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Gan M, Zhang Y, Shi P, Cui L, Sun H. Microplastic pollution in typical seasonal rivers in northern China: temporal variation and risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:1479-1490. [PMID: 37581367 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00281k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are important channels for the transport of microplastics (MPs) from land to sea. In this work, the temporal variation and risk assessment of MP pollution in the surface water of the Wei River, a typical seasonal river in northern China, were quantified. The number abundance of MPs in the dry season was significantly higher than that in the wet season (p < 0.05). Fiber was the most abundant type of MP in both dry and wet seasons. Infrared spectrometer and Raman spectroscopy identification showed that polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) were the major polymers found in both dry and wet seasons, and the mixture of different MP polymers was more diverse in the dry season. The risk assessment showed that the average pollution load index (PLI) and risk quotient (RQ) were 2.10 and 1.19 in the dry season, which significantly decreased to 1.25 and 0.74, respectively, in the wet season (p < 0.05). In total, the results from this study highlight the characteristics of seasonal rivers that influence the temporal distribution and risk assessment of microplastics, providing scientific reference for policymakers and river managers to effectively deal with MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mufan Gan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China.
| | - Peng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, China
| | - Lingzhou Cui
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Haotian Sun
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China.
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Mukherjee F, Shi A, Wang X, You F, Abbott NL. Liquid Crystals as Multifunctional Interfaces for Trapping and Characterizing Colloidal Microplastics. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2207802. [PMID: 36892170 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202207802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Identifying and removing microplastics (MPs) from the environment is a global challenge. This study explores how the colloidal fraction of MPs assemble into distinct 2D patterns at aqueous interfaces of liquid crystal (LC) films with the goal of developing surface-sensitive methods for identifying MPs. Polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) microparticles are measured to exhibit distinct aggregation patterns, with addition of anionic surfactant amplifying differences in PS/PE aggregation patterns: PS changes from a linear chain-like morphology to a singly dispersed state with increasing surfactant concentration whereas PE forms dense clusters at all surfactant concentrations. Statistical analysis of assembly patterns using deep learning image recognition models yields accurate classification, with feature importance analysis confirming that dense, multibranched assemblies are unique features of PE relative to PS. Microscopic characterization of LC ordering at the microparticle surfaces leads to predict LC-mediated interactions (due to elastic strain) with a dipolar symmetry, a prediction consistent with the interfacial organization of PS but not PE. Further analysis leads to conclude that PE microparticles, due to their polycrystalline nature, possess rough surfaces that lead to weak LC elastic interactions and enhanced capillary forces. Overall, the results highlight the potential utility of LC interfaces for rapid identification of colloidal MPs based on their surface properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Mukherjee
- Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Anye Shi
- Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Fengqi You
- Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Nicholas L Abbott
- Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
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3
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Nunes BZ, Moreira LB, Xu EG, Castro ÍB. A global snapshot of microplastic contamination in sediments and biota of marine protected areas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 865:161293. [PMID: 36592906 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) become ubiquitous contaminants in Marine Protected Areas (MPA) that have been planned as a conservation strategy. The present study provides a comprehensive overview of the occurrence, abundance, and distribution of MPs potentially affecting MPA worldwide. Data on MP occurrence and levels in sediment and biota samples were collected from recent peer-reviewed literature and screened using a GIS-based approach overlapping MP records with MPA boundaries. MPs were found in 186 MPAs, with levels ranging from 0 to 9187.5 items/kg in sediment and up to 17,461.9 items/kg in organisms. Peaked MPs concentrations occurred within multiple-use areas, and no-take MPAs were also affected. About half of MP levels found within MPA fell into the higher concentration quartiles, suggesting potential impacts on these areas. In general, benthic species were likely more affected than pelagic ones due to the higher concentrations of MP reported in the tissues of benthic species. Alarmingly, MPs were found in tissues of two threatened species on the IUCN Red List. The findings denote urgent concerns about the effectiveness of the global system of protected areas and their proposed conservation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Zachello Nunes
- Programa de pós-graduação em Oceanologia (PPGO), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (IO-FURG), Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucas Buruaem Moreira
- Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (IMAR -UNIFESP), Rua Maria Máximo, 168, 11030-100 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Elvis Genbo Xu
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - Ítalo Braga Castro
- Programa de pós-graduação em Oceanologia (PPGO), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (IO-FURG), Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (IMAR -UNIFESP), Rua Maria Máximo, 168, 11030-100 Santos, SP, Brazil.
