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Umeh OR, Ophori DU, Ibo EM, Eke CI, Oyen TP. Groundwater systems under siege: The silent invasion of microplastics and cock-tails worldwide. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124305. [PMID: 38830527 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) contamination is one of the significant escalating environmental concerns worldwide, and this stems from the increasing production and unlawful disposal of plastic materials. Regretfully, the synthesis of plastic materials is expected to triple in the upcoming years. Nevertheless, MPs pollution in marine, aquatic, and terrestrial settings has received much attention, unlike in groundwater systems. This study exhaustively reviewed varying degrees of recent publications in various search engines and provided a detailed state of current knowledge and research progress vis-à-vis MPs and cock-tail pollution in groundwater systems. Evidently, groundwater sources are severely contaminated as a result of growing anthropogenic activities and vertical movement of MPs and cock-tails from the atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic environments, however, fewer researchers have fixated their attention on estimating the occurrence of MPs in groundwater resources, while sufficient information regarding their sources, sampling methods, abundance, transport pathways, fate, modeling techniques, appropriate and adequate data, sorption properties, separation from other environmental media, toxicity, and remedial measures are extensively lacking. In addition, MPs may combine with other toxic emerging contaminants to improve migration and toxicity; however, no research has been conducted to fully understand cock-tail migration mechanisms and impacts in groundwater systems. Over time, groundwater may be regarded as the primary sink for MPs, if effective actions are neglected. Overall, this study detected a lack of concern and innumerable voids in this field; hence, vital and nascent research gaps were identified for immediate, advanced, and interdisciplinary research investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odera R Umeh
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA.
| | - Duke U Ophori
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA.
| | - Eziafakaego M Ibo
- Department of Environmental Management, Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute, Ibadan, Oyo State, 200002, Nigeria.
| | - Chima I Eke
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA.
| | - Toritseju P Oyen
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA.
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Tserendorj D, Illés Á, Károly Á, Stadler-Szalai R, Sandil S, Mireisz T, Dobosy P, Pomázi F, Baranya S, Adányi M, Záray G. Microfiber emission from a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Hungary. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12041. [PMID: 38802478 PMCID: PMC11130252 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62817-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the ingestion of both natural and anthropogenic microfibers produces a deleterious effect on aquatic organisms, it is crucial to explore the emission of these pollutants by WWTPs into the receiving water bodies, such as rivers. Cellulose- and petroleum-based microfibers, as well as microplastic particles, were collected from the effluent of a municipal WWTP operating with activated sludge technology in Budapest, Hungary. During two sampling campaigns organized in February and April of 2023 on different working days and at different times of the day, 123-145 L of effluent was sieved and filtered. The organic matter was removed by hydrogen-peroxide treatment. All fibers and particles larger than 10 µm were counted, and using a fluorescence microscope, the fibers were geometrically characterized in terms of length and diameter. Each fiber was individually identified by transflection-FT-IR method. The fiber concentration varied in the range of 1.88-2.84 and 4.25-6.79 items/L during the 7th and the 16th week of 2023, respectively. In February and April, the proportion of microfibers in the solid particles was 78.3 and 94.7%, respectively. In the effluent the cellulose-based microfibers were dominant (53-91%), while among the petroleum-based microfibers, polyester occurred most often. The median length of cellulose-based fibers was considerably higher in April than in February (650 vs. 1250 µm), and simultaneously the median diameter also increased from 21 to 29 µm. This behaviour was also seen, albeit to a lesser extent, in connection to microfibers derived from petroleum. The treated wastewater's daily microfiber transport to the Danube River varied between 0.44 - 0.69 and 0.94-1.53 billion in February and April 2023, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davaakhuu Tserendorj
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Security, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
| | - Ádám Illés
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Security, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Károly
- Hungarian Institute for Forensic Sciences, Mosonyi Str. 9, Budapest, 1087, Hungary
| | - Rita Stadler-Szalai
- Hungarian Institute for Forensic Sciences, Mosonyi Str. 9, Budapest, 1087, Hungary
| | - Sirat Sandil
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Security, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
| | - Tamás Mireisz
- Doctoral School of Environmental Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
| | - Péter Dobosy
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Security, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
| | - Flóra Pomázi
- Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem Rkp. 3, Budapest, 1111, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Security, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem Rkp. 3, Budapest, 1111, Hungary
| | - Sándor Baranya
- Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem Rkp. 3, Budapest, 1111, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Security, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem Rkp. 3, Budapest, 1111, Hungary
| | - Mónika Adányi
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Environmental Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
| | - Gyula Záray
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary.
- National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Security, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina Út 29-31, Budapest, 1113, Hungary.
- Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/A, Budapest, 1113, Hungary.
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Nohara NML, Ariza-Tarazona MC, Triboni ER, Nohara EL, Villarreal-Chiu JF, Cedillo-González EI. Are you drowned in microplastic pollution? A brief insight on the current knowledge for early career researchers developing novel remediation strategies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170382. [PMID: 38307272 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170382] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) composed of different polymers with various shapes, within a vast granulometric distribution (1 μm - 5 mm) and with a wide variety of physicochemical surface and bulk characteristics spiral around the globe, with different atmospheric, oceanic, cryospheric, and terrestrial residence times, while interacting with other pollutants and biota. The challenges of microplastic pollution are related to the complex relationships between the microplastic generation mechanisms (physical, chemical, and biological), their physicochemical properties, their interactions with other pollutants and microorganisms, the changes in their properties with aging, and their small sizes that facilitate their diffusion and transportation between the air, water, land, and biota, thereby promoting their ubiquity. Early career researchers (ERCs) constitute an essential part of the scientific community committed to overcoming the challenges of microplastic pollution with their new ideas and innovative scientific perspectives for the development of remediation technologies. However, because of the enormous amount of scientific information available, it may be difficult for ERCs to determine the complexity of this environmental issue. This mini-review aims to provide a quick and updated overview of the essential insights of microplastic pollution to ERCs to help them acquire the background needed to develop highly innovative physical, chemical, and biological remediation technologies, as well as valorization proposals and environmental education and awareness campaigns. Moreover, the recommendations for the development of holistic microplastic pollution remediation strategies presented here can help ERCs propose technologies considering the environmental, social, and practical dimensions of microplastic pollution while fulfilling the current government policies to manage this plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoly Milhardo Lourenço Nohara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Estrada Municipal do Campinho, no number, Lorena, Brazil
| | - Maria Camila Ariza-Tarazona
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via P. Vivarelli 10/1, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Eduardo Rezende Triboni
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Estrada Municipal do Campinho, no number, Lorena, Brazil
| | - Evandro Luís Nohara
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Taubaté, R. Daniel Daneli, no number, Taubaté, Brazil
| | - Juan Francisco Villarreal-Chiu
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Universidad S/N Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza 66455, Nuevo León, Mexico; Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología (CIByN), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Km. 10 autopista al Aeropuerto Internacional Mariano Escobedo, Apodaca 66628, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Erika Iveth Cedillo-González
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via P. Vivarelli 10/1, Modena 41125, Italy; National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via Giusti, Florence 50121, Italy.
