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Xie X, Wang K, Shen X, Li X, Wang S, Yuan S, Li B, Wang Z. Potential mechanisms of aortic medial degeneration promoted by co-exposure to microplastics and lead. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 475:134854. [PMID: 38889468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have attracted widespread attention because they can lead to combined toxicity by adsorbing heavy metals from the environment. Exposure to lead (Pb), a frequently adsorbed heavy metal by MPs, is common. In the current study, the coexistence of MPs and Pb was assessed in human samples. Then, mice were used as models to examine how co-exposure to MPs and Pb promotes aortic medial degeneration. The results showed that MPs and Pb co-exposure were detected in patients with aortic disease. In mice, MPs and Pb co-exposure promoted the damage of elastic fibers, loss of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and release of inflammatory factors. In vitro cell models revealed that co-exposure to MPs and Pb induced excessive reactive oxygen species generation, impaired mitochondrial function, and triggered PANoptosome assembly in VSMCs. These events led to PANoptosis and inflammation through the cAMP/PKA-ROS signaling pathway. However, the use of the PKA activator 8-Br-cAMP or mitochondrial ROS scavenger Mito-TEMPO improved, mitochondrial function in VSMCs, reduced cell death, and inhibited inflammatory factor release. Taken together, the present study provided novel insights into the combined toxicity of MPs and Pb co-exposure on the aorta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Xie
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99# Zhangzhidong Road, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 9# Zhangzhidong Road, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Kexin Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99# Zhangzhidong Road, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 9# Zhangzhidong Road, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaoyan Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99# Zhangzhidong Road, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 9# Zhangzhidong Road, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99# Zhangzhidong Road, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 9# Zhangzhidong Road, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Su Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 9# Zhangzhidong Road, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 9# Zhangzhidong Road, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shun Yuan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99# Zhangzhidong Road, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 9# Zhangzhidong Road, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99# Zhangzhidong Road, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 9# Zhangzhidong Road, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99# Zhangzhidong Road, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 9# Zhangzhidong Road, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China.
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2
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Li Y, Xu G, Yu Y. Freeze-thaw aged polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics alter enzyme activity and microbial community composition in soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134249. [PMID: 38603909 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134249] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
In cold regions, microplastics (MPs) in the soil undergo freeze-thaw (FT) aging process. Little is known about how FT aged MPs influence soil physico-chemical properties and microbial communities. Here, two environmentally relevant concentrations (50 and 500 mg/kg) of 50 and 500 µm polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) MPs treated soils were subjected to 45-day FT cycles (FTCs). Results showed that MPs experienced surface morphology, hydrophobicity and crystallinity alterations after FTCs. After 45-day FTCs, the soil urease (SUE) activity in control (MPs-free group that underwent FTCs) was 33.49 U/g. SUE activity in 50 µm PE group was reduced by 19.66 %, while increased by 21.16 % and 37.73 % in 500 µm PE and PP groups compared to control. The highest Shannon index was found in 50 µm PP-MPs group at 50 mg/kg, 2.26 % higher than control (7.09). Compared to control (average weighted degree=8.024), all aged MPs increased the complexity of network (0.19-1.43 %). Bacterial biomarkers of aged PP-MPs were associated with pollutant degradation. Aged PP-MPs affected genetic information, cellular processes, and disrupted the biosynthesis of metabolites. This study provides new insights into the potential hazards of MPs after FTCs on soil ecosystem in cold regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Li
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guanghui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China
| | - Yong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China.