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4
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Kye H, Kim J, Ju S, Lee J, Lim C, Yoon Y. Microplastics in water systems: A review of their impacts on the environment and their potential hazards. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14359. [PMID: 36950574 PMCID: PMC10025042 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics, the microscopic plastics, are fragments of any type of plastic that are being produced today as plastic waste originating from anthropogenic activities. Such microplastics are discharged into the environment, and they enter back into the human body through different means. The microplastics spread in the environment due to environmental factors and the inherent properties of microplastics, such as density, hydrophobicity, and recalcitrance, and then eventually enter the water environment. In this study, to better understand the behavior of microplastics in the water environment, an extensive literature review was conducted on the occurrence of microplastics in aquatic environments categorized by seawater, wastewater, and freshwater. We summarized the abundance and distribution of microplastics in the water environment and studied the environmental factors affecting them in detail. In addition, focusing on the sampling and pretreatment processes that can limit the analysis results of microplastics, we discussed in depth the sampling methods, density separation, and organic matter digestion methods for each water environment. Finally, the potential hazards posed by the behavior of aging microplastics, such as adsorption of pollutants or ingestion by aquatic organisms, due to exposure to the environment were also investigated.
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Silori R, Shrivastava V, Mazumder P, Mootapally C, Pandey A, Kumar M. Understanding the underestimated: Occurrence, distribution, and interactions of microplastics in the sediment and soil of China, India, and Japan. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 320:120978. [PMID: 36586556 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120978] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are non-biodegradable substances that can sustain our environment for up to a century. What is more worrying is the incapability of modern technologies to annihilate MPs from om environment. One ramification of MPs is their impact on every kind of life form on this planet, which has been discussed ahead; that is why these substances are surfacing in everyday discussions of scholars and researchers. This paper discusses the overview of the global occurrence, abundance, analysis, and remediation techniques of MPs in the environment. This paper primarily reviews the event and abundance of MPs in coastal sediments and agricultural soil of three major Asian countries, India, China, and Japan. A significant concentration of MPs has been recorded from these countries, which affirms its strong presence and subsequent environmental impacts. Concentrations such as 73,100 MPs/kg in Indian coastal sediments and 42,960 particles/kg in the agricultural soil of China is a solid testimony to prove their massive outbreak in our environment and require urgent attention towards this issue. Conclusions show that human activities, rivers, and plastic mulching on agricultural fields have majorly acted as carriers of MPs towards coastal and terrestrial soil and sediments. Later, based on recorded concentrations and gaps, future research studies are recommended in the concerned domain; a dearth of studies on MPs influencing Indian agricultural soil make a whole sector and its consumer vulnerable to the adverse effects of this emerging contaminant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Silori
- School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India
| | - Vikalp Shrivastava
- School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India
| | - Payal Mazumder
- School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India
| | - Chandrashekar Mootapally
- School of Applied Sciences & Technology (SAST), Gujarat Technological University (GTU), Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Ashok Pandey
- School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India; Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, 226 001, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India; Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 Sur, Monterrey, 64849, Mexico.
