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Chang N, Chen L, Wang N, Cui Q, Qiu T, Zhao S, He H, Zeng Y, Dai W, Duan C, Fang L. Unveiling the impacts of microplastic pollution on soil health: A comprehensive review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175643. [PMID: 39173746 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175643] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Soil contamination by microplastics (MPs) has emerged as a significant global concern. Although traditionally associated with crop production, contemporary understanding of soil health has expanded to include a broader range of factors, including animal safety, microbial diversity, ecological functions, and human health protection. This paradigm shifts underscores the imperative need for a comprehensive assessment of the effects of MPs on soil health. Through an investigation of various soil health indicators, this review endeavors to fill existing knowledge gaps, drawing insights from recent studies conducted between 2021 and 2024, to elucidate how MPs may disrupt soil ecosystems and compromise their crucial functions. This review provides a thorough analysis of the processes leading to MP contamination in soil environments and highlights film residues as major contributors to agricultural soils. MPs entering the soil detrimentally affect crop productivity by hindering growth and other physiological processes. Moreover, MPs hinder the survival, growth, and reproductive rates of the soil fauna, posing potential health risks. Additionally, a systematic evaluation of the impact of MPs on soil microbes and nutrient cycling highlights the diverse repercussions of MP contamination. Moreover, within soil-plant systems, MPs interact with other pollutants, resulting in combined pollution. For example, MPs contain oxygen-containing functional groups on their surfaces that form high-affinity hydrogen bonds with other pollutants, leading to prolonged persistence in the soil environment thereby increasing the risk to soil health. In conclusion, we succinctly summarize the current research challenges related to the mediating effects of MPs on soil health and suggest promising directions for future studies. Addressing these challenges and adopting interdisciplinary approaches will advance our understanding of the intricate interplay between MPs and soil ecosystems, thereby providing evidence-based strategies for mitigating their adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Chang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Li Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Na Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qingliang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Tianyi Qiu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Nonmetallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shuling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Haoran He
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yi Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Wei Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Chengjiao Duan
- College of Resources and Environment, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, PR China
| | - Linchuan Fang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Nonmetallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China.
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Lee JY, Chia RW, Veerasingam S, Uddin S, Jeon WH, Moon HS, Cha J, Lee J. A comprehensive review of urban microplastic pollution sources, environment and human health impacts, and regulatory efforts. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174297. [PMID: 38945237 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174297] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution in urban environments is a pervasive and complex problem with significant environmental and human health implications. Although studies have been conducted on MP pollution in urban environments, there are still research gaps in understanding the exact sources, regulation, and impact of urban MP on the environment and public health. Therefore, the goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the complex pathways, harmful effects, and regulatory efforts of urban MP pollution. It discusses the research challenges and suggests future directions for addressing MPs related to environmental issues in urban settings. In this study, original research papers published from 2010 to 2024 across ten database categories, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, were selected and reviewed to improve our understanding of urban MP pollution. The analysis revealed multifaceted sources of MPs, including surface runoff, wastewater discharge, atmospheric deposition, and biological interactions, which contribute to the contamination of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. MPs pose a threat to marine and terrestrial life, freshwater organisms, soil health, plant communities, and human health through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure. Current regulatory measures for MP pollution include improved waste management, upgraded wastewater treatment, stormwater management, product innovation, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement. Despite these regulatory measures, several challenges such as; the absence of standardized MPs testing methods, MPs enter into the environment through a multitude of sources and pathways, countries struggle in balancing trade interests with environmental concerns have hindered effective policy implementation and enforcement. Addressing MP pollution in urban environments is essential for preserving ecosystems, safeguarding public health, and advancing sustainable development. Interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative research, stringent regulations, and public participation are vital for mitigating this critical issue and ensuring a cleaner and healthier future for urban environments and the planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Yong Lee
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Rogers Wainkwa Chia
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Earth Resources, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - S Veerasingam
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha, P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Saif Uddin
- Environment and Life Sciences Research Centre, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Safat 13109, Kuwait
| | - Woo-Hyun Jeon
- Groundwater Environment Research Center, Climate Change Response Division, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Daejeon 34132, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Sun Moon
- Groundwater Environment Research Center, Climate Change Response Division, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Daejeon 34132, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihye Cha
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; School of Science and Engineering, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Jejung Lee
- School of Science and Engineering, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
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Nguyen MK, Rakib MRJ, Lin C, Hwangbo M, Kim J. Is micro(nano)plastic contamination in wet atmospheric deposition a prominent issue requiring heightened attention? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135027. [PMID: 38925051 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Minh-Ky Nguyen
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University of Ho Chi Minh City, Hamlet 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Environmental Science and Management, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh; School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences, University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Myung Hwangbo
- School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences, University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States
| | - Jongsun Kim
- School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences, University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States.
