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Kim Y, Lee H, Kim YH, Oh CK. Polyethylene microplastics perforate the chorion defense, triggering developmental cardiotoxicity at zebrafish. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2025; 282:107331. [PMID: 40132473 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2025] [Revised: 03/09/2025] [Accepted: 03/18/2025] [Indexed: 03/27/2025]
Abstract
Polyethylene microplastics are pervasive environmental pollutants that pose potential risks to aquatic organisms. This study investigates the effects of polyethylene microplastics on zebrafish (Danio rerio, Hamilton 1822) embryo development, with a focus on whether the chorion, a protective barrier surrounding the embryo, is effective in blocking polyethylene penetration. Contrary to previous findings that suggested the chorion could prevent larger microplastics (>0.7 µm) from entering, our study demonstrates that polyethylene particles sized 1-4 µm can still negatively impact embryo development without dechorionation. Embryos were exposed to polyethylene at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg l-1, followed by RNA sequencing to assess gene expression changes. Despite no significant differences in survival, hatching, or body length between control and treated groups, a significant reduction in heart rate was observed at higher concentrations, indicating potential sub-lethal cardiotoxicity. Further, RT-qPCR validation confirmed significant downregulation of key heart development-related genes, particularly fbln1 and fn1b, in polyethylene-exposed embryos. These findings highlight the ability of polyethylene microplastics to penetrate natural barriers such as the chorion and induce physiological and developmental changes. Our results emphasize the need for further research into the long-term effects of microplastic exposure on aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yejin Kim
- Department of Convergence Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyerin Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program of Genomic Science, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Hak Kim
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Department of Anatomy, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Kyu Oh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; Institute for Future Earth, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Huang Z, Liu D, Cheng W, Zhang W, He Z, Huang B, Guo S, Zhao B, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Jiang G. Microplastics in the Amur tiger's habitat: Occurrence, characteristics, and risk assessment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 493:138380. [PMID: 40288321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2025] [Accepted: 04/21/2025] [Indexed: 04/29/2025]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental pollutants that pose a significant threat to wildlife within forest ecosystems. However, the quantity and types of MPs in wildlife forest habitats remain unclear. This study is the first to assess the distribution of MPs in the Amur tiger habitat of northeast China. Our results showed that MPs were detected in soil, water, atmosphere, forage plants, and ungulate and top predator feces within the forest ecosystem, respectively. The average diameter of all detected MPs was 44.99 ± 34.80μm. The predominant polymers found in the samples were polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, and polyurethane. Certain sample types shared similar MP polymer type distributions, indicating potential links in their sources and transfer pathways. Consequently, these findings provide some new insights on the new pollution problem in Amur tiger forest habitats and prompt us to consider how to control and manage the MPs pollution sources in the tiger conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekai Huang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Dongqi Liu
- Feline Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Wannian Cheng
- Feline Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Wentao Zhang
- Feline Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Zhijian He
- Feline Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Baoxiang Huang
- Feline Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Shuhao Guo
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Bitian Zhao
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Yihan Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Complex Traits and Protein Machines in Organisms, Harbin 150040, PR China.
| | - Guangshun Jiang
- Feline Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China; Northeast Asia Biodiversity Research Center, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China.
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3
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Liu Y, Li B, Zhou J, Li D, Liu Y, Wang Y, Huang W, Ruan Z, Yao J, Qiu R, Chen G. Effects of naturally aged microplastics on arsenic and cadmium accumulation in lettuce: Insights into rhizosphere microecology. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 486:136988. [PMID: 39731888 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136988] [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: 10/18/2024] [Revised: 12/14/2024] [Accepted: 12/23/2024] [Indexed: 12/30/2024]
Abstract
Naturally aged microplastics (NAMPs) are commonly found in farmland soils contaminated with heavy metals (HMs), such as arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd); yet their combined effects on soil-plant ecosystems remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the toxic effects of NAMPs and As-Cd on lettuce, considering the influence of earthworm activity, and examined changes in As-Cd bioavailability in the rhizosphere. Four experimental systems were established: soil-only, soil-lettuce, soil-earthworms, and soil-lettuce-earthworms systems, with four NAMPs concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1 %). Our results showed that exposure to 0.1 % NAMPs reduced As accumulation in lettuce shoots (0.17-0.25 mg kg-1) and roots (1.13-1.72 mg kg-1), while increasing biomass and enhancing root growth by alleviating toxicity. In contrast, the combined stress of higher NAMPs concentration (0.5 %/1 %) and As-Cd caused a 28.4-58.4 % reduction in root activity, which stimulated low-molecular-weight organic acid (LMWOA) secretion in the rhizosphere, increasing the bioavailability of As and Cd and enhancing their absorption by lettuce. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) revealed that co-exposure altered LMWOA content, soil enzyme activity, and microbial community stability in the rhizosphere, ultimately influencing the bioavailability and uptake of As and Cd by lettuce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Liu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Bingqian Li
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhou
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Dongqin Li
- Institute of Quality Standard and Monitoring Technology for Agro-products of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 501640, China
| | - Yuanyang Liu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Weigang Huang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhepu Ruan
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jun Yao
- School of Water Resource and Environmental Engineering, Sino-Hungarian Joint Laboratory of Environmental Science and Health, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Rongliang Qiu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Guikui Chen
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Park J, Lee C, Lee M, Jo H, Sohn M, Kim M, Yoon C. Evaluation of hazardous substances emitted during mask use. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2025; 196:109296. [PMID: 39864137 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109296] [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: 10/16/2024] [Revised: 01/09/2025] [Accepted: 01/19/2025] [Indexed: 01/28/2025]
Abstract
This study evaluated the inhalation of mask-derived materials by simulating real breathing conditions and examined how the amount of inhaled materials varies with breathing flow rate and duration. Three types of non-certified reusable masks and two types of certified disposable masks were selected. For each mask, five different hazardous materials were captured and analyzed in three replicates with two breathing flow rates of 30 L/min and 85 L/min and two breathing time combinations of 15 min and 60 min. Nanoparticles and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) were analyzed using a real-time instrument, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and metal elements were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Inhaled nanoparticle number concentrations decreased when wearing the masks, with certified disposable masks showing higher nanoparticle filtration efficiency (>90 %) compared to non-certified reusable masks (<40 %). These results were consistent with NaCl filtration efficiency results and showed no trend with flow rate or breathing time. TVOC were detected at high concentrations at the start of breathing, with a minimum of approximately 400 ppb and a maximum of 4,000 ppb. No target VOCs or metal elements were detected, while trace amount of phthalates were detected in non-certified reusable masks. The results of this study suggest that while TVOCs exhibit momentarily high concentrations shortly after the onset of breathing, hazardous substances derived from masks are either not inhaled or are inhaled only in trace. To reduce high concentrations of TVOCs, it is recommended to open the mask storage bag and briefly expose the mask to air, allowing the concentration to diffuse before use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongmin Park
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheonghoon Lee
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Myoungho Lee
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunbin Jo
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minkyeong Sohn
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjung Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chungsik Yoon
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Zhang X, Wang Y, Tong X, Li B, Liu S, Cui Y, Wang W, Li Z, Ma C, Zhang Y. Synergistic toxicity of nanoplastics and Helicobacter pylori on digestive system in mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2025; 290:117757. [PMID: 39826410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.117757] [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: 10/10/2024] [Revised: 01/15/2025] [Accepted: 01/16/2025] [Indexed: 01/22/2025]
Abstract
Nanoplastics, in combination with pathogenic microorganisms or toxic substances, have been shown to induce oxidative stress and disrupt energy and lipid metabolism, posing significant health risks. This study evaluated the toxic effects of co-exposure to nanoplastics and Helicobacter pylori on the digestive system of mice. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the accumulation of AuPS-NPs (Au-core polystyrene nanoplastics) in the stomach, colon, and liver, while hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed dose-dependent pathological damage in these tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays quantified interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), triglyceride (TG), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, which significantly increased in co-exposure groups compared to single-exposure groups (P < 0.05). After 28 days, the 100 mg/L H. pylori-AuPS-NPs group showed the highest levels of IL-6 (172.91 ± 1.51 pg/mL in the stomach, 188.31 ± 1.49 pg/mL in the colon, and 174.85 ± 0.26 pg/mL in the liver) and MDA (13.49 ± 0.16 nmol/mg in the stomach, 14.39 ± 0.20 nmol/mg in the colon, and 15.61 ± 0.63 nmol/mg in the liver). These increases, accompanied by elevated TG and LDH levels, suggest aggravated inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disruption. Accumulation analysis showed that while AuPS-NPs content significantly increased over time and with higher concentrations, co-exposure with H. pylori reduced nanoparticle accumulation in gastric and intestinal tissues. These results indicate that co-exposure exacerbates tissue damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disruptions while modulating nanoparticle accumulation. These findings highlight the synergistic toxic effects of nanoplastics and H. pylori, underscoring the importance of understanding combined exposure risks for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Yunqing Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Xiaohan Tong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Boqing Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China.
| | - Sisi Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Yingzi Cui
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Wenke Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Zhiqin Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Chunlei Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China.
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6
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Xiao QH, Xiang H, Tian YN, Huang JL, Li MQ, Wang PQ, Lian K, Yu PX, Xu MY, Zhang RN, Zhang Y, Huang J, Zhang WC, Duan P. Polystyrene microplastics alleviate the developmental toxicity of silver nanoparticles in embryo-larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) at the transcriptomic level. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 954:176485. [PMID: 39341243 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
Since silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and polystyrene microplastics (PS-MP) share common environmental niches, their interactions can modulate their hazard impacts. Herein, we assessed the developmental toxicity of 1 mg/L PS-MP, 0.5 mg/L AgNPs and the mixtures of AgNPs and PS-MP on embryo-larval zebrafish. We found that AgNPs co-exposure with PS-MP remarkably decreased mortality rates, malformation rates, heart rates and yolk sac area, while it increased hatching rates and eye size compared to the AgNPs group. These phenomena revealed that the cell cycle, oxidative stress, apoptosis, lipid metabolism, ferroptosis and p53 signalling pathway were obviously affected by single AgNPs exposure at 96 hpf (hours post fertilization). Interestingly, all these effects were effectively ameliorated by co-exposure with PS-MP. The combination of transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses showed that the imbalance of DEGs (differentially expressed genes) and DEMs (differentially expressed metabolites) (PI, phosphatidylinositol and TAG-FA, triacylglycerol-fatty acid) disturbed both the cell cycle and lipid metabolism following single AgNPs exposure and co-exposure with PS-MP. These findings suggest that PS-MP attenuates the developmental toxicity of AgNPs on embryo-larval zebrafish. Overall, this study provides important insight into understanding the transcriptional responses and mechanisms of AgNPs alone or in combination with PS-MPs on embryo-larval zebrafish, providing a reference for ecological risk assessment of combined exposure to PS-MP and metal nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Hong Xiao
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Accurate Fetus Malformation Diagnosis, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China; Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China
| | - Hao Xiang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China
| | - Ya-Nan Tian
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Accurate Fetus Malformation Diagnosis, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China; Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China
| | - Jiao-Long Huang
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Accurate Fetus Malformation Diagnosis, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China; Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China
| | - Ming-Qun Li
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Accurate Fetus Malformation Diagnosis, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China; Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China
| | - Pu-Qing Wang
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Parkinson's Disease, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China
| | - Kai Lian
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Accurate Fetus Malformation Diagnosis, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China
| | - Peng-Xia Yu
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Accurate Fetus Malformation Diagnosis, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China; Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China
| | - Meng-Yao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China
| | - Ruo-Nan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China
| | - Wei-Cheng Zhang
- Center for Environment and Health in Water Source Area of South-to-North Water Diversion, School of Public Health, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China.
| | - Peng Duan
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Accurate Fetus Malformation Diagnosis, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China; Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China.
