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Amal R, Devipriya SP. Severe microplastic pollution risks in urban freshwater system post-landfill fire: A case study from Brahmapuram, India. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 352:124132. [PMID: 38735464 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
To investigate the escalating issue of microplastic (MP), pollution in urban water bodies, this study focuses on the aftermath of the Brahmapuram landfill fire in Kochi, India, analyzing its impact on MP concentrations in nearby freshwater system. The study conducted sampling sessions at the landfill site immediately before and after the fire. Post-fire, findings demonstrated a substantial increase in MP concentrations in surface waters, with levels rising from an average 25793.33 to 44863.33 particles/m³, featuring a notable presence of larger, predominantly black MPs. Sediment samples showed no significant change in MP count, but there was a significant increase in mass concentration. SEM/EDS analysis revealed changes in surface morphology and elemental composition, suggesting thermal degradation. Risk assessment using the Microplastic Pollution Index (MPI) and Risk Quotient (RQ) methods indicated heightened MP pollution risk in surface water post-fire. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed the landfill's proximity as a significant factor influencing MP characteristics in the aquatic system. The study highlights the escalated challenge of MP pollution in urban water bodies following environmental disasters like landfill fires, underscoring the urgent need for policy and environmental management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhakrishnan Amal
- School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology, 682022, India
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2
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Vidal-Abad A, Casal MA, Rey-Aguiño JM, Pichel-González A, Solana-Muñoz A, Poza-Nogueiras V, Varela Z, Galbán-Malagón C, Ouro P, Fernández-Sanlés A. Case report of plastic nurdles pollution in Galicia (NW Atlantic) following the Toconao's spill in December 2023: The VIEIRA Collaborative. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 203:116442. [PMID: 38718547 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116442] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Plastic nurdles pose a significant environmental threat due to recurrent accidental spills into marine ecosystems. This report examines the nurdle pollution over the 1498 km of the Galician coastline (Spain) following the spill of 25 t of nurdles into the Northwest Atlantic after the loss of six containers from the Toconao vessel in December 2023. This accident highlights the urgent need for proactive, effective measures in maritime transport to prevent and mitigate such environmental catastrophes. The complexity of nurdle dispersion challenges the evaluation of their fate at sea, and the potential long-term consequences on the marine ecosystem and food web remain uncertain and yet to be investigated. This report also presents the VIEIRA collaborative and underscores the critical role of citizen-led initiatives in responding to such environmental disasters, and advocates for efficient policy reforms, involving cross-border collaboration. Furthermore, we call for greater international cooperation to underpin effective regulatory frameworks to address the growing hazard of plastic nurdle pollution worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel A Casal
- CITIC-Research Center of Information and Communication Technologies, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Verónica Poza-Nogueiras
- CINTECX, University of Vigo, Bioengineering and Sustainable Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering, Vigo, Spain
| | - Zulema Varela
- CRETUS, Ecology Unit, Department Functional Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Cristóbal Galbán-Malagón
- GEMA, Center for Genomics, Ecology & Environment, Universidad Mayor, Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile; Institute of Environment, Florida International University, University Park, Miami, USA
| | - Pablo Ouro
- School of Engineering, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
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3
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Ferrari M, Laranjeiro F, Sugrañes M, Oliva J, Beiras R. Weathering increases the acute toxicity of plastic pellets leachates to sea-urchin larvae-a case study with environmental samples. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11784. [PMID: 38782918 PMCID: PMC11116416 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60886-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics, particles under 5 mm, pervade aquatic environments, notably in Tarragona's coastal region (NE Iberian Peninsula), hosting a major plastic production complex. To investigate weathering and yellowness impact on plastic pellets toxicity, sea-urchin embryo tests were conducted with pellets from three locations-near the source and at increasing distances. Strikingly, distant samples showed toxicity to invertebrate early stages, contrasting with innocuous results near the production site. Follow-up experiments highlighted the significance of weathering and yellowing in elevated pellet toxicity, with more weathered and colored pellets exhibiting toxicity. This research underscores the overlooked realm of plastic leachate impact on marine organisms while proposes that prolonged exposure of plastic pellets in the environment may lead to toxicity. Despite shedding light on potential chemical sorption as a toxicity source, further investigations are imperative to comprehend weathering, yellowing, and chemical accumulation in plastic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Ferrari
- ECIMAT, Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM), Universidade de Vigo, 36331, Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Filipe Laranjeiro
- ECIMAT, Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM), Universidade de Vigo, 36331, Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Marta Sugrañes
- Associació Good Karma Projects, Manila 49 Àtic 2, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Oliva
- Associació Good Karma Projects, Manila 49 Àtic 2, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ricardo Beiras
- ECIMAT, Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM), Universidade de Vigo, 36331, Vigo, Galicia, Spain.
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4
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Salinas CX, Palacios E, Pozo K, Torres M, Rebolledo L, Gómez V, Rondón R, de la Maza I, Galbán C. Marine litter pollution in a subantarctic beach of the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas, Chile. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116313. [PMID: 38593713 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116313] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
This study assessed the presence of marine litter along the beach of the city of Punta Arenas, Chile. The sampling period coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 239 plastic waste items were identified out of a total of 638 litter items. The Clean Coast Index reported within this study ranged from Clean (CCI 2-5) to Extremely dirty (CCI >20), especially near the port. The majority of litter items has been classified as originating from varied origins, as it is not possible to pinpoint a precise origin in most items. The results indicate that the predominant plastic litter in Punta Arenas is PVC. The results are discussed in relation to the sources and composition of the residues, the morpho dynamics of the coast, and the CCI is compared with other locations around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ximena Salinas
- Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Benjamín Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile; Universidad de Magallanes, Facultad de Ciencias, Presidente. Manuel Bulnes 01855, Punta Arenas, Chile.
| | - Elaine Palacios
- Universidad de Magallanes, Facultad de Ciencias, Presidente. Manuel Bulnes 01855, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Karla Pozo
- Universidad San Sebastián, Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile; Masaryk University, Faculty of Science (RECETOX), Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mariett Torres
- Universidad San Sebastián, Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile
| | - Lorena Rebolledo
- Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Benjamín Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Victoria Gómez
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science (RECETOX), Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Rodolfo Rondón
- Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Benjamín Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Ignacia de la Maza
- Universidad San Sebastián, Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile
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5
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Pozo K, Ahrendt C, Gómez V, Jacobsen C, Torres M, Recabarren T, Oyanedel-Craver V, Audy O, Přibylová P, Klánová J. Novel flame retardants detected in marine plastic litter in coastal areas in Central Chile. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116194. [PMID: 38432180 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116194] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Flame retardants (FRs) are released throughout the plastic life cycle, potentially impacting the environment, biodiversity, and human health. This study analyzed novel flame retardants (NFR) in marine plastic litter (MPL) from six coastal areas in central Chile in November 2017. Target chemicals (n = 19) were analyzed using ultrasonic extraction with hexane, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). From all nineteen NFRs analyzed, only ten (53 %) were routinely detected. BTBPE (1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane) showed the highest concentrations at the Bellavista site (618 to 424,000 pg g-1), and HBB (Hexabromobiphenyl), banned since 1970, was detected in Coliumo (2630 to 13,700 pg g-1). These results show emerging transport patterns and underscore the critical need for enhanced waste management practices for MPL in coastal regions to prevent adverse impacts on marine biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Pozo
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Brno, Czech Republic; Universidad San Sebastián, Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile.
