1
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Shiu RF, Chen TJ, Nan FH, Tsao HC, Ling MP. Risk-based integrated framework for evaluating effects of microplastics to aquatic ecosystems and human health. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2025; 279:121838. [PMID: 40368039 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.121838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2025] [Accepted: 05/11/2025] [Indexed: 05/16/2025]
Abstract
The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in environments and the food web is a serious concern for both aquatic ecosystems and human health. Most studies have used single tool to assess risks primarily to organisms and humans, leaving gaps in comprehensive risk assessments. This study conducted an investigation of MP abundances in surface water and wild oysters from natural estuaries of major rivers in Taiwan. Additionally, the data also used to develop an integrated risk-based framework for evaluating potential risks from organisms to human MP exposure to seafood consumption. We assessed aquatic ecological risk quotients (RQ), oyster mortality exceedance risk (ER), human MP intake exposure, and human liver damage ER. Our data showed that MP abundances ranged from 0.025 to 4.701 items/m3 and 0.015-2.374 items/g (wet weight) in water and oysters, respectively. Although RQ values indicate negligible risk for aquatic ecosystems, but oyster mortality ER results from oysters exposed to MPs showed a 6 % increase in mortality (10 % risk). The probabilistic representation of risk curves of MPs for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in human serum was found to be low, indicating minimal health risk to humans. Overall, our data suggest that relying on a single risk indicator may underestimate potential risks, multi-faceted tools are recommended for assessing organism and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruei-Feng Shiu
- Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 202301, Taiwan; Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 202301, Taiwan.
| | - Tzu-Jung Chen
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 202301, Taiwan
| | - Fan-Hua Nan
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 202301, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Chang Tsao
- Marine Tourism and Yacht Development Center, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 202301, Taiwan
| | - Min-Pei Ling
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 202301, Taiwan.
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2
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Quadroni S, Cesarini G, De Santis V, Galafassi S. Interconnected impacts of water resource management and climate change on microplastic pollution and riverine biocoenosis: A review by freshwater ecologists. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 372:123363. [PMID: 39566213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123363] [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: 07/29/2024] [Revised: 11/03/2024] [Accepted: 11/12/2024] [Indexed: 11/22/2024]
Abstract
The relationship between river hydrology and microplastic (MP) pollution is complex: increased discharge does not always mobilize more MPs, but floods can effectively flush out MPs from river catchments. Climate change and water resource management further influence MP pollution and its fate by altering river hydro-sedimentary regimes. This review investigates the interconnected impacts of these factors from a comprehensive perspective, focusing on how they affect MP concentration in freshwater ecosystems, particularly in regulated rivers and associated reservoirs. Our review reveals a scarcity of studies that jointly analyze the interrelated issues of MP pollution, water resource management, and climate change. Key findings indicate that variations in river discharge significantly influence MP mobilization, mainly depending on catchment land use, channel morphology, position within the catchment, and MP characteristics. Reservoirs function as both sinks and sources of MPs, underscoring their complex role in MP dynamics and the need for sustainable sediment management strategies. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, driven by climate change, along with prolonged droughts intensified by water management practices, exacerbates MP pollution. These changes contribute to the local concentration of MPs, posing direct physical threats to aquatic organisms, particularly benthic species, through pollution and habitat alterations. Current policies on plastic pollution, water resources and climate change are underdeveloped, as these topics have been treated separately so far. In conclusion, this review provides perspectives on future research and policy directions to address challenges posed by MPs and to preserve rivers against multiple stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Quadroni
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Giulia Cesarini
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council of Italy, 28922, Verbania, Pallanza, Italy.