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4
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Ankit Y, Ajay K, Nischal S, Kaushal S, Kataria V, Dietze E, Anoop A. Atmospheric deposition of microplastics in an urban conglomerate near to the foothills of Indian Himalayas: investigating the quantity, chemical character, possible sources and transport mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124629. [PMID: 39074688 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
The global apprehension regarding the ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs)and their associated health risks underscore a significant challenge. However, our understanding on the occurrence and characteristics of this emerging class of pollutants in the different environmental compartments remains limited. For instance, despite housing approximately 20-25% of the global population, the evidence of the atmospheric MPs in Indian Subcontinent is exceedingly rare. Hence, we for the first-time present data on the depositional flux, chemical composition, morphological features of the atmospheric MPs collected from the foothills of Indian Himalayas. The total number of MPs for the collected samples ranged from 65 to 752 particles, with an average of 317±171 particles count. The average flux of atmospheric MPs was 2256±1221 particles/m2/day and varied significantly from 462 particles/m2/day to 5346 particles/m2/day. The highest deposition (5346 particles/m2/day) of atmospheric MPs was recorded during the 3rd week of sampling, coinciding with the Diwali festival. Based on the visual characteristics, we determined that the size of MPs ranged from 67-2320 μm, with a predominant presence of smaller particles (<1200 μm), primarily composed of fragments and films/sheets. Raman spectroscopy indicated that the analyzed MPs were mainly composed of 4 different polymer types, including PE (46.8±7.2 %), PP (20.9±7.4 %), PS (15.6±3.8 %) and PET (16.7±9.9 %). We further highlighted the extent to which climate variables control the deposition of atmospheric MPs in this urban conglomerate located in the foothills of Himalayas. Our Lagrangian parcel tracking approach showed that the greater frequencies are of local origin and clustered near to the studied region. We also speculate that atmospheric microplastics can be transported along the westerly winds. Though we did not observe any significant relation (p>0.05, n=16) between meteorological parameters and the quantity of atmospheric MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadav Ankit
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, India; Physical Geography, University of Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Kumar Ajay
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, India
| | - Sharma Nischal
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, India
| | - Sahil Kaushal
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, India
| | - Vishal Kataria
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, India; Dr. Moses Strauss Department of Marine Geosciences, University of Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Ambili Anoop
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, India
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5
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Xie Y, Irshad S, Jiang Y, Sun Y, Rui Y, Zhang P. Microplastic-mediated environmental behavior of metal contaminants: mechanism and implication. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:43524-43539. [PMID: 38904875 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34042-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and metals are currently two of the most concerning environmental pollutants due to their persistent nature and potential threats to ecosystems and human health. This review examines the intricate interactions between MPs and metals in diverse environmental compartments, including aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments by focusing on the complex processes of adsorption and desorption and the mechanisms that govern these interactions. MPs act as carriers and concentrators of metals in aquatic and terrestrial environments, affecting the bioavailability and toxicity of these contaminants to aquatic and terrestrial organisms. This review highlights the existing challenges and constraints associated with current analytical methods, including microscopy, spectroscopy, and isotherm models in studying microplastic-heavy metal interactions. Moreover, we identified the knowledge gaps and future research directions that can enhance our understanding of the dynamic interplay between MPs and metals in various environmental settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xie
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Samina Irshad
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Yaqi Jiang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Yukui Rui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
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6
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Islam ARMT, Hasan M, Sadia MR, Mubin AN, Ali MM, Senapathi V, Idris AM, Malafaia G. Unveiling microplastics pollution in a subtropical rural recreational lake: A novel insight. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118543. [PMID: 38417661 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118543] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
