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Chen C, Pagsuyoin SA, van Emmerik THM, Xu YY, He YQ, Guo ZF, Liu D, Xu YY. Significant regional disparities in riverine microplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134571. [PMID: 38743976 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Research on riverine microplastics has gradually increased, highlighting an area for further exploration: the lack of extensive, large-scale regional variations analysis due to methodological and spatiotemporal limitations. Herein, we constructed and applied a comprehensive framework for synthesizing and analyzing literature data on riverine microplastics to enable comparative research on the regional variations on a large scale. Research results showed that in 76 rivers primarily located in Asia, Europe, and North America, the microplastic abundance of surface water in Asian rivers was three times higher than that in Euro-America rivers, while sediment in Euro-American rivers was five times more microplastics than Asia rivers, indicating significant regional variations (p < 0.001). Additionally, based on the income levels of countries, rivers in lower-middle and upper-middle income countries had significantly (p < 0.001) higher abundance of microplastics in surface water compared to high-income countries, while the opposite was true for sediment. This phenomenon was preliminarily attributed to varying levels of urbanization across countries. Our proposed framework for synthesizing and analyzing microplastic literature data provides a holistic understanding of microplastic disparities in the environment, and can facilitate broader discussions on management and mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | | | - Tim H M van Emmerik
- Hydrology and Environmental Hydraulics Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen 6700 AA, Netherlands
| | - Yu-Yao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, PR China
| | - Yu-Qin He
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Zhao-Feng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, PR China
| | - Dong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, PR China
| | - Yao-Yang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, PR China.
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Zhang F, Deng Z, Ma L, Gui X, Yang Y, Wang L, Zhao C, Li H. Pollution characteristics and prospective risk of microplastics in the Zhengzhou section of Yellow River, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172717. [PMID: 38670371 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitous occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the freshwater has attracted widespread attention. The Zhengzhou section of the Yellow River was the most prosperous region in ancient China, and the rapid urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural practices contributed to MPs pollution in aquatic systems recently, whereas the contamination status of MPs in the area is still not available. In this study, a total of fourteen sampling cross-sections were selected in the region to collect water samples systematically for the analysis of MPs pollution characteristics and potential risks. Results showed that abundance of MPs in the water were ranged from 2.33 to 15.50 n/L, with an average value of 6.40 ± 3.40 n/L, which was higher than it in other inland rivers from China. Moreover, the MPs of 0.5-2 mm were the dominant sizes in Yellow River of Zhengzhou region, and most of them were black fibres. The top three polymers were Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyamide (PA) and Polypropylene (PP). High diversity indices of MPs observed at S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, and S8 for size, colour, polymer and shape indicated diverse and complex sources of MPs in those cross-sections. The MPs in water from Zhengzhou area of Yellow River probably degraded from textiles, fishing net, plastic bags, mulching film, packaging bags, and tire wear. The chemical risk assessment revealed a level III risk for study area, while S8 and S11 in which PVA or PAN with higher hazard score detected were categorised as class V risk. Coincidentally, probabilistic risk assessment showed a considerable ecological risk of MPs from Yellow River in Zhengzhou City, with possibility of 99.48 and 98.01 % adverse effect for food dilution and translocation-mediated mechanism, respectively. The results are expected to assistance for development of policies and ultimately combating MPs pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawen Zhang
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Zhengyun Deng
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Li Ma
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Xin Gui
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- College of Environment & Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 4100128, China.