| | - Vanessa De Santis
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council of Italy, 20861, Brugherio, MB, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Silvia Galafassi
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council of Italy, 28922, Verbania, Pallanza, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
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3
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Liu H, Wen Y. Evaluation of the migration behaviour of microplastics as emerging pollutants in freshwater environments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:58294-58309. [PMID: 39298032 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34994-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 10/11/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, as an emerging pollutant, are widely distributed in freshwater environments such as rivers and lakes, posing immeasurable potential risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health. The migration behaviour of microplastics can exacerbate the degree or scope of risk. A complete understanding of the migration behaviour of microplastics in freshwater environments, such as rivers and lakes, can help assess the state of occurrence and environmental risk of microplastics and provide a theoretical basis for microplastic pollution control. Firstly, this review presents the hazards of microplastics in freshwater environments and the current research focus. Then, this review systematically describes the migration behaviours of microplastics, such as aggregation, horizontal transport, sedimentation, infiltration, stranding, resuspension, bed load, and the affecting factors. These migration behaviours are influenced by the nature of the microplastics themselves (shape, size, density, surface modifications, ageing), environmental conditions (ionic strength, cation type, pH, co-existing pollutants, rainfall, flow regime), biology (vegetation, microbes, fish), etc. They can occur cyclically or can end spontaneously. Finally, an outlook for future research is given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haicheng Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, 99 Xuefu Road, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Yu Wen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, 99 Xuefu Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
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4
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Zhao B, Richardson RE, You F. Microplastics monitoring in freshwater systems: A review of global efforts, knowledge gaps, and research priorities. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135329. [PMID: 39088945 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135329] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
The escalating production of synthetic plastics and inadequate waste management have led to pervasive microplastic (MP) contamination in aquatic ecosystems. MPs, typically defined as particles smaller than 5 mm, have become an emerging pollutant in freshwater environments. While significant concern about MPs has risen since 2014, research has predominantly concentrated on marine settings, there is an urgent need for a more in-depth critical review to systematically summarize the current global efforts, knowledge gaps, and research priorities for MP monitoring in freshwater systems. This review evaluates the current understanding of MP monitoring in freshwater environments by examining the distribution, characteristics, and sources of MPs, alongside the progression of analytical methods with quantitative evidence. Our findings suggest that MPs are widely distributed in global freshwater systems, with higher abundances found in areas with intense human economic activities, such as the United States, Europe, and China. MP abundance distributions vary across different water bodies (e.g., rivers, lakes, estuaries, and wetlands), with sampling methods and size range selections significantly influencing reported MP abundances. Despite great global efforts, there is still a lack of harmonized analyzing framework and understanding of MP pollution in specific regions and facilities. Future research should prioritize the development of standardized analysis protocols and open-source MP datasets to facilitate data comparison. Additionally, exploring the potential of state-of-the-art artificial intelligence for rapid, accurate, and large-scale modeling and characterization of MPs is crucial to inform effective strategies for managing MP pollution in freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bu Zhao
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Ruth E Richardson
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Fengqi You
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Systems Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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5
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Abimbola I, McAfee M, Creedon L, Gharbia S. In-situ detection of microplastics in the aquatic environment: A systematic literature review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173111. [PMID: 38740219 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173111] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment and have emerged as a significant environmental issue due to their potential impacts on human health and the ecosystem. Current laboratory-based microplastic detection methods suffer from various drawbacks, including a lack of standardisation, limited spatial and temporal coverage, high costs, and time-consuming procedures. Consequently, there is a need for the development of in-situ techniques to detect and monitor microplastics to effectively identify and understand their sources, pathways, and behaviours. Herein, we adopt a systematic literature review method to assess the development and application of experimental and field technologies designed for the in-situ detection and monitoring of aquatic microplastics, without the need for sample preparation. Four scientific databases were searched in March 2023, resulting in a review of 62 relevant studies. These studies were classified into seven sensor categories and their working principles were discussed. The sensor classes include optical devices, digital holography, Raman spectroscopy, other spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, remote sensing, and other methods. We also looked at how data from these technologies are integrated with machine learning models to develop classifiers capable of accurately characterising the physical and chemical properties of microplastics and discriminating them from other particles. This review concluded that in-situ detection of microplastics in aquatic environments is feasible and can be achieved with high accuracy, even though the methods are still in the early stages of development. Nonetheless, further research is still needed to enhance the in-situ detection of microplastics. This includes exploring the possibility of combining various detection methods and developing robust machine-learning classifiers. Additionally, there is a recommendation for in-situ implementation of the reviewed methods to assess their effectiveness in detecting microplastics and identify their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismaila Abimbola
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland.
| | - Marion McAfee
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Intelligent Systems for Health and Environment (MISHE), Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Leo Creedon
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Intelligent Systems for Health and Environment (MISHE), Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Salem Gharbia
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
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6
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Ertaş A, Gökçe B, Tüney İ. Risk assessment of cigarette butts and microplastic pollution in a drinking and irrigation water basin of West Anatolia, Türkiye. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:676. [PMID: 38951278 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12814-9] [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] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Cigarette butts (CBs) and Microplastics (MPs) have serious harmful effects on the environment and living organisms despite their small size. This research aims to investigate the abundance and pollution status of CBs and MPs in Tahtalı Dam Basin (West Anatolia, Türkiye) which is the most important drinking and irrigation water resources. Clean Environment Index (CEI) and Cigarette Butt Pollution Index (CBPI) were used to determine pollution degree of the basin. The total number of CBs were 1.478 items, the total number of MPs were 477 items/m2 in the basin. As a result of this study, MP particles weren't found in Balaban Stream. Highest number of MP particles observed in 100-250 μm (45%) size class. The most abundant MP type and colour were, fragment (54%) and white (42%), respectively. Polyethylene terephthalate (50%) was the most abundant type of polymer according to the ATR- FTIR analysis. As a result of the CEI and CBPI, the upstream stations of the stream were classified as "clean" status, while downstream sampling points of the stream and Balaban Lake coasts were classified as "extremely dirty" status. The calculated volumes of MP particulates from mining facility, agricultural and recreational activities indicate that anthropogenic factors are the most important MP source in the Tahtalı Dam Basin. This study is the first study about MP and CB pollution of the freshwater ecosystems in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alperen Ertaş
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ege University, 35100, Bornova, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Burak Gökçe
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ege University, 35100, Bornova, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - İnci Tüney
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ege University, 35100, Bornova, İzmir, Türkiye.