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Lin H, Pan H, Sun J, Du R, Xu J, Lin H, Pan Z, Zhuang M. Transboundary microplastic pollution in Xiamen Bay and adjacent Jiulong River estuary after the outbreak of COVID-19. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 861:160562. [PMID: 36455729 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Land-based transport from nearshore areas is a key pathway of microplastic (MP) pollution in the oceans. Therefore, transport, fate, and intervention on MPs necessitate an investigation of MP contamination in coastal regions. Here, MP pollution in the surface waters of Xiamen Bay and Jiulong River estuary was evaluated in 2021 after the outbreak of COVID-19. The abundance of MPs in Xiamen Bay ranged from 0.20 to 5.79 items m-3 with an average of 1.03 items m-3, whereas that in the Jiulong River estuary spanned from 0.55 to 2.11 items m-3 with a mean of 1.30 items m-3. A yearly decreasing trend in the abundance of MPs in surface waters in both regions was observed. The particle sizes of MPs were concentrated in the range of 2.50-5.00 mm, and the colors were mainly white, transparent, and green. The micro-Raman spectroscopic results showed that MP polymer types were predominantly polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. A lower abundance of MPs in Xiamen Bay with no obvious pattern was observed, while that in the Jiulong River estuary showed a wavelike distribution from upstream to downstream. Ecological risk assessment of MP pollution in surface waters of two regions was performed using the pollution load index (PLI), giving the risk level in descending order: wastewater discharge area > aquaculture area > sloughs > estuary mouth > estuarine rivers > shipping lane. The average risk level of Xiamen Bay (I) was lower than that in Jiulong River estuary (II). The MP pollution in the Jiulong River estuary appeared heavier than that in Xiamen Bay, which may be due to the combined effects of COVID-19 and marine governance. This study provided insights into the prevention and management of MP pollution in nearshore semi-enclosed bays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Lin
- Laboratory of Marine Ecological Environment Early Warning and Monitoring, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Huanglei Pan
- Xiamen Institute of Environmental Science, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Jincheng Sun
- College of Ocean and Earth Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Rupeng Du
- College of Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361105, China
| | - Jielong Xu
- Xiamen Institute of Environmental Science, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Laboratory of Marine Ecological Environment Early Warning and Monitoring, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Zhong Pan
- Laboratory of Marine Ecological Environment Early Warning and Monitoring, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China.
| | - Mazhan Zhuang
- Xiamen Institute of Environmental Science, Xiamen 361021, China.
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Hernández-Sánchez C, Pestana-Ríos ÁA, Villanova-Solano C, Domínguez-Hernández C, Díaz-Peña FJ, Rodríguez-Álvarez C, Lecuona M, Arias Á. Bacterial Colonization of Microplastics at the Beaches of an Oceanic Island, Tenerife, Canary Islands. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3951. [PMID: 36900968 PMCID: PMC10001659 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
(1) Isolated systems, such as oceanic islands, are increasingly experiencing important problems related to microplastic debris on their beaches. The formation of microbial biofilm on the surface of microplastics present in marine environments provides potential facilities for microorganisms to survive under the biofilm. Moreover, microplastics act as a vehicle for the dispersion of pathogenic organisms, constituting a new route of exposure for humans. (2) In this study, the microbial content (FIO and Vibrio spp. and Staphylococcus aureus) of microplastics (fragments and pellets) collected from seven beaches of the oceanic island of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands (Spain), was determined. (3) Results showed that Escherichia coli was present in 57.1% of the fragments and 28.5% of the pellets studied. In the case of intestinal Enterococci, 85.7% of the fragments and 57.1% of the pellets tested positive for this parameter. Finally, 100% of the fragments and 42.8% of the pellets analyzed from the different beaches contained Vibrio spp. (4) This study shows that microplastics act as reservoirs of microorganisms that can increase the presence of bacteria indicating faecal and pathogenic contamination in bathing areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia Hernández-Sánchez
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, Health Science Faculty, University of La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra s/n, 38071 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna (ULL), Avda, Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n°, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Ángel Antonio Pestana-Ríos
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, Health Science Faculty, University of La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra s/n, 38071 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Cristina Villanova-Solano
- Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna (ULL), Avda, Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n°, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Departmental Unit of Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry Department, Science Faculty, University of La Laguna (ULL), Avda Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n°, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Cristopher Domínguez-Hernández
- Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna (ULL), Avda, Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n°, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Departmental Unit of Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry Department, Science Faculty, University of La Laguna (ULL), Avda Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n°, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Díaz-Peña
- Department of Animal Biology, Soil Science and Geology, Science Faculty, University of La Laguna (ULL), Avda, Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n°, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Cristobalina Rodríguez-Álvarez
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, Health Science Faculty, University of La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra s/n, 38071 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - María Lecuona
