1
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Li H, Shen M, Wang Y, Liu B, Li M. Research advances of biodegradable microplastics in wastewater treatment plant: Current knowledge and future directions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175614. [PMID: 39163932 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Plastic and microplastic pollution in the environment has become a significant global concern. Biodegradable plastics (BPs), as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics, have also emerged as a crucial topic of global discussion. The successful application of BPs appears to offer a solution to the potential ecological risks posed by conventional plastics. However, BPs have negative impacts on the ecological environment and human health. BPs can gradually degrade into biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) in the environment. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have become an undeniable source and sink of microplastics. With the production and application of BPs, BMPs will inevitably enter WWTPs. This paper reviews the pollution status, degradation behavior of BMPs, and their potential impact on wastewater treatment performance. The focus is on the environmental behavior of BMPs in wastewater treatment systems. The influences of BMPs on microbial communities, sludge treatment, and disposal are thoroughly discussed. The results indicate that BMPs are more easily decomposed into micro/nanoplastics and release additives compared to conventional microplastics. The effects of BMPs on microbial communities and wastewater treatment depend on their characteristics. The numerous oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of BMPs enable them to serve a dual purpose as transport media and potential sources of environmental pollutants. Finally, in light of existing knowledge gaps, suggestions and prospects for future research on BMPs are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haokai Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Maocai Shen
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Yulai Wang
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
| | - Bohao Liu
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Mingyu Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
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2
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Huang Y, Hu T, Lin B, Ke Y, Li J, Ma J. Microplastics-biofilm interactions in biofilm-based wastewater treatment processes: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 361:124836. [PMID: 39216664 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, pervasive contaminants from plastic, present significant challenges to wastewater treatment processes. This review critically examines the interactions between microplastics and biofilm-based treatment technologies, specifically focusing on the concepts of "biofilm on microplastics" and "microplastics in biofilm". It discusses the implications of these interactions in contaminant removal and process performance. Advanced characterization techniques, including morphological characterization, chemical composition analysis, and bio-information analysis, are assessed to elucidate the complex interplay between microplastics and biofilms within biofilters, biological aerated filters (BAFs), rotating biological contactors (RBCs), and moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs). This review synthesizes current research findings, highlighting that microplastics can either hinder or enhance the treatment processes, contingent on their concentration, physicochemical properties, and the specific biofilm technology employed. The insights gained from this review are essential for developing strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of microplastics and for optimizing the design and operation of wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaning Huang
- Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Ecological Security and Green Development, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Tanqiu Hu
- Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Ecological Security and Green Development, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Bincheng Lin
- Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Ecological Security and Green Development, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Youqing Ke
- China Construction Eighth Engineering Division. Corp. Ltd., Guangzhou 510663, China
| | - Jibin Li
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Jinxing Ma
- Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Ecological Security and Green Development, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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3
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Yan X, Chio C, Li H, Zhu Y, Chen X, Qin W. Colonization characteristics and surface effects of microplastic biofilms: Implications for environmental behavior of typical pollutants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 937:173141. [PMID: 38761927 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173141] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
This paper summarizes the colonization dynamics of biofilms on microplastics (MPs) surfaces in aquatic environments, encompassing bacterial characteristics, environmental factors affecting biofilm formation, and matrix types and characteristics. The interaction between biofilm and MPs was also discussed. Through summarizing recent literatures, it was found that MPs surfaces offer numerous benefits to microorganisms, including nutrient enrichment and enhanced resistance to environmental stress. Biofilm colonization changes the surface physical and chemical properties as well as the transport behavior of MPs. At the same time, biofilms also play an important role in the fragmentation and degradation of MPs. In addition, we also investigated the coexistence level, adsorption mechanism, enrichment, and transformation of MPs by environmental pollutants mediated by biofilms. Moreover, an interesting aspect about the colonization of biofilms was discussed. Biofilm colonization not only had a great effect on the accumulation of heavy metals by MPs, but also affects the interaction between particles and environmental pollutants, thereby changing their toxic effects and increasing the difficulty of MPs treatment. Consequently, further attention and research are warranted to delve into the internal mechanisms, environmental risks, and the control of the coexistence of MPs and biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiurong Yan
- College of Environmental & Resource Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi Province, China; Shanxi Laboratory for Yellow River, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Chonlong Chio
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Hua Li
- College of Environmental & Resource Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi Province, China; Shanxi Laboratory for Yellow River, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Yuen Zhu
- College of Environmental & Resource Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi Province, China; Shanxi Laboratory for Yellow River, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi Province, China; Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada.
| | - Xuantong Chen
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Wensheng Qin
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada.