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7
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Mennekes D, Mellink YAM, Schreyers LJ, van Emmerik THM, Nowack B. Macroplastic Fate and Transport Modeling: Freshwaters Act as Main Reservoirs. ACS ES&T WATER 2024; 4:2470-2481. [PMID: 38903198 PMCID: PMC11186010 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.3c00817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Macroplastic fate and transport in the freshwater environment are of great concern due to the potentially harmful effects of macroplastic on plants, animals, and humans. Here, we present a modeling approach to simulate macroplastic fate and transport at the country scale based on an existing plastic release model. The fate model was parametrized through available monitoring data and results from field experiments and applied to Swiss rivers and lakes. We found that almost all (98%) macroplastic emissions into freshwater remain within Switzerland. After exploring the influences of weirs, retention in rivers, and retention in lakes through a sensitivity analysis, we found a high retention variability across different catchments and within rivers. In all 22 analyzed scenarios for continuous retention along each river bank (i.e., beaching), we found that at least 70% of input emissions into the water bodies would be retained long-term in the catchments (about 200 g per river km and year). Across all catchments, we found a dominance of "continuous retention" through beaching along the entire river length compared with "point retention" at weirs or lakes. Thus, by modeling macroplastic fate and transport on a country level for the first time, we were able to confirm the concept of "rivers as plastic reservoirs" through modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mennekes
- Technology
and Society Laboratory, Empa—Swiss
Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Yvette A. M. Mellink
- Hydrology and Environmental
Hydraulics Group, Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality
Management Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Louise J. Schreyers
- Hydrology and Environmental
Hydraulics Group, Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality
Management Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tim H. M. van Emmerik
- Hydrology and Environmental
Hydraulics Group, Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality
Management Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bernd Nowack
- Technology
and Society Laboratory, Empa—Swiss
Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
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8
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Li NY, Zhong B, Guo Y, Li XX, Yang Z, He YX. Non-negligible impact of microplastics on wetland ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171252. [PMID: 38423326 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
There has been much concern about microplastic (MP) pollution in marine and soil environments, but attention is gradually shifting towards wetland ecosystems, which are a transitional zone between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This paper comprehensively reviews the sources of MPs in wetland ecosystems, as well as their occurrence characteristics, factors influencing their migration, and their effects on animals, plants, microorganisms, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It was found that MPs in wetland ecosystems originate mainly from anthropogenic sources (sewage discharge, and agricultural and industrial production) and natural sources (rainfall-runoff, atmospheric deposition, and tidal effects). The most common types and forms of MPs identified in the literature were polyethylene and polypropylene, fibers, and fragments. The migration of MPs in wetlands is influenced by both non-biological factors (the physicochemical properties of MPs, sediment characteristics, and hydrodynamic conditions) and biological factors (the adsorption and growth interception by plant roots, ingestion, and animal excretion). Furthermore, once MPs enter wetland ecosystems, they can impact the resident microorganisms, animals, and plants. They also have a role in global warming because MPs act as unique exogenous carbon sources, and can also influence GHG emissions in wetland ecosystems by affecting the microbial community structure in wetland sediments and abundance of genes associated with GHG emissions. However, further investigation is needed into the influence of MP type, size, and concentration on the GHG emissions in wetlands and the underlying mechanisms. Overall, the accumulation of MPs in wetland ecosystems can have far-reaching consequences for the local ecosystem, human health, and global climate regulation. Understanding the effects of MPs on wetland ecosystems is essential for developing effective management and mitigation strategies to safeguard these valuable and vulnerable environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Ying Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; School of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Bo Zhong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yun Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Xian-Xiang Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; School of Geography and Tourism, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 400047, China
| | - Zao Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yi-Xin He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
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9
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Wang Y, Zhao J, Fu Z, Guan D, Zhang D, Zhang H, Zhang Q, Xie J, Sun Y, Wang D. Innovative overview of the occurrence, aging characteristics, and ecological toxicity of microplastics in environmental media. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123623. [PMID: 38387545 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), pollutants detected at high frequency in the environment, can be served as carriers of many kinds of pollutants and have typical characteristics of environmental persistence and bioaccumulation. The potential risks of MPs ecological environment and health have been widely concerned by scholars and engineering practitioners. Previous reviews mostly focused on the pollution characteristics and ecological toxicity of MPs, but there were few reviews on MPs analysis methods, aging mechanisms and removal strategies. To address this issue, this review first summarizes the contamination characteristics of MPs in different environmental media, and then focuses on analyzing the detection methods and analyzing the aging mechanisms of MPs, which include physical aging and chemical aging. Further, the ecotoxicity of MPs to different organisms and the associated enhanced removal strategies are outlined. Finally, some unresolved research questions related to MPs are prospected. This review focuses on the ageing and ecotoxic behaviour of MPs and provides some theoretical references for the potential environmental risks of MPs and their deep control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Wang
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Jianwei Zhao
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China.