- Microbiology and Infection Control Service of the University Hospital of the Canary Islands (HUC), 38071 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ángeles Arias
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, Health Science Faculty, University of La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra s/n, 38071 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
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Zhou N, Wang Z, Yang L, Zhou W, Qin Z, Zhang H. Size-dependent toxicological effects of polystyrene microplastics in the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei using a histomorphology, microbiome, and metabolic approach. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120635. [PMID: 36370970 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Due to the wide application of plastic products in human life, microplastic pollution in water has recently attracted more attention. Many studies have revealed the size-dependent toxicity of microplastics. Here, we investigated the toxicological effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the white leg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, a profitable aquaculture species, using a comprehensive histomorphological, microbiome, and metabolomic approach to verify whether smaller particles are more toxic than larger particles. L. vannamei were experimentally exposed to water containing PS-MPs of four sizes (0.1, 1.0, 5.0, and 20.0 μm) for 24 h at 10 mg/L (acute experiment) and 12 d at 1 mg/L (subchronic experiment). After 24 h of acute exposure, PS-MP accumulation in shrimp indicated that the ingestion and egestion of PS-MPs had a size-dependent effect, and smaller particles were more bioavailable. The tissue morphological results of subchronic experiments showed that, for the guts and gills, the smaller sizes of the PS-MPs exhibited greater damage. In addition, 16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing showed that the alpha diversity was higher under larger PS-MP exposure. Correlated with changes in intestinal bacteria, we found a greater enrichment of metabolic pathways in hemolymph proteins and metabolites in larger PS-MP groups, such as "arginine and proline metabolism", "protein digestion and absorption", "lysine degradation". Interestingly, the activity or content of biomarkers of oxidative stress showed a peak at 1 μm and 5 μm. Under specific sizes of PS-MPs, the abundance of the pathogen Vibrio and probiotic bacteria Rhodobacter (5-μm) and Bacillus and Halomonas (1-μm) were simultaneously enriched. Our results indicated that PS-MP exposure can cause size-dependent damage to shrimp, yet specific particle size can be influential differently in regard to some research indicators. Therefore, it can enhance our comprehensive understanding of the impacts of microplastics on shrimp health and suggests that specific particle size should be considered when assessing the size-dependent toxicity of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningjia Zhou
- Center for Biological Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; College of Education for the Future, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; Faculty of Art and Science, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Center for Biological Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; College of Education for the Future, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; Faculty of Art and Science, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China
| | - Lifeng Yang
- Center for Biological Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; College of Education for the Future, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; Faculty of Art and Science, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenyao Zhou
- Center for Biological Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; College of Education for the Future, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; Faculty of Art and Science, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiwei Qin
- Center for Biological Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China
| | - Heqian Zhang
- Center for Biological Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; College of Education for the Future, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; Faculty of Art and Science, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China.
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9
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Microplastic Interactions and Possible Combined Biological Effects in Antarctic Marine Ecosystems. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010162. [PMID: 36611770 PMCID: PMC9817852 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are the most remote regions on Earth, and their quite pristine environmental conditions are increasingly threatened by local scientific, tourism and fishing activities and long-range transport of persistent anthropogenic contaminants from lower latitudes. Plastic debris has become one of the most pervasive and ubiquitous synthetic wastes in the global environment, and even at some coastal Antarctic sites it is the most common and enduring evidence of past and recent human activities. Despite the growing scientific interest in the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the Antarctic environment, the lack of standardized methodologies for the collection, analysis and assessment of sample contamination in the field and in the lab does not allow us to establish their bioavailability and potential impact. Overall, most of the Southern Ocean appears to be little-affected by plastic contamination, with the exception of some coastal marine ecosystems impacted by wastewater from scientific stations and tourist vessels or by local fishing activities. Microplastics have been detected in sediments, benthic organisms, Antarctic krill and fish, but there is no clear evidence of their transfer to seabirds and marine mammals. Therefore, we suggest directing future research towards standardization of methodologies, focusing attention on nanoplastics (which probably represent the greatest biological risks) and considering the interactions of MPs with macro- and microalgae (especially sea-ice algae) and the formation of epiplastic communities. In coastal ecosystems directly impacted by human activities, the combined exposure to paint chips, metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), contaminants of emerging interest (CEI) and pathogenic microorganisms represents a potential danger for marine organisms. Moreover, the Southern Ocean is very sensitive to water acidification and has shown a remarkable decrease in sea-ice formation in recent years. These climate-related stresses could reduce the resilience of Antarctic marine organisms, increasing the impact of anthropogenic contaminants and pathogenic microorganisms.