| | - Lin Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Changmin Zhao
- Zhengzhou Ecological Environment Monitoring Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450007, China
| | - Hetong Li
- Zhengzhou Ecological Environment Monitoring Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450007, China
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Feng S, Lu H, Xue Y, Li Y, Yan P, Lu J, Li H, Sun T. A multivariate analysis of microplastics in soils along the headwaters of Yangtze river on the Tibetan Plateau. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134347. [PMID: 38677115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are among the most widespread anthropogenic pollutants of natural environments, while limited research has focused on the fate of MPs in soils along the Plateau rivers. In this study, we investigated MPs in soils along the source areas of the Yangtze River on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The results showed mean MP abundance values of (89.4 ± 51.0) and (64.4 ± 24.5) items/kg of dry soils around the tributary and mainstream areas, respectively. Film, transparent colors, and polyethylene were common shape, color, and compositions, respectively. The correlation analysis and PCA revealed that MP abundance was related to soil heavy metals (Cr and Ni) and nutrients (TOC and TP) (p < 0.05). Structural equation modeling also revealed that population density was the dominant driving factor contributing to MPs, with a total effect coefficient of 0.45. In addition, the conditional fragmentation model further distinguished the differences in MP sources from upstream to downstream along the Jinsha River. The significant sources of MPs in the bare land and grasslands from the upper reaches of the Jinsha River included traffic, tourism, and atmospheric transport. In contrast, MP transport during farming activities mainly contributed to MPs in the agricultural soil in the lower reaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sansan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Process, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hongwei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Process, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yuxuan Xue
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Process, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yibo Li
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Process, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Pengdong Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jingzhao Lu
- College of Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Cangzhou 061100, China
| | - Hengchen Li
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Process, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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Li N, Wang X, Li X, Yi S, Guo Y, Wu N, Lin H, Zhong B, Wu WM, He Y. Anthropogenic and biological activities elevate microplastics pollution in headwater ecosystem of Yangtze tributaries in Hindu Kush-Himalayan region. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134395. [PMID: 38663293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134395] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is widely spread in oceans, freshwater, and terrestrial environments but MPs in mountainous headwater ecosystem are rarely reported. This study focuses on the headwater of Yangtze tributaries of the Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region. Five streams at elevations of 900 to 3300 m were selected to investigate the distribution of MPs in water and sediments across altitudes. MPs were found in all water and sediment samples from top stream zone nearly in absence of anthropogenic activity, low anthropogenic zone, and high anthropogenic zone, increased from 12-54, 81-185 to 334-847 items/L, and 2-35, 26-84 to 124-428 items/kg, respectively. This elevation-dependent MP distribution indicated that as elevation decreased, anthropogenic activities intensified and increased MPs input and their abundance, size, and diversity. Notably, hydraulic projects, such as damming, were identified as potential barriers to the migration of MPs downstream. Microbiome analyses revealed the presence of bacterial genes associated with plastic biodegradation in all sediment samples. The study indicates that Shangri-la mountainous streams have been polluted with MPs for years with potential risk of generation of nano-sized particles via natural fragmentation and biodegradation, and thus raises concern on MPs pollution in headwaters streams in mountainous regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naying Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bio-resources Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; School of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 400047, China
| | - Xianxiang Li
- School of Geography and Tourism, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 400047, China
| | - Shaoliang Yi
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, GPO Box, Kathmandu 3226, Nepal
| | - Yun Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bio-resources Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ning Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bio-resources Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, GPO Box, Kathmandu 3226, Nepal
| | - Honghui Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Bo Zhong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bio-resources Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Wei-Min Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, William & Cloy Codiga Resource Recovery Research Center, Center for Sustainable Development & Global Competitiveness, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-4020, United States.
| | - Yixin He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bio-resources Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Wang Y, Jing S, Hou P, Ni R, Niu L, Wanger TC, Liu W, Liu K. Soil erosion is a major drive for nano & micro-plastics to enter riverine systems from cultivated land. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 256:121597. [PMID: 38614030 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Nano and micro-plastics (NMPs, particles diameter <5 mm), as emerging contaminants, have become a major concern in the aquatic environment because of their adverse consequences to aquatic life and potentially human health. Implementing mitigation strategies requires quantifying NMPs mass emissions and understanding their sources and transport pathways from land to riverine systems. Herein, to access NMPs mass input from agricultural soil to riverine system via water-driven soil erosion, we have collected soil samples from 120 cultivated land in nine drainage basins across China in 2021 and quantified the residues of six common types of plastic, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), and polystyrene (PS). NMPs (Σ6plastics) were detected in all samples at concentrations between 3.6 and 816.6 μg/g dry weight (median, 63.3 μg/g) by thermal desorption/pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Then, based on the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation model, we estimated that about 22,700 tonnes of NMPs may enter the Chinese riverine system in 2020 due to agricultural water-driven soil erosion, which occurs primarily from May to September. Our result suggested that over 90% of the riverine NMPs related to agricultural soil erosion in China are attributed to 36.5% of the country's total cultivated land, mainly distributed in the Yangtze River Basin, Southwest Basin, and Pearl River Basin. The migration of NMPs due to water-driven soil erosion cannot be ignored, and erosion management strategies may contribute to alleviating plastic pollution issues in aquatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanting Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Environmental Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Siyuan Jing
- Sustainable Agricultural Systems & Engineering Laboratory, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Peiyu Hou
- Division of Environment and Resources, College of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Rui Ni
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Environmental Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lili Niu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 312028, China
| | - Thomas Cherico Wanger
- Sustainable Agricultural Systems & Engineering Laboratory, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China; ChinaRiceNetwork.org, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Weiping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 312028, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Division of Environment and Resources, College of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China.