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Kaushik A, Gupta P, Kumar A, Saha M, Varghese E, Shukla G, Suresh K, Gunthe SS. Identification and physico-chemical characterization of microplastics in marine aerosols over the northeast Arabian Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168705. [PMID: 38000750 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the atmosphere can undergo long-range transport from emission regions to pristine terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems. Due to their inherent toxic and hazardous characteristics, MPs pose serious risks to both human well-being and the equilibrium of ecosystem. The present study outlines the comprehensive characterization, spanning physical and chemical attributes of MPs associated with atmospheric aerosols. Total suspended particulates (TSPs) were collected on a quartz fibre filter by operating a high-volume sampler for 24 h during distinct years (March, 2016 and November, 2020) at a coastal location in the northeast Arabian Sea. Subsequent to the sampling, a series of techniques were applied including density separation. The assessment and scrutiny of the MPs was carried out using stereo-zoom microscopy with supplementary validation using advanced fluorescence microscopy for enhanced precision in identification. Our comparative assessment suggests peroxide treatment followed by density separation could be a robust procedure for the definitive identification and characterization of MPs in the atmosphere. Average total abundance of MPs was found to be 1.30 ± 0.14 n/m3 in 2016 and 1.46 ± 0.12 n/m3 in 2020 with fibres, fragments and films having similar relative contributions (41 %, 31 %, 28 % in 2016 and 40 %, 35 %, 25 % in 2020). Fibres were found to be dominant morphotype followed by fragments and films over the coastal region of the Arabian Sea. In order to unravel the detailed chemical nature of these MPs, spectral analysis using μ-FTIR was carried out. The outcome of the analysis showed prevailing polymers as polyvinyl chloride and polymethyl methacrylate (50545 %) as dominant polymers followed by polyester (15 %), styrene butyl methacrylate (11 %), and polyacetal (9 %). MPs present in the vicinity of the Arabian Sea have potential to supply nutrients and toxicants, consequently can contribute to the modulation of the surface water biogeochemical processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankush Kaushik
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India
| | - Priyansha Gupta
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Ashwini Kumar
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Mahua Saha
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Emil Varghese
- Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India; Centre for Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Garima Shukla
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - K Suresh
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Physical Research Laboratory, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380 009, India
| | - Sachin S Gunthe
- Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India; Centre for Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
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Khatoon N, Mallah MA, Yu Z, Qu Z, Ali M, Liu N. Recognition and detection technology for microplastic, its source and health effects. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:11428-11452. [PMID: 38183545 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31655-6] [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: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) is ubiquitous in the environment which appeared as an immense intimidation to human and animal health. The plastic fragments significantly polluted the ocean, fresh water, food chain, and other food items. Inadequate maintenance, less knowledge of adverse influence along with inappropriate usage in addition throwing away of plastics items revolves present planet in to plastics planet. The present study aims to focus on the recognition and advance detection technologies for MPs and the adverse effects of micro- and nanoplastics on human health. MPs have rigorous adverse effect on human health that leads to condensed growth rates, lessened reproductive capability, ulcer, scrape, and oxidative nervous anxiety, in addition, also disturb circulatory and respiratory mechanism. The detection of MP particles has also placed emphasis on identification technologies such as scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, optical detection, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermo-analytical techniques, flow cytometry, holography, and hyperspectral imaging. It suggests that further research should be explored to understand the source, distribution, and health impacts and evaluate numerous detection methodologies for the MPs along with purification techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafeesa Khatoon
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 540001, People's Republic of China
| | - Manthar Ali Mallah
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 540001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zengli Yu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 540001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Qu
- Institute of Chronic Disease Risk Assessment, School of Nursing, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, People's Republic of China
| | - Mukhtiar Ali
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Quaid-E-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology (QUEST), Nawabshah, 67480, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Nan Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 540001, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Chronic Disease Risk Assessment, School of Nursing, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, People's Republic of China
- Health Science Center, South China Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, People's Republic of China
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Sharaf Din K, Khokhar MF, Butt SI, Qadir A, Younas F. Exploration of microplastic concentration in indoor and outdoor air samples: Morphological, polymeric, and elemental analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168398. [PMID: 37952657 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitously pervasive throughout the environment, but unlike aquatic and terrestrial microplastics, airborne microplastics have received less scientific attention. This study is the first of its kind to explicitly examine microplastics in the indoor and outdoor air (PM2.5) samples collected using active air samplers in Islamabad, Pakistan. The suspected synthetic particles were analyzed using ATR-FTIR, μ-Raman and SEM-EDX to categorize them based on their morphological characteristics, polymeric composition, and elemental makeup. Microplastics were found in all indoor and outdoor air samples, with indoor air samples (4.34 ± 1.93 items/m3) being significantly more contaminated than outdoor air samples (0.93 ± 0.32 items/m3) (P < 0.001). Among all the indoor air samples, samples taken from classroom (6.12 ± 0.51 items/m3) were more contaminated than samples taken from hallway (4.94 ± 0.78 items/m3) and laboratory (1.96 ± 0.44 items/m3). Fibers were found to be the prevalent shape type in indoor and outdoor airborne microplastics followed by fragments. Transparent- and black colored microplastic particles were predominant in both indoor and outdoor air samples. According to ATR-FTIR analysis, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) were the most prevalent polymer types in both indoor and outdoor environments. Results from μ-Raman analysis corroborated the presence of the polymers identified by ATR-FTIR. Morphological analysis of particles by SEM indicated signs of weathering on particles' surface i.e., grooves, breaks, shredded edges, pits etc. SEM-EDX of randomly chosen particles unraveled the presence of C and O as core elements, along with the presence of heavy metals at some spots due to foreign material adhering to their surface. Correlation analysis of environmental factors i.e., PM2.5, relative humidity, temperature, and wind speed with MPs abundance revealed non-significant relationships. The findings of this study call for further research on airborne MPs to better comprehend their dispersion, toxicity, interactions with other air pollutants, and attributable health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadija Sharaf Din
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), SCEE, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Fahim Khokhar
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), SCEE, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Shahid Ikramullah Butt
- Department of design and manufacturing Engineering (DME), SMME, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Qadir
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Farhan Younas
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Science (CIRBS), Faculty of Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
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Gao P, Mohd Noor NQI, Mohamad Razali UH, Mohd Yusop MH, Md Shaarani S. Anthropogenic particles in the muscle, gill, and gastrointestinal tract of marine fish sold for human consumption. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20835. [PMID: 37916100 PMCID: PMC10616158 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Contamination of marine fish with the widespread distribution of anthropogenic particles (APs) becomes increasingly severe, however, related research on the assessment of the occurrence of APs in the edible tissue of commercial fish is scarce. The objective of this study was to evaluate the features of APs pollution based on seven species of commercial marine fish (n = 12 per species) and investigate the accumulation of APs in different tissues of fish namely gill and gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and muscle. The results show that a total of 62 APs were detected in 33 out of 84 (39.3%) fresh fish samples using a micro-Raman spectrometer which in particular is characterized by a blue color, shape-like fiber, and size smaller than 0.5 mm. Among them, 47 (75.8%) particles were identified as pigments such as indigo, chrome yellow-orange, disperse yellow, and pigment black. The other 11 (17.7%) particles were plastic including polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyacrylonitrile (PAN). And the rest 4 (6.5%) particles were anthropogenic cellulose fibers. Muscle tissue from six species of fish was detected to contain a total of 15 APs. Based on the total mean of APs found in fish muscle (0.018 AP items/g tissue) and on the consumption of fish in Malaysia (59 kg/capita/year), the estimated human intake of APs through fish consumption was 1062 AP items/year/capita. Considering that food consumption is an important route of human exposure to APs, it is suggested to add APs testing into the guidelines of food safety management systems and adopt mitigation measures to reduce the APs pollution in food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiru Gao
- Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | | | - Umi Hartina Mohamad Razali
- Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hazim Mohd Yusop
- Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Sharifudin Md Shaarani
- Food Biotechnology Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
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O'Brien S, Rauert C, Ribeiro F, Okoffo ED, Burrows SD, O'Brien JW, Wang X, Wright SL, Thomas KV. There's something in the air: A review of sources, prevalence and behaviour of microplastics in the atmosphere. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162193. [PMID: 36828069 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Literature regarding microplastics in the atmosphere has advanced in recent years. However, studies have been undertaken in isolation with minimal collaboration and exploration of the relationships between air, deposition and dust. This review collates concentrations (particle count and mass-based), shape, size and polymetric characteristics for microplastics in ambient air (m3), deposition (m2/day), dust (microplastics/g) and snow (microplastics/L) from 124 peer-reviewed articles to provide a holistic overview and analysis of our current knowledge. In summary, ambient air featured concentrations between <1 to >1000 microplastics/m3 (outdoor) and <1 microplastic/m3 to 1583 ± 1181 (mean) microplastics/m3 (indoor), consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene. No difference (p > 0.05) was observed between indoor and outdoor concentrations or the minimum size of microplastics (p > 0.5). Maximum microplastic sizes were larger indoors (p < 0.05). Deposition concentrations ranged between 0.5 and 1357 microplastics/m2/day (outdoor) and 475 to 19,600 microplastics/m2/day (indoor), including polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate. Concentrations varied between indoor and outdoor deposition (p < 0.05), being more abundant indoors, potentially closer to sources/sinks. No difference was observed between the minimum or maximum reported microplastic sizes within indoor and outdoor deposition (p > 0.05). Road dust concentrations varied between 2 ± 2 and 477 microplastics/g (mean), consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene. Mean outdoor dust concentrations ranged from <1 microplastic/g (remote desert) to between 18 and 225 microplastics/g, comprised of polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polypropylene. Snow concentrations varied between 0.1 and 30,000 microplastics/L, containing polyethylene, polyamide, polypropylene. Concentrations within indoor dust varied between 10 and 67,000 microplastics/g, including polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene. No difference was observed between indoor and outdoor concentrations (microplastics/g) or maximum size (p > 0.05). The minimum size of microplastics were smaller within outdoor dust (p > 0.05). Although comparability is hindered by differing sampling methods, analytical techniques, polymers investigated, spectral libraries and inconsistent terminology, this review provides a synopsis of knowledge to date regarding atmospheric microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance of Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.