| | | | - Victoria Gómez
- GEMA, Center for Genomics, Ecology & Environment, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Pirámide 5750, Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile
| | - Camila Jacobsen
- Universidad San Sebastián, Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile
| | - Mariett Torres
- Universidad San Sebastián, Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile
| | - Tatiana Recabarren
- Universidad San Sebastián, Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile
| | - Vinka Oyanedel-Craver
- University of Rhode Island, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2 East Alumni Ave, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Ondřej Audy
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Přibylová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Klánová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Brno, Czech Republic
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Chen X, Yu X, Zhang L, Zhao W, Sui Q. Organic pollutants adsorbed on microplastics: Potential indicators for source appointment of microplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133225. [PMID: 38113732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Pollution by microplastics (MPs) has caused potential threats to the environment. Understanding the sources of MPs in the environment can help control their emissions and reduce environmental risks. Source apportionment of MPs has been conducted according to the characteristics of MPs themselves (such as types of polymers and morphological characteristics). However, the specificity and resolution of the appointments of sources need to be improved. Organic pollutants adsorbed on MPs can be used as a novel and reliable indicator to identify the source of MPs in the environment. In the present work, the analytical methods of MPs and organic pollutants adsorbed on MPs were critically reviewed, and the occurrence of organic pollutants and factors influencing their adsorption on MPs were discussed. Furthermore, the potential applications of organic pollutants adsorbed on MPs as indicators for determining the sources of MPs were highlighted. The study would help recognize the sources of MPs, which will support efforts aimed at reducing their emissions and further pollution of the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xia Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Wentao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qian Sui
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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7
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Amenábar M, Aguilera MA, Gallardo C, Moore C, De Vine R, Lattin G, Gamba A, Luna-Acosta A, Thiel M. Spatial distribution of microplastics in a coastal upwelling region: Offshore dispersal from urban sources in the Humboldt Current System. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123157. [PMID: 38142808 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123157] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
In coastal waters, higher concentrations of microplastics (MPs) are generally related to densely populated and industrialized areas, but intense upwelling and offshore transport in the Eastern Boundary Upwelling Systems (EBUS) may influence this pattern. The Humboldt Current System (HCS) along the coast of northern-central Chile represents a perfect model to test whether the abundance of MP at the sea surface decreases with distance from land-based sources, e.g., river mouths, harbors, and submarine wastewater outfalls. The sea surface was sampled with a manta trawl to examine the abundance, composition, and distribution of floating MPs, and Generalized Additive Mixed Models (GAMMs) were performed to examine the relationship between MP abundance (particles km-2) and the distance to putative sources. MPs were found in all 57 net tows, with an average of ⁓120,000 MP km-2 and maximum values of ⁓1,500,000 MP km-2. The composition of MPs was dominated by fragments (>50% of the total count) and over 80% of all MPs were ≥1 mm. The combined effect of the various sources, spatially concentrated in urban areas, makes it difficult to distinguish their relative contributions, but the MP composition suggested that rivers are more important sources, followed by submarine wastewater outfalls and then harbors. A significant and steep negative relationship with the "distance to source" explained 15.2% of the variance of "MP abundance", suggesting rapid offshore displacement within the HCS. This is the first study to report this pattern along the edges of the South Pacific Subtropical Gyre (SPSG), revealing that continuous offshore transport of microplastic from land-based sources is occurring over large scales and contributing to the accumulation of microplastics in the center of the SPSG. However, the findings additionally suggested that processes at meso- and submeso-spatial scales (driven by geographic and seasonal variables) are disrupting the general pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Amenábar
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, 1781421, Chile
| | - Moisés A Aguilera
- Departamento de Ciencias, Facultad de Artes Liberales, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Diagonal Las Torres, 2640, Peñalolén, Santiago, Chile
| | - Camila Gallardo
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, 1781421, Chile; Center of Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Charles Moore
- Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, Long Beach, CA, USA; Algalita Marine Research and Education, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Raquelle De Vine
- Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, Long Beach, CA, USA; Algalita Marine Research and Education, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Gwen Lattin
- Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, Long Beach, CA, USA; Algalita Marine Research and Education, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Angela Gamba
- Departamento de Ecología y Territorio, Facultad de Estudios Ambientales y Rurales, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andrea Luna-Acosta
- Departamento de Ecología y Territorio, Facultad de Estudios Ambientales y Rurales, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Martin Thiel
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, 1781421, Chile; Center of Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile; MarineGEO Program, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD, USA.
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8
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Rede D, Teixeira I, Delerue-Matos C, Fernandes VC. Assessing emerging and priority micropollutants in sewage sludge: environmental insights and analytical approaches. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:3152-3168. [PMID: 38085484 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30963-1] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The application of sewage sludge (SS) in agriculture, as an alternative to manufactured fertilizers, is current practice worldwide. However, as wastewater is collected from households, industries, and hospitals, the resulting sludge could contaminate land with creeping levels of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and microplastics, among others. Thus, the sustainable management of SS requires the development of selective methods for the identification and quantification of pollutants, preventing ecological and/or health risks. This study presents a thorough evaluation of emerging and priority micropollutants in SS, through the lens of environmental insights, by developing and implementing an integrated analytical approach. A quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction method, coupled with gas chromatography and liquid chromatography, was optimized for the determination of 42 organic compounds. These include organophosphorus pesticides, organochlorine pesticides, pyrethroid pesticides, organophosphate ester flame retardants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The optimization of the dispersive-solid phase for clean-up, combined with the optimization of chromatographic parameters, ensured improved sensitivity. Method validation included assessments for recovery, reproducibility, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). Recoveries ranged from 59.5 to 117%, while LODs ranged from 0.00700 to 0.271 µg g-1. Application of the method to seven SS samples from Portuguese wastewater treatment plants revealed the presence of sixteen compounds, including persistent organic pollutants. The quantification of α-endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide, was consistently observed in all samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.110 to 0.571 µg g-1. Furthermore, the study encompasses the analysis of agronomic parameters, as well as the mineral and metal content in SS samples. The study demonstrates that the levels of heavy metals comply with legal limits. By conducting a comprehensive investigation into the presence of micropollutants in SS, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the environmental and sustainable implications associated with SS management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Rede
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ivan Teixeira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Delerue-Matos
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015, Porto, Portugal
| | - Virgínia Cruz Fernandes
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015, Porto, Portugal.
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9
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Ratchnashree SR, Karmegam N, Selvam M, Manikandan S, Deena SR, Subbaiya R, Vickram AS, Kim W, Govarthanan M. Advanced technologies for the determination of quantitative structure-activity relationships and degradation efficiency of micropollutants and their removal in water - A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166563. [PMID: 37647970 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166563] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The growing concentrations of micropollutants in aquatic ecosystems are a global water quality issue. Understanding micropollutants varied chemical composition and potency is essential to solving this complex issue. Micropollutants management requires identifying contaminants to reduce, optimal reduction targets, and the best wastewater recycling locations. Management requires appropriate technological measures. Pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, hormones, and other micropollutants can enter the aquatic environment from point and diffuse sources, with wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) distributing them in urban areas. Micropollutants like pharmaceuticals and hormones may not be removed by conventional WWTPs. Micropollutants affect the EU, especially in densely populated areas where surface water is consumed. This review examines several technological options that can be integrated into existing treatment methods to address this issue. In this work, oxidation, activated carbon, and their combinations as potential solutions, considering their efficacy and cost were evaluated. This study illuminates micropollutants origin and physico-chemical properties, which affect distribution, persistence, and environmental impacts. Understanding these factors helps us develop targeted micropollutant mitigation strategies to protect water quality. This review can inform policy and decision-making to reduce micropollutant impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Ratchnashree
- Department of Biotechnology, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Jeppiaar Nagar, Chennai 600 095, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - N Karmegam
- PG and Research Department of Botany, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Salem 636007, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Masilamani Selvam
- Department of Biotechnology, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Jeppiaar Nagar, Chennai 600 095, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Manikandan
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai 602 105. Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Santhana Raj Deena
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai 602 105. Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R Subbaiya
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, The Copperbelt University, Riverside, Jambo Drive, P O Box 21692, Kitwe, Zambia.
| | - A S Vickram
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai 602 105. Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Woong Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - M Govarthanan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomaterials, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 077, India.
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10
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Gómez VA, Pozo K, Clérandeau C, Cachot J, Montes C, Přibylová P, Glabán-Malagón C, Clarke B, Klanova J, Morin B. Plastic debris, persistent organic pollutants and their toxicity impacts in coastal areas in Central Chile. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115361. [PMID: 37579596 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
The chemical components of plastic wastes have made their disposal a major economic, social, and environmental problem worldwide. This study evaluated the acute toxicity and genotoxicity of marine plastic debris on the beaches of Concepción Bay, Central Chile, taken during three periods (spring, summer, and winter). An integrated approach was used, including chemical and toxicological data, using the Microtox® test with Vibrio fischeri and SOS chromotest with Escherichia coli and concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The results presented here exclusively include the novel data obtained from the winter campaign, revealing high concentrations of PBDEs (238 ± 521 ng g-1). In addition, the genotoxicity and acute toxicity tests were sensitive for most of the samples studied. This investigation is the first attempt to analyse the toxicity of plastic debris in coastal areas along the Chilean coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A Gómez
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100, Italy,; Centro GEMA (Genómica, Ecología y Medio Ambiente), Universidad Mayor, Huechuraba, Santiago 8580000, Chile; Anillo en Ciencia y Tecnología Antártica POLARIX, Chile.
| | - Karla Pozo
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur, 1457, Concepción 4080871, Chile; Masaryk University, Faculty of Science (RECETOX), Kamenice 753/5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | | | - Jérôme Cachot
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Caroline Montes
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, 4070386, Chile
| | - Petra Přibylová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science (RECETOX), Kamenice 753/5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Cristóbal Glabán-Malagón
- Centro GEMA (Genómica, Ecología y Medio Ambiente), Universidad Mayor, Huechuraba, Santiago 8580000, Chile; Anillo en Ciencia y Tecnología Antártica POLARIX, Chile; Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Bradley Clarke
- School of Chemistry, Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants (ALEC), The University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Jana Klanova
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science (RECETOX), Kamenice 753/5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Bénédicte Morin
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33600 Pessac, France.
