nanoplastics in Aquatic Environments: Impacts on Aquatic Species and Interactions with Environmental Factors and Pollutants. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10060326. [PMID: 35736934 PMCID: PMC9230143 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10060326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Plastic production began in the early 1900s and it has transformed our way of life. Despite the many advantages of plastics, a massive amount of plastic waste is generated each year, threatening the environment and human health. Because of their pervasiveness and potential for health consequences, small plastic residues produced by the breakdown of larger particles have recently received considerable attention. Plastic particles at the nanometer scale (nanoplastics) are more easily absorbed, ingested, or inhaled and translocated to other tissues and organs than larger particles. Nanoplastics can also be transferred through the food web and between generations, have an influence on cellular function and physiology, and increase infections and disease susceptibility. This review will focus on current research on the toxicity of nanoplastics to aquatic species, taking into account their interactive effects with complex environmental mixtures and multiple stressors. It intends to summarize the cellular and molecular effects of nanoplastics on aquatic species; discuss the carrier effect of nanoplastics in the presence of single or complex environmental pollutants, pathogens, and weathering/aging processes; and include environmental stressors, such as temperature, salinity, pH, organic matter, and food availability, as factors influencing nanoplastic toxicity. Microplastics studies were also included in the discussion when the data with NPs were limited. Finally, this review will address knowledge gaps and critical questions in plastics’ ecotoxicity to contribute to future research in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Trevisan
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88037-000, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Prabha Ranasinghe
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; (P.R.); (N.J.); (R.T.D.G.)
| | - Nishad Jayasundara
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; (P.R.); (N.J.); (R.T.D.G.)
| | - Richard T. Di Giulio
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; (P.R.); (N.J.); (R.T.D.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kalaitzidou MP, Alvanou MV, Papageorgiou KV, Lattos A, Sofia M, Kritas SK, Petridou E, Giantsis IA. Pollution Indicators and HAB-Associated Halophilic Bacteria Alongside Harmful Cyanobacteria in the Largest Mussel Cultivation Area in Greece. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095285. [PMID: 35564680 PMCID: PMC9104808 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Taking into consideration the essential contribution of Mytilus galloprovincialis farming, it is of rising importance to add knowledge regarding bacterial species occurrence in water samples from aquaculture zones from the point of view of both the organism and public health. In the present study, we investigated the bacterial community existing in water samples from six Mytilus galloprovincialis aquaculture areas in the Thermaikos gulf, northern Greece, that may provoke toxicity in aquatic organisms and humans and may indicate environmental pollution in mussel production as well as algal blooms. Bacterial species were identified molecularly by sequencing of a partial 16s rRNA segment and were analyzed phylogenetically for the confirmation of the bacterial taxonomy. The results obtained revealed the presence of four bacterial genera (Halomonas sp., Planococcus sp., Sulfitobacter sp., and Synechocystis sp.). Members of the Halomonas and Sulfitobacter genera have been isolated from highly polluted sites, Planococcus bacteria have been identified in samples derived directly from plastic debris, and Synechocystis bacteria are in line with microcystin detection. In this context, the monitoring of the bacteria community in mussel aquaculture water samples from the Thermaikos gulf, the largest mussel cultivation area in Greece, represents an indicator of water pollution, microplastics presence, algal blooms, and toxin presence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria P. Kalaitzidou
- National Reference Laboratory for Marine Biotoxins, Department of Food Microbiology, Biochemical Control, Residues, Marine Biotoxins and Other Water Toxins, Directorate of Veterinary Center of Thessaloniki, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Maria V. Alvanou
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, 53100 Florina, Greece; (M.V.A.); (A.L.)
| | - Konstantinos V. Papageorgiou
- 3rd Military Veterinary Hospital, General Staff, Hellenic Ministry of Defense, 15th Km Thessaloniki-Vasilika, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Lattos
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, 53100 Florina, Greece; (M.V.A.); (A.L.)
| | - Marina Sofia
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece;
| | - Spyridon K. Kritas
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.K.K.); (E.P.)
| | - Evanthia Petridou
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.K.K.); (E.P.)
| | - Ioannis A. Giantsis
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, 53100 Florina, Greece; (M.V.A.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Beloe CJ, Browne MA, Johnston EL. Plastic Debris As a Vector for Bacterial Disease: An Interdisciplinary Systematic Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:2950-2958. [PMID: 35129968 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c05405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pathogens and polymers can separately cause disease; however, environmental and medical researchers are increasingly investigating the capacity of polymers to transfer pathogenic bacteria, and cause disease, to hosts in new environments. We integrated causal frameworks from ecology and epidemiology into one interdisciplinary framework with four stages (colonization, survival, transfer, disease). We then systematically and critically reviewed 111 environmental and medical papers. We show 58% of studies investigated the colonization-stage alone but used this as evidence to classify a substratum as a vector. Only 11% of studies identified potential pathogens, with only 3% of studies confirming the presence of virulence-genes. Further, 8% of studies investigated μm-sized polymers with most (58%) examining less pervasive cm-sized polymers. No study showed bacteria can preferentially colonize, survive, transfer, and cause more disease on polymers compared to other environmental media. One laboratory experiment demonstrated plausibility for polymers to be colonized by a potential pathogen (Escherichia coli), survive, transfer, and cause disease in coral (Astrangia poculata). Our analysis shows a need for linked structured surveys with environmentally relevant experiments to understand patterns and processes across the vectoral stages, so that the risks and impacts of pathogens on polymers can be assessed with more certainty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte J Beloe
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Mark Anthony Browne
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Emma L Johnston
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
The Management of Agriculture Plastic Waste in the Framework of Circular Economy. Case of the Almeria Greenhouse (Spain). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182212042. [PMID: 34831794 PMCID: PMC8625533 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, ecosystems have suffered diverse environmental impacts caused by anthropogenic activities, including the dumping of plastic waste. This situation has prompted the European Union to introduce a new policy based on the circular economy. In this study, the present state and future perspectives on the generation and treatment of plastic waste in the intensive agriculture of Almeria (Spain) are analyzed. This activity generates 1503.6 kg·ha−1·year−1, on average, of plastic waste with an approximate treatment cost of 0.25 €/kg. The present study shows that the volume of plastic waste from intensive agriculture in Almeria is constantly increasing (48,948.2 tons in 2020/21) and it is suggested that the current management system does not meet the needs of the sector. Although it presents great opportunities for improvement under the framework of the circular economy. Furthermore, this work reports a direct relationship between the price of the raw materials needed for the production of plastic and the volume of recycled plastics. For this reason, it would be advisable for the administration to consider the implementation of a tax rebate system for the sector and specifically when the petroleum derivatives used to manufacture plastic are less expensive, and the recycling option is not so attractive.
Collapse
|