| | - Cassandra Rauert
- Queensland Alliance of Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Francisca Ribeiro
- Queensland Alliance of Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia; College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, EX4 4QD, Stocker Road, Exeter, UK
| | - Elvis D Okoffo
- Queensland Alliance of Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Stephen D Burrows
- Queensland Alliance of Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia; College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, EX4 4QD, Stocker Road, Exeter, UK
| | - Jake W O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance of Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Xianyu Wang
- Queensland Alliance of Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Stephanie L Wright
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London SE1 9NH, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance of Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
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Taghipour H, Ghayebzadeh M, Ganji F, Mousavi S, Azizi N. Tracking microplastics contamination in drinking water in Zahedan, Iran: From source to consumption taps. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162121. [PMID: 36773917 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) that pollute drinking water are inherently toxic, act as an adsorbent of hazardous pollutants, and threaten human health. So, the fate of microplastics in drinking water from the source to consumption taps (CTs) was assessed in spring and winter in Zahedan city in Iran. Sampling was performed from 4 reservoirs (raw water), before and after two water treatment plants (WTPs), and 10 CTs. The reservoirs were sampled using a plankton net (pore size = 100 μm), and the remaining samples were taken using a sampling device (containing a stainless steel membrane as a filter with pore size = 5 μm). The combination of density separation techniques, digestion, observation, Micro-Raman and FTIR, and SEM analysis was performed to recognize MPs. The average number of MPs in raw water varied between 15.4 and 44.7 MP/m3 (winter) and 22-51.8 MP/m3 (spring). The results before and after the treatment plant showed that about 64 % and 75 % of particles were eliminated in WTP1 and WTP2, respectively. The average number of MPs in CTs was more than treatment water (CTa = 85-390 MP/m3 and CTb = 75-400 MP/m3), which is a probable confirmation of secondary contamination (abrasion from pipes, installations, and sealing materials). The dominant type of polymer detected in raw water, treated water, and consumption taps were PS. The estimated daily intake for children and adults was about 0.16-15 MP/kg/bw/year and 0.07-5.7 MP/kg/bw/year, respectively. The surface morphology of MPs showed that the particles were affected by continuous weathering, mechanical breakage, and oxidation. MPs threaten the environment and human health due to the adsorption and transport of hazardous pollution and their intrinsic toxicity, so a solution must be thought of to prevent the pollution of drinking water by MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Taghipour
- Health and Environment Research Center, School of Public Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Ghayebzadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Ganji
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Saeid Mousavi
- Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nahid Azizi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Dewika M, Markandan K, Irfan NA, Mohd Abdah MAA, Ruwaida JN, Sara YY, Khalid M. Review of microplastics in the indoor environment: Distribution, human exposure and potential health impacts. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 324:138270. [PMID: 36878370 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138270] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of microplastics (MPs) pollution as a global environmental concern has attracted significant attention in the last decade. The majority of the human population spends most of their time indoors, leading to increased exposure to MPs contamination through various sources such as settled dust, air, drinking water and food. Although research on indoor MPs has intensified significantly in recent years, comprehensive reviews on this topic remain limited. Therefore, this review comprehensively analyses the occurrence, distribution, human exposure, potential health impact and mitigation strategies of MPs in the indoor air environment. Specifically, we focus on the risks associated with finer MPs that can translocate into the circulatory system and other organs, emphasizing the need for continued research to develop effective strategies to mitigate the risks associated with MPs exposure. Our findings suggest that indoor MPs impose potential risk to human health, and strategies for mitigating exposure should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dewika
- Centre of American Education, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Kalaimani Markandan
- Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N Ahmad Irfan
- Centre of American Education, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Amirul Aizat Mohd Abdah
- Graphene & Advanced 2D Materials Research Group (GAMRG), School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia; Sunway Materials Smart Science & Engineering (SMS2E) Research Cluster, Sunway University, No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia
| | - J Nor Ruwaida
- Air Resources Research Laboratory, Malaysia Japan International Institute of Technology, 54100, UTM, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Y Y Sara
- Faculty of Civil Engineering & Technology, University Malaysia Perlis, Kompleks Pusat Pengajian Jejawi 3, 02600, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Khalid
- Graphene & Advanced 2D Materials Research Group (GAMRG), School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia; Sunway Materials Smart Science & Engineering (SMS2E) Research Cluster, Sunway University, No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia; Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, 248007, Uttarakhand, India.
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11
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Boakes LC, Patmore IR, Bancone CEP, Rose NL. High temporal resolution records of outdoor and indoor airborne microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:39246-39257. [PMID: 36600156 PMCID: PMC9812541 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24935-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing concern regarding airborne microplastics, but to date, studies have typically used coarse interval sampling (a day or longer) to generate deposition and concentration estimates. In this proof-of-concept study, we used a Burkard volumetric spore trap (intake 10 L min-1; recording airborne particulates onto an adhesive-coated tape moving at 2 mm hr-1) to assess whether this approach has potential to record airborne microplastics at an hourly resolution, thereby providing detailed diurnal patterns. Simultaneous sampling at outdoor and indoor locations at rural and urban sites showed clear daily and weekly patterns in microplastic concentrations which may be related to people and vehicle movement. Indoor residential concentrations of suspected microplastics were the highest (reaching hourly concentrations of 40-50 m-3), whilst rural outdoor concentrations were very low (typically 1-2 m-3 h-1). Whilst the approach shows great potential for high resolution data generation, further development is required for spectroscopic analysis and hence chemical confirmation of visual microplastic identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy C Boakes
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ian R Patmore
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Chiara E P Bancone
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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12
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Cao J, Xu R, Geng Y, Xu S, Guo M. Exposure to polystyrene microplastics triggers lung injury via targeting toll-like receptor 2 and activation of the NF-κB signal in mice. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 320:121068. [PMID: 36641069 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous pollutants with a wide range of plastic applications. More recently, microplastics are in the air and can be inhaled into the lungs, causing respiratory diseases. Knowledge of the underlying mechanisms by which microplastics may induce respiratory disease is still limited. This study used intranasal instillation to develop a model of lung injury. The histopathology result showed that the mouse lung had severe inflammatory responses, apoptosis and collagen deposition with chronic exposure to different sizes (Small: 1-5 μm and Large: 10-20 μm) of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPS), and the damage of smaller sizes was obvious. The expression levels of the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) family, evolutionarily conserved pattern recognition receptors, were detected, and the levels of TLR2 mRNA was significantly increased. In transfection experiments, PS-MPS increased the inflammatory response in HEK293 cells with TLR2 expression. Furthermore, exposure to small polystyrene microplastics promoted oxidative stress and apoptosis, and accelerated the process of fibrosis. Interestingly, inhibition of the NF-κB signal relieves inflammation and oxidative stress, reduces apoptosis, and thus controls the fibrosis process. These results suggested that PS-MPS targeted binding to TLR2 and further exacerbated fibrosis by facilitating inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis with the activation of NF-κB signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Cao
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Ran Xu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Yuan Geng
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Shiwen Xu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Mengyao Guo
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
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13
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Galvão LS, Ferreira RR, Fernandes EMS, Correia CA, Valera TS, Dos Santos Rosa D, Wiebeck H. Analysis of selective fluorescence for the characterization of microplastic fibers: Use of a Nile Red-based analytical method to compare between natural and synthetic fibers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130217. [PMID: 36283213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The scientific community has been focusing on studying and understanding the extent of damage caused by microplastics (MPs) to flora, fauna, and humans, including the environmental and health risks associated with them. MPs with different morphologies have been described in different environments, with fibers being the most common type regardless of the environment. Various methods have been used to analyze MPs. Analytical methodologies such as visual inspection, spectroscopic methods, and others currently used to study MPs are time-consuming, and only subjective results are obtained when these methods are used for sample analysis. Researchers have used various dyes, such as Nile Red (NR), a selective fluorescent stain, to differentiate the polymers from the other sample components and address these problems. Using such dyes helps distinguish polymer particles from other contaminants present in the samples. We aimed to study the analytical process, morphology, and wettability of synthetic (such as polyethylene and polypropylene) and natural (such as linen and cotton) fibers using NR to characterize the fibers. The fibers were fragmented manually, and the samples were prepared using a cryomicrotome. The prepared samples were subjected to different NR incubation times of 30 min, 24 h, and 168 h, and characterized under ultraviolet light using optical microscopy. We investigated the effect of NR on different fibers, and the samples selection using the fluorescence properties generated when the fibers adsorbed the NR dye. The wettabilities of the samples indicated that polyethylene and polypropylene were hydrophobic, while linen and cotton were hydrophilic. Both synthetic and natural fibers exhibited fluorescence properties in the presence of NR. This increased the complexity of executing the MP characterization process, indicating that combined methodologies and optical and chemical identification processes should be used to characterize plastic specimens efficiently. We summarize and discuss the results and findings and provide recommendations for future laboratory research on microplastic fibers focusing on (I) microplastic selection, (II) stain preparation, and (III) microplastic characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana S Galvão
- Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Chemistry and Manufactured Goods - Institute for Technological Research (IPT), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Rafaela R Ferreira
- Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences - CECS, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Paulo, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Emília M S Fernandes
- Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences - CECS, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Paulo, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Carla Almêda Correia
- Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ticiane S Valera
- Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Derval Dos Santos Rosa
- Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences - CECS, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Paulo, 09210-580, Brazil.
| | - Hélio Wiebeck
- Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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14
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Tammina SK, Khan A, Rhim JW. Advances and prospects of carbon dots for microplastic analysis. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137433. [PMID: 36460157 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have become the world's most emerging pollutants today due to the ubiquitous use of plastics in everyday life and their ability to migrate from micro to nanoscale to every corner of the natural world, leading to ecological imbalances and global catastrophes. However, a standardized method for separating and analyzing microplastics from actual food or environmental samples has not been established. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a simple, fast, cost-effective, and accurate method that can accurately measure the degree of contamination of microplastics. As one of these methods, fluorometry has been proposed as a cost-effective method to detect, quantify and differentiate individual plastic particles. Therefore, this review discussed the technique for analyzing microplastics using fluorescent carbon dots (CDs). This review provided an overview of the impact of microplastics and the feasibility of using CDs to detect and analyze microplastics. In particular, this review will discuss novel microplastic analysis methods using CD and future application studies. The method using CDs will overcome the limitations of current microplastic analysis technology and may become a new method for detecting and analyzing microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Kumar Tammina
- Department of Food and Nutrition, BioNanocomposite Research Center, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Ajahar Khan
- Department of Food and Nutrition, BioNanocomposite Research Center, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Whan Rhim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, BioNanocomposite Research Center, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Qaiser N, Sidra S, Javid A, Iqbal A, Amjad M, Azmat H, Arooj F, Farooq K, Nimra A, Ali Z. Microplastics abundance in abiotic and biotic components along aquatic food chain in two freshwater ecosystems of Pakistan. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137177. [PMID: 36372336 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137177] [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: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Contaminants of global concern, microplastics (MPs) have been lately reported to be found almost everywhere. Yet there is limited evidence to suggest if these tiny particles can bioaccumulate and biomagnify along the food chain. The current study was conducted to quantify MPs load in two fresh water bodies i.e. River Ravi (Pakistan) and a fish rearing pond fed with ground water to trace MPs along the food chain including biotic and abiotic components. Samples were taken from air, water, sediments, planktons, fish and avian specimen from both water bodies. Higher MPs were found in all samples taken from river Ravi ranging from 3.0 ± 1.58 MPs items in water to 15.20 ± 3.35 MP items in air as compared to 2.8 ± 1.79 MPs in water to 11.20 ± 1.89 air-borne MP items in fish rearing ponds respectively. The mean value of MP items in the GIT of all species was higher (5.05 ± 2.25) as compared to the respiratory tract (1.57 ± 1.3) suggesting ingestion as main mode of exposure. However, this mode of exposure needs to be further investigated along with other exposure routes. Presence of MPs at all trophic levels under investigation indicates some degree of bioaccumulation of these pollutants in the ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namra Qaiser
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Safdar Sidra
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Arshad Javid
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Asia Iqbal
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Maria Amjad
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Hamda Azmat
- Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Fariha Arooj
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Komal Farooq
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Afzal Nimra
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Pakistan.
| | - Zulfiqar Ali
- Environmental Health and Wildlife, Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, 54600, Lahore, Pakistan.