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7
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Lee S, Haque MN, Lee DH, Rhee JS. The Effects of Co-Exposure to Antifoulants and Microplastics on the Survival, Oxidative Status, and Cholinergic System of a Marine Mysid. TOXICS 2024; 12:651. [PMID: 39330579 PMCID: PMC11435704 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12090651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Antifoulants such as copper pyrithione (CuPT) and zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) are widespread and hazardous pollutants in aquatic environments. The presence of microplastics (MPs) introduces significant uncertainty regarding the toxicity of CuPT and ZnPT, as their effects can be influenced by MPs. There is a limited understanding of the toxic potential of CuPT and ZnPT when they coexist with MPs. Here, the marine mysid Neomysis awatchensis was treated using no observed effect concentration (NOEC) values of CuPT and ZnPT premixed with MPs (1 µm; 1-100 particles mL-1). The presence of MPs increased the toxicity of the antifoulants in juvenile and adult mysids over 96 h. The additive effect of the MPs varied by chemical; feeding was only reduced by CuPT with MPs, whereas no fluctuation in feeding was observed in response to ZnPT with MPs. Co-exposure to antifoulants and MPs increased malonaldehyde levels, but the response of antioxidant components varied by chemical. In mysids co-exposed to CuPT and MPs, the activity levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase were decreased, whereas their enzymatic activity levels were elevated by co-exposure to ZnPT and MPs. Similarly, depletion of glutathione (GSH) was observed in mysids co-exposed to CuPT and MPs, with significant reductions in GSH reductase (GR) and peroxidase (GPx). However, the GSH level was increased by co-exposure to ZnPT and MPs, with elevations in GR and GPx activity levels. Significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity was only observed in response to CuPT and MPs. These results suggest that MPs can increase toxicity via additive and/or synergistic effects through oxidative imbalance, but these effects of MPs can vary with different chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somyeong Lee
- Department of Marine Science, College of Natural Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Niamul Haque
- Department of Marine Science, College of Natural Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Hee Lee
- Department of Marine Science, College of Natural Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Rhee
- Department of Marine Science, College of Natural Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
- Yellow Sea Research Institute, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
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8
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Siwach S, Bharti M, Yadav S, Dolkar P, Modeel S, Yadav P, Negi T, Negi RK. Unveiling the ecotoxicological impact of microplastics on organisms - the persistent organic pollutant (POP): A comprehensive review. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 266:104397. [PMID: 39059355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics have been ubiquitous in our environment for decades, and numerous studies have revealed their extensive dispersion, reaching far beyond the surface of the land, soil, aquatic ecosystems. They have infiltrated the food-chain, the food web, even the air we breathe, as well as the water we drink. Microplastics have been detected in the food we consume, acting as vectors for hazardous chemicals that adhere to their hydrophobic surfaces. This can result in the transfer of these chemicals to the aquatic life, posing a threat to their well-being. The release of microplastics into different environmental settings can give rise to various eco-toxicological implications. The substantial body of literature has led scientists to the consensus that microplastic pollution is a global problem with the potential to impact virtually any type of ecosystem. This paper aims to discuss crucial information regarding the occurrence, accumulation, and ecological effects of microplastics on organisms. It also highlights the new and emerging disease named "Plasticosis" that is directly linked to microplastics and its toxicological effects like permanent scarring and long-term inflammation in the digestive system of the seabirds. By comprehending the behaviour of these microplastic pollutants in diverse habitats and evaluating their ecological consequences, it becomes possible to facilitate a better understanding of this toxicological issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Siwach
- Fish Molecular Biology laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North campus, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Meghali Bharti
- Fish Molecular Biology laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North campus, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Sheetal Yadav
- Fish Molecular Biology laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North campus, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Padma Dolkar
- Fish Molecular Biology laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North campus, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Sonakshi Modeel
- Fish Molecular Biology laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North campus, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Pankaj Yadav
- Fish Molecular Biology laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North campus, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Tarana Negi
- Government College, Dujana, Jhajjar, Haryana 124102, India
| | - Ram Krishan Negi
- Fish Molecular Biology laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North campus, Delhi 110007, India.
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9
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Zhao B, Chen F, Yao Q, Lin M, Zhou K, Mi S, Pan H, Zhao X. Toxicity effects and mechanism of micro/nanoplastics and loaded conventional pollutants on zooplankton: An overview. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 198:106547. [PMID: 38739970 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106547] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics in aquatic environments is a noteworthy environmental problem. Zooplankton, an important biological group in aquatic ecosystems, readily absorb micro/nanoplastics and produce a range of toxic endpoints due to their small size. This review summarises relevant studies on the effects of micro/nanoplastics on zooplankton, including combined effects with conventional pollutants. Frequently reported adverse effects include acute/chronic lethal effects, oxidative stress, gene expression, energetic homeostasis, and growth and reproduction. Obstruction by plastic entanglement and blockage is the physical mechanism. Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity are molecular mechanisms. Properties of micro/nanoplastics, octanol/water partition coefficients of conventional pollutants, species and intestinal environments are important factors influencing single and combined toxicity. Selecting a wider range of micro/nanoplastics, focusing on the aging process and conducting field studies, adopting diversified zooplankton models, and further advancing the study of mechanisms are the outstanding prospects for deeper understanding of impacts of micro/nanoplastics on aquatic ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhao
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China; School of Resources and Materials, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| | - Fang Chen
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China; School of Resources and Materials, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| | - Qiang Yao
- Ocean College, Hebei Agriculture University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| | - Manfeng Lin
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China; School of Resources and Materials, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| | - Kexin Zhou
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China; School of Resources and Materials, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| | - Shican Mi
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China; School of Resources and Materials, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| | - Haixia Pan
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China; School of Resources and Materials, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| | - Xin Zhao
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China.
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10
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Klasios N, Birch A, Murillo AM, Tseng M. Warming temperatures exacerbate effects of microplastics in a widespread zooplankton species. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 349:123918. [PMID: 38574946 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of microplastics as a global contaminant of concern has coincided with climate change induced temperature warming in aquatic ecosystems. Warmer temperatures have been previously demonstrated to increase the toxicity of certain contaminants, but it is currently unclear if microplastics are similarly affected by temperature. As aquatic organisms simultaneously face microplastic pollution and both increasing and variable temperatures, understanding how temperature affects microplastic toxicity is pertinent in this era of human-induced global change. In this study, we investigate the effects of environmentally relevant microplastic exposure to Daphnia pulex survival, reproduction, and growth at three different temperatures. To simulate an environmentally relevant exposure scenario, we created microplastics with physicochemical characteristics often detected in nature, and exposed organisms to concentrations close to values reported in inland waters and 1-2 orders of magnitude higher. The three temperatures tested in this experiment included 12 °C, 20 °C, and 24 °C, to simulate cool/springtime, current, and warming scenarios. We found the highest concentration of microplastics significantly impacted survival and total offspring compared to the control at 20 °C and 24 °C, but not at 12 °C. The adverse effect of high microplastic concentrations on total offspring at warmer temperatures was driven by the high mortality of the juveniles. We observed no effect of microplastics on time to first reproduction or average growth rate at any temperature. Warmer temperatures exacerbated microplastic toxicity, although only for concentrations of microplastics not currently observed in nature, but these concentrations are possible in pollution hotspots, through pulses pollution events or future worsening environmental contamination. The results of our study illustrate the continued need to further investigate climate change related co-stressors such as warming temperatures in microplastic and pollution ecology, through environmentally realistic exposure scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Klasios
- University of British Columbia, Department of Zoology, 2212 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Abigail Birch
- University of British Columbia, Department of Zoology, 2212 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Aurelio Morales Murillo
- University of British Columbia, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Michelle Tseng
- University of British Columbia, Department of Zoology, 2212 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; University of British Columbia, Department of Botany, 2212 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
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11
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Zang H, Zhao C, Cai R, Wu H, Wei L, Zhou C, Chai J, Teng X, Liu T. Vital role of oxidative stress in tadpole liver damage caused by polystyrene nanoparticles. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 277:116331. [PMID: 38640801 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Polystyrene nanoparticles are emerging as contaminants in freshwater environments, posing potential risks to amphibians exposed to extended periods of water contamination. Using tadpoles as a model, this study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of PS NPs. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (Py-GCMS) analysis revealed a concentration-dependent increase in polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) levels in tadpoles with escalating exposure concentrations. Following exposure to 100 nm fluorescent microspheres, fluorescence was observed in the intestines and gills, peaking at 48 hours. Histopathological analysis identified degenerative necrosis and inflammation in the liver, along with atrophic necrosis of glomeruli and tubules in the kidneys. These results indicate a discernible impact of PS NPs on antioxidant levels, including reduced superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, elevated glutathione content, and increased malondialdehyde levels. Electron microscopy observations revealed the infiltration of PS NPs into Kupffer's cells and hepatocytes, leading to visible lesions such as nuclear condensation and mitochondrial disruption. The primary objective of this research was to elucidate the adverse effects of prolonged PS NPs exposure on amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety. College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Cenxi Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety. College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Runqiu Cai
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety. College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Haiyan Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety. College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Liutao Wei
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety. College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Chaoyu Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety. College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Jie Chai
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Xuepeng Teng
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China.
| | - Tianlong Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety. College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100093, China.
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12
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Liu Y, Huang W, Wang Y, Wen Q, Zhou J, Wu S, Liu H, Chen G, Qiu R. Effects of naturally aged microplastics on the distribution and bioavailability of arsenic in soil aggregates and its accumulation in lettuce. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169964. [PMID: 38211862 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Naturally aged microplastics (NAMPs) and arsenic (As) have been reported to coexist in and threaten potentially to soil-plant ecosystem. The research explored the combined toxic effects of NAMPs and As to lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growth, and the distribution, accumulation and bioavailability of As in soil aggregates. The As contaminated soil with low, medium and high concentrations (L-As, M-As, H-As) were treated with or without NAMPs, and a total of six treatments. The results displayed that, in comparison to separate treatments of L-As and M-As, the presence of NAMPs increased the total biomass of lettuce grown at these two As concentrations by 68.9 % and 55.4 %, respectively. Simultaneous exposure of NAMPs and L-As or M-As led to a decrease in As content in shoot (0.45-2.17 mg kg-1) and root (5.68-14.66 mg kg-1) of lettuce, indicating an antagonistic effect between them. In contrast, co-exposure to H-As and NAMPs showed synergistic toxicity, and the leaf chlorophyll and nutritional quality of lettuce were also reduced. NAMPs altered the ratio of different soil aggregate fractions and the distribution of bioavailable As within them, which influenced the absorption of As by lettuce. In conclusion, these direct observations assist us in enhancing the comprehend of the As migration and enrichment characteristics in soil-plant system under the influence of NAMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Liu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Weigang Huang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qian Wen
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhou
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shengze Wu
- Guangdong Testing Institute of Product Quality Supervision, Foshan 528300, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Guangdong Testing Institute of Product Quality Supervision, Foshan 528300, China
| | - Guikui Chen
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Rongliang Qiu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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13
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Yang W, Gao P, Liu D, Wang W, Wang H, Zhu L. Integrating transcriptomics and biochemical analysis to understand the interactive mechanisms of the coexisting exposure of nanoplastics and erythromycin on Chlorella pyrenoidosa. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:140869. [PMID: 38061561 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140869] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics and antibiotics frequently co-exist in water polluted by algal blooms, but little information is available about interaction between substances. Erythromycin, as a representative of antibiotics, has been frequently detected in aquatic environments. This investigation attempted to reveal the interaction mechanism of nanoplastics and erythromycin on Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Results demonstrated that the joint toxicity of erythromycin and nanoplastics was dynamic and depended on nanoplastics concentration. Antagonistic effects of 1/2 or 1 EC50 erythromycin and nanoplastic concentration (10 mg/L) on the growth of C. pyrenoidosa was observed. The joint toxicity of 1/2 or 1 EC50 erythromycin and nanoplastic concentration (50 mg/L) was initially synergistic during 24-48 h and then turned to antagonistic during 72-96 h. Consequently, antagonistic effect was the endpoint for joint toxicity. Integration of transcriptomics and physiological biochemical analysis indicated that the co-existence of nanoplastics and erythromycin affected the signal transduction and molecular transport of algal cell membrane, induced intracellular oxidative stress, and hindered photosynthetic efficiency. Overall, this study provided a theoretical basis for evaluating the interactive mechanisms of nanoplastics and antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Yang
- School of Resources & Environmental Science, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biomass-Resources Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, PR China
| | - Pan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, PR China
| | - Dongyang Liu
- School of Resources & Environmental Science, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biomass-Resources Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Resources & Environmental Science, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biomass-Resources Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, PR China
| | - Hanzhi Wang
- School of Resources & Environmental Science, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biomass-Resources Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, PR China
| | - Liandong Zhu
- School of Resources & Environmental Science, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biomass-Resources Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Water Resources Engineering and Management, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, PR China.