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4
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Jin J, Wang X, Sha Y, Wang F, Huang X, Zong H, Liu J, Song N. Changes in soil properties and microbial activity unveil the distinct impact of polyethylene and biodegradable microplastics on chromium uptake by peanuts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:53369-53380. [PMID: 39187679 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34743-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging persistent pollutants, and heavy metals are typical environmental pollutants, with their coexistence potentially compounding pollution and ecological risks. However, the interactive impacts and the relevant mechanisms of heavy metal and different types of MPs in plant-soil systems are still unclear. This study investigated the differential impacts of polyethylene MPs (PE MPs) and biodegradable polybutylene adipate MPs (PBAT MPs) on chromium (Cr) uptake in peanuts, focusing on plant performance and rhizosphere soil microenvironment. Compared with nondegradable PE-MPs, biodegradable PBAT MPs produced less significant influences on plant phytotoxicity, soil Cr bioavailability, and soil properties such as pH, CEC, DOC, and MBC, with the exception of MBN in Cr-contaminated soils. Compared to the control, soil pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC) decreased by MPs, while soil-soluble carbon (DOC), microbial biomass carbon, and nitrogen (MBC and MBN) increased by MPs. Compared to the control, soil-bioavailable Cr increased by 11.8-177.8% under PE MPs treatments, while increased by 5.1-156.9% under PBAT MPs treatments. The highest Cr content in shoots and roots was observed at 500.0 mg·kg-1 Cr level, which increased by 53.1% and 79.2% under 5% PE MPs treatments, respectively, as well as increased by 38.3% and 60.4% under 5% PBAT MPs treatments, respectively, compared with the control. The regression path analysis indicated that pH, MBC, MBN, and soil-bioavailable Cr played a vital role in the changes of soil properties and Cr uptake by peanuts induced by MPs. Soil bacterial community analysis revealed that Nocardioides, Proteobacteria, and Sphingomonas were reduced by the inhibition of MPs, which affected Cr uptake by peanuts. These results indicated that the peanut soil microenvironment was affected by PBAT and PE MPs, altering the Cr bioavailability and plant Cr uptake in Cr-contaminated soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianpeng Jin
- Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Xuexia Wang
- Institute of Plant Nutrition and Resources, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Ying Sha
- Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Fangli Wang
- Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Xiaoli Huang
- Central Laboratory, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, PR China
| | - Haiying Zong
- Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Ningning Song
- Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.
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5
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Giyahchi M, Moghimi H. Acceleration a yeast-based biodegradation process of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics by Tween 20: Efficiency, by-product analysis, and metabolic pathway Prediction. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 351:124106. [PMID: 38705445 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124106] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate is a widely produced plastic polymer that exhibits considerable biodegradation resistance, making its derived microplastics ubiquitous environmental pollutants. In this study, a new yeast strain (Vanrija sp. SlgEBL5) was isolated and found to have lipase and esterase-positive capabilities for degrading polyethylene terephthalate microplastics. This isolate changed the microplastic surface charge from -19.3 to +31.0 mV and reduced more than 150 μm of its size in addition to reducing the intensity of the terephthalate, methylene, and ester bond functional groups of the polymer in 30 days. Tween 20 as a chemical auxiliary treatment combined with biodegradation increased the microplastic degradation rate from 10 to 16.6% and the thermal degradation rate from 85 to 89%. Releasing less potentially hazardous by-products like 1,2 diethyl-benzene despite the higher abundance of long-chain n-alkanes, including octadecane and tetracosane was also the result of the bio + chemical treatment. Altogether, the findings showed that Vanrija sp. SlgEBL5 has the potential as a biological treating agent for polyethylene terephthalate microplastics, and the simultaneous bio + chemical treatment enhanced the biodegradation rate and efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoo Giyahchi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamid Moghimi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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6
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Patidar K, Ambade B, Alshehri M. Microplastics and associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface water and sediment of the Bay of Bengal coastal area, India: sources, pathway and ecological risk. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:176. [PMID: 38649546 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01926-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