While global attention has been primarily focused on the occurrence and persistence of microplastics (MP) in urban lakes, relatively little attention has been paid to the problem of MP pollution in rural recreational lakes. This pioneering study aims to shed light on MP size, composition, abundance, spatial distribution, and contributing factors in a rural recreational lake, 'Nikli Lake' in Kishoreganj, Bangladesh. Using density separation, MPs were extracted from 30 water and 30 sediment samples taken from ten different locations in the lake. Subsequent characterization was carried out using a combination of techniques, including a stereomicroscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The results showed a significant prevalence of MPs in all samples, with an average amount of 109.667 ± 10.892 pieces/kg3 (dw) in the sediment and 98.167 ± 12.849 pieces/m3 in the water. Small MPs (<0.5 mm), fragments and transparent colored particles formed the majority, accounting for 80.2%, 64.5% and 55.3% in water and 78.9%, 66.4% and 64.3% in sediment, respectively. In line with global trends, polypropylene (PP) (53%) and polyethylene (PE) (43%) emerged as the predominant polymers within the MPs. MP contents in water and sediment showed positive correlations with outflow, while they correlated negatively with inflow and lake depth (p > 0.05). Local activities such as the discharge of domestic sewage, fishing waste and agricultural runoff significantly influence the distribution of polypropylene. Assessment of pollution factor, pollution risk index and pollution load index values at the sampling sites confirmed the presence of MPs, with values above 1. This study is a baseline database that provides a comprehensive understanding of MP pollution in the freshwater ecosystem of Bangladesh, particularly in a rural recreational lake. A crucial next step is to explore ecotoxicological mechanisms, legislative measures and future research challenges triggered by MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh; Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh.
| | - Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh.
| | - Moriom Rahman Sadia
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh.
| | - Al-Nure Mubin
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh.
| | - Mir Mohammad Ali
- Department of Aquaculture, Sher - e - Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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7
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Chen Y, Meng Y, Liu G, Huang X, Chai G. Probabilistic Estimation of Airborne Micro- and Nanoplastic Intake in Humans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:9071-9081. [PMID: 38748887 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Little research exists on the magnitude, variability, and uncertainty of human exposure to airborne micro- and nanoplastics (AMNPs), despite their critical role in human exposure to MNPs. We probabilistically estimate the global intake of AMNPs through three main pathways: indoor inhalation, outdoor inhalation, and ingestion during indoor meals, for both children and adults. The median inhalation of AMPs is 1,207.7 (90% CI, 42.5-8.48 × 104) and 1,354.7 (90% CI, 47.4-9.55 × 104) N/capita/day for children and adults, respectively. The annual intake of AMPs is 13.18 mg/capita/a for children and 19.10 mg/capita/a for adults, which is approximately one-fifth and one-third of the mass of a standard stamp, assuming a consistent daily intake of medians. The majority of AMP number intake occurs through inhalation, while the ingestion of deposited AMPs during meals contributes the most in terms of mass. Furthermore, the median ANP intake through outdoor inhalation is 9,638.1 N/day (8.23 × 10-6 μg/d) and 5,410.6 N/day (4.62 × 10-6 μg/d) for children and adults, respectively, compared to 5.30 × 105 N/day (5.79 × 10-4 μg/d) and 6.00 × 105 N/day (6.55 × 10-4 μg/d) via indoor inhalation. Considering the increased toxicity of smaller MNPs, the significant number of ANPs inhaled warrants great attention. Collaborative efforts are imperative to further elucidate and combat the current MPN risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yuchuan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Guodong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Xiaohua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Guangming Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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8
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Vojnits K, de León A, Rathore H, Liao S, Zhao M, Gibon J, Pakpour S. ROS-dependent degeneration of human neurons induced by environmentally relevant levels of micro- and nanoplastics of diverse shapes and forms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134017. [PMID: 38518696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134017] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Our study explores the pressing issue of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) inhalation and their subsequent penetration into the brain, highlighting a significant environmental health concern. We demonstrate that MNPs can indeed penetrate murine brain, warranting further investigation into their neurotoxic effects in humans. We then proceed to test the impact of MNPs at environmentally relevant concentrations, with focusing on variations in size and shape. Our findings reveal that these MNPs induce oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and neurodegeneration in human neurons, with cortical neurons being more susceptible than nociceptors. Furthermore, we examine the role of biofilms on MNPs, demonstrating that MNPs can serve as a vehicle for pathogenic biofilms that significantly exacerbate these neurotoxic effects. This sequence of investigations reveals that minimal MNPs accumulation can cause oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in human neurons, significantly risking brain health and highlights the need to understand the neurological consequences of inhaling MNPs. Overall, our developed in vitro testing battery has significance in elucidating the effects of environmental factors and their associated pathological mechanisms in human neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Vojnits