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Lu J, Qiu Y, Zhang L, Wang J, Li C, Wang P, Ren L. Effects of Fe 3O 4 NMs based Fenton-like reactions on biodegradable plastic bags in compost: New insight into plastisphere community succession, co-composting efficiency and free radical in situ aging theory. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133689. [PMID: 38335609 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133689] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastic bags (BPBs), meant for eco-friendly, often inadequately degrade in compost, leading to microplastic pollution. In this study, the effect of Fenton-like reaction with Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NMs) on the plastisphere microorganisms' evolution and the BPBs' aging mechanism was revealed by co-composting of food waste with BPBs for 40 days. The establishment of the Fenton-like reaction was confirmed, with the addition of Fenton-like reagent treatments resulting in an increase of 57.67% and 37.75% in H2O2 levels during the composting, compared to the control group. Moreover, the structural characterization reveals that increasing oxygen content continuously generates reactive free radicals on the surface, leading to the formation of oxidative cavities. This process results in random chain-breaking, significantly reducing molecular weights by 39.27% and 38.81%, thus showcasing a deep-seated transformation in the plastic's molecular structure. Furthermore, the microbial network suggested that the Fenton-like reaction enriched plastisphere keystone species, thus accelerating the BPBs' aging. Additionally, the Fenton-like reaction improved compost maturity and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. These results reveal the bio-chemical mechanisms of BPBs aging and random chain-breaking by the Fenton-like reaction, under alternating oxidative/anoxic conditions of composting and provide a new insight to resolve the BPBs' pollutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Lu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Cleaner Production and Integrated Resource Utilization of China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; School of Light Industry Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yizhan Qiu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Cleaner Production and Integrated Resource Utilization of China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; School of Light Industry Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Luxi Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Jiancheng Wang
- Weiqiao-UCAS Science and Technology Park, Binzhou City, Shandong Province 256606, China
| | - Chunmei Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Pan Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Cleaner Production and Integrated Resource Utilization of China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; School of Light Industry Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Lianhai Ren
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Cleaner Production and Integrated Resource Utilization of China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; School of Light Industry Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.
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Duan Z, Chen Y, Dou Y, Fan H, Wang J, Cong J, Sun H, Wang L. Plastic food? Energy compensation of zebrafish (Danio rerio) after long-term exposure to polylactic acid biomicroplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133604. [PMID: 38280326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
The extensive use of bio-based plastics has led to their widespread distribution in the environment. However, their long-term ecological impact on aquatic animals is not well understood. In this study, adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to 1000 items·L-1 of either polylactic acid (PLA) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics (MPs), for 90 days. PLA is a typical bio-based plastic, while PET is a typical petroleum-derived plastic. The abundances of PLA and PET MPs in fish intestines were 981 ± 66 and 671 ± 151 items per fish, respectively, indicating a greater amount of PLA MP residues than PET MPs. However, the inhibitory effect of PET on fish weight was 1.8 times higher than that of PLA, suggesting energy compensation in PLA-treated zebrafish. Proliferation of Lactobacillus was observed in the fish intestines of the PLA group, indicating increased utilization capacity of intestinal flora for lactic acid production during PLA degradation. Metabolomics showed that the tricarboxylic acid pathway was up-regulated in the PLA group compared with that in the PET group, providing evidence of energy compensation. However, more ingested PLA MPs caused more significant histological damage to fish intestines than PET MPs. Therefore, the ecological risks of bio-based plastics still require attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghua Duan
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Yizhuo Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Yuhang Dou
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Huiyu Fan
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Jiaoyue Cong
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lei Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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5