In the aquatic environment around the world, microplastic contamination has been a common and ongoing issue. Particularly, the ability of microplastics to absorb persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and then transmit these POPs to aquatic creatures has attracted a lot of interest. A stereomicroscope was used to detect the size, shape, and color of the microplastics (MPs), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify the polymer composition of the MPs. To address MP transit, destiny, and mitigation, a study of MP pollution coastal areas is required. In the current study, MP pollution in the collected sample from upper layer of water and sediment of the Digha and Puri beaches along the coast of BOB was evaluated. The average concentration with SD of MPs observed in water was 5.3 ± 1.8 items/L whereas, in sediments, it was 173.4 ± 40.1 items/kg at Digha beach. The mean MPs abundance in the Puri beach was 6.4 ± 1.7 items/L in the water and 190.4 ± 28.0 items/kg in the sediments. The investigated total 16-PAHs concentrations were 164.7 ng/g, 121.9 ng/g, 73.6 ng/g, and 101.3 ng/g on the MPs surface of foam, fragment, fibers, and film respectively in the studied MPs sample. Smaller than 1000 µm size of MPs are distributed in the largest concentration. Fibers, films, fragments, and foam were the most common shapes of MPs. The molecular structure of MPs in water and sediment samples was analysed i.e., polyesters (PEs), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polycarbonates (PC), and polyurethane (PU). The obtained result offers an accurate assessment of the PLI, and the investigated polymer facilitates determining the polymer hazard levels, which emphasizes the risk associated with it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana Patidar
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, 831014, India
| | - Balram Ambade
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, 831014, India.
| | - Mohammed Alshehri
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
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7
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Zhou R, Dong Z, Li Z, Zhou W, Li Y, Xing L, Wu T, Lin W, Chang H, Li B. Adsorption-desorption behavior of florpyrauxifen-benzyl on three microplastics in aqueous environment as well as its mechanism and various influencing factors. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 272:116066. [PMID: 38325269 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116066] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and pesticides are two categories contaminants with proposed negative impacts to aqueous ecosystems, and adsorption of pesticides on MPs may result in their long-range transport and compound combination effects. Florpyrauxifen-benzyl, a novel pyridine-2-carboxylate auxin herbicide has been widely used to control weeds in paddy field, but the insights of which are extremely limited. Therefore, adsorption and desorption behaviors of florpyrauxifen-benzyl on polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE) and disposable face masks (DFMs) in five water environment were investigated. The impacts of various environmental factors on adsorption capacity were evaluated, as well as adsorption mechanisms. The results revealed significant variations in adsorption capacity of florpyrauxifen-benzyl on three MPs, with approximately order of DFMs > PE > PVC. The discrepancy can be attributed to differences in structural and physicochemical properties, as evidenced by various characterization analysis. The kinetics and isotherm of florpyrauxifen-benzyl on three MPs were suitable for different models, wherein physical force predominantly governed adsorption process. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that both high and low temperatures weakened PE and DFMs adsorption, whereas temperature exhibited negligible impact on PVC adsorption. The adsorption capacity was significantly influenced by most environmental factors, particularly pH, cations and coexisting herbicide. This study provides valuable insights into the fate of florpyrauxifen-benzyl in presence of MPs, suggesting that PVC, PE and DFMs can serve as carriers of florpyrauxifen-benzyl in aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rendan Zhou
- College of Land Resources and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Zemin Dong
- College of Land Resources and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; Jiangxi Agricultural Technology Extension Center, Nanchang 330046, China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Tobacco Science Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Wenwen Zhou
- College of Food Sciences, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Yuqi Li
- College of Land Resources and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Lei Xing
- Jiangxi Agricultural Technology Extension Center, Nanchang 330046, China
| | - Tianqi Wu
- College of Land Resources and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Wei Lin
- College of Land Resources and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Hailong Chang
- College of Land Resources and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Baotong Li
- College of Land Resources and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China.