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Andrés de León
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada; Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Harneet Rathore
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Sophia Liao
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Zhao
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Julien Gibon
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada; Office of Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sepideh Pakpour
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.
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Liu P, Shao L, Zhang Y, Silvonen V, Oswin H, Cao Y, Guo Z, Ma X, Morawska L. Atmospheric microplastic deposition associated with GDP and population growth: Insights from megacities in northern China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134024. [PMID: 38493631 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is evolving into one of the most pressing environmental concerns worldwide. This study assessed the impact of economic activities on atmospheric MP pollution across 17 megacities in northern China, analyzing the correlation between the deposition flux of atmospheric MPs and variables such as city population, gross domestic product (GDP), and industrial structure. The results have shown that the MP pollution is obviously impacted by human activities related to increased GDP, population, as well as tertiary service sector, in which the MP pollution shows most close relationship with the GDP growth. Polypropylene, polyamide, polyurethane, and polyethylene were identified as the primary components of atmospheric MPs. The average particle size of MPs in atmospheric dustfall is 78.3 µm, and the frequency of MP particles increases as the particle size decreases. The findings highlight the complex relationship between socio-economic development and atmospheric MP accumulation, providing essential insights for the formulation of targeted emission reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengju Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal Resources & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health (ILAQH), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
| | - Longyi Shao
- State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal Resources & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Yaxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal Resources & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ville Silvonen
- Aerosol Physics Laboratory, Physics Unit, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere 33014, Finland
| | - Henry Oswin
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health (ILAQH), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
| | - Yaxin Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal Resources & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ziyu Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal Resources & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xuying Ma
- College of Geomatics, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health (ILAQH), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
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10
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Wu H, Gao T, Hu A, Wang J. Network Complexity and Stability of Microbes Enhanced by Microplastic Diversity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4334-4345. [PMID: 38382548 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic mixtures are ubiquitously distributed in global ecosystems and include varying types. However, it remains unknown how microplastic diversity affects the biotic interactions of microbes. Here, we developed novel experiments of 600 microcosms with microplastic diversity ranging from 1 to 6 types and examined ecological networks for microbial communities in lake sediments after 2 months of incubation at 15 and 20 °C. We found that microplastic diversity generally enhanced the complexity of microbial networks at both temperatures, such as increasing network connectance and reducing average path length. This phenomenon was further confirmed by strengthened species interactions toward high microplastic diversity except for the negative interactions at 15 °C. Interestingly, increasing temperatures further exaggerated the effects of microplastic diversity on network structures, resulting in higher network connectivity and species interactions. Consistently, using species extinction simulations, we found that higher microplastic diversity and temperature led to more robust networks, and their effects were additionally and positively mediated by the presence of biodegradable microplastics. Our findings provide the first evidence that increasing microplastic diversity could unexpectedly promote the complexity and stability of microbial networks and that future warming could amplify this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Tianheng Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Ang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jianjun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