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16
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Li Y, Lu Q, Xing Y, Liu K, Ling W, Yang J, Yang Q, Wu T, Zhang J, Pei Z, Gao Z, Li X, Yang F, Ma H, Liu K, Zhao D. Review of research on migration, distribution, biological effects, and analytical methods of microfibers in the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158922. [PMID: 36155038 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been proven to be one of the critical environmental pollution issues. Moreover, microfibers, the most prominent form of microplastics in the environment, have likewise attracted the attention of various countries. With the increase in global population and industrialization, the production and use of fibers continue to increase yearly. As a result, a large number of microfibers are formed. If fiber products are not used or handled correctly, it will cause direct/indirect severe microfiber environmental pollution. Microfibers will be further broken into smaller fiber fragments when they enter the natural environment. Presently, researchers have conducted extensive research in the identification of microfibers, laying the foundation for further resourcefulness research. This work used bibliometric analysis to review the microfiber contamination researches systematically. First, the primary sources of microfibers and the influencing factors are analyzed. We aim to summarize the influence of the clothing fiber preparation and care processes on microfiber formation. Then, this work elaborated on the migration in/between water, atmosphere, and terrestrial environments. We also discussed the effects of microfiber on ecosystems. Finally, microfibers' current and foreseeable effective treatment, disposal, and resource utilization methods were explained. This paper will provide a structured reference for future microfiber research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Li
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China; School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qingbin Lu
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yi Xing
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Kai Liu
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Wei Ling
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Jian Yang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong, China.
| | - Qizhen Yang
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Tianqi Wu
- Human Resources Department, Yangquan Power Supply Company of State Grid Shanxi Electric Power Company, Yangquan 045000, Shanxi, China
| | - Jiafu Zhang
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zengxin Pei
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Ziyuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Iron and Steel Industry Environmental Protection, No. 33, Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Hongjie Ma
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Kehan Liu
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Ding Zhao
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
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17
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Bhat MA, Gedik K, Gaga EO. Atmospheric micro (nano) plastics: future growing concerns for human health. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE, & HEALTH 2023; 16:233-262. [PMID: 36276170 PMCID: PMC9574822 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-022-01272-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Plastics are an integral but largely inconspicuous part of daily human routines. The present review paper uses cross-disciplinary scientific literature to examine and assess the possible effects of nanoplastics (NPs) concerning microplastics (MPs) on human health and summarizes crucial areas for future research. Although research on the nature and consequences of MPs has seen a substantial rise, only limited studies have concentrated on the atmospheric nanosized polymeric particles. However, due to the intrinsic technological complications in separating and computing them, their existence has been difficult to determine correctly. There is a consensus that these are not only existing in the environment but can get directly released or as the outcome of weathering of larger fragments, and it is believed to be that combustion can be the tertiary source of polymeric particles. NPs can have harmful consequences on human health, and their exposure may happen via ingestion, inhalation, or absorption by the skin. The atmospheric fallout of micro (nano) plastics may be responsible for contaminating the environment. Apart from this, different drivers affect the concentration of micro (nano) plastics in every environment compartment like wind, water currents, vectors, soil erosion, run-off, etc. Their high specific surface for the sorption of organic pollutions and toxic heavy metals and possible transfer between organisms at different nutrient levels make the study of NPs an urgent priority. These NPs could potentially cause physical damage by the particles themselves and biological stress by NPs alone or by leaching additives. However, there is minimal understanding of the occurrence, distribution, abundance, and fate of NPs in the environment, partially due to the lack of suitable techniques for separating and identifying NPs from complex environmental matrices. HIGHLIGHTS Micro (nano) plastics generated may reach the soil, water, and atmospheric compartments.Atmospheric currents serve as a way to transport, leading to micro (nano) plastics pollution.Exposure to micro (nano) plastics may happen via ingestion, inhalation, or absorption by the skin.Nanoplastics may be environmentally more harmful than other plastic particles; the focus should be on defining the exact size range.Visual classification of micro (nano) plastics is poor in reliability and may also contribute to microplastics being misidentified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansoor Ahmad Bhat
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, Eskişehir Technical University, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Kadir Gedik
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, Eskişehir Technical University, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey
- Environmental Research Center (ÇEVMER), Eskişehir Technical University, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Eftade O. Gaga
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, Eskişehir Technical University, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey
- Environmental Research Center (ÇEVMER), Eskişehir Technical University, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey
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18
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Fan W, Salmond JA, Dirks KN, Cabedo Sanz P, Miskelly GM, Rindelaub JD. Evidence and Mass Quantification of Atmospheric Microplastics in a Coastal New Zealand City. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:17556-17568. [PMID: 36459143 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the atmospheric deposition of microplastics (MPs) in Auckland, New Zealand, from two sampling sites over a 9-week period. The sizes, morphologies, number counts, and mass concentrations of specific polymers were determined for airborne MPs using a combination of a Nile Red-assisted automated fluorescence microscopy technique in series with pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Pyr-GC/MS). This enabled a larger number of MPs to be analyzed from each sample compared to traditional spectroscopic techniques. Microplastic number concentrations increased exponentially with decreasing size. The results show the importance of using consistent methodologies and size cutoffs when comparing microplastic data between studies. Eight polymers were quantified in the atmospheric deposition samples, with polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) being the most commonly observed. The largest MP deposition rates at an urban rooftop correlated with winds originating from the marine environment with speeds between 15 and 20 m s-1, indicating that airborne MPs in coastal regions may originate from wave-breaking mechanisms. This study represents the first report of using Pyr-GC/MS to determine the chemical compositions and mass concentrations of atmospheric microplastics, along with corresponding data on their sizes, morphologies, and number counts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxia Fan
- School of Environment, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
| | - Jennifer A Salmond
- School of Environment, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
| | - Kim N Dirks
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
| | - Patricia Cabedo Sanz
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
| | - Gordon M Miskelly
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
| | - Joel D Rindelaub
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
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19
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Tripathy B, Dash A, Das AP. Detection of Environmental Microfiber Pollutants through Vibrational Spectroscopic Techniques: Recent Advances of Environmental Monitoring and Future Prospects. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2022:1-11. [PMID: 36370114 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2022.2144994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
A robust environmental monitoring system is highly essential for the instant detection of environmental microfiber pollutants for the sustainable management of the environment and human health. The extent of microfiber pollution is growing exponentially across the globe in both terrestrial and marine environments. An immediate and accurate environmental monitoring system is crucial to investigate the composition and distribution of these micropollutants. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Raman Spectroscopy are vibrational spectroscopic techniques that have the novel ability to detect microfibers within a minute concentration from diverse environmental samples. The major micropollutants which have been analyzed are polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon 6, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate. After a detailed and critical study of the various aspects of spectroscopic analysis, the review is concluded with a comprehensive discussion of the significance of these robust methods and their application in future aspects for further preventing microfiber pollution in the marine environment. This study highlights the utilities and significance of vibrational spectroscopic detection techniques for the immediate and accurate identification of synthetic microfibers. This review also evaluated the implementation of spectroscopic methods as a precise tool for the characterization and monitoring of microfiber pollutants in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banismita Tripathy
- Department of Life Sciences, Rama Devi Women's University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Akankshya Dash
- Department of Life Sciences, Rama Devi Women's University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Alok Prasad Das
- Department of Life Sciences, Rama Devi Women's University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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20