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Yan R, Li J, Li J, Liu Y, Xu Z, Ge X, Lu X, Yadav KK, Obaidullah AJ, Tang Y. Deciphering morphology patterns of environmental microfibers: Insights into source apportionment. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 259:121814. [PMID: 38820730 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Microfibers, a prevalent form of microplastics, undergo diverse environmental interactions resulting in varied morphological changes. These changes can offer insights into their environmental trajectories. Despite its importance, comprehensive studies on microfiber morphology are scarce. This study collected 233 microfibers from the East China Sea and South China Sea. Based on morphological features observed in microscopic images of microfibers, such as curvature, cross-sectional shapes, diameter variations, and crack shapes, we identified a general morphological pattern, classifying the environmental microfibers into three distinct morphological types. Our findings highlight noticeable differences in morphological metrics (e.g., length, diameter, and surface roughness) across three types, especially the diameter. Microfibers of Type I had an average diameter of 19.45 ± 4.93 μm, significantly smaller than Type II (263.00 ± 75.15 μm) and Type III (299.68 ± 85.62 μm). Within the three-dimensional (3D) space fully defined by these quantitative parameters, the clustering results of microfibers are also consistent with the proposed morphology pattern, with each category showing a potential correlation with specific chemical compositions. Type I microfibers correspond to synthetic cellulose, while 94.79 % of Types II and III are composed of polymers. Notably, we also validated the great applicability of the morphology categories to microfibers in diverse environmental compartments, including water and sediments in nearshore and offshore areas. This classification aids in the efficient determination of microfiber sources and the assessment of their ecological risks, marking a significant advancement in microfiber environmental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoqun Yan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Jiangpeng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Zhe Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Xinyu Ge
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Xiao Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Krishna Kumar Yadav
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Madhyanchal Professional University, Ratibad, Bhopal, 462044, India; Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences Research Group, Scientific Research Center, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Nasiriyah 64001, Iraq
| | - Ahmad J Obaidullah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
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Lin HT, Schneider F, Aziz MA, Wong KY, Arunachalam KD, Praveena SM, Sethupathi S, Chong WC, Nafisyah AL, Parthasarathy P, Chelliapan S, Kunz A. Microplastics in Asian rivers: Geographical distribution, most detected types, and inconsistency in methodologies. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 349:123985. [PMID: 38621450 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics pose a significant environmental threat, with potential implications for toxic chemical release, aquatic life endangerment, and human food chain contamination. In Asia, rapid economic growth coupled with inadequate waste management has escalated plastic pollution in rivers, positioning them as focal points for environmental concern. Despite Asia's rivers being considered the most polluted with plastics globally, scholarly attention to microplastics in the region's freshwater environments is a recent development. This study undertakes a systematic review of 228 scholarly articles to map microplastic hotspots in Asian freshwater systems and synthesize current research trends within the continent. Findings reveal a concentration of research in China and Japan, primarily investigating riverine and surface waters through net-based sampling methods. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) emerge as the predominant microplastic types, frequently observed as fibers or fragments. However, the diversity of sampling methodologies and reporting metrics complicates data synthesis, underscoring the need for standardized analytical frameworks to facilitate comparative analysis. This paper delineates the distribution of microplastic hotspots and outlines the prevailing challenges and prospects in microplastic research within Asian freshwater contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Tien Lin
- National Cheng Kung University, Department of Environmental Engineering, No.1 University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan.