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Queiroz AFDS, da Conceição AS, Chelazzi D, Rollnic M, Cincinelli A, Giarrizzo T, Martinelli Filho JE. First assessment of microplastic and artificial microfiber contamination in surface waters of the Amazon Continental Shelf. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 839:156259. [PMID: 35644394 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The composition and distribution of microplastics (MPs) in the Brazilian Amazon Continental Shelf surface waters are described for the first time. The study was conducted during the 2018 rainy and dry seasons, using 57 water samples collected with aluminum buckets and filtered through a 64-μm mesh. The samples were vacuum-filtered in a still-air box, and the content of each filter was measured, counted, and classified. A total of 12,288 floating MPs were retrieved; particles were present at all 57 sampling points. The mean MP abundance was 3593 ± 2264 items·m-3, with significantly higher values during the rainy season (1500 to 12,967; 4772 ± 2761 items·m-3) than in the dry season (323 to 5733; 2672 ± 1167 items·m-3). Polyamides (PA), polyurethane (PU), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) were the most common polymers identified through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Cellulose-based textile fibers were also abundant (~40%). Our results indicate that the Amazon Continental Shelf is contaminated with moderate to high levels of MPs; the highest abundances were recorded at stations near land-based sources such as river mouths and large coastal cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaldo Fabrício Dos Santos Queiroz
- Laboratório de Oceanografia Biológica and Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil; Laboratório de Pesquisa em Monitoramento Ambiental Marinho, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Amanda Saraiva da Conceição
- Laboratório de Oceanografia Biológica and Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil
| | - David Chelazzi
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.
| | - Marcelo Rollnic
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Monitoramento Ambiental Marinho, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Tommaso Giarrizzo
- Grupo de Ecologia Aquática. Espaço Inovação do Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia Guamá (PCT Guamá), Belém, Guamá, Pará, Brazil; Instituto de Ciências do Mar (LABOMAR), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Avenida da Abolição, 3207, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - José Eduardo Martinelli Filho
- Laboratório de Oceanografia Biológica and Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil; Laboratório de Pesquisa em Monitoramento Ambiental Marinho, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil.
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11
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Karalija E, Carbó M, Coppi A, Colzi I, Dainelli M, Gašparović M, Grebenc T, Gonnelli C, Papadakis V, Pilić S, Šibanc N, Valledor L, Poma A, Martinelli F. Interplay of plastic pollution with algae and plants: hidden danger or a blessing? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 438:129450. [PMID: 35999715 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the era of plastic pollution, plants have been discarded as a system that is not affected by micro and nanoplastics, but contrary to beliefs that plants cannot absorb plastic particles, recent research proved otherwise. The presented review gives insight into known aspects of plants' interplay with plastics and how plants' ability to absorb plastic particles can be utilized to remove plastics from water and soil systems. Microplastics usually cannot be absorbed by plant root systems due to their size, but some reports indicate they might enter plant tissues through stomata. On the other hand, nanoparticles can enter plant root systems, and reports of their transport via xylem to upper plant parts have been recorded. Bioaccumulation of nanoplastics in upper plant parts is still not confirmed. The prospects of using biosystems for the remediation of soils contaminated with plastics are still unknown. However, algae could be used to degrade plastic particles in water systems through enzyme facilitated degradation processes. Considering the amount of plastic pollution, especially in the oceans, further research is necessary on the utilization of algae in plastic degradation. Special attention should be given to the research concerning utilization of algae with restricted algal growth, ensuring that a different problem is not induced, "sea blooming", during the degradation of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erna Karalija
- Laboratory for Plant Physiology, Department for Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 33-35, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - María Carbó
- Plant Physiology, Department of Organisms and Systems Biology and University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Andrea Coppi
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Firenze, via Micheli 1, 50121 Florence, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Colzi
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Firenze, via Micheli 1, 50121 Florence, Italy.