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14
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Che S, Huang M, Ma H, Wan Z, Feng J, Ding S, Li X. Toxic effects of nanopolystyrene and cadmium on the intestinal tract of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 270:115936. [PMID: 38183751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Nanopolystyrene (NP) and cadmium (Cd) are ubiquitous contaminants in aquatic systems. The present study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of exposure to ambient concentrations of NP and/or Cd on the intestinal tract of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). Exposure to NP and/or Cd induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by a significant increase in lipid peroxide content (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and peroxidase activity (POD), and significant decreases in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activities in E. sinensis. In addition, exposure to NP and/or Cd imbalanced the homeostasis of the intestinal microbiota, as demonstrated by the significantly increased abundance of Spiroplasma. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to investigate the mechanisms underlying intestinal toxicity. Our results showed that ferroptosis, ABC transporters, phosphotransferase system, apoptosis, and leukocyte transendothelial migration were disturbed after exposure to NP and/or Cd. In particular, Cd exposure affected mucin type O-glycan biosynthesis, purine metabolism, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. Intriguingly, co-exposure to NP and Cd might mitigate intestinal toxicity by decreasing oxidative stress and affecting these pathways. Taken together, our study clearly demonstrates that exposure to NP and/or Cd at environmentally relevant concentrations causes intestinal toxicity in E. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunli Che
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Mengting Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Huiying Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Zhicheng Wan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Jianbin Feng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Shuquan Ding
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Xilei Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
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15
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Lawrence J, Santolini C, Binda G, Carnati S, Boldrocchi G, Pozzi A, Bettinetti R. Freshwater Lacustrine Zooplankton and Microplastic: An Issue to Be Still Explored. TOXICS 2023; 11:1017. [PMID: 38133418 PMCID: PMC10748375 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11121017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Lakes are essentially interlinked to humans as they provide water for drinking, agriculture, industrial and domestic purposes. The upsurge of plastic usage, its persistence, and potential detrimental effects on organisms cause impacts on the trophic food web of freshwater ecosystems; this issue, however, still needs to be explored. Zooplankton worldwide is commonly studied as an indicator of environmental risk in aquatic ecosystems for several pollutants. The aim of the review is to link the existing knowledge of microplastic pollution in zooplankton to assess the potential risks linked to these organisms which are at the first level of the lacustrine trophic web. A database search was conducted through the main databases to gather the relevant literature over the course of time. The sensitivity of zooplankton organisms is evident from laboratory studies, whereas several knowledge gaps exist in the understanding of mechanisms causing toxicity. This review also highlights insufficient data on field studies hampering the understanding of the pollution extent in lakes, as well as unclear trends on ecosystem-level cascading effects of microplastics (MPs) and mechanisms of toxicity (especially in combination with other pollutants). Therefore, this review provides insight into understanding the overlooked issues of microplastic in lake ecosystems to gain an accurate ecological risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jassica Lawrence
- DISAT Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy; (J.L.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Carlotta Santolini
- DISAT Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy; (J.L.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (A.P.)
- University School for Advanced Studies IUSS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Gilberto Binda
- DISAT Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy; (J.L.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (A.P.)
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
| | - Stefano Carnati
- DISAT Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy; (J.L.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Ginevra Boldrocchi
- DiSUIT Department of Human Science and Innovation for the Territory, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy;
| | - Andrea Pozzi
- DISAT Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy; (J.L.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Roberta Bettinetti
- DiSUIT Department of Human Science and Innovation for the Territory, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy;
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16
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Geng Y, Liu Z, Hu R, Huang Y, Li F, Ma W, Wu X, Dong H, Song K, Xu X, Zhang Z, Song Y. Toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics: invisible killers of female fertility and offspring health. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1254886. [PMID: 37700763 PMCID: PMC10493312 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1254886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emergent pollutants, which have sparked widespread concern. They can infiltrate the body via ingestion, inhalation, and cutaneous contact. As such, there is a general worry that MPs/NPs may have an impact on human health in addition to the environmental issues they engender. The threat of MPs/NPs to the liver, gastrointestinal system, and inflammatory levels have been thoroughly documented in the previous research. With the detection of MPs/NPs in fetal compartment and the prevalence of infertility, an increasing number of studies have put an emphasis on their reproductive toxicity in female. Moreover, MPs/NPs have the potential to interact with other contaminants, thus enhancing or diminishing the combined toxicity. This review summarizes the deleterious effects of MPs/NPs and co-exposure with other pollutants on female throughout the reproduction period of various species, spanning from reproductive failure to cross-generational developmental disorders in progenies. Although these impacts may not be directly extrapolated to humans, they do provide a framework for evaluating the potential mechanisms underlying the reproductive toxicity of MPs/NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuli Geng
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Runan Hu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanjing Huang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Li
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenwen Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haoxu Dong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kunkun Song
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohu Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yufan Song
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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17
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Kalčíková G, Roy R, Klun B, Rozman U, Marolt G, Skalar T, Feckler A, Bundschuh M. Interactions between titanium dioxide nanoparticles and polyethylene microplastics: Adsorption kinetics, photocatalytic properties, and ecotoxicity. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 329:138628. [PMID: 37030341 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the adsorption mechanism of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) on polyethylene microplastics (MPs) and the resulting photocatalytic properties. This effort was supported by ecotoxicological assessments of MPs with adsorbed nTiO2 on the immobility and behaviour of Daphnia magna in presence and absence of UV irradiation. The results showed that nTiO2 were rapidly adsorbed on the surface of MPs (72% of nTiO2 in 9 h). The experimental data fit well with the pseudo-second order kinetic model. Both suspended nTiO2 and nTiO2 immobilized on MPs exhibited comparable photocatalytic properties, with the latter showing a lower effect on Daphnia mobility. A likely explanation is that the suspended nTiO2 acted as a homogeneous catalyst under UV irradiation and generated hydroxyl radicals throughout the test vessel, whereas the nTiO2 adsorbed on MPs acted as a heterogeneous catalyst and generated hydroxyl radicals only locally and thus near the air-water interface. Consequently, Daphnia, which were hiding at the bottom of the test vessel, actively avoided exposure to hydroxyl radicals. These results suggest that the presence of MPs can modulate the phototoxicity of nTiO2 - at least the location at which it is active - under the studied conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Kalčíková
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Rajdeep Roy
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Barbara Klun
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ula Rozman
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Marolt
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Skalar
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alexander Feckler
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany; Eußerthal Ecosystem Research Station, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Eußerthal, Germany
| | - Mirco Bundschuh
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany; Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
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18
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Zuccari G, Alfei S. Development of Phytochemical Delivery Systems by Nano-Suspension and Nano-Emulsion Techniques. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9824. [PMID: 37372971 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The awareness of the existence of plant bioactive compounds, namely, phytochemicals (PHYs), with health properties is progressively expanding. Therefore, their massive introduction in the normal diet and in food supplements and their use as natural therapeutics to treat several diseases are increasingly emphasized by several sectors. In particular, most PHYs possessing antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiulcer, anti-cholesterol, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties have been isolated from plants. Additionally, their secondary modification with new functionalities to further improve their intrinsic beneficial effects has been extensively investigated. Unfortunately, although the idea of exploiting PHYs as therapeutics is amazing, its realization is far from simple, and the possibility of employing them as efficient clinically administrable drugs is almost utopic. Most PHYs are insoluble in water, and, especially when introduced orally, they hardly manage to pass through physiological barriers and scarcely reach the site of action in therapeutic concentrations. Their degradation by enzymatic and microbial digestion, as well as their rapid metabolism and excretion, strongly limits their in vivo activity. To overcome these drawbacks, several nanotechnological approaches have been used, and many nanosized PHY-loaded delivery systems have been developed. This paper, by reporting various case studies, reviews the foremost nanosuspension- and nanoemulsion-based techniques developed for formulating the most relevant PHYs into more bioavailable nanoparticles (NPs) that are suitable or promising for clinical application, mainly by oral administration. In addition, the acute and chronic toxic effects due to exposure to NPs reported so far, the possible nanotoxicity that could result from their massive employment, and ongoing actions to improve knowledge in this field are discussed. The state of the art concerning the actual clinical application of both PHYs and the nanotechnologically engineered PHYs is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guendalina Zuccari
- Department of Pharmacy (DiFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, I-16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Silvana Alfei
- Department of Pharmacy (DiFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, I-16148 Genova, Italy
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Jeyavani J, Vaseeharan B. Combined toxic effects of environmental predominant microplastics and ZnO nanoparticles in freshwater snail Pomaceae paludosa. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 325:121427. [PMID: 36907240 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In the past few years, microplastics are one of the ubiquitous threatening pollutants in aquatic habitats. These persistent microplastics interact with other pollutants, especially nanoparticles were adherent on the surface, which causes potential hazards in the biota. In this study, the toxic effects of individual and combined (28 days) exposure with zinc oxide nanoparticles and polypropylene microplastics were assessed in freshwater snail Pomeacea paludosa. After the experiment, the toxic effect was evaluated by the estimation of vital biomarkers activities including antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), oxidative stress in carbonyl protein (CP), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and digestive enzymes (esterase and alkaline phosphatase). Chronic exposure to pollutants in snails causes increased reactive oxygen species level (ROS) and generates free radicals in their body which leads to impairment and alterations of biochemical markers. Where alteration in acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity and decreased digestive enzymes (esterase and alkaline phosphatase) activities were observed in both individual and combined exposed groups. Further, histology results revealed the reduction of haemocyte cells, the disintegration of blood vessels, digestive cells, calcium cells, and DNA damage was also detected in the treated animals. Overall, when compared to individual exposures, combined exposure of pollutants (zinc oxide nanoparticles and polypropylene microplastics) causes more serious harms including decline and increased antioxidant enzyme parameters, damage the protein and lipids by oxidative stress, increased neurotransmitter activity, decrease digestive enzyme activities in the freshwater snail. The outcome of this study concluded that polypropylene microplastics along with nanoparticles cause severe ecological threats and physio-chemical effects on the freshwater ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeyaraj Jeyavani
- Biomaterials and Biotechnology in Animal Health Lab, Department of Animal Health and Management, Science Campus 6th Floor, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630004, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Baskaralingam Vaseeharan
- Biomaterials and Biotechnology in Animal Health Lab, Department of Animal Health and Management, Science Campus 6th Floor, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630004, Tamil Nadu, India.