| | - Zhou Fu
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Dezheng Guan
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Dalei Zhang
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Hongying Zhang
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Qingdao Jiebao Ecological Technology Co., Ltd., Qingdao, 266000, PR China
| | - Jingliang Xie
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Yingjie Sun
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Dongbo Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China
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He Y, Lu J, Li C, Wang X, Jiang C, Zhu L, Bu X, Jabeen K, Vo TT, Li D. From pollution to solutions: Insights into the sources, transport and management of plastic debris in pristine and urban rivers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 245:118024. [PMID: 38151151 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.118024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
River systems are important recipients of environmental plastic pollution and have become key pathways for the transfer of mismanaged waste from the land to the ocean. Understanding the sources and fate of plastic debris, including plastic litter (>5 mm) and microplastics (MPs) (<5 mm), entering different riverine systems is essential to mitigate the ongoing environmental plastic pollution crisis. We comprehensively investigated the plastic pollution in the catchments of two rivers in the Yangtze River basin: an urban river, the Suzhou section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal (SZ); and a pristine rural river, the Jingmen section of the Hanjiang River (JM). The abundance of plastic pollutants in SZ was significantly higher than in JM: 0.430 ± 0.450 items/m3 and 0.003 ± 0.003 items/m3 of plastic litter in the water; 23.47 ± 25.53 n/m3 and 2.78 ± 1.55 n/m3 MPs in the water; and 218.82 ± 77.40 items/kg and 5.30 ± 1.99 items/kg of MPs in the sediment, respectively. Plastic litter and MPs were closely correlated in abundance and polymer composition. Overall, the polymer type, shape and color of MPs were dominant by polypropylene (42.5%), fragment (60.4%) and transparent (40.0%), respectively. Source tracing analysis revealed that packaging, shipping, and wastewater were the primary sources of plastic pollutants. The mantel analysis indicated that socio-economic and geospatial factors play crucial roles in driving the hotspot formation of plastic pollution in river networks. The composition of the MP communities differed significantly between the sediments and the overlying water. The urban riverbed sediments had a more pronounced pollutant 'sink' effect compared with the pristine rivers. These findings suggested that the modification of natural streams during urbanization may influence the transport and fate of plastic pollutants in them. Our results offer pivotal insights into effective preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinan He
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Region Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 200241, China
| | - Jungang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Region Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 200241, China
| | - Changjun Li
- Ocean School, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Region Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 200241, China
| | - Chunhua Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Region Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 200241, China
| | - Lixin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Region Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 200241, China
| | - Xinyu Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Region Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 200241, China
| | - Khalida Jabeen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Region Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 200241, China
| | - TuanLinh Tran Vo
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Region Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 200241, China; Institute of Oceanography, Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 1 Cau Da Street, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa 650000, Viet Nam
| | - Daoji Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Region Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 200241, China.
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11
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Samuels W, Awe A, Sparks C. Microplastic pollution and risk assessment in surface water and sediments of the Zandvlei Catchment and estuary, Cape Town, South Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 342:122987. [PMID: 38030107 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122987] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) (plastic <5 mm) pollution in South Africa is widespread but few studies have been done in catchments and estuaries of the country. The aim of this study was to investigate the abundance, characteristics and risks posed by microplastics in the Zandvlei Catchment and Estuary in Cape Town, South Africa. Water and sediment were sampled between 2019 and 2021, during wet and dry seasons, MPs extracted and identified using microscopy and fourier-transformed infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) analyses. MP abundances were 70.23 ± 7.36 (standard error) MPs/Kg dw in sediment and 2.62 ± 0.41 MP/L in water samples for the study period. Lower reaches of the catchment and upper reaches of the estuary can be considered sinks for MP contamination as these sites recorded higher MP abundances. MPs were mainly transparent fibres smaller than 0.5 mm. Polyethylene (46%) followed by polypropylene (16%) fibres were the most common polymers recorded. Pollution load indices in MPs were categorised as dangerous in both water and sediment. MP polymer risk indices ranged from moderate in catchment sediment to very high in catchment water. Pollution risk indices were categories as dangerous in water (catchment and sediment) and sediment estuary but low in catchment sediment. Ecological risk assessments hence indicated that polymers in water and sediment were mostly dangerous and poses a threat to the ecological health of both the catchment and estuary studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Samuels
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Adetunji Awe
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Conrad Sparks
- Centre for Sustainable Oceans, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa.