| | - Falk Schneider
- National Cheng Kung University, Department of Environmental Engineering, No.1 University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Muhamad Afiq Aziz
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Keng Yinn Wong
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | | | - Sarva Mangala Praveena
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sumathi Sethupathi
- Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, 31900 Kampar Perak, Malaysia
| | - Woon Chan Chong
- Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Bandar Sungai Long, Cheras, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ayu Lana Nafisyah
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Airlangga, Campus C UNAIR Mulyorejo, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
| | - Purushothaman Parthasarathy
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, 603 203, India
| | - Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan
- Department of Engineering & Technology, Razak Faculty of Technology & Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, 54100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Alexander Kunz
- Research Center for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Sec. 2, Academia Road, 115201 Taipei City, Taiwan
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Wang C, Lin X, Zhang X, Show PL. Research advances on production and application of algal biochar in environmental remediation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123860. [PMID: 38537803 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123860] [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: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Algae, comprising microalgae and macroalgae, have emerged as a promising feedstock for the production of functional biochar. Recently, the application of algal biochar in environmental remediation gains increasing attention. This review summarizes research advancements in the synthesis and application of algal biochar, a versatile and sustainable material for environmental remediation ranging from wastewater treatment to soil improvement. Algal biochar can be prepared by pyrolysis, microwave-assisted pyrolysis, and hydrothermal carbonization. Physical and chemical modifications have proven to be effective for improving biochar properties. Algal biochar is promising for removing diverse pollutants including heavy metals, organic pollutants, and microplastics. The role in soil improvement signifies a sustainable approach to enhancing soil structure, nutrient retention, and microbial activity. Research gaps are identified based on current understanding, necessitating further exploration into variations in biochar characteristics, the performance improvement, large-scale applications, and the long-term evaluation for environmental application. This review provides a better understanding of algal biochar as a sustainable and effective tool in environmental remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongqing Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Zhongyuan Critical Metal Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; The Key Lab of Critical Metals Minerals Supernormal Enrichment and Extraction, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiao Lin
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Zhongyuan Critical Metal Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiuxiu Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Zhongyuan Critical Metal Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Pau Loke Show
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
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Langknecht T, Pelletier M, Robinson S, Burgess RM, Ho KT. The distribution of sediment microplastics assemblages is driven by location and hydrodynamics, not sediment characteristics, in the Gulf of Maine, USA. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116393. [PMID: 38669855 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116393] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are found in marine sediments across the globe, but we are just beginning to understand their spatial distribution and assemblages. In this study, we quantified MP in Gulf of Maine, USA sediments. MP were extracted from 20 sediment samples, followed by polymer identification using Raman spectroscopy. We detected 27 polymer types and 1929 MP kg-1 wet sediment, on average. Statistical analyses showed that habitat, hydrodynamics, and station proximity were more important drivers of MP assemblages than land use or sediment characteristics. Stations closer to one another were more similar in their MP assemblages, tidal rivers had higher numbers of unique plastic polymers than open water or embayment stations, and stations closer to shore had higher numbers of MP. There was little evidence of relationships between MP assemblages and land use, sediment texture, total organic carbon, or contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy Langknecht
- ORAU c/o U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA; Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Bureau of Natural Resources, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908, USA
| | - Marguerite Pelletier
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Sandra Robinson
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Robert M Burgess
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA.
| | - Kay T Ho
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
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10
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Tao M, Li W, Zhou X, Li Y, Song H, Wu F. Effects of microplastics on the structure and function of bacterial communities in sediments of a freshwater lake. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 356:141880. [PMID: 38570049 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
As an emerging pollutant, microplastics (MPs) cause widespread concern around the world owing to the serious threat they pose to ecosystems. In particular, sediments are thought to be the long-term sink for the continual accumulation of MPs in freshwater ecosystems. Polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) have been frequently detected with large concentration variations in freshwater sediments from the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, one of the most economically developed regions in China, characterized by accelerated urbanization and industrialization, high population density and high plastics consumption. However, the impact of PE and PET on the sedimental bacterial community composition and its function has not been well reported for this specific region. Herein, PE and PET particles were added to freshwater sediments to assess the effects of different MP types on the bacterial community and its function, using three concentrations (500, 1500 and 2500 items/kg) per MP and incubations of 35, 105 and 175 days, respectively. This study identified a total of 68 phyla, 211 classes, 518 orders, 853 families and 1745 genera. Specifically, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteriota, Actinobacteriota and Firmicutes were the top five phyla. A higher bacterial diversity was obtained in control sediments than in the MP-treated sediments. The presence of MPs, whether PET or PE, had significant impact on the bacterial diversity, community structure and community composition. PICRUSt2 and FAPOTAX predictions demonstrated that MPs could potentially affect the metabolic pathways and ecologically functional groups of bacteria in the sediment. Besides the MP-related factors, such as the type, concentration and incubation time, the physicochemical parameters had an effect on the structure and function of the bacterial community in the freshwater sediment. Taken together, this study provides useful information for further understanding how MPs affect bacterial communities in the freshwater sediment of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Tao
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Weibin Li
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhou
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China.