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20
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Gokul T, Kumar KR, Veeramanikandan V, Arun A, Balaji P, Faggio C. Impact of Particulate Pollution on Aquatic Invertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 100:104146. [PMID: 37164218 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
A serious global problem, air pollution poses a risk to both human and environmental health. It contains hazardous material like heavy metals, nanoparticles, and others that can create an impact on both land and marine environments. Particulate pollutants, which can enter water systems through a variety of ways, including precipitation and industrial runoff, can have a particularly adverse influence on aquatic invertebrates. Once in the water, these particles can harm aquatic invertebrates physically, physiologically, and molecularly, resulting in developmental problems and multi-organ toxicity. Further research at the cellular and molecular levels in numerous locations of the world is necessary to completely understand the impacts of particle pollution on aquatic invertebrates. Understanding how particle pollution affects aquatic invertebrates is vital as the significance of ecotoxicological studies on particulate contaminants increases. This review gives a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of how particle pollution affects aquatic invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamilselvan Gokul
- PG and Research Centre in Zoology, Vivekananda College, Tiruvedakam (West), Madurai, TN, India
| | - Kamatchi Ramesh Kumar
- PG and Research Centre in Zoology, Vivekananda College, Tiruvedakam (West), Madurai, TN, India
| | | | - Alagarsamy Arun
- Department of Microbiology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, TN, India
| | - Paulraj Balaji
- PG and Research Centre in Biotechnology, MGR College, Hosur, TN, India.
| | - Caterina Faggio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy.
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21
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Guo J, Liu N, Xie Q, Zhu L, Ge F. Polystyrene microplastics facilitate the biotoxicity and biomagnification of ZnO nanoparticles in the food chain from algae to daphnia. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 324:121181. [PMID: 36736564 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitous microplastics (MPs) may affect the trophic transfer of nanoparticles (NPs), in turn threatening aquatic organisms and even human health. Thus, this study explored the influence of polystyrene microplastics (PS MPs) on the biotoxicity and biomagnification of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in the aquatic food chain from Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) to Daphnia magna (D. magna). The results showed that PS MPs facilitated the biotoxicity of ZnO NPs towards D. magna after dietary exposure. Compared to the control (single ZnO NPs), the heart rate and the level of reactive oxygen species were remarkably increased by 21.25% and 16.32% in the combined system (PS MPs + ZnO NPs), respectively. Notably, PS MPs suppressed the ZnO NPs accumulation in C. vulgaris, while remarkably facilitating the trophic transfer of ZnO NPs to D. magna. The biomagnification of ZnO NPs was evident with a maximal biomagnification factor (BMF) of 1.49 under acute dietary exposure of PS MPs (72 h), but was absent in the single ZnO NPs system (BMF <0.90). Moreover, PS MPs resulted in a larger biomagnification of ZnO NPs with a maximal BMF of 2.11 under chronic dietary exposure (21 days). Furthermore, the Zn element (including ZnO NPs and released Zn2+) was observed to accumulate in the intestine, thus causing ultrastructural damage and lipid droplet (LD) aggregate. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of considering the impact of MPs on co-existed pollutants and contribute to a better understanding of the ecological risks of MPs in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Guo
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, China
| | - Na Liu
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, China
| | - Qiting Xie
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, China; College of Environment and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lizhong Zhu
- College of Environment and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fei Ge
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, China.
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22
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Li J, Yin K, Hou L, Zhang Y, Lu H, Ma C, Xing M. Polystyrene microplastics mediate inflammatory responses in the chicken thymus by Nrf2/NF-κB pathway and trigger autophagy and apoptosis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 100:104136. [PMID: 37127111 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are now a hot environmental contaminant. However, researchers paid little attention to their effects on immune organs such as the thymus. Here, we exposed chickens to a concentration gradient of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and then followed the decrease in the thymus index. HE staining showed cellular infiltration in the thymus. The assay kit corroborated that PS-MPs impelled oxidative stress in the thymus: increased MDA levels, downregulated antioxidants such as SOD, CAT, and GSH, and significantly undermined total antioxidant capacity. Western blotting and qRT-PCR results showed that Nrf2/NF-κB, Bcl-2/Bax, and AKT signaling pathways were activated in the thymus after exposure to PS-MPs. It stimulated the increased expression of downstream such as IL-1β, caspase-3, and Beclin1, triggering thymus inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy. This study provides new insights into the field of microplastic immunotoxicity and highlights potential environmental hazards in poultry farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junbo Li
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Kai Yin
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Lulu Hou
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Yue Zhang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Hongmin Lu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Chengxue Ma
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China.
| | - Mingwei Xing
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China.
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23
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Xin X, Chen B, Yang M, Gao S, Wang H, Gu W, Li X, Zhang B. A critical review on the interaction of polymer particles and co-existing contaminants: Adsorption mechanism, exposure factors, effects on plankton species. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130463. [PMID: 36463745 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This review considers the interaction of microplastics (MPs)/nanoplastics (NPs) and co-existing contaminants, including organic contaminants, potentially toxic elements (PTEs), and metal/metal-oxide nanoparticles. Stronger adsorption between plastic particles and co-existing contaminants can either facilitate or prevent more contaminants to enter plankton. The characteristics of MPs/NPs, such as polymer type, size, functional groups, and weathering, affect combined effects. Mixture toxicity is affected by those factors simultaneously and also affected by the type of co-existing contaminants, their concentrations, exposure time, dissolved organic matter, and surfactant. For co-exposure involving organics and metal nanoparticles, marine Skeletonema costatum generally had antagonistic effects, while marine Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Platymonas subcordiformis, and Tetraselmis chuii, showed synergistic effects. For co-exposure involving organics and PTEs, both Chlorella sp. and Microcystis aeruginosa generally demonstrated antagonistic effects. Freshwater Chlorella reinhardtii and Scenedesmus obliquus had synergistic effects for co-exposure involving metal/metal oxide nanoparticles. Zooplankton shows more unpredicted sensitivity towards the complex system. Different co-existing contaminants have different metabolism pathways. Organic contaminants could be biodegraded, which may enhance or alleviate mixture toxicity. PTEs could be adsorbed and desorbed under changing environments, and further affect the combined effects. The presence of metal/metal-oxide nanoparticles is more complicated, since some may release ion metals, increasing contaminant composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaying Xin
- Department of Civil Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada; Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada.
| | - Bing Chen
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Min Yang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Sichen Gao
- Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainable Communities, University of Regina, Regina S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Hongjie Wang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Wenwen Gu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xixi Li
- Center for Environmental Health Risk Assessment and Research, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Baiyu Zhang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada.
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24
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Wang M, Zhang Z, Sun N, Yang B, Mo J, Wang D, Su M, Hu J, Wang M, Wang L. Gold Nanoparticles Reduce Food Sensation in Caenorhabditis elegans via the Voltage-Gated Channel EGL-19. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:1659-1676. [PMID: 37020688 PMCID: PMC10069523 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s394666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The increasing use of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in the medical field has raised concerns about the potential adverse effect of Au NPs exposure. However, it is difficult to assess the health risks of Au NPs exposure at the individual organ level using current measurement techniques. Methods The physical and chemical properties of Au NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and zeta sizer. The RNA-seq data of Au NPs-exposed worms were analyzed. The food intake was measured by liquid culture and Pharyngeal pumping rate. The function of the smell and taste neurons was evaluated by the chemotaxis and avoidance assay. The activation of ASE neurons was analyzed by calcium imaging. The gene expression of ins-22 and egl-19 was obtained from the C. elegans single cell RNA-seq databases. Results Our data analysis indicated that 62.8% of the significantly altered genes were functional in the nervous system. Notably, developmental stage analysis demonstrated that exposure to Au NPs interfered with animal development by regulating foraging behavior. Also, our chemotaxis results showed that exposure to Au NPs reduced the sensation of C. elegans to NaCl, which was consistent with the decrease in calcium transit of ASEL. Further studies confirmed that the reduced calcium transit was dependent on voltage-gated calcium channel EGL-19. The neuropeptide INS-22 was partially involved in Au NPs-induced NaCl sensation defect. Therefore, we proposed that Au NPs reduced the calcium transit in the ASEL neuron through egl-19-dependent calcium channels. It was partially regulated by the DAF-16 targeting neuropeptide INS-22. Discussion Our results demonstrate that Au NPs affect food sensation by reducing the calcium transit in ASEL neurons, which further leads to reduced pharynx pumping and feeding defects. The toxicology studies of Au NPs from worms have great potential to guide the usage of Au NPs in the medical field such as targeted drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meimei Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ning Sun
- Institute of Clinical Laboratory Science, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Baolin Yang
- Institute of Technical Biology & Agriculture Engineering, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jihao Mo
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital of Henan Province, Orthopedic Institute of Henan Province, Luoyang, Henan, 459001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Daping Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingqin Su
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- School of Medical Science, Huang He Science and Technology University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 459001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Correspondence: Lei Wang, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA, Tel +1 786-620-1400, Email
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25
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Dusza HM, van Boxel J, van Duursen MBM, Forsberg MM, Legler J, Vähäkangas KH. Experimental human placental models for studying uptake, transport and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 860:160403. [PMID: 36417947 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous in the environment and have recently been found in human lungs, blood and placenta. However, data on the possible effects of MNPs on human health is extremely scarce. The potential toxicity of MNPs during pregnancy, a period of increased susceptibility to environmental insults, is of particular concern. The placenta provides a unique interface between maternal and fetal circulation which is essential for in utero survival and healthy pregnancy. Placental toxicokinetics and toxicity of MNPs are still largely unexplored and the limited studies performed up to now focus mainly on polystyrene particles. Practical and ethical considerations limit research options in humans, and extrapolation from animal studies is challenging due to marked differences between species. Nevertheless, diverse in vitro and ex vivo human placental models exist e.g., plasma membrane vesicles, mono-culture and co-culture of placental cells, placenta-on-a-chip, villous tissue explants, and placental perfusion that can be used to advance this research area. The objective of this concise review is to recapitulate different human placental models, summarize the current understanding of placental uptake, transport and toxicity of MNPs and define knowledge gaps. Moreover, we provide perspectives for future research urgently needed to assess the potential hazards and risks of MNP exposure to maternal and fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M Dusza
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Jeske van Boxel
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Majorie B M van Duursen
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Markus M Forsberg
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juliette Legler
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kirsi H Vähäkangas
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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26
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Zheng R, Li Q, Li P, Li L, Liu J. Total organic carbon content as an index to estimate the sorption capacity of micro- and nano-plastics for hydrophobic organic contaminants. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137374. [PMID: 36435320 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide existing micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) showed high sorption capacity for hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs), and thus leading to change of the environmental behaviors and fates of HOCs. However, there is a lack of general index for evaluating the sorption capacity of MNPs for HOCs. Herein, we investigated the sorption of chlorobenzene, naphthalene and phenanthrene to 10 MNPs of different polymer types with and without UV-aging, respectively. It was found that the sorption was well fitted by Freundlich isotherm model with coefficients R2 in the range of 0.892-1.00, and aging of most MNPs resulted in decreased sorption capacity for naphthalene and phenanthrene but slightly increased sorption capacity for chlorobenzene. More importantly, for the 8 MNPs commonly present in the environment and with measured total organic carbon (TOC) covering the range of 23.0-91.9%, the logarithm sorption constant (logKd) values of the studied HOCs positively correlated with TOC contents of MNPs, with a good determination coefficient (R2) of 0.923 for naphthalene, 0.694 for chlorobenzene, and 0.565 for phenanthrene. Our study demonstrated that the TOC content of MNPs is a good index for estimating the contribution of total MNPs to the sorption of nonpolar HOCs in the environmental media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronggang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qingcun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Peng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jingfu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
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27