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8
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Huang W, Zhang J, Zhang Z, Gao H, Xu W, Xia X. Insights into adsorption behavior and mechanism of Cu(II) onto biodegradable and conventional microplastics: Effect of aging process and environmental factors. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 342:123061. [PMID: 38042467 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123061] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
The widespread promotion attempt of biodegradable plastics is considered as an effective solution to address conventional plastic pollution. However, the interaction of microplastics (MPs) easily broken down from biodegradable plastics with the coexisting pollutants in aquatic environments has gained less attention. Herein, we investigated the effects of the aging process and environmental factors on copper (Cu(II)) adsorption behavior by biodegradable polylactic acid and conventional polystyrene MPs. Results demonstrated that the aging process significantly altered physicochemical properties of both types of MPs, and PLA showed less resistance to aging. The aged polylactic acid MPs (aged-PLA) exhibited the far highest Cu(II) maximum adsorption capacity (7.13 mg/g) mainly due to its abundant oxygen-containing functional groups (OCFGs), followed by pristine polylactic acid (PLA, 6.08 mg/g), aged polystyrene (aged-PS, 0.489 mg/g) and pristine polystyrene (PS, 0.365 mg/g). The adsorption kinetics of Cu(II) on PLA MPs were controlled by film and intraparticle diffusion, while film diffusion governed the Cu(II) adsorption onto PS MPs. In addition to roles of rougher surface structure, greater surface area and pore filling, the complexation of OCFGs and electrostatic interaction were critical to the adsorption mechanism of aged-PLA and aged-PS, and cation-π interaction was associated with adsorption of aged-PS. Moreover, the adsorption capacity of Cu(II) on aged MPs gradually grew with the increasing pH from 4 to 7. Besides, humic acid significantly promoted the adsorption of Cu(II) at a low concentration (0-20 mg/L) due to the formation of binary mixtures of MPs-HA but inhibited the adsorption at a high concentration (50 mg/L) because of its competitive effect, suggesting the dual roles of humic acid in the adsorption process. Overall, our findings provide a better understanding of the adsorption behavior of metals on biodegradable MPs and emphasize their non-negligible risk as carriers of contaminant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China
| | - Zhenrui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China
| | - Hui Gao
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China
| | - Wenhao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China
| | - Xinghui Xia
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China.
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9
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Stevenson EM, Buckling A, Cole M, Lindeque PK, Murray AK. Selection for antimicrobial resistance in the plastisphere. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168234. [PMID: 37924893 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168234] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics and antimicrobials are widespread contaminants that threaten global systems and frequently co-exist in the presence of human or animal pathogens. Whilst the impact of each of these contaminants has been studied in isolation, the influence of this co-occurrence in driving antimicrobial resistance (AMR)1 in microplastic-adhered microbial communities, known as 'the Plastisphere', is not well understood. This review proposes the mechanisms by which interactions between antimicrobials and microplastics may drive selection for AMR in the Plastisphere. These include: 1) increased rates of horizontal gene transfer in the Plastisphere compared with free-living counterparts and natural substrate controls due to the proximity of cells, co-occurrence of environmental microplastics with AMR selective compounds and the sequestering of extracellular antibiotic resistance genes in the biofilm matrix. 2) An elevated AMR selection pressure in the Plastisphere due to the adsorbing of AMR selective or co-selective compounds to microplastics at concentrations greater than those found in surrounding mediums and potentially those adsorbed to comparator particles. 3) AMR selection pressure may be further elevated in the Plastisphere due to the incorporation of antimicrobial or AMR co-selective chemicals in the plastic matrix during manufacture. Implications for both ecological functioning and environmental risk assessments are discussed, alongside recommendations for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Stevenson
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, UK; Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK; Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Angus Buckling
- Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Matthew Cole
- Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK
| | - Penelope K Lindeque
- Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK; Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Aimee K Murray
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, UK.