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12
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Wang T, Li B, Shi H, Ding Y, Chen H, Yuan F, Liu R, Zou X. The processes and transport fluxes of land-based macroplastics and microplastics entering the ocean via rivers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133623. [PMID: 38301445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Approximately 80% of marine plastic waste originates from land-based sources and enters oceans through rivers. Hence, to create effective regulations, it is crucial to thoroughly examine the processes by which land-based plastic waste flows into marine environments. To this end, this review covers the complete journey of macro- and microplastics from their initial input into rivers to their ultimate release into oceans. Here, we also discuss the primary influencing factors and current popular research topics. Additionally, the principles, applicability, accuracy, uncertainty, and potential improvement of the standard methods used for flux estimation at each stage are outlined. Emission estimates of land-based macro- and microplastics are typically assessed using the emission factor approach, coefficient accounting approach, or material flow analysis. Accurately estimating mismanaged plastic waste is crucial for reducing uncertainty in the macroplastic emission inventory. In our review of the processes by which land-originating plastics enter rivers, we categorized them into two major types: point-source and diffuse-source pollution. Land surface hydrological models simulate transport from diffuse sources to rivers, necessitating further research. Riverine (micro)plastic flux to the ocean is often estimated using monitoring statistics and watershed hydrological models at the watershed scale; however, standardized monitoring methods have not yet been established. At the global scale, algorithms based on river datasets are often used, which require further improvements in river data selection and microplastic number-mass conversion factors. Furthermore, the article summarizes the accuracy and sources of uncertainty of various methods. Future research efforts should focus on quantifying and mitigating uncertainties in resultant projections. Overall, this review deepens our understanding of the processes by which land-based plastic waste enters the ocean and helps scholars efficiently select or improve relevant methods when studying land-ocean transport fluxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Hazards Forecasting, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization & Nanjing Outskirts Sea-Atmosphere Interface Field Scientific Observation Research Station & College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China.
| | - Baojie Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yongcheng Ding
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Feng Yuan
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Rongze Liu
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization & Nanjing Outskirts Sea-Atmosphere Interface Field Scientific Observation Research Station & College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Xinqing Zou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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13
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Chen R, Zhao X, Wu X, Wang J, Wang X, Liang W. Research progress on occurrence characteristics and source analysis of microfibers in the marine environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115834. [PMID: 38061148 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic microfiber pollution is a growing concern in the marine environment. However, critical issues associated with microfiber origins in marine environments have not been resolved. Herein, the potential sources of marine microfibers are systematically reviewed. The obtained results indicate that surface runoffs are primary contributors that transport land-based microfibers to oceans, and the breakdown of larger fiber plastic waste due to weathering processes is also a notable secondary source of marine microfibers. Additionally, there are three main approaches for marine microplastic source apportionment, namely, anthropogenic source classification, statistical analysis, and numerical simulations based on the Lagrangian particle tracking method. These methods establish the connections between characteristics, transport pathways and sources of microplastics, which provides new insights to further conduct microfiber source apportionment. This study helps to better understand sources analysis and transport pathways of microfibers into oceans and presents a scientific basis to further control microfiber pollution in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouzheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China.
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Junyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Weigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
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14
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Ren SY, Sun Q, Xia SY, Tong D, Ni HG. Microplastics in wastewater treatment plants and their contributions to surface water and farmland pollution in China. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 343:140239. [PMID: 37734500 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are usually considered gateways for microplastics (MPs) to enter the environment because large amounts of sewage are produced and MPs are incompletely removed during treatment processes. However, the contribution of effluent MPs to aquatic environmental pollution and that of sludge application to MPs in agricultural soil are still unknown. This study examines the presence of MPs in sewage and sludge in Shenzhen WWTPs and estimates the annual mass loading of MPs from WWTPs to surface water and farmland soil in China. According to our results, for Shenzhen, the annual contribution of MPs from WWTPs (which was obtained by multiplying the annual treated sewage volume by the estimated MP density in the treated sewage) to surface water could be 70.6-302 tons. With a normalized extrapolation model of population density, the contribution of national urban WWTPs to MPs in surface water was estimated to be 734 -3.10 × 103 tons/year, of which 220-950 tons/year entered the marine environment. Furthermore, the riverine flux of MPs from WWTPs to the ocean amounts to at least 7.0%-30% based on the maximum value of WWTP contribution to MPs in surface water. For sludge, the potential contribution of MPs to agricultural soil from Shenzhen WWTPs is (1.00-2.80) × 103 tons/year. With the above calculation procedure, it was estimated that the contribution of MPs to farmland from sludge application in China is (1.30-3.90) × 104 tons/year. The source appointment results for MPs in China's agricultural soil suggested that the contributions of the main four sources, namely, atmospheric deposition, agricultural mulch film, sludge application, and organic fertilizers, are 52%, 30%, 11%, and 7.0%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yan Ren