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Samadi A, Kim Y, Lee S, Kim YJ, Esterhuizen M. Review on the ecotoxicological impacts of plastic pollution on the freshwater invertebrate Daphnia. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:2615-2638. [PMID: 35907204 PMCID: PMC9796382 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The environmental impacts of plastic pollution have recently attracted universal attention, especially in the aquatic environment. However, research has mostly been focused on marine ecosystems, even though freshwater ecosystems are equally if not more polluted by plastics. In addition, the mechanism and extent to which plastic pollution affects aquatic biota and the rates of transfer to organisms through food webs eventually reaching humans are poorly understood, especially considering leaching hazardous chemicals. Several studies have demonstrated extreme toxicity in freshwater organisms such Daphnia. When such keystone species are affected by ambient pollution, entire food webs are destabilized and biodiversity is threatened. The unremitting increase in plastic contaminants in freshwater environments would cause impairments in ecosystem functions and structure, leading to various kinds of negative ecological consequences. As various studies have reported the effects on daphnids, a consolidation of this literature is critical to discuss the limitations and knowledge gaps and to evaluate the risk posed to the aquatic environment. This review was undertaken due to the evident need to evaluate this threat. The aims were to provide a meaningful overview of the literature relevant to the potential impact of plastic pollution and associated contaminants on freshwater daphnids as primary consumers. A critical evaluation of research gaps and perspectives is conducted to provide a comprehensive risk assessment of microplastic as a hazard to aquatic environments. We outlined the challenges and limitations to microplastic research in hampering better-focused investigations that could support the development of new plastic materials and/or establishment of new regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Samadi
- Environmental Safety GroupKorea Institute of Science and Technology EuropeSaarbruckenGermany
| | - Youngsam Kim
- Environmental Safety GroupKorea Institute of Science and Technology EuropeSaarbruckenGermany
- Division of Energy & Environment TechnologyUniversity of Science & TechnologyDaejeonSouth Korea
| | - Sang‐Ah Lee
- Environmental Safety GroupKorea Institute of Science and Technology EuropeSaarbruckenGermany
| | - Young Jun Kim
- Environmental Safety GroupKorea Institute of Science and Technology EuropeSaarbruckenGermany
- Division of Energy & Environment TechnologyUniversity of Science & TechnologyDaejeonSouth Korea
| | - Maranda Esterhuizen
- Environmental Safety GroupKorea Institute of Science and Technology EuropeSaarbruckenGermany
- Ecosystems and Environment Research ProgrammeUniversity of HelsinkiLahtiFinland
- Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and ResourcesUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
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21
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Godoy V, Calero M, González-Olalla JM, Martín-Lara MA, Olea N, Ruiz-Gutierrez A, Villar-Argaiz M. The human connection: First evidence of microplastics in remote high mountain lakes of Sierra Nevada, Spain. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 311:119922. [PMID: 35961567 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have become one of the most serious global threats to animal and human health. While their presence has been documented in all Earth water ecosystems, including remote mountain lakes, the observation that the abundance of microplastics is largely different across nearby lakes has rarely been examined. As part of a citizen science initiative, this study analyzed for the first time the abundance of microplastics in the surface of 35 glacial lakes of Sierra Nevada National Park in Southern Spain with the objective of determining the local factors that control their abundance. First, we described the shape, size, color and nature of microplastics. Second, we tested whether the number of microplastics differed between basins and analyzed environmental and morphometrical features of lakes affecting their abundance. We found that microplastics were common in most lakes, with a maximum abundance of 21.3 particles per liter that akin to some of the most microplastic polluted lakes worldwide. Fragments were the predominant shape (59.7%) followed by fibers (38.8%) and very scarce spheres (1.5%). Microplastics were observed for all size-fractions, but the abundance of particles <45 μm was higher, what advocates for the use of low pore-size filters to prevent underestimation of microplastics. While the mean abundance of microplastics did not differ among basins, their quantity was related to the presence of meadows surrounding the lakes. This result indicates that while atmospheric transport of microsplastics may equally reach all basins, differences in microplastics among nearby-lakes has an anthropic origin caused by mountaineers who find lakes with ample meadows much more attractive to visit relative to barren lakes. The staggering number in these remote lakes, headwaters of rivers that feed drinking reservoirs, is a major concern that warrants further investigation and the strict compliance with waste management laws to reduce the harmful impacts of microplastic contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Godoy
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Mónica Calero
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan M González-Olalla
- Department of Watershed Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, United States
| | - María A Martín-Lara
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Nicolás Olea
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs, Granada, CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Adrián Ruiz-Gutierrez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Villar-Argaiz
- Departamento de Ecología. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain.
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22
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Zhu J, Zhang X, Liao K, Wu P, Jin H. Microplastics in dust from different indoor environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 833:155256. [PMID: 35427608 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are present in global indoor dust, which is an important source of MPs for humans. However, few researchers have investigated differences in the abundance and characteristics of MPs in dust in different indoor environments. In this study, we found that residential apartments (mean: 1174 MPs/g; n = 47) had the highest abundance of MPs in indoor dust samples, followed by offices (896 MPs/g; n = 50), business hotels (843 MPs/g; n = 53), university dormitories (775 MPs/g; n = 48), and university classrooms (209 MPs/g; n = 44). The predominant shape of MPs was fiber in most indoor dust samples. The main size fraction of the MPs in the indoor dust samples from university classrooms and business hotels was 201-500 μm, and it was 501-1000 μm in those from offices, university dormitories, and residential apartments. The main MP polymer in indoor dust samples from business hotels, university dormitories, and residential apartments was polyester, whereas those from offices and university classrooms were mainly polyethylene and polypropylene. We calculated the estimated daily intake (EDI) of MPs through the inhalation of indoor dust, and found that infants (7.4 MPs/kg bw/day) had a higher mean EDI of MPs than toddlers (1.4 MPs/kg bw/day), children (0.49 MPs/kg bw/day), adults (0.23 MPs/kg bw/day), and university students (0.22 MPs/kg bw/day). To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to report differences in MP occurrence in dust samples from different indoor environments, and our findings provide a more accurate understanding of exposure risks of MPs to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiang Zhu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, PR China
| | - Xingqing Zhang
- Hangzhou Bosheng Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China
| | - Kaizhen Liao
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, PR China
| | - Pengfei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, PR China
| | - Hangbiao Jin
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, PR China.
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23
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Dreillard M, Barros CDF, Rouchon V, Emonnot C, Lefebvre V, Moreaud M, Guillaume D, Rimbault F, Pagerey F. Quantification and morphological characterization of microfibers emitted from textile washing. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:154973. [PMID: 35367554 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154973] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are a subject of growing interest as they are a potential threat for living organisms. Textile microfibers (MFs) are an important microplastics sub-group that have been reported as a major source of microplastics release into the environment. This pollution occurs mainly during the washing of synthetic garments. However, standardized methods to quantify and characterize these MFs are scarce. This study proposes a new analytical protocol to characterize these MFs in number and size by means of filtration techniques, optical and electronic microscopy and automatic image post-processing. This approach was developed and validated on effluents from washing machines produced in different conditions (5 different garments, sequential cycles, and presence or not of detergent). Among the analyzed effluents, it was found that 40 to 75% of microfibers have a length comprised between 50 and 200 μm, with average microfiber diameters ranging from 8 to 17 μm depending on the type of textile. The emission range of microfibers was estimated to be between 220,000 to 2,820,000 microfibers per kg of textile depending on the type of garment and the washing conditions. The counting method developed is adapted to a certain range of textiles, such as 100% polyester fleece jackets (PET-1), 100% smooth polyester T-shirt (PET-2) and 100% acrylic sweater (PAN), and is not affected by the presence of detergent. The proposed method of characterization of these MFs lengths can also be extrapolated to the counting of other objects that have a similar morphology to the analyzed fibers. Hence, it can be helpful to develop new testing capture technologies and, thus, contribute to the enhancement of filtering techniques of several pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Dreillard
- IFP Energies Nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize, BP3, 69360 Solaize, France.
| | | | - Virgile Rouchon
- IFP Energies Nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize, BP3, 69360 Solaize, France
| | - Coralie Emonnot
- IFP Energies Nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize, BP3, 69360 Solaize, France
| | - Véronique Lefebvre
- IFP Energies Nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize, BP3, 69360 Solaize, France
| | - Maxime Moreaud
- IFP Energies Nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize, BP3, 69360 Solaize, France; MINES ParisTech, PSL-Research University, CMM, Fontainebleau, France
| | - Denis Guillaume
- IFP Energies Nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize, BP3, 69360 Solaize, France
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24
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Torre M, Kafritsa ME, Anastasopoulou A. Cross-contamination by COVID-19 mask microfibers during microlitter analysis of marine biota. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113883. [PMID: 35797811 PMCID: PMC9252514 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113883] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Face masks have been adopted as an essential measure to prevent transmission and spread of the virus infection during the pandemic of Covid-19. The present study evaluates the potential microfibers transfer from face masks to other recipients and the potential cross-contamination of samples by microfibers released from masks worn during the analysis of microlitter ingestion by fish. Results indicated that masks could easily transfer endogenous (originated from the mask tissue itself) and exogenous microfibers (with a different origin than the mask tissue itself) to other recipients (adhesive tape and air in our experiment). Exogenous fibers may be carried from everywhere and potentially released everywhere. Microfibers are also released into the air, driven by the airflow generated by breathing, and can be transferred to blanks and samples. Microfiber contamination by facial masks increases the risk of samples cross-contamination and raises concerns about the results reliability of the microlitter analysis on marine biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Torre
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Water, 46.7 Km Athens Sounio, Mavro Lithari, P.O. Box 19013, Anavissos, Attica, Greece.