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Qiu X, Wang X, Pan J, Ding L, Liang X, Guo X. Significant contribution of different sources of particulate organic matter to the photoaging of microplastics. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 251:121173. [PMID: 38281334 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121173] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Particulate organic matter (POM), as an important component of organic matter, can act as a redox mediator and thus intervene in the environmental behavior of microplastics (MPs). However, quantitative information on the role of POM in the photoaging of MPs under ultraviolet (UV) light is still lacking. To raise the knowledge gap, through environmental simulation experiments and qualitative/quantitative experiments of active substances, we found that POM from peat soil has stronger oxidation capacity than POM from sediment, and the involvement of POM at high water content makes the aging of MPs more obvious. This is because the persistent radicals and electron-absorbing groups on the surface of POM indirectly generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) by promoting electron transfer, and the dissolved organic matter (DOM) released from POM under UV light (POM-DOM) is further excited to generate triplet-state photochemistry of DOM (3DOM*) to promote the aging of MPs. Theoretical calculations revealed that the benzene ring, mainly C = C, and C = O in the main chain in the plastic macromolecule structure are more susceptible to ROS attack, and the differences in the vulnerable sites contained in different plastic structures as well as the differences in the energy band gaps lead to differences in their aging processes. This study firstly elucidates the key role and intrinsic mechanism of POM in the photoaging of MPs, providing a theoretical basis for a comprehensive assessment of the effect of POM on MPs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinran Qiu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Jianrui Pan
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Ling Ding
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xujun Liang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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Jiao L, Wei W, Liao CY, Wei YH, Lei FH, Li W. Quaternary ammonium-functionalized rosin-derived resin for the high-performance capture of caramels: Experiments and quantum chemical theory simulations. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132633. [PMID: 37776775 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Water contamination caused by discharge of spent washes containing colorants remains controversial. In this study, rosin-derived strongly basic macroporous anion-adsorption resin (RSBMAR) was designed as an advanced adsorbent for scavenging caramel, the most recalcitrant colorant in spent washes. Toxicity tests suggest that RSBMAR is environmentally friendly and hardly threatens aquatic organisms. RSBMAR exhibits outstanding caramel capture efficiency because of its rich target quaternary ammonium (-R4N+) and protonated tertiary amine (-R3NH+) groups, abundant porous structure, large specific surface area, excellent thermal stability, and good sphericity. The caramel adsorption capacity of RSBMAR was 165.86 mg/g and the decolorization efficiency reached 96.75%. After five cycles, the spent RSBMAR maintained a high decolorization rate, indicating excellent renewability. Multiple characterizations indicated that caramel capture was largely mediated by charge interaction between -R4N+/-R3NH+ (RSBMAR) and -RCOO-/-RCOOH (caramel), followed by H-bonds. Quantum chemical theory simulations, including electrostatic potential, local ionization energy, frontier molecular orbitals, and independent gradient model analyses, further visualized caramel capture mechanisms at atomic level. Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed that RSBMAR acts as both an H-bond donor and acceptor during caramel uptake. Dynamic adsorption was performed to treat real wastewater, laying the foundation for the industrial application of RSBMAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jiao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, China
| | - Chun-Yu Liao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, China
| | - Yan-Hong Wei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, China
| | - Fu-Hou Lei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, China; Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products (State Ethnic Affairs Commission), Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, China
| | - Wen Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, China; College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China.
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7
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Baysal A, Soyocak A, Saygin H, Saridag AM. Exposure to phagolysosomal simulated fluid altered the cytotoxicity of PET micro(nano)plastics to human lung epithelial cells. Toxicol Mech Methods 2024; 34:72-97. [PMID: 37697451 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2023.2256847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of micro(nano)plastics into various environmental and biological settings influences their physicochemical and toxic behavior. Simulated body fluids are appropriate media for understanding the degradation, stability, and interaction with other substances of any material in the human body. When the particles enter the human body via inhalation, which is one of the avenues for micro(nano)plastics, they first come into contact with the lung lining fluid under neutral conditions and then are phagocytosed under acidic conditions to be removed. Therefore, it is important to examine the physicochemical transformation and toxicity characteristics after interaction with phagolysosomal simulant fluid (PSF). Here, we focused on exploring how the physicochemical differences (e.g. surface chemistry, elemental distribution, and surface charge) of micro(nano)plastics under pH 4.5 phagolysosome conditions impact cytotoxicity and the oxidative characteristics of lung epithelia cells. The cytotoxicity of lung epithelia cells to those treated with PSF and non-treated micro(nano)plastics was tested by various viability indicators including cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), MTT, and LDH. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity background was examined through the oxidative processes (e.g. reactive oxygen species, antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and reduced glutathione). The results showed that all tested surface physicochemical characteristics were significantly influenced by the phagolysosome conditions. The staged responses were observed with the treatment duration, and significant changes were calculated in carbonyl, carbon-nitrogen, and sulfonyl groups. Moreover, the negativity of the zeta potentials declined between exposure of 2-40 h and then increased at 80 h compared to control owing to the chemical functional groups and elemental distribution of the plastic particles. The tested viability indicators showed that the micro(nano)plastics treated with PSF were cytotoxic to the lung epithelia cells compared to non-treated micro(nano)plastics, and SOD was the dominant enzyme triggering cytotoxicity due to the particle degradation and instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asli Baysal