- School of Urban Planning and Design, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Qing Sun
- School of Urban Planning and Design, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Shi-Yong Xia
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Observation Supersite, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - De Tong
- School of Urban Planning and Design, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Hong-Gang Ni
- School of Urban Planning and Design, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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15
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Sullivan E, Cole M, Atwood EC, Lindeque PK, Chin PT, Martinez-Vicente V. In situ correlation between microplastic and suspended particulate matter concentrations in river-estuary systems support proxies for satellite-derived estimates of microplastic flux. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115529. [PMID: 37776743 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115529] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are key pathways for transporting microplastics from land to the oceans, yet microplastic flux estimates remain uncertain. Remote sensing allows repeated broad-scale measurements and can be used to extrapolate limited in situ observations. This study investigated the relationship between suspended particulate matter (SPM), a satellite-observable water quality parameter, and microplastic concentration in a partially mixed estuary (Tamar, UK). Microplastic concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 0.99 microplastics/m3, decreasing downstream. A significant correlation was found between SPM and microplastic concentration over two seasons. This relationship was used to compute a multiyear timeseries of proxy microplastic concentration from satellite imagery and produce estimates of annual proxy microplastic flux. This approach could be applied to investigate microplastic flux in other major rivers worldwide where such a relationship between microplastics and SPM exists. To apply this workflow elsewhere, the establishment of local SPM-to-microplastic relationships from in situ observations and local validation of remote sensing SPM algorithms are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Sullivan
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH , United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Matthew Cole
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH , United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Elizabeth C Atwood
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH , United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Penelope K Lindeque
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH , United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Pham Thi Chin
- Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Da Nang, Viet Nam
| | - Victor Martinez-Vicente
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH , United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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16
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Bertoli M, Lesa D, Pastorino P, Mele A, Anselmi S, Barceló D, Prearo M, Renzi M, Pizzul E. Microplastic patterns in riverine waters and leaf litter: Leaf bag technique to investigate the microplastic accumulation trends in lotic ecosystems. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2023; 259:104253. [PMID: 39492377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2023.104253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are one of the major ecological concerns of the last years and despite the increasing interest and the rise of many studies regarding freshwater habitats, many aspects about distribution patterns, transport pathways and impacts of MPs in those systems need to be investigated. The present study characterizes the temporal trends of MP concentrations in waters of a riverine stretch of the northeastern Italy, subject to flow rate variations and investigates the MP accumulations patterns in the leaf litter, simulated in situ via leaf bag technique. MP concentrations in the water were significantly and negatively correlated to the flow rate regimes, with higher concentrations observed during low discharge periods. MPs accumulation in leaf bags agreed with trends observed in the water and the presence of wastewater discharge points positively affects the levels of MP contaminations within the leaf bags. These findings seem to suggest that the maintenance of a hydrological regime at relatively high levels in the investigated system could allow to maintain the self-purifying riverine processes and the disposal of microplastics like any other polluting substance. The use of leaf bag technique for the purpose to investigate MP accumulation trends on field provided useful information, is easy to modulate in terms of time periods and allow to record the evolution of the MP patterns also in relation to high flow rate episodes. Our results suggest that the method can be employed in new a perspective, to improve the knowledge about one of the major threats of the Anthropocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bertoli
- University of Trieste, Department of Life Science, Via Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Davide Lesa
- University of Trieste, Department of Life Science, Via Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Paolo Pastorino
- Zooprophylactic Insitute of Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Antonella Mele
- University of Trieste, Department of Life Science, Via Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Serena Anselmi
- Bioscience Research Center, Via Aurelia Vecchia 32, 58015 Orbetello, GR, Italy
| | - Damià Barceló
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marino Prearo
- Zooprophylactic Insitute of Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Monia Renzi
- University of Trieste, Department of Life Science, Via Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy; Bioscience Research Center, Via Aurelia Vecchia 32, 58015 Orbetello, GR, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Pizzul
- University of Trieste, Department of Life Science, Via Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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17