| | - Maria Eleni Kafritsa
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Water, 46.7 Km Athens Sounio, Mavro Lithari, P.O. Box 19013, Anavissos, Attica, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Anastasopoulou
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Water, 46.7 Km Athens Sounio, Mavro Lithari, P.O. Box 19013, Anavissos, Attica, Greece
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25
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Luo X, Wang Z, Yang L, Gao T, Zhang Y. A review of analytical methods and models used in atmospheric microplastic research. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 828:154487. [PMID: 35278538 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in the environment has become a source of concern in recent years. The transport and deposition of suspended atmospheric microplastics play an important role in the global linkage of microplastic sources and sinks. In this review, we summarized recent research progress on sampling devices, pretreatments, and identification methods for atmospheric microplastics. The total suspended particles and atmospheric deposition, including dust, rainfall, and snow samples, are the environmental carriers for atmospheric microplastic studies. There are active and passive sampling methods. Pretreatment depends on sample types and identification methods and includes sieving, digestion, density separation, filtration, and drying. The measured features for atmospheric microplastics include particle size distributions, shapes, colors, surface morphology, and polymer compositions, using stereomicroscopes, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Laser direct infrared spectroscopy and thermochemical methods coupled with mass spectrometry are potential methods for identifying atmospheric microplastics. Currently, models for estimating the fluxes of atmospheric microplastic emission, transport, and deposition are in the initial stages of development; their implementation will enhance our understanding of the "microplastic cycle" globally based on simulated and observed data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10049, China
| | - Zhaoqing Wang
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ling Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Tanguang Gao
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yulan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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26
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Xu A, Shi M, Xing X, Su Y, Li X, Liu W, Mao Y, Hu T, Qi S. Status and prospects of atmospheric microplastics: A review of methods, occurrence, composition, source and health risks. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 303:119173. [PMID: 35306093 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The global pollution of microplastics (MPs) has attracted widespread attention, and the atmosphere was an indispensable media for the global transmission of MPs. With the growing awareness of MPs, atmospheric microplastics (AMPs) have been proposed as a new topic in recent years. Compared with the extensive studies on MPs in Marine and terrestrial environments, the studies of AMPs remain limited. In this study, sampling and analysis methods, occurrence, source analysis and health risk of AMPs were summarized and discussed. According to the different sampling methods, AMPs can be divided into suspension microplastics (SAMPs) and deposition microplastics (DAMPs). Previous studies have shown that SAMPs and DAMPs differ in composition and abundance, with SAMPs generally having a higher fraction of fragments. The mechanism of the migration of AMPs between different media was not clear yet. We further collated global data on the composition characteristics of MPs in soil and fresh water, which showed that the fragment MPs in soil and fresh water was higher than that in the atmosphere. Polymers in soil and fresh water were mainly PP and PE, while AMPs in the atmosphere were mainly PET. The shape composition of the MPs in both atmospheric and freshwater systems suggests that there may be the same dominant factor. The transport of AMPs and source apportionment were the important issues of current research, but both of them were at the initial stage. Therefore, AMPs needs to be further studied, especially for the source and fate, which would be conducive to understand the global distribution of AMPs. Furthermore, a standardized manual on sampling and processing of AMPs was also necessary to facilitate the comparative analysis of data between different studies and the construction of global models.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Xu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Basin Environmental Aquatic Science, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Mingming Shi
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Basin Environmental Aquatic Science, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xinli Xing
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Basin Environmental Aquatic Science, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Yewang Su
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Basin Environmental Aquatic Science, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xingyu Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Basin Environmental Aquatic Science, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Weijie Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Basin Environmental Aquatic Science, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yao Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Tianpeng Hu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Basin Environmental Aquatic Science, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Shihua Qi
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Basin Environmental Aquatic Science, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
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27
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Guo C, Guo H. Progress in the Degradability of Biodegradable Film Materials for Packaging. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12050500. [PMID: 35629826 PMCID: PMC9143987 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12050500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In today’s world, the problem of “white pollution” is becoming more and more serious, and many countries have paid special attention to this problem, and it has become one of the most important tasks to reduce polymer waste and to protect the environment. Due to the degradability, safety, economy and practicality of biodegradable packaging film materials, biodegradable packaging film materials have become a major trend in the packaging industry to replace traditional packaging film materials, provided that the packaging performance requirements are met. This paper reviews the degradation mechanisms and performance characteristics of biodegradable packaging film materials, such as photodegradation, hydrodegradation, thermo-oxidative degradation and biodegradation, focuses on the research progress of the modification of biodegradable packaging film materials, and summarizes some challenges and bottlenecks of current biodegradable packaging film materials.
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28
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Athey SN, Erdle LM. Are We Underestimating Anthropogenic Microfiber Pollution? A Critical Review of Occurrence, Methods, and Reporting. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:822-837. [PMID: 34289522 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic microfibers, a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, can be categorized as synthetic, semisynthetic, or natural according to material of origin and production process. Although natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, originated from natural sources, they often contain chemical additives, including colorants (e.g., dyes, pigments) and finishes (e.g., flame retardants, antimicrobial agents, ultraviolet light stabilizers). These additives are applied to textiles during production to give textiles desired properties like enhanced durability. Anthropogenically modified "natural" and semisynthetic fibers are sufficiently persistent to undergo long-range transport and accumulate in the environment, where they are ingested by biota. Although most research and communication on microfibers have focused on the sources, pathways, and effects of synthetic fibers in the environment, natural and semisynthetic fibers warrant further investigation because of their abundance. Because of the challenges in enumerating and identifying natural and semisynthetic fibers in environmental samples and the focus on microplastic or synthetic fibers, reports of anthropogenic microfibers in the environment may be underestimated. In this critical review, we 1) report that natural and semisynthetic microfibers are abundant, 2) highlight that some environmental compartments are relatively understudied in the microfiber literature, and 3) report which methods are suitable to enumerate and characterize the full suite of anthropogenic microfibers. We then use these findings to 4) recommend best practices to assess the abundance of anthropogenic microfibers in the environment, including natural and semisynthetic fibers. By focusing exclusively on synthetic fibers in the environment, we are neglecting a major component of anthropogenic microfiber pollution. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:822-837. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha N Athey
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa M Erdle
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The 5 Gyres Institute, Santa Monica, California, USA
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29
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Dos Santos Galvão L, Fernandes EMS, Ferreira RR, Dos Santos Rosa D, Wiebeck H. Critical steps for microplastics characterization from the atmosphere. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127668. [PMID: 34775309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The microplastics found in many environments, whether in atmospheric, terrestrial, aquatic marine, or freshwater systems, result from exaggerated consumption of plastics. These, when discarded incorrectly, persist in the environment, and degrade into many forms. Researchers have studied microplastics using many collection and characterization methodologies, yet often obtaining divergent results for the same environments. This study presents a bibliographic review of sampling and characterization methodologies for nano and microplastics in the atmospheric environment. Part I of this review presents sampling types and pre-treatment microplastics found in the air to elucidate the principal means of separating plastic species with consequent polymer identification. In Part II, Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy techniques are evaluated for their precision in microplastic identification. The study demonstrates by a systematic revision that depending on the MPs origin, certain characterization techniques are more appropriate. Considering the direct influence of sample impurities, sample pre-treatment is a critical step for correct chemical identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Dos Santos Galvão
- Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Chemistry and Manufactured Goods - Institute for Technological Research (IPT), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Emília Mori Sarti Fernandes
- Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences (CECS), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Reis Ferreira
- Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences (CECS), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André, Brazil
| | - Derval Dos Santos Rosa
- Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences (CECS), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André, Brazil.
| | - Hélio Wiebeck
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Manufactured Goods - Institute for Technological Research (IPT), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences (CECS), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André, Brazil.
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30
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Way C, Hudson MD, Williams ID, Langley GJ. Evidence of underestimation in microplastic research: A meta-analysis of recovery rate studies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 805:150227. [PMID: 34537704 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Research on microplastics in the environment is of high interest to many scientists and industries globally. Key to the success of this research is the accuracy, efficiency, reliability, robustness and repeatability of the method(s) used to isolate the microplastics from environmental media. However, with microplastics now being found in new complex media, many multifaceted methods have been developed to research the quantities of these pollutants. To validate new methods, recovery studies can be undertaken by spiking the test medium with known quantities of plastics. The method is typically run as normal, and the recovered plastics counted to give a recovery rate. A current issue in this field is that methods are rarely or poorly validated in this way. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis on 71 recovery rate studies. We found sediment was the most studied medium and saline solutions were the most used reagents. Polyethylene and polystyrene were the most used spiking polymers, which is relevant to the most common polymers in the environment. We found that recovery rates were highest from plant material, whole organisms and excrement (>88%), and lowest from fishmeal, water and soil (58-71%). Moreover, all reagents but water were able to recover more than 80% of the spiked plastics. We believe we are the first (to our knowledge) to provide an overarching indication for the underestimation of microplastics in the environment of approximately 14% across the studies we reviewed, varying with the methods used. Furthermore, we recommend that the quality, use and reporting of recovery rate studies should be improved to aid the standardisation and replication of microplastic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Way
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Malcolm D Hudson
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Ian D Williams
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom.
| | - G John Langley
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom.