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11
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Barhoumi B, Metian M, Zaghden H, Derouiche A, Ben Ameur W, Ben Hassine S, Oberhaensli F, Mora J, Mourgkogiannis N, Al-Rawabdeh AM, Chouba L, Alonso-Hernández CM, Karapanagioti HK, Driss MR, Mliki A, Touil S. Microplastic-sorbed persistent organic pollutants in coastal Mediterranean Sea areas of Tunisia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:1347-1364. [PMID: 37401332 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00169e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants of global concern due to their pervasiveness, high sorption ability for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and direct and indirect toxicity to marine organisms, ecosystems, as well as humans. As one of the major coastal interfaces, beaches are considered among the most affected ecosystems by MPs pollution. The morphological characteristics of MPs (pellets and fragments) collected from four beaches along the Tunisian coast and sorbed POPs, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), were investigated in this study. The results showed that the MPs varied greatly in color, polymer composition and degradation degree. The color varied from colored to transparent and the most prevalent polymer identified using Raman spectroscopy was polyethylene. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images exhibited various surface degradation features including cavities, cracks, attached diatom remains, etc. The concentrations of Σ12PCBs over all beaches ranged from 14 to 632 ng g-1 and 26 to 112 ng g-1 in the pellets and fragments, respectively, with a notable presence and dominance of highly-chlorinated PCBs such as CB-153 and -138. Among the OCPs, γ-HCH is the only compound detected with concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 9.7 ng g-1 and 0.7 to 4.2 ng g-1 in the pellets and fragments, respectively. Our findings indicate that MPs found on the Tunisian coast may pose a chemical risk to marine organisms as the concentrations of PCBs and γ-HCH in most of the analysed samples exceeded the sediment-quality guidelines (SQG), especially the effects range medium (ERM) and the probable effects level (PEL). As the first report of its kind, the information gathered in this study can serve as the baseline and starting point for future monitoring work for Tunisia and neighbouring countries, as well as for stakeholders and coastal managers in decision-making processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badreddine Barhoumi
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia.
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Centre of Biotechnology of Borj-Cédria, 2050 Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Marc Metian
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, Radioecology Laboratory, 4a, Quai Antoine 1er, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - Hatem Zaghden
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Centre of Biotechnology of Borj-Cédria, 2050 Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Abdelkader Derouiche
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia.
| | - Walid Ben Ameur
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia.
- Ecologie de La Faune Terrestre UR17ES44, Département des Sciences de La Vie, Faculté Des Sciences de Gabès, Université de Gabès, Tunisia
| | - Sihem Ben Hassine
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia.
| | - François Oberhaensli
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, Radioecology Laboratory, 4a, Quai Antoine 1er, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - Janeth Mora
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, Radioecology Laboratory, 4a, Quai Antoine 1er, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | | | - Abdulla M Al-Rawabdeh
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Lassaad Chouba
- Laboratory of Marine Environment, National Institute of Marine Science and Technology (INSTM), Goulette, Tunisia
| | - Carlos M Alonso-Hernández
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, Radioecology Laboratory, 4a, Quai Antoine 1er, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | | | - Mohamed Ridha Driss
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia.
| | - Ahmed Mliki
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Centre of Biotechnology of Borj-Cédria, 2050 Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Soufiane Touil
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia.
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12
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Rede D, Delerue-Matos C, Fernandes VC. The Microplastics Iceberg: Filling Gaps in Our Understanding. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3356. [PMID: 37631413 PMCID: PMC10459591 DOI: 10.3390/polym15163356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic is an indispensable material in modern society; however, high production rates combined with inadequate waste management and disposal have resulted in enormous stress on ecosystems. In addition, plastics can become smaller particles known as microplastics (MPs) due to physical, chemical, and biological drivers. MP pollution has become a significant environmental problem affecting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Although the topic is not entirely new, it is of great importance to the field of polymers, drawing attention to specific gaps in the existing literature, identifying future areas of research, and improving the understanding of MP pollution and its environmental impacts. Despite progress in this field, problems remain. The lack of standardized methods for MP sampling, separation, extraction, and detection makes it difficult to collect information and establish links between studies. In addition, the distribution and pathways of MPs in ecosystems remain unknown because of their heterogeneous nature and the complex matrices in which they occur. Second, toxicological tests showed that MPs can be ingested by a wide range of organisms, such as Danio rerio and Eisenia fetida, resulting in gut obstruction, physical damage, histological changes, and oxidative stress. The uptake of MP and their toxicological effects depend on their shape, size, concentration, and polymer composition. Furthermore, MPs can enter the food chain, raising concerns regarding potential contaminations for human and environmental health. This review paper sheds light on the pressing issue of MP pollution and highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Rede
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal; (D.R.); (C.D.-M.)
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Delerue-Matos
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal; (D.R.); (C.D.-M.)
| | - Virgínia Cruz Fernandes
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal; (D.R.); (C.D.-M.)
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13
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Kang P, Zhao Y, Zuo C, Cai Y, Shen C, Ji B, Wei T. The unheeded inherent connections and overlap between microplastics and poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances: A comprehensive review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:163028. [PMID: 36963676 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are receiving global attention due to their widespread presences and considerable level in the environment. Although the occurrence and fate of MPs and PFASs alone have been extensively studied, little was known about their unheeded connection and overlap between the two. Therefore, this review attempts to reveal it for the purpose of providing a new view from joint consideration of the two in the future studies. Initially, the critically examined data on the co-sources and existence of MPs and PFASs are summarized. Surprisingly, some products could be co-source of MPs and PFASs which are general in daily life while the distribution of the two is primary influenced by the human activity. Then, their interactions are reviewed based on the fact that PFASs can be sorbed onto MPs which are regarded as a vector of contaminations. The electrostatic interaction and hydrophobic contact are the predominant sorption mechanisms and could be influenced by environmental factors and properties of MPs and PFASs. The effects of MPs on the transport of PFASs in the environments, especially in aquatic environments are then discussed. Additionally, the current state of knowledge on the combined toxicity of MPs and PFASs are presented. Finally, the existing problems and future perspectives are outlined at the end of the review. This review provides an advanced understanding of the overlap, interaction and toxic effects of MPs and PFASs co-existing in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiying Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China; Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, School of Water Resources and Hydroelectric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China
| | - Yaqian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China; Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, School of Water Resources and Hydroelectric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China.