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Martins A, da Silva DD, Silva R, Carvalho F, Guilhermino L. Warmer water, high light intensity, lithium and microplastics: Dangerous environmental combinations to zooplankton and Global Health? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158649. [PMID: 36089038 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays there is a high concern about the combined effects of global warming and emerging environmental contaminants with significant increasing trends of use, such as lithium (Li) and microplastics (MPs), both on wildlife and human health. Therefore, the effects of high light intensity (26,000 lx) or warmer water temperature (25 °C) on the long-term toxicity of Li and mixtures of Li and MPs (Li-MPs mixtures) were investigated using model populations of the freshwater zooplankton species Daphnia magna. Three 21-day bioassays were done in the laboratory at the following water temperatures and light intensities: (i) 20 °C/10830 lx; (ii) 20 °C/26000 lx (high light intensity); (iii) 25 °C/10830 lx (warmer temperature). Based on the 21-day EC50s on reproduction, high light intensity increased the reproductive toxicity of Li and Li-MPs mixtures by ~1.3 fold; warmer temperature increased the toxicity of Li by ~1.2 fold, and the toxicity of Li-MPs mixtures by ~1.4 fold based on the concentration of Li, and by ~2 fold based on the concentrations of MPs. At high light intensity, Li (0.04 mg/L) and Li-MPs mixtures (0.04 Li + 0.09 MPs mg/L) reduced the population fitness by 32 % and 41 %, respectively. Warmer temperature, Li (0.05 mg/L) and Li-MPs mixtures (0.05 Li + 0.09 MPs mg/L) reduced it by 63 % and 71 %, respectively. At warmer temperature or high light intensity, higher concentrations of Li and Li-MPs mixtures lead to population extinction. Based on the population growth rate and using data of bioassays with MPs alone done simultaneously, Li and MPs interactions were antagonistic or synergistic depending on the scenario. High light intensity and chemical stress generally acted synergistically. Warmer temperature and chemical stress always acted synergistically. These findings highlight the threats of long-term exposure to Li and Li-MPs mixtures to freshwater zooplankton and Global Health in a warmer world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Martins
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Department of Population Studies, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Ecology (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Ecotoxicology, Stress Ecology and Environmental Health (ECOTOX), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Diana Dias da Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU CRL, Rua Central de Gandra, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Renata Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lúcia Guilhermino
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Department of Population Studies, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Ecology (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Ecotoxicology, Stress Ecology and Environmental Health (ECOTOX), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
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28
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Sun Y, Qian Y, Geng S, Wang P, Zhang L, Yang Z. Joint effects of microplastics and ZnO nanoparticles on the life history parameters of rotifers and the ability of rotifers to eliminate harmful phaeocystis. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 310:136939. [PMID: 36273615 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The rising concentration of microplastics and nanoparticles coexisting simultaneously in marine may bring joint harm to zooplankton. Rotifer is an important functional group of marine zooplankton, which plays an important role in the energy flow of marine ecosystem. To evaluate the comprehensive effects of nano-sized microplastics and metal oxide nanoparticles on life history parameters of rotifers and population dynamics of rotifers during eliminating harmful algae Phaeocystis, we exposed rotifers Brachionus plicatilis to the multiple combinations of different concentrations of nanoplastics and ZnO nanoparticles. Results showed that rotifer maturation time was prolonged and the total offspring was decreased significantly with rising ZnO nanoparticles and microplastics concentrations, and microplastics and ZnO nanoparticles had significant interaction, which brought more serious joint deleterious effects on survival, development, and reproduction. At the population level, ZnO nanoparticles exacerbated the delayed effect of microplastics on the elimination of Phaeocystis by rotifers, although eventually rotifers also completely eliminated Phaeocystis in the closed system. This study provided new insights into revealing the comprehensive impact of microplastics and ZnO nanoparticles on zooplankton not only from the perspective of life history parameters of rotifers but also from the perspective of population dynamics of rotifers controlling harmful algae, which is of great significance to understand the impact of mixed pollutants on marine ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yiqing Qian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shenhui Geng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhou Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Yin J, Long Y, Xiao W, Liu D, Tian Q, Li Y, Liu C, Chen L, Pan Y. Ecotoxicology of microplastics in Daphnia: A review focusing on microplastic properties and multiscale attributes of Daphnia. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 249:114433. [PMID: 38321655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitous presence of microplastics in aquatic environments is considered a global threat to aquatic organisms. Species of the genus Daphnia provide an important link between aquatic primary producers and consumers of higher trophic levels; furthermore, these organisms exhibit high sensitivity to various environmental pollutants. Hence, the biological effects of microplastics on Daphnia species are well documented. This paper reviews the latest research regarding the ecotoxicological effects of microplastics on Daphnia, including the: 1) responses of individual, population, and community attributes of Daphnia to microplastics; 2) influence of the physical and chemical properties of microplastics; and 3) joint toxicity of microplastics and other pollutants on responses of Daphnia. Our literature review found that the published literature does not provide sufficient evidence to reveal the risks of microplastics at the population and community levels. Furthermore, we emphasized that high-level analysis has more general implications for understanding how individual-level research can reveal the ecological hazards of microplastics on Daphnia. Based on this review, we suggest avenues for future research, including microplastic toxicology studies based on both omics-based and community-level methods, especially the latter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Yin
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China; Instititue of International Rivers and Eco-security, Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Trans-Boundary Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China; Yunnan International Cooperative Center of Plateau Lake Ecological Restoration and Watershed Management & Yunnan Think Tank of Ecological Civilization, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
| | - Yaoyue Long
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China; Yunnan International Cooperative Center of Plateau Lake Ecological Restoration and Watershed Management & Yunnan Think Tank of Ecological Civilization, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
| | - Weiyi Xiao
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China; Yunnan International Cooperative Center of Plateau Lake Ecological Restoration and Watershed Management & Yunnan Think Tank of Ecological Civilization, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China; Yunnan International Cooperative Center of Plateau Lake Ecological Restoration and Watershed Management & Yunnan Think Tank of Ecological Civilization, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
| | - Qindong Tian
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China; Yunnan International Cooperative Center of Plateau Lake Ecological Restoration and Watershed Management & Yunnan Think Tank of Ecological Civilization, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
| | - Ya Li
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China; Yunnan International Cooperative Center of Plateau Lake Ecological Restoration and Watershed Management & Yunnan Think Tank of Ecological Civilization, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
| | - Change Liu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China; Yunnan International Cooperative Center of Plateau Lake Ecological Restoration and Watershed Management & Yunnan Think Tank of Ecological Civilization, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
| | - Liqiang Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
| | - Ying Pan
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China; Yunnan International Cooperative Center of Plateau Lake Ecological Restoration and Watershed Management & Yunnan Think Tank of Ecological Civilization, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China.
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Sun N, Shi H, Li X, Gao C, Liu R. Combined toxicity of micro/nanoplastics loaded with environmental pollutants to organisms and cells: Role, effects, and mechanism. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 171:107711. [PMID: 36566717 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) are ubiquitous in the environment and living organisms have been exposed to these substances for a long time. When MPs/NPs enter different organisms, they transport various pollutants, including heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, drugs, bacteria, and viruses, from the environment. On this basis, this paper summarizes the combined toxicity induced by MPs/NPs accumulating contaminants from the environment and entering organisms through a systematic review of 162 articles. Moreover, the factors influencing toxic interactions are critically discussed, thus highlighting the dominant role of the relative concentrations of contaminants in the combined toxic effects. Furthermore, for the first time, we describe the threats posed by MPs/NPs combined with other pollutants to human health, as well as their cytotoxic behavior and mechanism. We found that the "Trojan horse" effect of nanoplastics can increase the bioaccessibility of environmental pollutants, thus increasing the carcinogenic risk to humans. Simultaneously, the complex pollutants entering the cells are observed to be constantly dissociated due to the transport of lysosomes. However, current research on the intracellular release of MP/NP-loaded pollutants is relatively poor, which hinders the accurate in vivo toxicity assessment of combined pollutants. Based on the findings of our critical review, we recommend analyzing the toxic effects by clarifying the dose relationship of each component pollutant in cells, which is challenging yet crucial to exploring the toxic mechanism of combined pollution. In the future, our findings can contribute to establishing a system modeling the complete load-translocation toxicological mechanism of MP/NP-based composite pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong Province, 72#, Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Huijian Shi
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong Province, 72#, Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Xiangxiang Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong Province, 72#, Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Canzhu Gao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong Province, 72#, Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Rutao Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong Province, 72#, Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China.
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Yan G, Sun Y, Yang L, Zhang Y, Zhang W. Polystyrene microplastics protect lettuce ( Lactuca sativa) from the hazardous effects of Cu(OH) 2 nanopesticides. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1087754. [PMID: 36570908 PMCID: PMC9772688 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1087754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Copper-based nanopesticides are released into the environment during foliar spray application, and they could, on their own or in combination with microplastics (MPs), pose threats to environmental safety and human health. In this study, Cu(OH)2 nanowires greatly decreased the vigor of lettuce seeds (p< 0.01) and the root length of lettuce seedlings (p< 0.01) and significantly altered the lettuce antioxidant defence system and MDA content (p< 0.05). Released Cu2+ played a critical role in the toxicity mechanism of Cu(OH)2 nanowires in lettuce seedlings, as evidenced by the substantial accumulation of Cu in the seedling roots (p< 0.01) rather than in the leaves. Polystyrene (PS) MPs (1 mg/L) stimulated lettuce seedling growth, as shown by the (highly) significant increase in root and leaf length and in the seed vigor index (p< 0.01 or 0.05). Notably, PS MPs (1 mg/L) neutralized the hazardous effects of 1 mg/L Cu(OH)2 nanowire treatment on lettuce growth, as reflected by the vitality and root length of the seedlings returning to normal levels. The PS MPs (1 mg/L) absorbed on middle root surfaces and strongly hindered Cu accumulation in lettuce roots, which was the predominant mechanism by which PS MPs suppressed the hazardous effects of the Cu(OH)2 nanowires. This study strengthens the understanding of the toxicity and toxicity mechanisms of Cu(OH)2 nanowires with or without PS MPs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanjie Yan
- China‐UK‐NYNU‐RRes Joint Laboratory of Insect Biology, Henan Key Laboratory of Insect Biology in Funiu Mountain, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, China
| | - YongHao Sun
- Center for Environment and Health in Water Source Area of South-to-North Water Diversion, School of Public Health, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Liting Yang
- Center for Environment and Health in Water Source Area of South-to-North Water Diversion, School of Public Health, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Center for Environment and Health in Water Source Area of South-to-North Water Diversion, School of Public Health, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Weicheng Zhang
- Center for Environment and Health in Water Source Area of South-to-North Water Diversion, School of Public Health, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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Yuan Y, Qin Y, Wang M, Xu W, Chen Y, Zheng L, Chen W, Luo T. Microplastics from agricultural plastic mulch films: A mini-review of their impacts on the animal reproductive system. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 244:114030. [PMID: 36058163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic mulch films (PMFs) are widely used to improve crop quality and quantity. Although they provide a range of benefits, they degrade into widespread microplastics (MPs), which can cause an unavoidable risk of environmental problems. The residue of PMFs is a significant source of MPs in soils, which can then spread into various ecosystems and be easily absorbed by organisms due to their small size, and subsequently transported through food chain. Notably, MPs have been found in the human placenta, stool and blood, raising an urgent reminder of the potential dangers of MPs to human health. This review summarizes recent studies concerning the effects of MPs on the reproductive system in soil invertebrates, aquatic animals and rodents of both sexes and the mechanisms by which MPs affect the animal reproductive system. The studies on females demonstrated that MPs decrease oocyte quantity and quality, and induce ovary fibrosis, pyroptosis and apoptosis of granulosa cells. In addition, disrupted integrity of the blood-testis barrier, damaged spermatogenesis and compromised sperm quality have been shown in most studies on male animals. The studies on the mechanisms of these effects have provided evidence that MPs act on the animal reproductive system through reactive oxygen species-related mechanisms by initiating the Wnt/β-Catenin and NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathways in females, and the Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB, p38 MAPK and MAPK/Nrf2 pathways in males. Taken together, these studies reveal the reproductive toxicity of MPs from PMF on animals and serve as a reminder to properly dispose of PMF waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yuan
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Yiwen Qin
- School of Software, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330047, PR China
| | - Meng Wang
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Wenqing Xu
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Ying Chen
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Liping Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Wen Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, PR China.
| | - Tao Luo
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China.