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Bom FC, Sá F. Concentration of microplastics in bivalves of the environment: a systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:846. [PMID: 34839390 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09639-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review was to identify the current knowledge regarding the concentration of microplastics in bivalves in the marine, estuarine, and freshwater environments. For this purpose, researches were conducted from September 2020 to February 2021 in the Scopus, Web of Science, and Google scholar databases, following a meticulous selection of articles. To comprehensively understand the selected articles, an extensive review was carried out in order to identify the methodologies employed, sampling sites, species evaluated, characteristics of the microplastics (concentrations, shapes, sizes, and polymers) and their relationship with the concentration of this particles in the environment. A total of 93 articles were selected, with an exponential growth in the number of articles from April 2014 to February 2021. Worldwide, 80 articles were realized in the Northern Hemisphere and thirteen in the Southern Hemisphere. The samplings of organisms were carried out in 36 countries, besides one in Antarctica. The concentration of microplastics were studied in 70 species, with mussels Mytilus spp. and the oysters Crassostrea spp. being the main genus studied. Due to the different methodologies used to digest the tissues of organisms and identify microplastics and species, it is difficult to make comparisons between the results of different studies. In addition, data on the concentrations of microplastics in the environment, as well as their composition and characteristics, are needed, enabling the verification of relationships with the concentrations identified in organisms, which does not occur in most studies. Thus, we suggest an increase in the number of studies to be realized in the southern hemisphere, future studies use the same methodology of digestion, the polymer identification of microplastics and samplings of the surrounding environment, enabling a greater comparison between studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Cavalca Bom
- Laboratório de Geoquímica Ambiental (LabGAm), Departamento de Oceanografia E Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo - Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Fabian Sá
- Laboratório de Geoquímica Ambiental (LabGAm), Departamento de Oceanografia E Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo - Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
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Prata JC, da Costa JP, Fernandes AJS, da Costa FM, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Selection of microplastics by Nile Red staining increases environmental sample throughput by micro-Raman spectroscopy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 783:146979. [PMID: 33866182 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nile Red staining enables visual identification and quantification of fluorescent particles as a proxy to microplastics at low cost and high throughput, including those of small sizes (≥2 μm), when preceded by proper natural organic matter removal, but providing no chemical characterization. On the other hand, micro-spectroscopy methods allow chemical characterization of particles based on their spectra, essential for polymer identification, but are costly and time-consuming. This work addresses the combination of both Nile Red staining with micro-Raman spectroscopy for the identification of microplastics. Besides being useful for quantification, Nile Red staining can be advantageously used as an objective criterion for pre-selection of particles for micro-Raman spectroscopy, producing little interference. The use of the 442 nm laser in micro-Raman spectroscopy induces Nile Red luminescence thus allowing to target the specific suspected microplastics when using an orange filter, reducing the number of particles subjected to identification and improving sample throughput. Staining dyes could also be used for mapping suspected microplastics before targeted analysis by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Thus, coupling Nile Red with micro-Raman spectroscopy can be useful to improve time efficiency while using this equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | | | | | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Soltani NS, Taylor MP, Wilson SP. Quantification and exposure assessment of microplastics in Australian indoor house dust. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 283:117064. [PMID: 33862344 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Limited attention has been given to the presence of MPs in the atmospheric environment, particularly in indoor environments where people spend about 90% of their time. This study quantitatively assesses the prevalence, source and type of MPs in Australian homes with the goal of evaluating human health exposure potential. Thirty-two airborne indoor deposited dust samples were collected in glass Petri dishes from Sydney (Australia) homes, over a one-month period in 2019. Participants completed a questionnaire on their household characteristics. Samples were analysed using a stereomicroscope, a fluorescent microscope and micro-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for their colour, size, shape and composition. Inhalation and ingestion rates were modelled using US EPA exposure factors. Microplastic fibre deposition rates ranged from 22 to 6169 fibres/m2/day. Deposited dust comprised 99% fibres. The highest proportion of fibres (19%) were 200-400 μm in length. The majority were natural (42%); 18% were transformed natural-based fibres; and 39% were petrochemical based. A significant difference was observed between the deposition rate and the main floor covering (p-value <0.05). Polyethylene, polyester, polyamide, polyacrylic, and polystyrene fibres were found in higher abundance in homes with carpet as the main floor covering. Where carpet was absent, polyvinyl fibres were the most dominant petrochemical fibre type, indicating the role of flooring materials (e.g. wood varnishes) in determining MP composition. Vacuum cleaner use was significantly related to MP deposition rates (p-value <0.05). MP ingestion rates peaked at 6.1 mg/kg-Bw/year for ages 1-6, falling to a minimum of 0.5 mg/kg-Bw/year in >20 years age group. Mean inhaled MP weight and count was determined to be 0.2±0.07 mg/kg-Bw/year and 12891±4472 fibres/year. Greatest inhalation intake rates were for the <0.5-yr age group, at 0.31 mg/kg-Bw/year. The study data reveal that MPs are prevalent in Australian homes and that the greatest risk of exposure resides with young children. Notwithstanding the limited number of global studies and the different methods used to measure MPs, this study indicates Australian deposition and inhalation rates are at the lower end of the exposure spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Sharifi Soltani
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Scott Paton Wilson
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
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Lu K, Lai KP, Stoeger T, Ji S, Lin Z, Lin X, Chan TF, Fang JKH, Lo M, Gao L, Qiu C, Chen S, Chen G, Li L, Wang L. Detrimental effects of microplastic exposure on normal and asthmatic pulmonary physiology. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 416:126069. [PMID: 34492895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Concerns that airborne microplastics (MP) may be detrimental to human health are rising. However, research on the effects of MP on the respiratory system are limited. We tested the effect of MP exposure on both normal and asthmatic pulmonary physiology in mice. We show that MP exposure caused pulmonary inflammatory cell infiltration, bronchoalveolar macrophage aggregation, increased TNF-α level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and increased plasma IgG1 production in normal mice. MP exposure also affected asthma symptoms by increasing mucus production and inflammatory cell infiltration with notable macrophage aggregation. Further, we found co-labeling of macrophage markers with MP incorporating fluorescence, which indicates phagocytosis of the MP by macrophages. A comparative transcriptomic analysis showed that MP exposure altered clusters of genes related to immune response, cellular stress response, and programmed cell death. A bioinformatics analysis further uncovered the molecular mechanism whereby MP stimulated production of tumor necrosis factor and immunoglobulins to activate a group of transmembrane B-cell antigens, leading to the modulation of cellular stress and programmed cell death in the asthma model. In summary, we show that MP exposure had detrimental effects on the respiratory system in both healthy and asthmatic mice, which calls for urgent discourse and action to mitigate environmental microplastic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo Lu
- The Department of Respiratory Diseases and Critic Care Unit, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, China; Post-Doctoral Scientific Research Station of Basic Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Keng Po Lai
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China; Department of Chemistry, City University Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tobias Stoeger
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg and Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Germany
| | - Shuqin Ji
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ziyi Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiao Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Hong Kong Bioinformatics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ting Fung Chan
- School of Life Sciences, Hong Kong Bioinformatics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - James Kar-Hei Fang
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Michael Lo
- Department of Chemistry, City University Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Liang Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chen Qiu
- The Department of Respiratory Diseases and Critic Care Unit, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, China; Post-Doctoral Scientific Research Station of Basic Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Shanze Chen
- The Department of Respiratory Diseases and Critic Care Unit, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, China; Post-Doctoral Scientific Research Station of Basic Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Guobing Chen
- The Department of Respiratory Diseases and Critic Care Unit, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, China; Post-Doctoral Scientific Research Station of Basic Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Institute of Geriatric Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Lei Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Lingwei Wang
- The Department of Respiratory Diseases and Critic Care Unit, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, China; Post-Doctoral Scientific Research Station of Basic Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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Prata JC, Godoy V, da Costa JP, Calero M, Martín-Lara MA, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Microplastics and fibers from three areas under different anthropogenic pressures in Douro river. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 776:145999. [PMID: 33647658 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Sources contributing to specific concentration of microplastics and fibers are still not completely understood. This study aimed at assessing the concentrations of microplastics (2-5000 μm) and fibers (18-5667 μm) in three areas of distinct influences in the Douro river, Porto, Portugal: (i) a countryside area; (ii) a wastewater treatment effluent release zone; and (iii) an area in proximity to a boat dock and maintenance station. Nile Red staining coupled with microscopy allowed the identification of small microplastics (≥2 μm) with a median concentration of the three areas of 231 MP L-1. Most were fragments (69%). Sizes <40 μm were the most abundant (84%). Highest concentrations of microplastics were found near the boat dock/maintenance and lowest in the countryside area. Fibers were mostly natural (non-synthetic, 63%). Highest concentrations of fibers were found in the area influenced by the wastewater effluent, especially of synthetic fibers, and lowest in the countryside area. Concentration of all fibers and synthetic fibers was 46 F L-1 and 6 F L-1, respectively. High concentrations of microplastics and fiber contamination suggest that the wastewater treatment plant effluent and boat dock/maintenance are the likely sources originating hotspot areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Veronica Godoy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Monica Calero
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - M A Martín-Lara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Rostami S, Talaie MR, Talaiekhozani A, Sillanpää M. Evaluation of the available strategies to control the emission of microplastics into the aquatic environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:18908-18917. [PMID: 33594573 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12888-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
No effective strategy has been found so far to control the emission of microplastics. The purpose of this article is to review the available control strategies, as well as barriers to developing them. Based on the estimations in the available literature, decomposition of larger plastics, clothes washing and tire abrasion play an essential part in the total emission rate of microplastics into the ocean. Nonetheless, there is no corresponding information regarding the soil, and more information is needed to prioritize the emission sources of microplastics more preciously. Generally, there have been two approaches for the management of the microplastic issues, including the substitution of non-plastic materials for plastic ones in products such as personal care products, and microplastic removal from wastewater. The former is in its infancy and has commenced only in a few developed countries. Existing wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) as the other approach can transfer a significant portion of the microplastics into the sludge. The result is that the final destination of these microplastics can be the soil. Since there is little information on how serious the impact of microplastics is on the soil as compared with water, the currently used WWTPs cannot be considered as a final remedy. Furthermore, there has been not been any specifically designed techniques to remove microplastics from wastewater efficiently and economically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Rostami