| | - Chenxin Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China; Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, School of Water Resources and Hydroelectric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China
| | - Yamei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China; Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, School of Water Resources and Hydroelectric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China
| | - Cheng Shen
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Recycling and Ecological Treatment of Waste Biomass, School of Environment and Natural Resources, Zhejiang University of Science & Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310023, PR China
| | - Bin Ji
- School of Civil Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, PR China
| | - Ting Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China; Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, School of Water Resources and Hydroelectric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Alanazi MQ, Virk P, Alterary SS, Awad M, Ahmad Z, Albadri AM, Ortashi K, Ahmed MMA, Ali Yousef MI, Elobeid M, Al-Qahtani EA. Effects of potential microplastics in sewage effluent on Nile Tilapia and photocatalytic remediation with zinc oxide nanoparticles. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121946. [PMID: 37307860 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was a qualitative assessment of potential microplastics (MPs) in the sewage effluent collected from a local sewage treatment plant located in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. The composite samples of domestic sewage effluent were subjected to UV (ultraviolet) light-induced zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) mediated photocatalysis. The first phase of the study included the synthesis of the ZnONPs with an extensive characterization. The synthesized nanoparticles were 220 nm in size with a characteristic spherical/hexagonal shape. These NPs were then used at three different concentrations (10 mM, 20 mM, and 30 mM) for the UV light-induced photocatalysis. A shift in the Raman spectra on photodegradation mirrored the surface changes of the functional groups shown by the FTIR spectra; presence of functional groups containing oxygen and C-C bonds associated with oxidation and chain scission. SEM micrographs showed photodegraded particles. Complementary elemental maps from the EDS analysis showed the presence of C, O, and Cl suggesting the potential presence of MPs. The O/C ratio was used to assess potential oxidation degree. In addition, an evaluation of the toxicological effects of the potential MPs in the sewage effluent on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to the effluent at two concentrations (50% and 75%) elicited a marked response in the endpoints evaluated; EROD activity, MDA (malondialdehyde), 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine levels in and AChE (acetylcholinesterase) activity in the brain. Thus, the key results provide new insights into the use of clean technologies to combat global MP pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Qayyadh Alanazi
- Department of Zoology, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh, 11459, Saudi Arabia
| | - Promy Virk
- Department of Zoology, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh, 11459, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Seham Soliman Alterary
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P. O. Box 11495, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manal Awad
- King Abdullah Institute for Nanotechnology, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zubair Ahmad
- Department of Zoology, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh, 11459, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrehman M Albadri
- Microelectronics and Semiconductors Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology in Riyadh, 12354, Saudi Arabia
| | - KalidM Ortashi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11421, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Mai Elobeid
- Department of Zoology, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh, 11459, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ebtesam Abdullah Al-Qahtani
- Department of Zoology, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh, 11459, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Landrigan PJ, Raps H, Cropper M, Bald C, Brunner M, Canonizado EM, Charles D, Chiles TC, Donohue MJ, Enck J, Fenichel P, Fleming LE, Ferrier-Pages C, Fordham R, Gozt A, Griffin C, Hahn ME, Haryanto B, Hixson R, Ianelli H, James BD, Kumar P, Laborde A, Law KL, Martin K, Mu J, Mulders Y, Mustapha A, Niu J, Pahl S, Park Y, Pedrotti ML, Pitt JA, Ruchirawat M, Seewoo BJ, Spring M, Stegeman JJ, Suk W, Symeonides C, Takada H, Thompson RC, Vicini A, Wang Z, Whitman E, Wirth D, Wolff M, Yousuf AK, Dunlop S. The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:23. [PMID: 36969097 PMCID: PMC10038118 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plastics have conveyed great benefits to humanity and made possible some of the most significant advances of modern civilization in fields as diverse as medicine, electronics, aerospace, construction, food packaging, and sports. It is now clear, however, that plastics are also responsible for significant harms to human health, the economy, and the earth's environment. These harms occur at every stage of the plastic life cycle, from extraction of the coal, oil, and gas that are its main feedstocks through to ultimate disposal into the environment. The extent of these harms not been systematically assessed, their magnitude not fully quantified, and their economic costs not comprehensively counted. Goals The goals of this Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health are to comprehensively examine plastics' impacts across their life cycle on: (1) human health and well-being; (2) the global environment, especially the ocean; (3) the economy; and (4) vulnerable populations-the poor, minorities, and the world's children. On the basis of this examination, the Commission offers science-based recommendations designed to support development of a Global Plastics Treaty, protect human health, and save lives. Report Structure This Commission report contains seven Sections. Following an Introduction, Section 2 presents a narrative review of the processes involved in plastic production, use, and disposal and notes the hazards to human health and the environment associated with each of these stages. Section 3 describes plastics' impacts on the ocean and notes the potential for plastic in the ocean to enter the marine food web and result in human exposure. Section 4 details plastics' impacts on human health. Section 5 presents a first-order estimate of plastics' health-related economic costs. Section 6 examines the intersection between plastic, social inequity, and environmental injustice. Section 7 presents the Commission's findings and recommendations. Plastics Plastics are complex, highly heterogeneous, synthetic chemical materials. Over 98% of plastics are produced from fossil carbon- coal, oil and gas. Plastics are comprised of a carbon-based polymer backbone and thousands of additional chemicals that are incorporated into polymers to convey specific properties such as color, flexibility, stability, water repellence, flame retardation, and ultraviolet resistance. Many of these added chemicals are highly toxic. They include carcinogens, neurotoxicants and endocrine disruptors such as phthalates, bisphenols, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), brominated flame retardants, and organophosphate flame retardants. They are integral components of plastic and are responsible for many of plastics' harms to human health and the environment.Global plastic production has increased almost exponentially since World War II, and in this time more than 8,300 megatons (Mt) of plastic have been manufactured. Annual production volume has grown from under 2 Mt in 1950 to 460 Mt in 2019, a 230-fold increase, and is on track to triple by 2060. More than half of all plastic ever made has been produced since 2002. Single-use plastics account for 35-40% of current plastic production and represent the most rapidly growing segment of plastic manufacture.Explosive recent growth in plastics production reflects a deliberate pivot by the integrated multinational fossil-carbon corporations that produce coal, oil and gas and that also manufacture plastics. These corporations are reducing their production of fossil fuels and increasing plastics manufacture. The two principal factors responsible for this pivot are decreasing global demand for carbon-based fuels due to increases in 'green' energy, and massive expansion of oil and gas production due to fracking.Plastic manufacture is energy-intensive and contributes significantly to climate change. At present, plastic production is responsible for an estimated 3.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the contribution of Brazil. This fraction is projected to increase to 4.5% by 2060 if current trends continue unchecked. Plastic Life Cycle The plastic life cycle has three phases: production, use, and disposal. In production, carbon feedstocks-coal, gas, and oil-are transformed through energy-intensive, catalytic processes into a vast array of products. Plastic use occurs in every aspect of modern life and results in widespread human exposure to the chemicals contained in plastic. Single-use plastics constitute the largest portion of current use, followed by synthetic fibers and construction.Plastic disposal is highly inefficient, with recovery and recycling rates below 10% globally. The result is that an estimated 22 Mt of plastic waste enters the environment each year, much of it single-use plastic and are added to the more than 6 gigatons of plastic waste that have accumulated since 1950. Strategies for disposal of plastic waste include controlled and uncontrolled landfilling, open burning, thermal conversion, and export. Vast quantities of plastic waste are exported each year from high-income to low-income countries, where it accumulates in landfills, pollutes air and water, degrades vital ecosystems, befouls beaches and estuaries, and harms human health-environmental injustice on a global scale. Plastic-laden e-waste is particularly problematic. Environmental Findings Plastics and plastic-associated chemicals are responsible for widespread pollution. They contaminate aquatic (marine and freshwater), terrestrial, and atmospheric environments globally. The ocean is the ultimate destination for much plastic, and plastics are found throughout the ocean, including coastal regions, the sea surface, the deep sea, and polar sea ice. Many plastics appear to resist breakdown in the ocean and could persist in the global environment for decades. Macro- and micro-plastic particles have been identified in hundreds of marine species in all major taxa, including species consumed by humans. Trophic transfer of microplastic particles and the chemicals within them has been demonstrated. Although microplastic particles themselves (>10 µm) appear not to undergo biomagnification, hydrophobic plastic-associated chemicals bioaccumulate in marine animals and biomagnify in marine food webs. The amounts and fates of smaller microplastic and nanoplastic particles (MNPs <10 µm) in aquatic environments are poorly understood, but the potential for harm is worrying given their mobility in biological systems. Adverse environmental impacts of plastic pollution occur at multiple levels from molecular and biochemical to population and ecosystem. MNP contamination of seafood results in direct, though not well quantified, human exposure to plastics and plastic-associated chemicals. Marine plastic pollution endangers the ocean ecosystems upon which all humanity depends for food, oxygen, livelihood, and well-being. Human Health Findings Coal miners, oil workers and gas field workers who extract fossil carbon feedstocks for plastic production suffer increased mortality from traumatic injury, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, silicosis, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Plastic production workers are at increased risk of leukemia, lymphoma, hepatic angiosarcoma, brain cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, neurotoxic injury, and decreased fertility. Workers producing plastic textiles die of bladder cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and interstitial lung disease at increased rates. Plastic recycling workers have increased rates of cardiovascular disease, toxic metal poisoning, neuropathy, and lung cancer. Residents of "fenceline" communities adjacent to plastic production and waste disposal sites experience increased risks of premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, childhood leukemia, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.During use and also in disposal, plastics release toxic chemicals including additives and residual monomers into the environment and into people. National biomonitoring surveys in the USA document population-wide exposures to these chemicals. Plastic additives disrupt endocrine function and increase risk for premature births, neurodevelopmental disorders, male reproductive birth defects, infertility, obesity, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and