| | - Marco Dainelli
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Firenze, via Micheli 1, 50121 Florence, Italy.
| | - Mateo Gašparović
- Chair of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Faculty of Geodesy, University of Zagreb, Kačićeva 26, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Tine Grebenc
- Department of Forest Physiology and Genetics, Slovenian Forestry Institute, Večna pot 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Cristina Gonnelli
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Firenze, via Micheli 1, 50121 Florence, Italy.
| | - Vassilis Papadakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, N. Plastira 100, GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
| | - Selma Pilić
- Laboratory for Plant Physiology, Department for Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 33-35, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Nataša Šibanc
- Department of Forest Physiology and Genetics, Slovenian Forestry Institute, Večna pot 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Luis Valledor
- Plant Physiology, Department of Organisms and Systems Biology and University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Anna Poma
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Università degli Studi dell'Aquila, Laboratory of Genetics and Mutagenesis, via Vetoio 1, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Federico Martinelli
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Firenze, via Micheli 1, 50121 Florence, Italy.
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12
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Ranjani M, Veerasingam S, Venkatachalapathy R, Jinoj TPS, Guganathan L, Mugilarasan M, Vethamony P. Seasonal variation, polymer hazard risk and controlling factors of microplastics in beach sediments along the southeast coast of India. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 305:119315. [PMID: 35439596 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and its associated organic and inorganic contaminants are one among the significant health hazards to almost all biota, including human. We investigated the polymer hazard risk and its adsorbed contaminants in MPs at six prominent beaches of Chennai on the southeast coast of India. The spatial variation of MPs during the northeast (NE) monsoon (range: 76-720 items/kg, mean: 247.4 items/kg) was higher than that during southwest (SW) monsoon (range: 84-498 items/kg, mean: 302.7 items/kg). In both the seasons, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) were the dominant polymers and fibre was the predominant shape of MPs, likely to be derived from fishing, textile and urban activities in this region. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images exhibited various surface weathering features including grooves, cracks, fractures, adhering particles, pits, vermiculate textures and fibre reinforcements. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) results showed that MPs have adsorbed major (Si, Al, Na, Mg, Ca, Fe and Ti) and trace (Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn) metals. Though pollution load index (PLI) presented low degree of MP contamination in the beach sediments, hazardous polymers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA) and polystyrene (PS) contributed to high polymer hazard index (PHI) and potential ecological risk index (PERI), posing very high risk to the biota. The trajectories obtained from particle-tracking coupled with hydrodynamic simulation clearly showed that 20% of MPs settled along the coast and the remaining moved towards north, alongshore and offshore (∼50 km) within 30 days, and in NE monsoon due to current reversal, the floating debris and MPs have drifted towards south, ∼40 km in 30 days, indicating the role of circulation in the fate and transport pathways of plastic debris.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ranjani
- Department of Physics, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Veerasingam
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Qatar.