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Letters, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Turkey
| | - Ahu Soyocak
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Aydin University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hasan Saygin
- Application and Research Center for Advanced Studies, Istanbul Aydin University, Istanbul Turkey
| | - Ayse Mine Saridag
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
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Pan J, Zhang Q, Zhang K, Zhang Z, Guo X. Occurrence of microplastics in agricultural soils in ecologically fragile areas of China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166350. [PMID: 37591376 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
The pollution caused by microplastics (MPs), an emerging pollutant, has been receiving continuous concern. However, the distribution characteristics of MPs in ecologically fragile areas (EFAs), which are sensitive to environmental change and pollution, are still unclear. Here, the abundance and pollution characteristics of MPs in agricultural soils in four typical EFAs in China, namely semiarid farming-pastoral area (SFPA), desert-oasis interlaced area (DOIA), plateau composite erosion area (PCEA) and southwest karst area (SWKA) were investigated. MPs were detected in all agricultural soil samples with a mean abundance of 2685 ± 938 n/kg. DOIA (3193 ± 630 n/kg) had the largest abundance of MPs in agricultural soils, followed by SWKA (2948 ± 819 n/kg), SFPA (2920 ± 935 n/kg), and PCEA (1680 ± 320 n/kg). MPs in four EFAs were mostly small size (0-0.49 mm), accounted for 81.71 %. Fragmented and pelleted MPs were the main shapes, occupying for 51.26 % and 28.53 %, respectively. In addition, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) was applied to determine the polymer types of MPs and to assess the pollution risk of MPs, which ranged from 157 to 938, indicating a moderate to high risk. The results revealed that EFAs located in remote inland areas were considerably polluted by MPs, close to the developed coastal areas. This study provided systematic data on MPs pollution of EFAs, which is crucial in preventing further environmental degradation and promoting ecological restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianrui Pan
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Kaiyue Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Zhenming Zhang
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550003, China.
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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9
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Xu Z, Shen J, Lin L, Chen J, Wang L, Deng X, Wu X, Lin Z, Zhang Y, Yu R, Xu Z, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Wang C. Exposure to irregular microplastic shed from baby bottles activates the ROS/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway, causing intestinal inflammation. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 181:108296. [PMID: 37924603 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Irregularly shaped microplastics (MPs) released from infant feeding bottles (PP-IFBs) may exhibit increased cytotoxicity, in contrast to the commonly studied spherical MPs. This study presents an initial analysis of the thermal-oxidative aging process of plastic shedding from feeding bottles, and investigates the inflammatory response induced by these atypical MPs in human intestinal cells (Caco-2). The PP-IFBs' surface displayed non-uniform white patches and increased roughness, revealing substantial structural alteration and shedding, especially during actions such as shaking, boiling water disinfection, and microwave heating. FT-IR and 2D-COS analyses revealed that oxygen targeted the C-H and C-C bonds of polypropylene molecular chain, producing RO· and ·OH, thereby hastening polypropylene degradation. When human intestinal cells were exposed to MPs from PP-IFBs, oxidative stress was triggered, resulting in lowered glutathione levels, augmented reactive oxygen species (ROS), and heightened lipid peroxidation. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNFα) signified an active inflammatory process. The inflammatory response was notably more intense when exposed to MPs released through boiling water disinfection and microwave heating treatments, primarily due to the larger quantity of MPs released and their higher proportion of smaller particles. Furthermore, the NLRP3 inflammasome was identified as critical in initiating this inflammatory chain reaction due to the mitochondrial ROS surge caused by MPs exposure. This was further validated by inhibitor studies, emphasizing the role of the ROS/NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β signaling pathway in in promoting intestinal inflammation. Therefore, swift actions are recommended to protect infants against the potential health effects of MPs exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Xu
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Jiemiao Shen
- Key Lab of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Lihong Lin
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Jieting Chen
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xingying Deng
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Xinyue Wu
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Zheng Lin
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Yuxue Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Renqiang Yu
- Department of Neonatology, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhihao Xu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinggangshan University, Jian 343009, China
| | - Jiexiang Zhang
- GRG Metrology& Test Group Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510656, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China.
| | - Chao Wang
- Key Lab of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
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