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Matjašič T, Mori N, Hostnik I, Bajt O, Kovač Viršek M. Microplastic pollution in small rivers along rural-urban gradients: Variations across catchments and between water column and sediments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:160043. [PMID: 36356747 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The aquatic ecosystems of the world are highly burdened with microplastics (MPs; particles <5 mm). There is a great need for better understanding of patterns of MP pollution across catchments and rivers of different sizes, anthropogenic pressures and hydrogeomorphological features. In this study, we investigated the MP concentrations including their characteristics (polymer type, shape, size and colour), and MP distribution in water and sediments of two hydrogeomorphologically different small-scale catchments (< 800 km2), namely Kamniška Bistrica (KB) and Ljubljanica (LJ), Slovenia. The main objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of how WWTP effluents and catchment urbanisation together with the diversity of natural hydrogeomorphology, affect the quantity and quality of MP pollutants in the rivers with smaller catchments. Significantly different mean MP concentrations were found in the water columns (KB: 59 ± 16 items m-3; LJ: 31 ± 14 items m-3), but not in the sediments (KB: 22 ± 20 items kg-1; LJ: 23 ± 25 items kg-1). A longitudinal gradient with increasing particle concentration was observed in both water and sediment samples and in both catchments. Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) particles dominated in all samples. Fibres were predominant in the water column samples, while fragments were more common in the sediment samples. MP particles were mostly coloured, and most of them were smaller than 2 mm in both water and sediment samples. The critical evaluation of the results and previous studies suggest that the characteristics of the catchment (anthropogenic pressures, size, climate, etc.), the hydrogeomorphology of the river (sediment type, discharge, flow velocity etc.), the sampling location along the river, the sampled compartment (water, sediment), the sampling method, and the hydrometeorological characteristics at the time of sampling, are important factors for observed MP concentrations and other characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjaša Matjašič
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Nataša Mori
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irma Hostnik
- Institute for Water of the Republic of Slovenia, Einspielerjeva ulica 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Oliver Bajt
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Maritime Studies and Transport, Pot pomorščakov 4, 6320 Portorož, Slovenia
| | - Manca Kovač Viršek
- Institute for Water of the Republic of Slovenia, Einspielerjeva ulica 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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18
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Leterme SC, Tuuri EM, Drummond WJ, Jones R, Gascooke JR. Microplastics in urban freshwater streams in Adelaide, Australia: A source of plastic pollution in the Gulf St Vincent. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:158672. [PMID: 36419277 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The pollution of marine environments from plastic waste is anticipated to increase with current increases in plastic production. Reciprocally, escalating research efforts provide an improved understanding, monitoring, awareness, and mitigation of plastic contamination. Freshwater streams are recognised as one of the main contributors of microplastic pollution in marine environments. Presented here is the first investigation on the abundance of microplastic contamination (>20 μm and <5 mm) in freshwater streams in Adelaide, Australia. Composite samples were obtained from the sub-surface waters of eight freshwater streams (Magazine Wetland, Torrens River, Brownhill Creek, Sturt River, Field River, Christie Creek, Onkaparinga River and Pedler Creek), just before their connection to the Gulf St Vincent. Microplastics were found in all samples and microplastic abundance was 6.4 ± 5.5 particles.L-1 across all streams, with significant variations. Microplastic abundances found in the freshwater streams of Adelaide were comparatively higher than those found in areas of similar urbanisation, likely due to the varying methodologies used across studies. This work provides evidence, for the first time, of the prevalence of microplastic contamination in the sub-surface waters of eight freshwater streams in metropolitan Adelaide. These findings reinforce the need for long-term and on-going monitoring of freshwater streams for plastic contamination. Furthermore, spatial and temporal monitoring will allow for the identification in changes to the abundances of microplastics discharging from these sources into the Gulf St Vincent and observe if abundances increase or decrease with any future targeted waste management efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie C Leterme
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia; Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Elise M Tuuri
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia; Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Woody J Drummond
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia; Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Russell Jones
- Water Data Services, 1 Erudina Avenue, Edwardstown, SA 5039, Australia.
| | - Jason R Gascooke
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia; Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
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19
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Rozman U, Kalčíková G. The Response of Duckweed Lemna minor to Microplastics and Its Potential Use as a Bioindicator of Microplastic Pollution. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:2953. [PMID: 36365405 PMCID: PMC9658923 DOI: 10.3390/plants11212953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Biomonitoring has become an indispensable tool for detecting various environmental pollutants, but microplastics have been greatly neglected in this context. They are currently monitored using multistep physico-chemical methods that are time-consuming and expensive, making the search for new monitoring options of great interest. In this context, the aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using an aquatic macrophyte as a bioindicator of microplastic pollution in freshwaters. Therefore, the effects and adhesion of three types of microplastics (polyethylene microbeads, tire wear particles, and polyethylene terephthalate fibers) and two types of natural particles (wood dust and cellulose particles) to duckweed Lemna minor were investigated. The results showed that fibers and natural particles had no effect on the specific growth rate, chlorophyll a content, and root length of duckweed, while a significant reduction in the latter was observed when duckweed was exposed to microbeads and tire wear particles. The percentage of adhered particles was ten times higher for polyethylene microbeads than for other microplastics and natural particles, suggesting that the adhesion of polyethylene microbeads to duckweed is specific. Because the majority of microplastics in freshwaters are made of polyethylene, the use of duckweed for their biomonitoring could provide important information on microplastic pollution in freshwaters.