| | - R Venkatachalapathy
- Department of Physics, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - T P S Jinoj
- National Centre for Coastal Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, Chennai, 600 100, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - L Guganathan
- Department of Physics, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M Mugilarasan
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai, 600 025, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P Vethamony
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Qatar
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13
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Tian Y, Yang Z, Yu X, Jia Z, Rosso M, Dedman S, Zhu J, Xia Y, Zhang G, Yang J, Wang J. Can we quantify the aquatic environmental plastic load from aquaculture? WATER RESEARCH 2022; 219:118551. [PMID: 35561617 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Aquaculture provides livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people, but it also forms a significant source of plastic litter that poses a serious hazard to aquatic ecosystems. How to assess and subsequently manage plastic loads from aquaculture is a pending and pressing issue for aquaculture sustainability, and an important concern for water environment monitoring and management. In this study, we developed the first framework for estimating plastic litter from aquaculture by combining data from satellite remote sensing, drones, questionnaires, and in situ measurements. By acquiring multidimensional (human and nature) and multiscale (centimeter to basin scale) data, this framework helped us understand the aquaculture farming patterns and its spatial and temporal evolution, and thus estimate the plastic load it generates and suggest effective management approaches. Applying this framework, we assessed the marine plastic load from oyster floating raft farming in the Maowei Sea, a typical mariculture bay in China, with an increasing farming area. Approximately 3840 tons of plastic waste is expected to be discharged into the sea in the next four years (the average service life of a floating raft) without improvements in aquaculture waste management. Strengthening governance, timely plastic removal, innovative replacement, and transforming farmers' behavior patterns are recommended as the subsequent measures for plastic management. This framework can be extended to other regions and other aquaculture patterns, and is applicable to local, regional, and global aquaculture plastic litter assessments. It is a source-based method for evaluating plastic pollution that is more conducive to subsequent plastic management than traditional post-contamination environmental monitoring. In the context of the global expansion of mariculture and the global commitment to action to combat plastic pollution, this approach could play a critical role in the investigation and management of plastic waste in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichao Tian
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Zongyao Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xueying Yu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Zhen Jia
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | | | - Simon Dedman
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove Pacific Grove 93950, California, USA
| | - Jingmin Zhu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Yuxiang Xia
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Guangping Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Jingzhen Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; CIMA Research Foundation, Savona, 17100, Italy; Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove Pacific Grove 93950, California, USA; Beibu Gulf Ocean Development Research Center, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China.
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14
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Stenger KS, Wikmark OG, Bezuidenhout CC, Molale-Tom LG. Microplastics pollution in the ocean: Potential carrier of resistant bacteria and resistance genes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 291:118130. [PMID: 34562691 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution in marine environments is concerning. Microplastics persist and accumulate in various sections of the ocean where they present opportunity for micropollutant accumulation and microbial colonisation. Even though biofilm formation on plastics was first reported in the 1970's, it is only in recent years were plastic associated biofilms have gained research attention. Plastic surfaces pose a problem as they are a niche ready for colonisation by diverse biofilm assemblages, composed of specific bacterial communities and putative pathogens prone to acquiring ARGs and resistance in the biofilm. However, the nature of antibiotic resistance on aquatic plastic debris is not yet fully understood and remains a concern. Given the inevitable increase of plastic production and waste generation, microplastics released into the environment may prove to be problematic. This review explores microplastic waste in the ocean and possible concerns that may arise from the presence of microplastics in conjunction with favourable conditions for the development and dispersal of antibiotic resistance in the ocean and food web.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Stenger
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management - Microbiology, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - O G Wikmark
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management - Microbiology, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; GenØk - Centre for Biosafety, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - C C Bezuidenhout
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management - Microbiology, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - L G Molale-Tom
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management - Microbiology, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
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15
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Wang SC, Gao ZY, Liu FF, Chen SQ, Liu GZ. Effects of polystyrene and triphenyl phosphate on growth, photosynthesis and oxidative stress of Chaetoceros meülleri. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 797:149180. [PMID: 34311354 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149180] [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: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The toxicity of microplastics to marine organisms has attracted much attention; however, studies of their effects on marine microalgae remain limited. Here, the effects of the single and combined toxicity of polystyrene (PS) and triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) on the cell growth, photosynthesis, and oxidative stress of Chaetoceros meülleri were investigated. PS inhibited growth of the algae cells and caused a dose-dependent effect on oxidative stress. The significantly high production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced severe cell membrane damage, as confirmed by high fluorescence polarization. However, there was no obvious decrease in chlorophyll a content, and 80 mg/L of PS significantly promoted chlorophyll a synthesis. The TPhP also inhibited cell growth, except at low concentrations (0.2-0.8 mg/L), which stimulated algae growth over 48 h. Moreover, no obvious decrease in chlorophyll a and maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII was found in the TPhP experimental groups except for 3.2 mg/L TPhP, where the rapid light curves showed a significantly reduced photosynthetic capacity of algae. In addition, TPhP caused high ROS levels at 96 h, resulting in cell membrane damage. Using the additive index and independent action methods, the combined toxic effects of PS and TPhP on the algae were evaluated as antagonistic; however, cell membrane damage caused by high ROS levels was still noticeable. This study has shown the potential toxicity of PS and TPhP to marine microalgae, and provided insights into the combined risk assessment of TPhP and microplastics in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Chun Wang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Zhi-Yin Gao
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Fei-Fei Liu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China.
| | - Shi-Qiang Chen
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Guang-Zhou Liu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China.