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Kaur H, Rawat D, Poria P, Sharma U, Gibert Y, Ethayathulla AS, Dumée LF, Sharma RS, Mishra V. Ecotoxic effects of microplastics and contaminated microplastics - Emerging evidence and perspective. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 841:156593. [PMID: 35690218 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The high prevalence and persistence of microplastics (MPs) in pristine habitats along with their accumulation across environmental compartments globally, has become a matter of grave concern. The resilience conferred to MPs using the material engineering approaches for outperforming other materials has become key to the challenge that they now represent. The characteristics that make MPs hazardous are their micro to nano scale dimensions, surface varied wettability and often hydrophobicity, leading to non-biodegradability. In addition, MPs exhibit a strong tendency to bind to other contaminants along with the ability to sustain extreme chemical conditions thus increasing their residence time in the environment. Adsorption of these co-contaminants leads to modification in toxicity varying from additive, synergistic, and sometimes antagonistic, having consequences on flora, fauna, and ultimately the end of the food chain, human health. The resulting environmental fate and associated risks of MPs, therefore greatly depend upon their complex interactions with the co-contaminants and the nature of the environment in which they reside. Net outcomes of such complex interactions vary with core characteristics of MPs, the properties of co-contaminants and the abiotic factors, and are required to be better understood to minimize the inherent risks. Toxicity assays addressing these concerns should be ecologically relevant, assessing the impacts at different levels of biological organization to develop an environmental perspective. This review analyzed and evaluated 171 studies to present research status on MP toxicity. This analysis supported the identification and development of research gaps and recommended priority areas of research, accounting for disproportionate risks faced by different countries. An ecological perspective is also developed on the environmental toxicity of contaminated MPs in the light of multi-variant stressors and directions are provided to conduct an ecologically relevant risk assessment. The presented analyses will also serve as a foundation for developing environmentally appropriate remediation methods and evaluation frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harveen Kaur
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Deepak Rawat
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India; Department of Environmental Studies, Janki Devi, Memorial College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110060, India
| | - Pankaj Poria
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Udita Sharma
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Yann Gibert
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | | | - Ludovic F Dumée
- Khalifa University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Research and Innovation Center on CO(2) and Hydrogen, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Radhey Shyam Sharma
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India; Delhi School of Climate Change & Sustainability, Institute of Eminence, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
| | - Vandana Mishra
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
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Nano-ecotoxicology in a changing ocean. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-022-05147-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe ocean faces an era of change, driven in large by the release of anthropogenic CO2, and the unprecedented entry of pollutants into the water column. Nanomaterials, those particles < 100 nm, represent an emerging contaminant of environmental concern. Research on the ecotoxicology and fate of nanomaterials in the natural environment has increased substantially in recent years. However, commonly such research does not consider the wider environmental changes that are occurring in the ocean, i.e., ocean warming and acidification, and occurrence of co-contaminants. In this review, the current literature available on the combined impacts of nanomaterial exposure and (i) ocean warming, (ii) ocean acidification, (iii) co-contaminant stress, upon marine biota is explored. Here, it is identified that largely co-stressors influence nanomaterial ecotoxicity by altering their fate and behaviour in the water column, thus altering their bioavailability to marine organisms. By acting in this way, such stressors, are able to mitigate or elevate toxic effects of nanomaterials in a material-specific manner. However, current evidence is limited to a relatively small set of test materials and model organisms. Indeed, data is biased towards effects upon marine bivalve species. In future, expanding studies to involve other ecologically significant taxonomic groups, primarily marine phytoplankton will be highly beneficial. Although limited in number, the available evidence highlights the importance of considering co-occurring environmental changes in ecotoxicological research, as it is likely in the natural environment, the material of interest will not be the sole stressor encountered by biota. As such, research examining ecotoxicology alongside co-occurring environmental stressors is essential to effectively evaluating risk and develop effective long-term management strategies.
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Martins A, da Silva DD, Silva R, Carvalho F, Guilhermino L. Long-term effects of lithium and lithium-microplastic mixtures on the model species Daphnia magna: Toxicological interactions and implications to 'One Health'. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:155934. [PMID: 35577095 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contamination with lithium (Li) and microplastics (MP) has been steadily increasing and this trend is expected to continue in the future. Many freshwater ecosystems, which are crucial to reach the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, are particularly vulnerable to Li and MP contamination, and other pressures. The long-term effects of Li, either alone or combined with MP (Li-MP mixtures), were investigated using the freshwater zooplankton micro-crustacean Daphnia magna as model species. In the laboratory, D. magna females were exposed for 21 days to water concentrations of Li (0.02, 0.04, 0.08 mg/L) or Li-MP mixtures (0.02 Li + 0.04 MP, 0.04 Li + 0.09 MP mg/L, 0.08 Li + 0.19 MP mg/L). In the range of concentrations tested, Li and Li-MP mixtures caused parental mortality, and decreased the somatic growth (up to 20% and 40% reduction, respectively) and the reproductive success (up to 93% and 90% reduction, respectively). The 21-day EC50s of Li and Li-MP mixtures on D. magna reproduction were 0.039 mg/L and 0.039 Li + 0.086 MP mg/L, respectively. Under exposure to the highest concentration of Li (0.08 mg/L) and Li-MP mixtures (0.08 Li + 0.19 MP mg/L), the mean of D. magna population growth rate was reduced by 67% and 58%, respectively. Based on the population growth rate and using data from a bioassay testing the same concentrations of MP alone and carried simultaneously, the toxicological interaction between Li and MP was antagonism under exposure to the lowest and the highest concentrations of Li-MP mixtures, and synergism under exposure to the medium concentration of Li-MP mixtures. These findings highlight the need of further investigating the combined effects of contaminants, and the threat of long-term environmental contamination with Li and MP to freshwater zooplankton, biodiversity, ecosystem services and 'One Health'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Martins
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Department of Population Studies, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Ecology (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Ecotoxicology, Stress Ecology and Environmental Health (ECOTOX), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Diana Dias da Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU CRL, Rua Central de Gandra, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal.
| | - Renata Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Félix Carvalho
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Lúcia Guilhermino
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Department of Population Studies, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Ecology (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Ecotoxicology, Stress Ecology and Environmental Health (ECOTOX), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
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Liang X, Zhou D, Wang J, Li Y, Liu Y, Ning Y. Evaluation of the toxicity effects of microplastics and cadmium on earthworms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 836:155747. [PMID: 35533859 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metal pollution have become research hotspots in recent years. This study focused on the comprehensive evaluation of the toxicity effect on Eisenia fetida under combined exposure to MPs and the heavy metal cadmium (Cd). With Cd concentration, MPs concentration and MPs partical size as stress factors, the TOPSIS model was constructed to explore the toxicity levels of the stress factors. A short-term co-exposure test and a long-term co-exposure test were designed by orthogonal combination tests with equivalent toxicity levels. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione S transferase (GST), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the contents of protein (TP), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in earthworms were determined. Integrated biological responses version 2 (IBRv2) was used to evaluate the toxicity of MPs and Cd combined exposure on earthworms. The results showed that the toxicity ratio of Cd concentration, MPs concentration and MPs partical size was 46 to 29 to 25. Combined exposure to MPs and Cd enhanced the activities of SOD, POD, CAT, GPX and GST, MDA and GSH contents also increased, while the AChE activities were inhibited. SOD, GPX and GST play important roles in the resistance of earthworms to pollutant stress. During short-term co-exposure, Cd concentration had antagonistic effects with on MPs concentration and MPs partical size, while they showed synergistic effects during long-term co-exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Liang
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Dongxing Zhou
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Jiahao Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Yunfei Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Yu Liu
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Yucui Ning
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China.
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Bhagat J, Zang L, Kaneco S, Nishimura N, Shimada Y. Combined exposure to nanoplastics and metal oxide nanoparticles inhibits efflux pumps and causes oxidative stress in zebrafish embryos. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 835:155436. [PMID: 35461948 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquity of microplastic/nanoplastics (MP/NPs) provides an opportunity for their interaction with other widely spread environmental contaminants. MP/NP and nanoparticles share a similar transport route from sources, production, and disposal. Metal oxide nanoparticles (nMOx) have varied industrial applications, and limited knowledge is available on their interaction with MP/NPs. The present study investigated the effect of NPs (1 mg/L) on the efflux of two nMOx, aluminium oxide nanoparticles (nAl2O3, 1 mg/L) and cerium oxide nanoparticles (nCeO2, 1 mg/L), and their combined toxicity to zebrafish embryos. The results illustrated increased accumulation of aluminium and cerium in the combined exposure group compared to the nMOx alone treatment. The presence of NPs exacerbated the oxidative stress caused by nAl2O3 and nCeO2, as evidenced by an increase in the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS), alteration of antioxidants, and lipid peroxidation. The integrated biomarker response (IBRv2) values showed the induction of an antioxidative response in NP + nAl2O3, whereas a decline in IBRv2 values was observed in NP + nCeO2. Our results indicate that NPs aggravated the accumulation of nMOx and their toxicity. The present work highlights that more attention should be paid to the discharge of these contaminants into the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacky Bhagat
- Graduate School of Regional Innovation Studies, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Mie University Zebrafish Drug Screening Center, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Liqing Zang
- Graduate School of Regional Innovation Studies, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Mie University Zebrafish Drug Screening Center, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kaneco
- Department of Chemistry for Materials, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Norihiro Nishimura
- Graduate School of Regional Innovation Studies, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Mie University Zebrafish Drug Screening Center, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Shimada
- Mie University Zebrafish Drug Screening Center, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Department of Integrative Pharmacology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Department of Bioinformatics, Mie University Advanced Science Research Promotion Center, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
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Tong L, Song K, Wang Y, Yang J, Ji J, Lu J, Chen Z, Zhang W. Zinc oxide nanoparticles dissolution and toxicity enhancement by polystyrene microplastics under sunlight irradiation. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134421. [PMID: 35346738 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) dissolution is a critical process for the transformation and toxicity of ZnO NPs in aquatic environments. However, the effect of microplastics (MPs) on dissolution and toxicity of ZnO NPs under sunlight irradiation is still lacking. Herein, the dramatic increase in sunlight-induced ZnO NPs dissolution by polystyrene (PS) MPs was proven, which was attributed to the increase in h+-dependent and proton-dependent ZnO NPs dissolution by PS MPs, yielding 1O2 generation inhibition and acid release, respectively. The sizes, functional groups and aging status of PS MPs and pH were characteristic ZnO NPs dissolution through modifying 1O2, •OH and O2•- generation and acid release. Furthermore, the ZnO NPs dissolution affected by PS MPs also occurred in three realistic water samples, which were mainly governed by dissolved organic matter (DOM) and CO32-, rather than Cl- or SO42-. The PS MPs (1 μg/mL) dramatically altered the Zn2+:ZnO ratio in ZnO NPs suspension after 96 h of sunlight irradiation and presented vehicle effects on Zn2+, which in turn significantly increased the ion-related toxicity of ZnO NPs to Daphnia magna. Based on the PS MPs enhanced dissolution and toxicity of ZnO NPs, the effects of PS MPs on the environmental risk assessment of ZnO NPs should be seriously considered in freshwater environments under sunlight irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Tong
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Water Security for Water Source Region of Midline of South-to-North Diversion Project of Henan Province, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China
| | - Ke Song
- Institute for Advanced Ocean Study, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Yingqi Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Water Security for Water Source Region of Midline of South-to-North Diversion Project of Henan Province, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China
| | - Jianwei Yang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Water Security for Water Source Region of Midline of South-to-North Diversion Project of Henan Province, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China
| | - Jun Ji
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Water Security for Water Source Region of Midline of South-to-North Diversion Project of Henan Province, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China
| | - Jianrong Lu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Water Security for Water Source Region of Midline of South-to-North Diversion Project of Henan Province, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China
| | - Zhaojin Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Water Security for Water Source Region of Midline of South-to-North Diversion Project of Henan Province, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China
| | - Weicheng Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Water Security for Water Source Region of Midline of South-to-North Diversion Project of Henan Province, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, China.