- Chemical Engineering Department, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | | | | | - Mika Sillanpää
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam
- Faculty of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam
- School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, West Street, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia
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37
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Sharma S, Basu S, Shetti NP, Nadagouda MN, Aminabhavi TM. Microplastics in the environment: Occurrence, perils, and eradication. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND : 1996) 2021; 408:127317. [PMID: 34017217 PMCID: PMC8129922 DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2020.127317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) with sizes < 5 mm are found in various compositions, shapes, morphologies, and textures that are the major sources of environmental pollution. The fraction of MPs in total weight of plastic accumulation around the world is predicted to be 13.2% by 2060. These micron-sized MPs are hazardous to marine species, birds, animals, soil creatures and humans due to their occurrence in air, water, soil, indoor dust and food items. The present review covers discussions on the damaging effects of MPs on the environment and their removal techniques including biodegradation, adsorption, catalytic, photocatalytic degradation, coagulation, filtration and electro-coagulation. The main techniques used to analyze the structural and surface changes such as cracks, holes and erosion post the degradation processes are FTIR and SEM analysis. In addition, reduction in plastic molecular weight by the microbes implies disintegration of MPs. Adsorptive removal by the magnetic adsorbent promises complete elimination while the biodegradable catalysts could remove 70-100% of MPs. Catalytic degradation via advanced oxidation assisted by S O 4 • - or O H • radicals generated by peroxymonosulfate or sodium sulfate are also adequately covered in addition to photocatalysis. The chemical methods such as sol-gel, agglomeration, and coagulation in conjunction with other physical methods are discussed concerning the drinking water/wastewater/sludge treatments. The efficacy, merits and demerits of the currently used removal approaches are reviewed that will be helpful in developing more sophisticated technologies for the complete mitigation of MPs from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Sharma
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala 147004, India
| | - Soumen Basu
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala 147004, India
| | - Nagaraj P. Shetti
- Center for Electrochemical Science and Materials, Department of Chemistry, K.L.E. Institute of Technology, Hubballi-580 027, Karnataka, India
| | - Mallikarjuna N. Nadagouda
- The United States Environmental Protection Agency, ORD, CESER, WID, CMTB, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
- Corresponding authors. (M.N. Nadagouda), (T.M. Aminabhavi)
| | - Tejraj M. Aminabhavi
- Pharmaceutical Engineering, SET’s College of Pharmacy, Dharwad 580 002, Karnataka, India
- Corresponding authors. (M.N. Nadagouda), (T.M. Aminabhavi)
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Prata JC, Reis V, da Costa JP, Mouneyrac C, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Contamination issues as a challenge in quality control and quality assurance in microplastics analytics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 403:123660. [PMID: 33264868 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are widely distributed environmental contaminants. To understand their impacts on the environment and health, more high-quality results are needed. Since microplastics are present in every environment, including indoor air, proper precautions must be adopted in order to prevent contamination of samples and overestimation of environmental concentrations. Thus, to guarantee a proper quality of results, researchers must adopt strict contamination control measures. This review was conducted to understand current contamination control practices. A total of 50 studies published in 2019 were reviewed, including sampling of biota, air, soil, sediment, freshwater and saltwater, regarding 10 contamination control parameters. Overall, studies usually only comply with 4 out of 10 of these measures, which include avoiding the use of plastic materials, covering samples with glass lids or aluminum foil, filtering solutions, or running procedural blanks. The importance of these measures is also exemplified with real observation of contamination. Finally, seven measures to control for contamination are suggested in order to improve the quality of results in microplastic sampling in future assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Vanessa Reis
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Catherine Mouneyrac
- Mer Molécules Sante (MMS), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, 3 place André Leroy, BP10808, 49008, Angers Cedex 01, France.
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Usman S, Abdull Razis AF, Shaari K, Amal MNA, Saad MZ, Mat Isa N, Nazarudin MF, Zulkifli SZ, Sutra J, Ibrahim MA. Microplastics Pollution as an Invisible Potential Threat to Food Safety and Security, Policy Challenges and the Way Forward. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E9591. [PMID: 33371479 PMCID: PMC7767491 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Technological advances, coupled with increasing demands by consumers, have led to a drastic increase in plastic production. After serving their purposes, these plastics reach our water bodies as their destination and become ingested by aquatic organisms. This ubiquitous phenomenon has exposed humans to microplastics mostly through the consumption of sea food. This has led the World Health Organization (WHO) to make an urgent call for the assessment of environmental pollution due to microplastics and its effect on human health. This review summarizes studies between 1999 and 2020 in relation to microplastics in aquatic ecosystems and human food products, their potential toxic effects as elicited in animal studies, and policies on their use and disposal. There is a paucity of information on the toxicity mechanisms of microplastics in animal studies, and despite their documented presence in food products, no policy has been in place so far, to monitor and regulates microplastics in commercial foods meant for human consumption. Although there are policies and regulations with respect to plastics, these are only in a few countries and in most instances are not fully implemented due to socioeconomic reasons, so they do not address the problem across the entire life cycle of plastics from production to disposal. More animal research to elucidate pathways and early biomarkers of microplastic toxicity that can easily be detected in humans is needed. This is to create awareness and influence policies that will address this neglected threat to food safety and security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunusi Usman
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.U.); (K.S.)
| | - Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.U.); (K.S.)
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Khozirah Shaari
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.U.); (K.S.)
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Noor Azmai Amal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.N.A.A.); (S.Z.Z.); (J.S.); (M.A.I.)
- Aquatic Animal Health and Therapeutics Laboratory (Aqua Health), Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.Z.S.); (M.F.N.)
| | - Mohd Zamri Saad
- Aquatic Animal Health and Therapeutics Laboratory (Aqua Health), Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.Z.S.); (M.F.N.)
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nurulfiza Mat Isa
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Bimolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia;
- Laboratory of Vaccines and Biomolecules (VacBio), Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Farhan Nazarudin
- Aquatic Animal Health and Therapeutics Laboratory (Aqua Health), Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.Z.S.); (M.F.N.)
| | - Syaizwan Zahmir Zulkifli
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.N.A.A.); (S.Z.Z.); (J.S.); (M.A.I.)
| | - Jumria Sutra
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.N.A.A.); (S.Z.Z.); (J.S.); (M.A.I.)
| | - Musa Adamu Ibrahim
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.N.A.A.); (S.Z.Z.); (J.S.); (M.A.I.)
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Prata JC, Castro JL, da Costa JP, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T, Cerqueira M. The importance of contamination control in airborne fibers and microplastic sampling: Experiences from indoor and outdoor air sampling in Aveiro, Portugal. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 159:111522. [PMID: 32771665 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Airborne microplastics and microfibers are released from daily materials, contaminating both indoor and outdoor air. Sampling in Aveiro, Portugal, revealed concentrations of 6 fibers m-3, with more synthetic fibers found in outdoor than indoor (8.5% vs. 4.1%, n = 6), with variations in fiber characteristics between sampling periods. Suspected microplastics (<10 μm) also followed this trend (12 vs. 5 particles m-3). Synthetic fibers presented peculiar characteristics, with larger median sizes of 513 μm and 90% of lighter colors. Nonetheless, numerous fibers and suspected microplastics were found in field blanks, possibly from sampling contamination, reducing the reliability of results. Few previous works have reported field blanks so far, raising concerns about the quality of their results as well. Thus, quality assurance measures should be more strictly applied when working with airborne fibers and microplastics, while more research should focus on the factors involved in the variation of concentrations and characteristics of airborne fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana L Castro
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Mário Cerqueira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Abstract
Atmospheric plastic pollution is now a global problem. Microplastics (MP) have been detected in urban atmospheres as well as in remote and pristine environments, showing that suspension, deposition and aeolian transport of MP should be included and considered as a major transport pathway in the plastic life cycle. This work reports an up to date review of the experimental estimation of deposition rate of MP in rural and urban environment, also analyzing the correlation with meteorological factors. Due to the limitations in sampling and instrumental methodology, little is known about MP and nanoplastics (NP) with sizes lower than 50 µm. In this review, we describe how NP could be transported for longer distances than MP, making them globally present and potentially more concentrated than MP. We highlight that it is crucial to explore new methodologies to collect and analyze NP. Future research should focus on the development of new technologies, combining the existent knowledge on nanomaterial and atmospheric particle analysis.
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De Falco F, Cocca M, Avella M, Thompson RC. Microfiber Release to Water, Via Laundering, and to Air, via Everyday Use: A Comparison between Polyester Clothing with Differing Textile Parameters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:3288-3296. [PMID: 32101431 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Textiles are one of the major sources of microplastic pollution to aquatic environments and have also been reported in dry and wet atmospheric deposition. There is still a lack of information on the direct release of microfibers from garments to the air and on the influence of textile characteristics including structure, type of yarn, and twist. The present study examines microfiber emissions directly to the air and to water as a consequence of laundering. Polyester garments with different textile characteristics were examined including various material compositions, fabric structure, yarn twist, fiber type, and hairiness. Scaling up our data indicates release of microfibers per person per year to the air is of a similar order of magnitude to that released to wastewater by laundering. The lowest releases to both air and water were recorded for a garment with a very compact woven structure and highly twisted yarns made of continuous filaments, compared with those with a looser structure (knitted, short staple fibers, lower twist). Our results demonstrate for the first time that direct release of microfibers from garments to air as a consequence of wear is of equal importance to releases to water. Currently there is considerable interest in interventions focused on capture from wastewater. However, our results suggest more effective interventions are likely to result from changes in textile design that could reduce emissions to both air and water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Falco
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34- 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples Italy
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, U.K
| | - Mariacristina Cocca
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34- 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples Italy
| | - Maurizio Avella
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34- 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples Italy
| | - Richard C Thompson
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, U.K
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