cancers. Chemical-laden MNPs formed through the environmental degradation of plastic waste can enter living organisms, including humans. Emerging, albeit still incomplete evidence indicates that MNPs may cause toxicity due to their physical and toxicological effects as well as by acting as vectors that transport toxic chemicals and bacterial pathogens into tissues and cells.Infants in the womb and young children are two populations at particularly high risk of plastic-related health effects. Because of the exquisite sensitivity of early development to hazardous chemicals and children's unique patterns of exposure, plastic-associated exposures are linked to increased risks of prematurity, stillbirth, low birth weight, birth defects of the reproductive organs, neurodevelopmental impairment, impaired lung growth, and childhood cancer. Early-life exposures to plastic-associated chemicals also increase the risk of multiple non-communicable diseases later in life. Economic Findings Plastic's harms to human health result in significant economic costs. We estimate that in 2015 the health-related costs of plastic production exceeded $250 billion (2015 Int$) globally, and that in the USA alone the health costs of disease and disability caused by the plastic-associated chemicals PBDE, BPA and DEHP exceeded $920 billion (2015 Int$). Plastic production results in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions equivalent to 1.96 gigatons of carbon dioxide (CO2e) annually. Using the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) social cost of carbon metric, we estimate the annual costs of these GHG emissions to be $341 billion (2015 Int$).These costs, large as they are, almost certainly underestimate the full economic losses resulting from plastics' negative impacts on human health and the global environment. All of plastics' economic costs-and also its social costs-are externalized by the petrochemical and plastic manufacturing industry and are borne by citizens, taxpayers, and governments in countries around the world without compensation. Social Justice Findings The adverse effects of plastics and plastic pollution on human health, the economy and the environment are not evenly distributed. They disproportionately affect poor, disempowered, and marginalized populations such as workers, racial and ethnic minorities, "fenceline" communities, Indigenous groups, women, and children, all of whom had little to do with creating the current plastics crisis and lack the political influence or the resources to address it. Plastics' harmful impacts across its life cycle are most keenly felt in the Global South, in small island states, and in disenfranchised areas in the Global North. Social and environmental justice (SEJ) principles require reversal of these inequitable burdens to ensure that no group bears a disproportionate share of plastics' negative impacts and that those who benefit economically from plastic bear their fair share of its currently externalized costs. Conclusions It is now clear that current patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal are not sustainable and are responsible for significant harms to human health, the environment, and the economy as well as for deep societal injustices.The main driver of these worsening harms is an almost exponential and still accelerating increase in global plastic production. Plastics' harms are further magnified by low rates of recovery and recycling and by the long persistence of plastic waste in the environment.The thousands of chemicals in plastics-monomers, additives, processing agents, and non-intentionally added substances-include amongst their number known human carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxicants, and persistent organic pollutants. These chemicals are responsible for many of plastics' known harms to human and planetary health. The chemicals leach out of plastics, enter the environment, cause pollution, and result in human exposure and disease. All efforts to reduce plastics' hazards must address the hazards of plastic-associated chemicals. Recommendations To protect human and planetary health, especially the health of vulnerable and at-risk populations, and put the world on track to end plastic pollution by 2040, this Commission supports urgent adoption by the world's nations of a strong and comprehensive Global Plastics Treaty in accord with the mandate set forth in the March 2022 resolution of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).International measures such as a Global Plastics Treaty are needed to curb plastic production and pollution, because the harms to human health and the environment caused by plastics, plastic-associated chemicals and plastic waste transcend national boundaries, are planetary in their scale, and have disproportionate impacts on the health and well-being of people in the world's poorest nations. Effective implementation of the Global Plastics Treaty will require that international action be coordinated and complemented by interventions at the national, regional, and local levels.This Commission urges that a cap on global plastic production with targets, timetables, and national contributions be a central provision of the Global Plastics Treaty. We recommend inclusion of the following additional provisions:The Treaty needs to extend beyond microplastics and marine litter to include all of the many thousands of chemicals incorporated into plastics.The Treaty needs to include a provision banning or severely restricting manufacture and use of unnecessary, avoidable, and problematic plastic items, especially single-use items such as manufactured plastic microbeads.The Treaty needs to include requirements on extended producer responsibility (EPR) that make fossil carbon producers, plastic producers, and the manufacturers of plastic products legally and financially responsible for the safety and end-of-life management of all the materials they produce and sell.The Treaty needs to mandate reductions in the chemical complexity of plastic products; health-protective standards for plastics and plastic additives; a requirement for use of sustainable non-toxic materials; full disclosure of all components; and traceability of components. International cooperation will be essential to implementing and enforcing these standards.The Treaty needs to include SEJ remedies at each stage of the plastic life cycle designed to fill gaps in community knowledge and advance both distributional and procedural equity.This Commission encourages inclusion in the Global Plastic Treaty of a provision calling for exploration of listing at least some plastic polymers as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.This Commission encourages a strong interface between the Global Plastics Treaty and the Basel and London Conventions to enhance management of hazardous plastic waste and slow current massive exports of plastic waste into the world's least-developed countries.This Commission recommends the creation of a Permanent Science Policy Advisory Body to guide the Treaty's implementation. The main priorities of this Body would be to guide Member States and other stakeholders in evaluating which solutions are most effective in reducing plastic consumption, enhancing plastic waste recovery and recycling, and curbing the generation of plastic waste. This Body could also assess trade-offs among these solutions and evaluate safer alternatives to current plastics. It could monitor the transnational export of plastic waste. It could coordinate robust oceanic-, land-, and air-based MNP monitoring programs.This Commission recommends urgent investment by national governments in research into solutions to the global plastic crisis. This research will need to determine which solutions are most effective and cost-effective in the context of particular countries and assess the risks and benefits of proposed solutions. Oceanographic and environmental research is needed to better measure concentrations and impacts of plastics <10 µm and understand their distribution and fate in the global environment. Biomedical research is needed to elucidate the human health impacts of plastics, especially MNPs. Summary This Commission finds that plastics are both a boon to humanity and a stealth threat to human and planetary health. Plastics convey enormous benefits, but current linear patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal that pay little attention to sustainable design or safe materials and a near absence of recovery, reuse, and recycling are responsible for grave harms to health, widespread environmental damage, great economic costs, and deep societal injustices. These harms are rapidly worsening.While there remain gaps in knowledge about plastics' harms and uncertainties about their full magnitude, the evidence available today demonstrates unequivocally that these impacts are great and that they will increase in severity in the absence of urgent and effective intervention at global scale. Manufacture and use of essential plastics may continue. However, reckless increases in plastic production, and especially increases in the manufacture of an ever-increasing array of unnecessary single-use plastic products, need to be curbed.Global intervention against the plastic crisis is needed now because the costs of failure to act will be immense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Landrigan
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Hervé Raps
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Maureen Cropper
- Economics Department, University of Maryland, College Park, US
| | - Caroline Bald
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Fenichel
- Université Côte d’Azur
- Centre Hospitalier, Universitaire de Nice, FR
| | - Lora E. Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, UK
| | | | | | | | - Carly Griffin
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, US
| | - Budi Haryanto
- Department of Environmental Health, Universitas Indonesia, ID
- Research Center for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia, ID
| | - Richard Hixson
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Hannah Ianelli
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Bryan D. James
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | | | - Amalia Laborde
- Department of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of the Republic, UY
| | | | - Keith Martin
- Consortium of Universities for Global Health, US
| | - Jenna Mu
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | - Adetoun Mustapha
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
- Lead City University, NG
| | - Jia Niu
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, US
| | - Sabine Pahl
- University of Vienna, Austria
- University of Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Maria-Luiza Pedrotti
- Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche sur mer (LOV), Sorbonne Université, FR
| | | | | | - Bhedita Jaya Seewoo
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
| | | | - John J. Stegeman
- Biology Department and Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | - William Suk
- Superfund Research Program, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US
| | | | - Hideshige Takada
- Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry (LOG), Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, JP
| | | | | | - Zhanyun Wang
- Technology and Society Laboratory, WEmpa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials and Technology, CH
| | - Ella Whitman
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | - Aroub K. Yousuf
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Sarah Dunlop
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
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16
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Zhao H, Federigi I, Verani M, Carducci A. Organic Pollutants Associated with Plastic Debris in Marine Environment: A Systematic Review of Analytical Methods, Occurrence, and Characteristics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4892. [PMID: 36981806 PMCID: PMC10048819 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems, and microplastics (MPs, particles < 5 mm size) may behave as a vehicle of organic pollutants, causing detrimental effects to the environment. Studies on MP-sorbed organic pollutants lack methodological standardization, resulting in a low comparability and replicability. In this work, we reviewed 40 field studies of MP-sorbed organic contaminants using PRISMA guidelines for acquiring information on sampling and analytical protocols. The papers were also scored for their reliability on the basis of 7 criteria, from 0 (minimum) to 21 (maximum). Our results showed a great heterogeneity of the methods used for the sample collection, MPs extraction, and instruments for chemicals' identification. Measures for cross-contamination control during MPs analysis were strictly applied only in 13% of the studies, indicating a need for quality control in MPs-related research. The most frequently detected MP-sorbed chemicals were polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Most of the studies showed a good reliability (>75% of the total score), with 32 papers scoring 16 or higher. On the basis of the collected information, a standardizable protocol for the detection of MPs and MP-sorbed chemicals has been suggested for improving the reliability of MPs monitoring studies.