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Wang Q, Li Y, Chen Y, Tian L, Gao D, Liao H, Kong C, Chen X, Junaid M, Wang J. Toxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and polybrominated diphenyl ethers to zebrafish (Danio rerio). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 126:21-33. [PMID: 35597397 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) are good carriers of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and can alter their bioavailability and toxic impacts to aquatic organisms. This study highlights the single and combined toxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) and 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47, one of the dominant congeners of PBDEs) on zebrafish embryos after an exposure duration of up to 120 hpf. Results showed that PS-NPs and BDE-47 co-exposure exacerbated the morphological deformities in terms of pericardial edema, yolk sac edema and curved tail in zebrafish larvae. Compared to BDE-47 single exposure, the combined exposure caused lower survival rates, shorter body lengths, and accelerated spontaneous movements. Further, PS-NPs were quickly aggregated on the surface of the embryonic chorions covered almost the entire membrane at 12 and 48 hpf, and concentration dependent accumulation was also found in the brain, mouth, trunk, gills, heart, liver and gastrointestinal tract at the larval stages. During the recovery period (7 days), PS-NPs were released from all the organs, with the highest elimination from the gastrointestinal tract. Histopathological examination revealed that co-exposure caused greater damage to retinal structures, muscle fibers and cartilage tissues. Responses of hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis (CRH, TSHβ, NIS, TTR, Dio2, TG, TRα and TRβ) and reproduction (Esr2 and Vtg1) related genes were also investigated, and results showed that the co-exposure induced more significant upregulated expressions of TSHβ, TG, Doi 2, and TRβ, compared to BDE-47 single exposure. In conclusion, co-exposure to NPs and BDE-47 exacerbated developmental and thyroid toxicity in zebrafish, generally elucidating the toxicological effects mediated by complex chemical interactions between NPs with POPs in the freshwater environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuping Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yizheng Li
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yurou Chen
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Liyan Tian
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Dandan Gao
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Hongping Liao
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Chunmiao Kong
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xikun Chen
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Muhammad Junaid
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Tong L, Duan P, Tian X, Huang J, Ji J, Chen Z, Yang J, Yu H, Zhang W. Polystyrene microplastics sunlight-induce oxidative dissolution, chemical transformation and toxicity enhancement of silver nanoparticles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 827:154180. [PMID: 35231509 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The coexistence of microplastics (MPs) and nanomaterials has been increasingly studied, but the influence of MPs on the chemical transformation of nanomaterials remains unclear. Herein, it was demonstrated that polystyrene (PS) MPs induce the oxidative dissolution, transformation and toxicity of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) under simulated sunlight irradiation. The PS MPs induced the oxidation dissolution of pristine Ag NPs by 1O2, OH and/or acid release and simultaneously reduced the released Ag+ to secondary Ag NPs by O2-. The sizes, functional groups and ageing status of the PS MPs and pH characterized secondary Ag NPs formation. Secondary formation of Ag NPs induced by PS MPs also occurred in realistic water and was governed by dissolved organic matter (DOM) and Cl-, rather than SO42- or CO32-. Moreover, PS MPs remarkably promoted Ag+ release, altered the Ag+:Ag0 ratio, and presented vehicle effects on Ag+ toxicity to Daphnia magna. The concentration addition model demonstrated that the ion-related toxicity of Ag NPs was significantly increased by PS MPs. Therefore, PS MPs induced the oxidative dissolution, transformation and toxicity enhancement of Ag NPs under sunlight irradiation, and accordingly, the coexistence of PS MPs and Ag NPs in freshwater environments should be seriously considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Tong
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Water Security for Water Source Region of Mid-line of South-to-North Diversion Project of Henan Province, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China
| | - Peng Duan
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, China
| | - Xiang Tian
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Water Security for Water Source Region of Mid-line of South-to-North Diversion Project of Henan Province, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China
| | - Jiaolong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, China
| | - Jun Ji
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Water Security for Water Source Region of Mid-line of South-to-North Diversion Project of Henan Province, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China
| | - Zhaojin Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Water Security for Water Source Region of Mid-line of South-to-North Diversion Project of Henan Province, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China
| | - Jianwei Yang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Water Security for Water Source Region of Mid-line of South-to-North Diversion Project of Henan Province, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China
| | - Haiying Yu
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Weicheng Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Water Security for Water Source Region of Mid-line of South-to-North Diversion Project of Henan Province, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China.
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Masekameni MD, Andraos C, Yu IJ, Gulumian M. Exposure Assessment of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Generated During the Synthesis Process in a South African Research Laboratory. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:892703. [PMID: 35694683 PMCID: PMC9174523 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.892703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the synthesis of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), various occupational exposures occur, leading to health consequences. To date, there is paucity of studies focused on modeling the deposition of nanoparticles emitted from ENMs synthesis processes. This study aimed to characterise and assess exposure to gold (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) during a synthesis process in a research laboratory in South Africa. AuNPs and AgNPs synthesis processes were monitored for an hour in a laboratory using a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer. The monitoring was conducted at a height of 1.2–1.5 m (m) and 1.5 m away from the hood, assuming a 30 cm (cm) breathing circumference zone. Each synthesis process was monitored thrice to generate reliable point estimates, which were used to assess exposure over 8 hours. A time-weighted average concentration was calculated and compared to the derived 8-h occupational exposure limit (OEL) for AgNPs (0.19 μg/m3) and the proposed provisional nano reference value for AuNPs (20,000 particles/cm3). The Multiple-Path Particle Dosimetry model was used to calculate the deposition and retention of both AuNPs and AgNPs. NPs emitted during the synthesis process were dominant in the nuclei (79% for AuNPs and 54% for AgNPs), followed by the Aitken (12% for AuNPs and 29% for AgNPs), with fewer particles in the accumulation mode (9.2% for AuNPs and 17% for AgNPs). AuNPs and AgNPs generated during the synthesis process were determined at 1617.3 ± 102 cm3 (0.046 μg/m3) and 2,687 cm3 ± 620 (0.077 μg/m3), respectively. For the three exposure scenarios, none exceeded the occupational exposure limit for both AuNPs (provisional) and AgNPs (OEL). Workers in the synthesis laboratory are exposed to a concentration below the recommended occupational exposure limit for silver and the proposed provisional nano reference value for gold. Although, the concentrations to which laboratory workers are exposed to are below safe levels, the assessment of the lung deposition patterns indicate a high particle lung retention which raise concerns about long term safety of workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masilu D. Masekameni
- Occupational Health Division, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Masilu D. Masekameni,
| | - Charlene Andraos
- N Toxicology and Biochemistry Department, National Institute for Occupational Health, National 7 Health Laboratory Services, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Il Je Yu
- HCT, Majang-myeon, Icheon, Korea
| | - Mary Gulumian
- Haematology and Molecular Medicine Department, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Jiao K, Yang B, Wang H, Xu W, Zhang C, Gao Y, Sun W, Li F, Ji D. The individual and combined effects of polystyrene and silver nanoparticles on nitrogen transformation and bacterial communities in an agricultural soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 820:153358. [PMID: 35077800 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The effects of emerging contaminants micro/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on health have attracted universal concern throughout the world. However, it is unclear on the combined effects of MPs/NPs and Ag NPs on the biogeochemistry cycle such as nitrogen transformation and functional microorganism in the soil. In the present study, we conducted a 45-day soil microcosm experiment with polystyrene (PS) MPs/NPs and Ag NPs to investigate their combined impact on nitrogen cycling and the bacterial community. The results showed that MPs or NPs exerted limited effects on nitrogen transformation in the soil. The combined effects of PS MPs/NPs and Ag NPs were mainly caused by the presence of Ag NPs. However, PS NPs alleviated the inhibition of anammox and denitrification induced by Ag NPs via upregulating anammox-related genes and elevating nitrate and nitrite reductase activities. PS MPs + Ag NPs treatment significantly reduced bacterial diversity. PS MPs/NPs + Ag NPs increased the relative abundances of denitrifying Cupriavidus by 0.32% and 0.06% but decreased nitrogen-fixing functional microorganisms of Microvirga (by 2.05% and 2.24%), Bacillus (by 0.16% and 0.22%), and Herbaspirillum (by 0.14% and 0.07%) at the genus level compared with Ag NPs alone. The significant downregulation of nitrogen-fixing genes (K02586, K02588, and K02591) was observed in PS MPs/NPs + Ag NPs treatment compared to Ag NPs in the nitrogen metabolism pathway. Moreover, g-Lysobacter and g-Aquimonas were identified as biomarkers in PS MPs + Ag NPs and PS NPs + Ag NPs by LEfSe analysis. Our study sheds the light that changes of functional microorganism abundances contributed to the alteration of nitrogen transformation. Taking the particle size of plastics into account will be helpful to accurately assess the combined ecological risks of plastics and nanomaterial contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keqin Jiao
- School of Water Conservancy and Environment, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Land Consolidation, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Baoshan Yang
- School of Water Conservancy and Environment, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Land Consolidation, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Water Conservancy and Environment, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Land Consolidation, Xi'an 710054, China.
| | - Wenxue Xu
- School of Water Conservancy and Environment, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Land Consolidation, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Chuanfeng Zhang
- School of Water Conservancy and Environment, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Land Consolidation, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Yongchao Gao
- Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Jinan 250103, China
| | - Wen Sun
- School of Water Conservancy and Environment, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Land Consolidation, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Feng Li
- School of Water Conservancy and Environment, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Land Consolidation, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Dandan Ji
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Science), Jinan 250353, China
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Li Y, Liu Z, Jiang Q, Ye Y, Zhao Y. Effects of nanoplastic on cell apoptosis and ion regulation in the gills of Macrobrachium nipponense. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 300:118989. [PMID: 35157932 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastic, ubiquitous in aquatic environments, are raising concern worldwide. However, studies on nanoplastic exposure and its effects on ion transport in aquatic organisms are limited. In this study, the juvenile oriental river shrimp, Macrobrachium nipponense, was exposed to five levels of nanoplastic concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, 40 mg/L) in order to evaluate cell viability, ion content, ion transport, ATPase activity, and related gene expression. The results showed that the apoptosis rate was higher in the high concentration nanoplastic group (40 mg/L) compared to the low concentration nanoplastic group (5 mg/L) and the control group (0 mg/L). The ion content of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), and calcium (Ca2+) showed a decreasing trend in gill tissue compared to the control group. The Na+K+-ATPase, V(H)-ATPase, Ca2+Mg2+-ATPase, and total ATPase activities in the gills of M. nipponense showed a general decrease with the increasement of nanoplastic concentration and time of exposure. When increasing nanoplastic concentration, the expression of ion transport-related genes in the gills of M. nipponense showed first rise then descend trend. As elucidated by the results, high nanoplastic concentrations have negative effect on cell viability, ion content, ion transport ATPase activity, and ion transport-related gene expression in the gills of M. nipponense. This research provides a theoretical foundation for the toxic effects of nanoplastic in aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Li
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, 310018, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qichen Jiang
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, 210017, China
| | - Yucong Ye
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yunlong Zhao
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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Miloloža M, Bule K, Prevarić V, Cvetnić M, Ukić Š, Bolanča T, Kučić Grgić D. Assessment of the Influence of Size and Concentration on the Ecotoxicity of Microplastics to Microalgae Scenedesmus sp., Bacterium Pseudomonas putida and Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14061246. [PMID: 35335576 PMCID: PMC8952821 DOI: 10.3390/polym14061246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The harmful effects of microplastics are not yet fully revealed. This study tested harmful effects of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics were tested. Growth inhibition tests were conducted using three microorganisms with different characteristics: Scenedesmus sp., Pseudomonas putida, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The growth inhibition test with Scenedesmus sp. is relatively widely used, while the tests with Pseudomonas putida and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were, to our knowledge, applied to microplastics for the first time. The influence of concentration and size of microplastic particles, in the range of 50–1000 mg/L and 200–600 µm, was tested. Determined inhibitions on all three microorganisms confirmed the hazardous potential of the microplastics used. Modeling of the inhibition surface showed the increase in harmfulness with increasing concentration of the microplastics. Particle size showed no effect for Scenedesmus with PE, PP and PET, Pseudomonas putida with PS, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae with PP. In the remaining cases, higher inhibitions followed a decrease in particle size. The exception was Scenedesmus sp. with PS, where the lowest inhibitions were obtained at 400 µm. Finally, among the applied tests, the test with Saccharomyces cerevisiae proved to be the most sensitive to microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Miloloža
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.M.); (K.B.); (V.P.); (M.C.); (T.B.)
| | - Kristina Bule
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.M.); (K.B.); (V.P.); (M.C.); (T.B.)
| | - Viktorija Prevarić
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.M.); (K.B.); (V.P.); (M.C.); (T.B.)
| | - Matija Cvetnić
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.M.); (K.B.); (V.P.); (M.C.); (T.B.)
| | - Šime Ukić
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.M.); (K.B.); (V.P.); (M.C.); (T.B.)