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11
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Luo D, Chu X, Wu Y, Wang Z, Liao Z, Ji X, Ju J, Yang B, Chen Z, Dahlgren R, Zhang M, Shang X. Micro- and nano-plastics in the atmosphere: A review of occurrence, properties and human health risks. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133412. [PMID: 38218034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133412] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitous occurrence of micro/nano plastics (MNPs) poses potential threats to ecosystem and human health that have attracted broad concerns in recent decades. Detection of MNPs in several remote regions has implicated atmospheric transport as an important pathway for global dissemination of MNPs and hence as a global health risk. In this review, the latest research progress on (1) sampling and detection; (2) origin and characteristics; and (3) transport and fate of atmospheric MNPs was summarized. Further, the current status of exposure risks and toxicological effects from inhaled atmospheric MNPs on human health is examined. Due to limitations in sampling and identification methodologies, the study of atmospheric nanoplastics is very limited today. The large spatial variation of atmospheric MNP concentrations reported worldwide makes it difficult to compare the overall indoor and outdoor exposure risks. Several in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological studies demonstrate adverse effects of immune response, apoptosis and oxidative stress caused by MNP inhalation that may induce cardiovascular diseases and reproductive and developmental abnormalities. Given the emerging importance of atmospheric MNPs, the establishment of standardized sampling-pretreatment-detection protocols and comprehensive toxicological studies are critical to advance environmental and health risk assessments of atmospheric MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Luo
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xinyun Chu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhenfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhonglu Liao
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xiaoliang Ji
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jingjuan Ju
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Pingyang County Health Inspection Center, Wenzhou 325405, China.
| | - Zheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Randy Dahlgren
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Minghua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Xu Shang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
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Zhu J, Xu A, Shi M, Su Y, Liu W, Zhang Y, She Z, Xing X, Qi S. Atmospheric deposition is an important pathway for inputting microplastics: Insight into the spatiotemporal distribution and deposition flux in a mega city. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:123012. [PMID: 38008254 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123012] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) refer to plastic particles with a size less than 5 mm, which attracted widespread attention as an emerging pollutant. The monitoring of atmospheric microplastics (AMPs) in a megacity was carried out to study the characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of AMPs, explore the sources and estimate the deposition flux. The results showed that the annual average abundance of AMPs in Wuhan was 82.85 ± 57.66 n·m-2·day-1. The spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of AMPs show that spring was the highest season, followed by autumn, winter, and summer; the city center was higher than the suburbs. Fiber was the main type of AMPs in Wuhan, followed by fragment, film and pellet. The proportion of AMPs were mainly small (<0.5 mm) and medium (0.5-1.0 mm). Transparent and white were the main colors of AMPs, followed by red, brown. A total of 10 types polymers were detected, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was dominant. There are positive correlations between AMPs and SO2, NO2 in the atmosphere, indicating that they might be influenced by intense human activity. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and AMPs in spring showed an extremely significant positive correlation (p < 0.05). AMPs might mainly originate from the wear and tear shedding of textiles, the aging of agricultural films and plastic waste based on their polymer types and main uses. The potential geographical sources of AMPs were mainly the surrounding cities. The annual deposition flux of AMPs was about 308 tons if there were no remove processes, which highlighted the importance of atmospheric transport and deposition of MPs. The analysis of the abundance, morphological characteristics and sources of AMPs can provide data support and reference for mega-cities with high global population activities, or cities in global mid-latitude regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China
| | - An Xu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China
| | - Mingming Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China
| | - Yewang Su
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China
| | - Weijiu Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China
| | - Zhenbing She
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China
| | - Xinli Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China.