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17
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Ahrendt C, Galbán-Malagón C, Gómez V, Torres M, Mattar C, DeCoite M, Guida Y, Příbylová P, Pozo K. Marine debris and associated organic pollutants in surface waters of Chiloé in the Northern Chilean Patagonia (42°-44°S). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114558. [PMID: 36652856 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114558] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We report the occurrence of plastics and associated persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in surface waters from Northern Chilean Patagonia. A total of 200 particles were found during the conducted survey. The highest number of particles found was 0.6 item m-3. We found that 53 % of the collected particles corresponded to plastic, with an average of 0.19 ± 0.18 item m-3. Microplastics (68 %) were the dominant size found in the area, followed by macroplastics (18 %) and mesoplastics (14 %). Most plastic particles were white (55 %) while others were <10 % each. Black and light blue represented 9 %; red, dark blue, and other colors 7 %; and green 6 %. Fragments were the most frequent shape of plastic debris (38 %), followed by Styrofoam (30 %) and fiber (27 %). Higher PBDE levels were found in the central zone, and those were higher than DDT, PeCB, HCB, and PCB levels. This study is the first report on POP occurrence in marine plastic debris from Chiloé Sea in the Northern Chilean Patagonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ahrendt
- Fundación Acción Natural, Las Condes, Santiago de Chile, Chile; Plastic Oceans International, 23823 Malibu Road Ste 50-205, Malibu, CA 90265, USA.
| | - C Galbán-Malagón
- Centro GEMA (Genómica, Ecología y Medio Ambiente), Universidad Mayor, Huechuraba, Santiago de Chile, Chile; Anillo en Ciencia y Tecnología Antártica POLARIX, Chile; Institute of Environment, Florida International University, University Park, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
| | - V Gómez
- Centro GEMA (Genómica, Ecología y Medio Ambiente), Universidad Mayor, Huechuraba, Santiago de Chile, Chile; Anillo en Ciencia y Tecnología Antártica POLARIX, Chile
| | - M Torres
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile
| | - C Mattar
- Fundación Bioera, Las Condes, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - M DeCoite
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Y Guida
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - P Příbylová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - K Pozo
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile; RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic.
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18
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Arias AH, Alvarez G, Pozo K, Pribylova P, Klanova J, Rodríguez Pirani LS, Picone AL, Alvarez M, Tombesi N. Beached microplastics at the Bahia Blanca Estuary (Argentina): Plastic pellets as potential vectors of environmental pollution by POPs. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114520. [PMID: 36610302 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) from the coastal areas of a highly anthropised estuary were sampled to assess their distribution in coastal sediments and their role as potential vectors of pollution. The average MP density was 1693 ± 2315 MPs/kg, which mainly accumulated in the high tide and storm berm areas of the beach. The Microplastic Pollution Index (MPPI), Microplastic Impact Coefficient (CMPI), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Principal Component Analysis revealed spatial variation in MPs pollution. High-density polyethylene plastic pellets were abundant at two beaches (192 ± 218 MPs/kg sediment). Furthermore, the presence of sorbed chemicals on pellets was assessed through GC-MS, showing 0.95 ± 0.09 ng/g of ∑7OCPs, 4.03 ± 0.89 ng/g of ∑7PCBs, 108.76 ± 12.88 ng/g of ∑16 PAHs and 122.79 ± 11.13 g/g of ∑29 PAHs. The sorption capacity of plastics, combined with their abundance, poses an environmental concern and also highlights their suitability as indicators of chemical exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres H Arias
- IADO, Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía, CCT-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Av. Alem 1253, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
| | - Guadalupe Alvarez
- HAPIC Humedal Arroyo Pareja Isla Cantarelli NGO, Punta Alta, Argentina
| | - Karla Pozo
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, Concepción, 12 4080871, Chile; RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic; Fundación Bioera. Noruega 6427, of 4. Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Petra Pribylova
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Klanova
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucas S Rodríguez Pirani
- CEQUINOR (UNLP, CCT-CONICET La Plata, Associated with CIC), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Boulevard 120 N° 1465, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - A Lorena Picone
- CEQUINOR (UNLP, CCT-CONICET La Plata, Associated with CIC), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Boulevard 120 N° 1465, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Mónica Alvarez
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Av. Alem 1253, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina; INQUISUR-Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Av. Alem 1253, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Norma Tombesi
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Av. Alem 1253, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina; INQUISUR-Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Av. Alem 1253, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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19
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Khan NA, Khan AH, López-Maldonado EA, Alam SS, López López JR, Méndez Herrera PF, Mohamed BA, Mahmoud AED, Abutaleb A, Singh L. Microplastics: Occurrences, treatment methods, regulations and foreseen environmental impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:114224. [PMID: 36058276 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are a silent threat that represent a high degree of danger to the environment in its different ecosystems and of course will also have an important impact on the health of living organisms. It is evident the need to have effective treatments for their treatment, however this is not a simple task, this as a result of the behavior of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants due to their different types and nature, their long molecular chain, reactivity against water, size, shape and the functional groups they carry. Wastewater treatment plants are at the circumference of the release of these wastes into the environment. They often act as a source of many contaminations, which makes this problem more complex. Challenges such as detection in the current scenario using the latest analytical techniques impede the correct understanding of the problem. Due to microplastics, treatment plants have operational and process stability problems. This review paper will present the in-depth situation of occurrence of microplastics, their detection, conventional and advanced treatment methods as well as implementation of legislations worldwide in a comprehensive manner. It has been observed that no innovative or new technologies have emerged to treat microplastics. Therefore, in this article, technologies targeting wastewater treatment plants are critically analyzed. This will help to understand their fate, but also to develop state-of-the-art technologies or combinations of them for the selective treatment of microplastics. The pros and cons of the treatment methods adopted and the knowledge gaps in legislation regarding their implementation are also comprehensively analyzed. This critical work will offer the development of new strategies to restrict microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadeem A Khan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Jamia Millia Islamia Central University, New Delhi, 110025, India; Department of Civil Engineering, Mewat Engineering College, Nuh, Haryana, 122107, India.
| | - Afzal Husain Khan
- Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Jazan University, 45142, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Eduardo Alberto López-Maldonado
- Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Autonomous University of Baja, California, CP, 22390, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.
| | - Shah Saud Alam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Kansas, 1530W 15th St., Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA.
| | - Juan Ramon López López
- Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Av. Las. Américas S/N, C.P. 80000, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Perla Fabiola Méndez Herrera
- Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Av. Las. Américas S/N, C.P. 80000, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Badr A Mohamed
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Agricultural Engineering, Cairo University, El-Gamma Street, Giza, 12613, Egypt.
| | - Alaa El Din Mahmoud
- Environmental Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, 21511, Alexandria, Egypt; Green Technology Group, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, 21511, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Ahmad Abutaleb
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Jazan University, 45142, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Lakhveer Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Sardar Patel University, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175001, India; Department of Civil Engineering, Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India.