- Correspondence: (Š.U.); (D.K.G.); Tel.: +385-1-4597-217 (Š.U.); Fax: +385-1-4597-250 (Š.U.)
| | - Tomislav Bolanča
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.M.); (K.B.); (V.P.); (M.C.); (T.B.)
- Department for Packaging, Recycling and Environmental Protection, University North, 48000 Koprivnica, Croatia
| | - Dajana Kučić Grgić
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.M.); (K.B.); (V.P.); (M.C.); (T.B.)
- Correspondence: (Š.U.); (D.K.G.); Tel.: +385-1-4597-217 (Š.U.); Fax: +385-1-4597-250 (Š.U.)
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Zheng JL, Chen X, Peng LB, Wang D, Zhu QL, Li J, Han T. Particles rather than released Zn 2+ from ZnO nanoparticles aggravate microplastics toxicity in early stages of exposed zebrafish and their unexposed offspring. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127589. [PMID: 34740155 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge on the interaction between microplastics (MPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) is limited. Here, we investigated effects of embryo-larvae exposure to 500 μg/L polystyrene MPs (5 µm), 1200 μg/L ZnO NPs (< 100 nm), 500 μg/L dissolved Zn2+ from ZnSO4, and the mixtures of MPs and ZnO NPs or ZnSO4 on exposed F0 larvae and unexposed F1 larvae. Consequently, ZnO particles adhered to MPs surfaces rather than Zn2+, and increased Zn transport into larvae. Growth inhibition, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and disturbance of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor (GH/IGF) axis were induced by MPs and ZnO NPs alone, which were further aggravated by their co-exposure in F0 larvae. MPs + ZnO increased apoptotic cells in the gill and esophagus compared with MPs and ZnO NPs alone. Reduced growth and antioxidant capacity and down-regulated GH/IGF axis were merely observed in F1 larvae from F0 parents exposed to MPs + ZnO. Contrary to ZnO NPs, dissolved Zn2+ reversed MPs toxicity, suggesting the protective role of Zn2+ may be not enough to ameliorate thfie negative effects of ZnO particles. To summarize, we found that particles rather than released Zn2+ from ZnO nanoparticles amplified MPs toxicity in early stages of exposed zebrafish and their unexposed offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Lang Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, College of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, PR China.
| | - Xiao Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, College of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, PR China
| | - Li-Bin Peng
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, College of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, PR China
| | - Dan Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, College of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, PR China
| | - Qing-Ling Zhu
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, College of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, PR China
| | - Jiji Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, College of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, PR China
| | - Tao Han
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, College of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, PR China.
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46
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Li P, Liu J, Zhang H. Insights into the interaction of microplastic with silver nanoparticles in natural surface water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 805:150315. [PMID: 34537696 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The combined pollution induced by microplastics (MPs) and other pollutants, such as nanomaterials, has received increasing attention. The interaction between MPs and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) may affect both their behaviors in natural environments, however, knowledge on these effects remains limited. In this study, AgNPs and three common MPs, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS), were co-exposed to natural freshwater and brackish water to investigate the interaction between MPs and AgNPs in natural surface water. The results showed that the environmental behaviour of AgNPs in natural freshwater and brackish water is first of all affected by water chemistry and only in second instance affected by MPs. In natural freshwater, AgNPs remained stable largely dominated by dissolved organic matter (DOM), parts of which were subsequently captured by three MPs in the form of single particles without significant difference. In contrast, both ionic strength and DOM contributed to the aggregation of AgNPs in natural brackish water. PE and PP captured a small amount of AgNPs in the form of aggregates in natural brackish water, while the majority of AgNP aggregates were trapped by PS in natural brackish water. Therefore, both water chemistry and MPs types were found to play crucial roles in the interaction between MPs and AgNPs. These observations also revealed that MPs could serve as carriers for AgNP transport and advance the current understanding of combined pollution between MPs and engineered nanomaterials in natural aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Li
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Jingfu Liu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Hongwu Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
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47
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The Pressing Issue of Micro- and Nanoplastic Contamination: Profiling the Reproductive Alterations Mediated by Oxidative Stress. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020193. [PMID: 35204076 PMCID: PMC8868557 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) are among the most widely distributed pollutants in the environment. It has been suggested that exposure to MPs/NPs can trigger toxicity pathways among which inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) play a pivotal role. Once absorbed, MPs/NPs may act locally or access the bloodstream and, following the translocation process, reach several organs and tissues, including the gonads. Notably, MPs/NPs can bioaccumulate in human and murine placenta, opening new scenarios for toxicological evaluations. We review recent studies on the effects of MPs/NPs on the reproductive health in aquatic and terrestrial organisms of both sexes, focusing on the role of OS and the antioxidant defence system failure as the main underlying mechanisms. Alterations in gametogenesis, embryonic and offspring development, and survival have been shown in most studies and often related to a broken redox balance. All these detrimental effects are inversely related to particle size, whereas they are closely linked to shape, plastic polymer type, superficial functionalization, concentration, and time of exposure. To date, the studies provide insights into the health impacts, but no conclusions can be drawn for reproduction toxicity. The main implication of the few studies on antioxidant substances reveals their potential role in mitigating MP-induced toxic effects.
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48
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López ADF, Fabiani M, Lassalle VL, Spetter CV, Severini MDF. Critical review of the characteristics, interactions, and toxicity of micro/nanomaterials pollutants in aquatic environments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113276. [PMID: 35090270 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
A wide range of contaminants of emerging concern such as micro/nanoplastics (MPs/PNPs) and metal-nanoparticles (Me-NPs) from anthropogenic activities have been identified in aquatic environments. The hazardous effects of these micro/nanomaterials as pollutants in organisms and the lack of knowledge about their behavior in aquatic environments have generated growing concern in the scientific community. The nanomaterials have a colloidal-type behavior due to their size range but with differences in their physicochemical properties. This review comprises the behavior of micro/nanomaterials pollutants and the physicochemical interactions between MPs/PNPs and Me-NPs in aquatic environments, and their potential toxicological effects in organisms. Moreover, this article describes the potential use of Me-NPs to remove MPs/PNPs present in the water column due to their photocatalytic and magnetic properties. It also discusses the challenge to determine harmful effects of micro/nanomaterials pollutants in organisms and provides future research directions to improve integrated management strategies to mitigate their environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Forero López
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - M Fabiani
- Instituto de Química del Sur (INQUISUR), Av. Alem 1253, B8000CPB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - V L Lassalle
- Instituto de Química del Sur (INQUISUR), Av. Alem 1253, B8000CPB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Avenida Alem 1253, B8000CPB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C V Spetter
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Avenida Alem 1253, B8000CPB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M D Fernandez Severini
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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49
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Guilhermino L, Martins A, Lopes C, Raimundo J, Vieira LR, Barboza LGA, Costa J, Antunes C, Caetano M, Vale C. Microplastics in fishes from an estuary (Minho River) ending into the NE Atlantic Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113008. [PMID: 34653887 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Wild fish (Cyprinus carpio, Mugil cephalus, Platichthys flesus) from an estuary of the NE Atlantic coast were investigated for plastic contamination (N = 128). From the 1289 particles recovered from fish samples, 883 were plastics. Among these, 84% were fibres and 97% were microplastics. Thirty-six polymers were identified. The number of microplastics (mean ± SD) per individual fish (MP/fish) was 8 ± 6 in C. carpio, 10 ± 9 in M. cephalus and 2 ± 2 in P. flesus. The means of MP/fish per body site were 6 ± 7 in gastrointestinal tract, 0.5 ± 1.1 in gills, 0.3 ± 0.7 in liver and 0.6 ± 1.2 in muscle samples. A few large fibres in liver (≤ 4841 μm) and muscle (≤ 5810 μm) samples were found. The results evidence the existence of high fish contamination by microplastics and reinforce the need of further research on plastic pollution in estuaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lúcia Guilhermino
- ICBAS, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Department of Populations Study, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Ecology, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Line Global Changes and Ecosystem Services, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Alexandra Martins
- ICBAS, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Department of Populations Study, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Ecology, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Line Global Changes and Ecosystem Services, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Clara Lopes
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Line Global Changes and Ecosystem Services, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; IPMA, Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, IP Division of Oceanography and Marine Environment (DIVOA), Av. Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6, 1495-165 Algés, Portugal.
| | - Joana Raimundo
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Line Global Changes and Ecosystem Services, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; IPMA, Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, IP Division of Oceanography and Marine Environment (DIVOA), Av. Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6, 1495-165 Algés, Portugal.
| | - Luis R Vieira
- ICBAS, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Department of Populations Study, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Ecology, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Line Global Changes and Ecosystem Services, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - L Gabriel A Barboza
- ICBAS, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Department of Populations Study, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Ecology, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Line Global Changes and Ecosystem Services, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Joana Costa
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Line Global Changes and Ecosystem Services, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Carlos Antunes
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Line Global Changes and Ecosystem Services, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; Aquamuseu do Rio Minho, Parque do Castelinho, 4920-290 Vila Nova de Cerveira, Portugal.
| | - Miguel Caetano
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Line Global Changes and Ecosystem Services, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; IPMA, Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, IP Division of Oceanography and Marine Environment (DIVOA), Av. Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6, 1495-165 Algés, Portugal.
| | - Carlos Vale
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Line Global Changes and Ecosystem Services, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
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50
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Chen HL, Gibbins CN, Selvam SB, Ting KN. Spatio-temporal variation of microplastic along a rural to urban transition in a tropical river. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 289:117895. [PMID: 34364115 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is widely recognised as a global issue, posing risks to natural ecosystems and human health. The combination of rapid industrial and urban development and relatively limited environmental regulation in many tropical countries may increase the amount of microplastic entering rivers, but basic data on contamination levels are lacking. This is especially the case in tropical South East Asian countries. In this paper, the abundance, composition and spatio-temporal variation of microplastic in the Langat River, Malaysia, were assessed, and the relationship between microplastic concentration and river discharge was investigated. Water samples were collected over a 12-month period from 8 sampling sites on the Langat, extending from forested to heavily urbanised and industrial areas. All 508 water samples collected over this period contained microplastic; mean concentration across all sites and times was 4.39 particles/L but extended up to 90.00 particles/L in some urban tributaries. Most microplastics were secondary in origin, and dominated by fibres. Microplastic counts correlated directly with river discharge, and counts increased and decreased in response to changes in flow. A time-integrated assessment of the microplastic load conveyed by the Langat suggested that the river is typically (50 % of the time) delivering around 5 billion particles per day to the ocean. The positive correlation between the concentration of microplastics and suspended sediments in the Langat suggested that continuously logging turbidity sensors could be used to provide better estimates of microplastic loads and improve assessment of human and ecological health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ling Chen
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Christopher Neil Gibbins
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Sivathass Bannir Selvam
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Kang Nee Ting
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
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