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16
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Hernández-Sánchez C, González-Sálamo J, Díaz-Peña FJ, Fraile-Nuez E, Hernández-Borges J. Arenas Blancas (El Hierro island), a new hotspot of plastic debris in the Canary Islands (Spain). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112548. [PMID: 34091246 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The present work has studied the incidence and type of micro (1-5 mm), meso (5-25 mm) and macroplastics (>25 mm) that have reached Arenas Blancas beach, located in the north coast of El Hierro island, in the Canary Islands (Spain), from October 2019 to May 2020 (13 sampling dates with 3 sampling points each). Taking into consideration the three studied plastic debris fractions (macro, meso and microplastics), a total of 9206 items were found, which had a total weight of 1169.7 g and a concentration of 891.3 ± 91.5 items/m2 (118.3 ± 17.8 g/m2 and 2.3 ± 0.4 g/L). Regarding their colour, most of them were transparent/white/clear, especially in the microplastic fraction in which they accounted for a 68% of the total. Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy of meso and microplastic fractions indicated that most of the particles were either polypropylene and polyethylene followed by polystyrene in a much lower amount. In general, the total amount of plastic debris that arrives to the beach by the persistent oceanic current pattern linked to the easternmost branch of the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre is comparable to those of the most contaminated beaches of the Canary Islands archipelago, suggesting that a new hotspot of plastic debris arrival has been found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia Hernández-Sánchez
- Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Forense y Legal y Parasitología, Área de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Ingeniería, Sección de Náutica, Máquinas y Radioelectrónica Naval, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Vía Auxiliar Paso Alto, 2, 38001 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n°, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.
| | - Javier González-Sálamo
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n°, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Francisco J Díaz-Peña
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Eugenio Fraile-Nuez
- Centro Oceanográfico de Canarias, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Calle Farola del Mar, 22, 38180 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Javier Hernández-Borges
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n°, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.
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17
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Kobayashi T, Yagi M, Kawaguchi T, Hata T, Shimizu K. Spatiotemporal variations of surface water microplastics near Kyushu, Japan: A quali-quantitative analysis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112563. [PMID: 34089965 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics in the ocean are threatening marine ecosystems. Although plastic contaminants are ubiquitous, their distribution is thought to be heterogeneous. Here, we elucidate the spatial and temporal variations in the quanti-qualitative characteristics of microplastics near Kyushu, Japan in the East China Sea. Six surveys across nine stations were conducted over a 14-month period, and a total of 6131 plastic items were identified. The average microplastic abundance and size were 0.49 ± 0.92 (items·m-3 ± S.D.), and 1.71 ± 0.93 (mm ± S.D.), respectively. Differences between the highest and lowest abundances were 50-fold among monthly means, and 550-fold across all net tows. With respect to colour, polymer type, and shape, white and transparent polyethylene fragments were the dominant composition. There were significant differences for each of the analytical microplastic parameters among the survey months. Our results provide baseline data and lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the spatiotemporal characteristics of microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsunefumi Kobayashi
- Department of Fisheries Science, Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 8528521 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Mitsuharu Yagi
- Department of Fisheries Science, Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 8528521 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, Japan; Institute of Integrated Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, 8528521 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, Japan.
| | - Toshiya Kawaguchi
- Department of Fisheries Science, Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 8528521 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Toshiro Hata
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Program, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 7398527 Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kenichi Shimizu
- Department of Fisheries Science, Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 8528521 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, Japan; Institute of Integrated Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, 8528521 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, Japan
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