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20
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Senathirajah K, Kemp A, Saaristo M, Ishizuka S, Palanisami T. Polymer prioritization framework: A novel multi-criteria framework for source mapping and characterizing the environmental risk of plastic polymers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 429:128330. [PMID: 35121294 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128330] [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: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are an intrinsic part of modern life with many beneficial uses for society. Yet, there is increasing evidence that plastic and microplastic pollution poses a risk to the environment and human health. Microplastics are increasingly grouped as a complex mix of polymers with different physicochemical and toxicological properties. This study attempts to assess the hazardous properties of common polymer types through the development of an integrated multi-criteria framework. The framework establishes a systematic approach to identify plastic polymers of concern. A semi-quantitative method was devised using twenty-one criteria. We used a case study from Victoria, Australia, to evaluate the effectiveness of the framework to characterize the environmental risk of common polymer types. A wide range of data sources were interrogated to complete an in-depth analysis across the material life cycle. We found that three polymers had the highest risk of harm: polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polystyrene; with dominant sectors being: building and construction, packaging, consumer and household, and automotive sectors; and greatest leakage of plastics at the end-of-life stages. Our findings illustrate the complexity of microplastics as an emerging contaminant, and its scalability supports decision-makers globally to identify and prioritize management strategies to address the risks posed by plastics. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: The hazardous nature of mismanaged plastics is an international concern. The negative impacts on the environment and human health are increasingly coming to light. Consequently, resource constraints limits the ability to address all problems. Our work adopts a holistic approach to evaluate the risk of harm from microplastics across the entire life cycle to allow for targeted management measures. The hazard assessment of common polymer types developed using a multi-criteria framework, presents a systematic approach to prioritize polymers at any scale. This allows for the development of optimal investments and interventions to ensure that high-risk environmental problems are addressed first.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kala Senathirajah
- Environmental and Plastic Innovation Cluster (EPIC), Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN), Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Science Division, Ernest Jones Drive, Macleod, Victoria 3085, Australia
| | - Alison Kemp
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Science Division, Ernest Jones Drive, Macleod, Victoria 3085, Australia
| | - Minna Saaristo
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Science Division, Ernest Jones Drive, Macleod, Victoria 3085, Australia
| | - Shige Ishizuka
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Science Division, Ernest Jones Drive, Macleod, Victoria 3085, Australia
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Environmental and Plastic Innovation Cluster (EPIC), Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN), Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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21
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Pozo K, Gómez V, Tucca F, Galbán-Malagón C, Ahumada R, Rudolph A, Klánová J, Lammel G. Multicompartmental analysis of POPs and PAHs in Concepciόn Bay, central Chile: Part II - Air-sea exchange during Austral summer. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 177:113518. [PMID: 35299147 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Air-sea exchange of POPs and PAHs was assessed in Concepción Bay during January, summer 2015. Results showed low levels, in air and water, for POPs (1-20 pg m-3, and 6-50 pg L-1, respectively) and for ΣPAHs (1-2 ng m-3 and 1-2 ng L-1, respectively). The highest levels were found for PBDEs (200-20,000 pg L-1) in the water samples (3-fold times higher than PCBs and OCP) and PBDE209 accounted for 90% of total ΣPBDEs. Air-sea exchange fluxes (ng m-2 d-1) were low in general, with exception of PBDEs showing values up to 40,000 ng m-2 d-1. Net deposition was found for PAHs, HCB and some PBDEs; while, BDE99, and BDE100 showed net volatilization. These findings contribute with new data of diffusive air-sea exchange on the southern hemisphere Pacific coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Pozo
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic; Facultad de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile.
| | - Victoria Gómez
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Felipe Tucca
- Instituto Tecnológico del Salmón (INTESAL SpA), Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - Cristóbal Galbán-Malagón
- GEMA, Center for Genomics, Ecology & Environment, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Pirámide 5750, Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile; Institute of Environment, Florida International University, University Park, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Ramón Ahumada
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica Santisima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Anny Rudolph
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica Santisima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Jana Klánová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gerhard Lammel
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic; Multiphase Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany
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22
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Born MP, Brüll C. From model to nature - A review on the transferability of marine (micro-) plastic fragmentation studies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 811:151389. [PMID: 34808157 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic research has experienced almost exponential growth in publications and proceeded faster than ever throughout the last years. This increase comes with a downside in terms of missing standardizations and definitions especially concerning experiments. Furthermore, incomparability and lacking transferability of fragmentation studies onto the marine environment still hinder more realistic extrapolations and accurate numerical models. This review offers a first approach to tackle this problem by converting studies into comparable dimensions by rating their experimental settings and comparing them to in-situ values, thus, assisting future research with an unbiased and fast tool to assess the applicability of studies for their calculations. For this purpose, the main influencing factors for the environmental fragmentation of plastics were identified, ranked in terms of their impact, and, subsequently, applied to 49 setups of peer-reviewed studies. The average transferability into nature of the considered laboratory studies is 41%. Unconsidered implementation of proper mechanical wear by water and sediment movement into the test setups of around 80% of all reviewed studies explains this value. However, other parameters like UV radiation implementation, also pose an obstacle in about 50% of the laboratory studies. Nevertheless, even the reviewed in-situ fragmentation studies revealed problems in transferability in some of the weathering components caused by the fixation of the samples. This review indicates that the current database on plastic fragmentation is most likely not reliable enough for robust extrapolations or numerical models. A set of recommendations for test settings is proposed to improve upcoming experiments' quality and comparability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian P Born
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management, RWTH-Aachen University, Germany.
| | - Catrina Brüll
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management, RWTH-Aachen University, Germany
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23
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Shore EA, Huber KE, Garrett AD, Pespeni MH. Four plastic additives reduce larval growth and survival in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113385. [PMID: 35121213 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic additives are utilized during the production of plastic to modify the attributes and stability of the polymer. As oceanic plastic waste degrades, these additives can leach, and are harmful to global marine ecosystems. Despite the high abundance of additives leached into the marine environment, little is known about their direct impact on marine zooplankton. Here we test for impacts of four plastic additives, UV-327, Irganox 1010, DEHP, and methylparaben, all commonly used in plastic manufacturing, on purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) larval growth and survival in a serial dose response for 4 days. Methylparaben, UV-327, and Irganox 1010 significantly reduced larval body length by about 5% for at least one dose. In contrast, all compounds reduced larval survival by 20-70% with strongest effects at intermediate rather than high doses. Our results highlight that plastic additives should be tested for their effects on marine organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Shore
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA.
| | - Kaitlin E Huber
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - April D Garrett
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
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24
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Borges-Ramírez MM, Escalona-Segura G, Huerta-Lwanga E, Iñigo-Elias E, Osten JRV. Organochlorine pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, metals and metalloids in microplastics found in regurgitated pellets of black vulture from Campeche, Mexico. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 801:149674. [PMID: 34418623 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are produced by the millions of tons worldwide each year, with their final deposition in landfills (LFs). Plastics deposited in LFs can fragment over time, giving rise to mesoplastics and later to microplastics (MPs), in which toxic chemicals such as heavy metals, organochlorine pesticides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can adhere. MPs can be vectors for the exposure to pollutants of black vultures (Coragyps atratus) due to feeding in LFs, resulting in accidental ingestion of MPs. It is also possible that MPs can adsorb pollutants from vultures during the digestion process. The aim of this study was to estimate the risk of black vulture exposure to MPs, heavy metals (HMs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Fifty-eight black vulture pellets were collected at the Campeche LF during 2019 (n = 24) and 2020 (n = 34). The pellets, on average, had an MP load per pellet of 6.7 ± 5.8 MPs/total pellets. The greatest abundance of MPs was detected in 2019, with 225 particles in total. The concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Hg, As, and Al were detected in the MPs, with the greatest average concentration of 35.59 ± 32.39 μg·g-1 (2019) and 15.82 ± 17.47 μg·g-1 (2020) for Al. In 2020, ∑endosulfans were present in all MPs at 0.97 ± 1.47 ng·g-1. Among the PAHs, 15 of the 16 compounds indicated as priorities by the US EPA were quantified. The compound with the greatest total concentration for both years was acenaphthylene (3 rings), with 10.51 ± 7.88 ng·g-1 (2019) and 10.61 ± 18 ng·g-1 (2020). More research is needed regarding the origin of the contaminants detected in the MPs extracted from the pellets, since the contaminants may come from the environment or possibly from the digestion processes in the stomach of avian raptors and scavengers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merle M Borges-Ramírez
- Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Avenida Rancho, Polígono 2-A, Ciudad Industrial Lerma, CP 24500 Campeche, Campeche, Mexico
| | - Griselda Escalona-Segura
- Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Avenida Rancho, Polígono 2-A, Ciudad Industrial Lerma, CP 24500 Campeche, Campeche, Mexico
| | - Esperanza Huerta-Lwanga
- Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Avenida Rancho, Polígono 2-A, Ciudad Industrial Lerma, CP 24500 Campeche, Campeche, Mexico; Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eduardo Iñigo-Elias
- Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Jaime Rendón-von Osten
- Instituto de Ecología, Pesquería y Oceanografía del Golfo de México (EPOMEX), Campus VI, Av. Héroe de Nacozari 480, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, 24070 Campeche, Mexico.