| | - Shihua Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China
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13
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Mubin AN, Islam ARMT, Hasan M, Islam MS, Ali MM, Siddique MAB, Alam MS, Rakib MRJ, Islam MS, Momtaz N, Senapathi V, Idris AM, Malafaia G. The path of microplastics through the rare biodiversity estuary region of the northern Bay of Bengal. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 260:104271. [PMID: 38056088 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2023.104271] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Due to its harmful effects on ecosystems and human health, microplastic (MP) pollution has become a significant environmental problem on a global scale. Although MPs' pollution path and toxic effects on marine habitats have been examined worldwide, the studies are limited to the rare biodiversity estuary region of Hatiya Island from the northern Bay of Bengal. This study aimed to investigate the MP pollution path and its influencing factors in estuarine sediments and water in rare biodiversity Hatiya Island in the northern Bay of Bengal. Sixty water and sediment samples were collected from 10 sampling sites on the Island and analyzed for MPs. The abundance of MPs in sediment ranged from 67 to 143 pieces/kg, while the abundance in water ranged from 24.34 to 59 pieces/m3. The average concentrations of MPs in sediment and water were 110.90 ± 20.62 pieces/kg and 38.77 ± 10.09 pieces/m3, respectively. Most identified MPs from sediment samples were transparent (51%), while about 54.1% of the identified MPs from water samples were colored. The fragment was the most common form of MP in both compartments, with a value of 64.6% in sediment samples and 60.6% in water samples. In sediment and water samples, almost 74% and 80% of MP were <0.5 mm, respectively. Polypropylene (PP) was the most abundant polymer type, accounting for 51% of all identified polymers. The contamination factor, pollution load index, polymer risk score, and pollution risk score values indicated that the study area was moderately polluted with MPs. The spatial distribution patterns and hotspots of MPs echoed profound human pathways. Based on the results, sustainable management strategies and intervention measures were proposed to reduce the pollution level in the ecologically diverse area. This study provides important insights into evaluating estuary ecosystem susceptibility and mitigation policies against persistent MP issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Al-Nure Mubin
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh; Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh.
| | - Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Mir Mohammad Ali
- Department of Aquaculture, Sher - e - Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abu Bakar Siddique
- Institute of National Analytical Research and Service (INARS), Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Sha Alam
- Institute of Mining, Mineralogy & Metallurgy (IMMM), Bangladesh Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (BCSIR), Joypurhat 5900, Bangladesh
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Saiful Islam
- Fiber and Polymer Research Division, BCSIR Laboratories Dhaka, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Nasima Momtaz
- Biological Research Division, BCSIR Laboratories Dhaka, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | | | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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14
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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: 2.0] [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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15
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Hee YY, Hanif NM, Weston K, Latif MT, Suratman S, Rusli MU, Mayes AG. Atmospheric microplastic transport and deposition to urban and pristine tropical locations in Southeast Asia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166153. [PMID: 37562616 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric microplastic transport is an important delivery pathway with the deposition of microplastics to ecologically important regions raising environmental concerns. Investigating atmospheric delivery pathways and their deposition rates in different ecosystems is necessary to understanding its global impact. In this study, atmospheric deposition was collected at three sites in Malaysia, two urban and one pristine, covering the Northeast and Southwest monsoons to quantify the role of this pathway in Southeast Asia. Air mass back trajectories showed long-range atmospheric transport of microplastics to all sites with atmospheric deposition varying from 114 to 689 MP/m2/day. For the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, monsoonal season influenced microplastic transport and deposition rate with peak microplastic deposition during the Northeast monsoon due to higher wind speed. MP morphology combined with size fractionation and plastic type at the coastal sites indicated a role for long-range marine transport of MPs that subsequently provided a local marine source to the atmosphere at the coastal sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yet Yin Hee
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia.
| | - Norfazrin Mohd Hanif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Keith Weston
- Independent environmental consultant, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Mohd Talib Latif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Suhaimi Suratman
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Uzair Rusli
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | - Andrew G Mayes
- School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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