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10
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Yang HG, Lu M, Wu XJ, Dong RT, Luo TP, Zhong HH. High-performance Cu/Mn modified ceramsite as a persulfate activator to degrade oxytetracycline in batch Erlenmeyer flask and continuous-flow fixed-bed column systems: An exploration of its practicability and non-radical mechanisms. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 339:139677. [PMID: 37524269 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139677] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Persulfate non-radical oxidation have excellent catalytic capability for degrading specific contaminants in complicated water environments. Nevertheless, the preparation of high-performance activators and their application in actual water treatment in continuous flow mode are still scarce and unsatisfactory. In this work, copper-, manganese-, and copper/manganese-doped ceramsites (Cu-C, Mn-C and Cu/Mn-C), successfully fabricated through a facile impregnation-calcination approach, were characterized and evaluated for their performance to activate potassium peroxydisulfate (PDS) and degrade oxytetracycline (OTC) under different pH, ceramsite dosages, and PDS dosages. Compared with Cu-C and Mn-C, Cu/Mn-C showed the highest OTC degradation rate (0.0264 min-1) via activating PDS with an OTC removal efficiency of 98.2% in 240 min at an initial OTC concentration of 40 mg/L. The removal efficiency of OTC by Cu/Mn-C only decreased to 92.8% after 5 cycles; the activating ability of the used Cu/Mn-C was almost completely recovered through 2 h of calcination at 500 °C. The results of electron paramagnetic resonance and radical quenching suggest that singlet oxygen (1O2) was unveiled to be the dominant reactive oxygen species (ROS) for contaminant degradation, originating from the regrouping of superoxide ions or reduction of active Cu/Mn sites. Synergies between Cu and Mn species to enhance ROS yield were the primary activating mechanisms. Six possible routes of OTC decomposition were inferred. Additionally, Cu/Mn-C behaved excellently in treating an actual wastewater using a continuous flow fixed-bed reactor. It is believed that this novel Cu/Mn-C/PDS system may create a fresh path to design effective and cheap metal-ceramsite hybrid activators for degrading recalcitrant contaminants in the actual application process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang-Gen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry of Jiangxi Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an, 343009, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Mang Lu
- School of Chemistry and Food Science, Nanchang Normal University, Nanchang, 330032, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Xue-Jiao Wu
- The Library, Nanchang Normal University, Nanchang, 330032, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Rui-Ting Dong
- School of Chemistry and Food Science, Nanchang Normal University, Nanchang, 330032, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Tao-Peng Luo
- School of Chemistry and Food Science, Nanchang Normal University, Nanchang, 330032, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Hui-Hua Zhong
- School of Chemistry and Food Science, Nanchang Normal University, Nanchang, 330032, Jiangxi Province, China
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11
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Peng BY, Sun Y, Zhang X, Sun J, Xu Y, Xiao S, Chen J, Zhou X, Zhang Y. Unveiling the residual plastics and produced toxicity during biodegradation of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics by mealworms (Larvae of Tenebrio molitor). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 452:131326. [PMID: 37027925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Evidence for plastic degradation by mealworms has been reported. However, little is known about the residual plastics derived from incomplete digestion during mealworm-mediated plastic biodegradation. We herein reveal the residual plastic particles and toxicity produced during mealworm-mediated biodegradation of the three most common microplastics, i.e., polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). All three microplastics are effectively depolymerized and biodegraded. We discover that the PVC-fed mealworms exhibit the lowest survival rate (81.3 ± 1.5%) and the highest body weight reduction (15.1 ± 1.1%) among the experimental groups by the end of the 24-day experiment. We also demonstrate that the residual PVC microplastic particles are more difficult to depurate and excrete for the mealworms compared to the residual PE and PS particles by using laser direct infrared spectrometry. The levels of oxidative stress responses, including reactive oxygen species, antioxidant enzyme activities, and lipid peroxidation, are also highest in the PVC-fed mealworms. Sub-micron microplastics and small microplastics are found in the frass of mealworms fed with PE, PS, and PVC, with the smallest particles detected at diameters of 5.0, 4.0, and 5.9 µm, respectively. Our findings provide insights into the residual microplastics and microplastic-induced stress responses in macroinvertebrates under micro(nano)plastics exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Yu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ying Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Eco-environmental Protection Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 201403, China
| | - Jingjing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yazhou Xu
- National Engineering Research Center of Protected Agriculture, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Protected Agriculture, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shaoze Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiabin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xuefei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Yalei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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