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Gómez V, Torres M, Karásková P, Přibylová P, Klánová J, Pozo K. Occurrence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in marine plastic litter from coastal areas of Central Chile. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112818. [PMID: 34391011 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) were determined in marine plastic litter (MPL) on six beaches of central Chile. MPL was characterized physically and chemically, showing an abundance of macroplastic (size >2.5 cm). The polypropylene (PP) (47%) was the predominant polymer found. The Desembocadura beach, located at the mouth of the Biobio River, recorded the highest abundance of MPL (3.7 items m-2). PFAS detected (n = 15/21) ranged from 279 to 1211 pg g-1 and accounted for MeFOSE (46%) > PFHxS (14%) > PFPA (11%) > PFBS (6%) > PFOA (4%) and > PFOS (4%). Long-chain PFAS were prevalent, which can be metabolically degraded into PFOS (new POPs). This study i) highlights the need to further investigate the occurrence of chemicals in the MPL to reduce their impact on the environment; and ii) points out the need to improve future coastal management strategies for the elimination of solid waste along the coast of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Gómez
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Mariett Torres
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad San Sebastián, 4030000, Chile
| | - Pavlina Karásková
- RECETOX (Research Center for Toxic Compounds in the Environment), Masaryk University, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Přibylová
- RECETOX (Research Center for Toxic Compounds in the Environment), Masaryk University, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Klánová
- RECETOX (Research Center for Toxic Compounds in the Environment), Masaryk University, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Karla Pozo
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad San Sebastián, 4030000, Chile; RECETOX (Research Center for Toxic Compounds in the Environment), Masaryk University, 62500, Czech Republic.
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26
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Masry M, Rossignol S, Gardette JL, Therias S, Bussière PO, Wong-Wah-Chung P. Characteristics, fate, and impact of marine plastic debris exposed to sunlight: A review. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 171:112701. [PMID: 34245992 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The increase of plastic production from the middle of the twentieth century was inevitably followed by an increase in the amount of plastic dumped in the natural environment. There, the plastic debris are exposed to sunlight, temperature, humidity, and physical stress. This can induce photo-oxidative and thermal degradation. This review discusses the mechanism of plastics UV weathering and its characteristics. Comparison of the photodegradation rate and physico-chemical properties are made according to the weathering mode (natural/accelerated) and medium (air/water). Since the photodegradation can lead to plastics fragmentation, this phenomenon is described along with the methodologies used in literature to evaluate the fragmentation. The impact of the photodegraded plastic debris on the marine environment is also presented in term of (i) photodegradation products and stabilizers leakage, (ii) organic pollutants accumulation, transfer, and leakage, and (iii) toxicity on marine organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Masry
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, LCE, Marseille, France.
| | | | - Jean-Luc Gardette
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, UMR 6296, Université Blaise Pascal, Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand (ICCF), 8 Avenue Blaise Pascal, TSA 60026, CS 60026, 63178 Aubière cedex, France.
| | - Sandrine Therias
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, UMR 6296, Université Blaise Pascal, Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand (ICCF), 8 Avenue Blaise Pascal, TSA 60026, CS 60026, 63178 Aubière cedex, France.
| | - Pierre-Olivier Bussière
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, UMR 6296, Université Blaise Pascal, Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand (ICCF), 8 Avenue Blaise Pascal, TSA 60026, CS 60026, 63178 Aubière cedex, France.
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27
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Jiang X, Lu K, Tunnell JW, Liu Z. The impacts of weathering on concentration and bioaccessibility of organic pollutants associated with plastic pellets (nurdles) in coastal environments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 170:112592. [PMID: 34146856 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nurdles, the pre-production plastic pellets, are a major source of plastic pollution in marine environments due to unregulated spills during production and transportation. We analyzed the types of plastics and associated organic pollutants on nurdles collected along the shoreline of Gulf of Mexico in Texas. Our results showed that the nurdles were made from polyethylene (81.9%) and polypropylene (18.1%). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, 16 US EPA priority) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, 7 commercial congeners) sorbed to the nurdles were in concentration ranges of 1.6-14,700 ng/ g and 0-642 ng/ g, respectively. Heavily weathered nurdles tended to have higher concentrations of PAHs and PCBs than lightly weathered ones. The bioaccessibility of sorbed contaminants was evaluated using a simulated intestinal fluid. The results showed that the associated PAHs were more bioaccessible in lightly weathered nurdles (13.1 ± 2.3%) than heavily weathered one (5.3 ± 0.1%), and that no PCBs were bioaccessible. These findings are informative for toxicity evaluation and resource management of plastic debris in coastal environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangtao Jiang
- University of Texas Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States of America
| | - Kaijun Lu
- University of Texas Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States of America
| | - Jace W Tunnell
- University of Texas Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States of America
| | - Zhanfei Liu
- University of Texas Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States of America.
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28
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Alidoust M, Yeo GB, Mizukawa K, Takada H. Monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, hopanes, and polychlorinated biphenyls in the Persian Gulf in plastic resin pellets. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 165:112052. [PMID: 33582425 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and hopanes were analyzed in plastic resin pellets collected from 19 locations along the Persian Gulf coastline. PCBs were high at locations near industrial areas, where their concentrations (sum of 13 congeners, 54-624 ng/g-pellet) were higher than those in rural coastal towns, which were close to global background levels (<10 ng/g-pellet). PAH concentrations (sum of 27 PAH species) varied from 273 to 15,786 ng/g-pellet and were highest in industrial cities (Bushehr and Bandar Abbas), with a petrogenic signature at most locations, possibly due to the petroleum-based industries, refineries, and tankers. These levels were placed in the extremely polluted category on a global basis. The distribution of hopanes was relatively homogeneous, and their range of concentrations was 8048-59,778 ng/g-pellet. This range had a positive correlation with PAH concentrations. The PAH and hopane results emphasize the ubiquity of petroleum pollution in the Persian Gulf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Alidoust
- Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Geok Be Yeo
- Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Kaoruko Mizukawa
- Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Hideshige Takada
- Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.
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Jiménez-Skrzypek G, Hernández-Sánchez C, Ortega-Zamora C, González-Sálamo J, González-Curbelo MÁ, Hernández-Borges J. Microplastic-adsorbed organic contaminants: Analytical methods and occurrence. Trends Analyt Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2021.116186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Torres FG, Dioses-Salinas DC, Pizarro-Ortega CI, De-la-Torre GE. Sorption of chemical contaminants on degradable and non-degradable microplastics: Recent progress and research trends. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 757:143875. [PMID: 33310573 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (<5 mm) are ubiquitous contaminants of growing concern. These have been found in multiple environmental compartments, including remote sites where anthropogenic activity is null. Once released, microplastics interact with multiple chemicals in the environment, many of which are classified as organic contaminants or heavy metals. Some contaminants have an affinity for microplastics, attributed to certain sorption mechanisms, and thus become vectors of hazardous chemicals. Here, we focused on the sorption behavior of degradable and non-degradable microplastics, including field and laboratory experiments. We reviewed the sorption mechanisms, namely hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic interactions, pore-filling, Van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and π-π interactions, and the factors strengthening or weakening these mechanisms. Then, we analyzed the literature investigating the sorption behavior of a wide range of chemicals contaminants on microplastics, and the current knowledge regarding the occurrence of organic contaminants and heavy metals on microplastics extracted from the environment. The future perspectives and research priorities were discussed. It is apparent that degradable microplastics, such as polylactic acid or polybutylene succinate, have a greater affinity for hydrophobic contaminants than conventional synthetic non-degradable microplastics according to recent studies. However, studies assessing degradable microplastics are scarce and much research is required to further prove this point. We stated several knowledge gaps in this new line of research and suggest the future studies to follow an integrative approach, allowing to comprehend the multiple factors involved, such as ecotoxicity, bioaccumulation, and fate of the chemical contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando G Torres
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, Av. Universitaria 1801, 15088 Lima, Peru.
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