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20
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Chen M, Yue Y, Bao X, Yu H, Tan Y, Tong B, Kumkhong S, Yu Y. Microplastics as Contaminants in Water Bodies and Their Threat to the Aquatic Animals: A Mini-Review. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2864. [PMID: 36290251 PMCID: PMC9597832 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), which are particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm, have been extensively studied due to their serious global pollution. Typically, MPs in water originate from terrestrial input. A number of studies have reported the presence of MPs as a stressor in water environments worldwide, and their potential threat to the aquatic animals, affecting the growth, oxidative stress responses, body composition, histopathology, intestinal flora, and immune and reproduction systems. During the plastic degradation process, a large variety of toxic substances are released. MPs have been proposed to be the carriers of toxic chemicals and harmful microorganisms. A study of the literature on MP pollution and stress on the aquatic animals associated with MPs was carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingshi Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
| | - Yuhua Yue
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
| | - Xiaoxue Bao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
| | - Yuansheng Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
| | - Binbin Tong
- Sinopharm Group Dezhong (Foshan) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Foshan 528225, China
| | - Suksan Kumkhong
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Muban Chombueng Rajabhat University, 46 Moo 3, Chombueng, Ratchaburi 70150, Thailand
| | - Yingying Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
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21
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He B, Liu A, Duan H, Wijesiri B, Goonetilleke A. Risk associated with microplastics in urban aquatic environments: A critical review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 439:129587. [PMID: 35863231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129587] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) has been recognized as a significant environmental threat due to adverse effects spanning from molecular level, organism health, ecosystem services to human health and well-being. MPs are complex environmental contaminants as they bind to a wide range of other contaminants. MPs associated contaminants include toxic chemical substances that are used as additives during the plastic manufacturing process and adsorbed contaminants that co-exist with MPs in aquatic environments. With the transfer between the water column and sediments, and the migration within aquatic systems, such contaminants associated MPs potentially pose high risk to aquatic systems. However, only limited research has been undertaken currently to link the environmental risk associated with MPs occurrence and movement behaviour in aquatic systems. Given the significant environmental risk and current knowledge gaps, this review focuses on the role played by the abundance of different MP species in water and sediment compartments as well as provides the context for assessing and quantifying the multiple risks associated with the occurrence and movement behaviour of different MP types. Based on the review of past literature, it is found that the physicochemical properties of MPs influence the release/sorption of other contaminants and current MPs transport modelling studies have primarily focused on virgin plastics rather than aged plastics. Additionally, risk assessment of contaminants-associated MPs needs significantly more research. This paper consolidates the current state-of-the art knowledge on the source to sink movement behaviour of MPs and methodologies for assessing the risk of different MP species. Moreover, knowledge gaps and emerging trends in the field are also identified for future research endeavours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei He
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - An Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| | - Huabo Duan
- College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Buddhi Wijesiri
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), P.O. Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia
| | - Ashantha Goonetilleke
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), P.O. Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia
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22
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Cao J, Yang Q, Jiang J, Dalu T, Kadushkin A, Singh J, Fakhrullin R, Wang F, Cai X, Li R. Coronas of micro/nano plastics: a key determinant in their risk assessments. Part Fibre Toxicol 2022; 19:55. [PMID: 35933442 PMCID: PMC9356472 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-022-00492-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As an emerging pollutant in the life cycle of plastic products, micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs) are increasingly being released into the natural environment. Substantial concerns have been raised regarding the environmental and health impacts of M/NPs. Although diverse M/NPs have been detected in natural environment, most of them display two similar features, i.e.,high surface area and strong binding affinity, which enable extensive interactions between M/NPs and surrounding substances. This results in the formation of coronas, including eco-coronas and bio-coronas, on the plastic surface in different media. In real exposure scenarios, corona formation on M/NPs is inevitable and often displays variable and complex structures. The surface coronas have been found to impact the transportation, uptake, distribution, biotransformation and toxicity of particulates. Different from conventional toxins, packages on M/NPs rather than bare particles are more dangerous. We, therefore, recommend seriously consideration of the role of surface coronas in safety assessments. This review summarizes recent progress on the eco-coronas and bio-coronas of M/NPs, and further discusses the analytical methods to interpret corona structures, highlights the impacts of the corona on toxicity and provides future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Cao
- School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing Yang
- School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tatenda Dalu
- School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, 1200, South Africa
| | - Aliaksei Kadushkin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Belarusian State Medical University, 220116, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Joginder Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Rawil Fakhrullin
- Kazan Federal University, Institute of Fundamental Medicine & Biology, Kreml Uramı 18, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation, 420008
| | - Fangjun Wang
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Dalian, 116023, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoming Cai
- School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Ruibin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
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23
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The Occurrence of Microplastics and the Formation of Biofilms by Pathogenic and Opportunistic Bacteria as Threats in Aquaculture. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138137. [PMID: 35805796 PMCID: PMC9266316 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Aquaculture is the most rapidly growing branch of animal production. The efficiency and quality of the produced food depends on sustainable management, water quality, feed prices and the incidence of diseases. Micro- (MP < 5 mm) and nanoplastic (NP < 1000 nm) particles are among the current factors causing serious water pollution. This substance comes solely from products manufactured by humans. MP particles migrate from the terrestrial to the aquatic environment and adversely affect, especially, the health of animals and humans by being a favorable habitat and vector for microbial pathogens and opportunists. More than 30 taxa of pathogens of humans, aquacutural animals and plants, along with opportunistic bacteria, have been detected in plastic-covering biofilm to date. The mobility and durability of the substance, combined with the relatively closed conditions in aquacultural habitats and pathogens’ affinity to the material, make plastic particles a microbiological medium threatening the industry of aquaculture. For this reason, in addition to the fact of plastic accumulation in living organisms, urgent measures should be taken to reduce its influx into the environment. The phenomenon and its implications are related to the concept of one health, wherein the environment, animals and humans affect each other’s fitness.
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