| | - Yanan Li
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Haiya Song
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Fan Wu
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
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11
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Nyaga MP, Shabaka S, Oh S, Osman DM, Yuan W, Zhang W, Yang Y. Microplastics in aquatic ecosystems of Africa: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 248:118307. [PMID: 38307187 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118307] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a global issue of great public concern. Africa is flagged to host some of the most polluted water bodies globally, but there is no enough information on the extent of microplastic contamination and the potential risks of microplastic pollution in African aquatic ecosystems. This meta-analysis has integrated data from published articles about microplastic pollution in African aquatic ecosystems. The data on the microplastic distribution and morphological characteristics in water, sediments and biota from African rivers, lakes, oceans and seas were extracted from 75 selected studies. Multivariate statistics were used to critically analyze the effects of sampling and detection methods, ecological risks, spatial distribution and similarity of microplastics in relation to the geographical distance between sampling sites. This study found that sampling methods have significant effect on abundance and morphological characteristics of microplastics and that African aquatic ecosystems are highly contaminated with microplastics compared to global data. The most prevalent colors were white, transparent and black, the most prevalent shapes were fibres and fragments, and the most available polymers were polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyethene terephthalate (PET). Microplastic polymers similarity decreased with an increase in geographical distance between sites. Risk levels of microplastics in African aquatic ecosystems were comparatively high, and more than 40 % of water and sediments showed highest level of ecological risk. This review provides recent information on the prevalence, distribution and risks of microplastics in African aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthii Patrick Nyaga
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Soha Shabaka
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt
| | - Seungdae Oh
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Donia M Osman
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Wenke Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Weihong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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12
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Ahmed Dar A, Chen Z, Sardar MF, An C. Navigating the nexus: climate dynamics and microplastics pollution in coastal ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118971. [PMID: 38642636 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution is an emerging environmental health concern, impacting soil, plants, animals, and humans through their entry into the food chain via bioaccumulation. Human activities such as improper solid waste dumping are significant sources that ultimately transport MPs into the water bodies of the coastal areas. Moreover, there is a complex interplay between the coastal climate dynamics, environmental factors, the burgeoning issue of MPs pollution and the complex web of coastal pollution. We embark on a comprehensive journey, synthesizing the latest research across multiple disciplines to provide a holistic understanding of how these inter-connected factors shape and reshape the coastal ecosystems. The comprehensive review also explores the impact of the current climatic patterns on coastal regions, the intricate pathways through which MPs can infiltrate marine environments, and the cascading effects of coastal pollution on ecosystems and human societies in terms of health and socio-economic impacts in coastal regions. The novelty of this review concludes the changes in climate patterns have crucial effects on coastal regions, proceeding MPs as more prevalent, deteriorating coastal ecosystems, and hastening the transfer of MPs. The continuous rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and strong storms result in habitat loss, decline in biodiversity, and economic repercussion. Feedback mechanisms intensify pollution effects, underlying the urgent demand for environmental conservation contribution. In addition, the complex interaction between human, industry, and biodiversity demanding cutting edge strategies, innovative approaches such as remote sensing with artificial intelligence for monitoring, biobased remediation techniques, global cooperation in governance, policies to lessen the negative socioeconomic and environmental effects of coastal pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afzal Ahmed Dar
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1M8, Canada.
| | | | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1M8, Canada
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13
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Li T, Chen Y, Wang Y, Tan Y, Jiang C, Yang Y, Zhang Z. Occurrence, source apportionment and risk assessment of perfluorinated compounds in sediments from the longest river in Asia. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133608. [PMID: 38335613 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated the pollution of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in sediments from the main stream of the Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia. Totally, 13 of 15 PFASs were detected in the sediments and the total concentrations ranged from 0.058 ng/g to 0.89 ng/g dry weight (dw), with dominant contaminants by perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Concentrations of PFASs in the downstream were higher than those of upstream and midstream. Four main sources were analysed using the Unmix model, textile treatments and food packaging dominantly accounted for approximately half of the total sources, followed by metal electroplating (26.8%), fluoropolymer products (16.3%) and fluororesin coatings (7.4%). Total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) and grain size had significant correlation with the concentration of PFASs in sediments, indicating that the physical and chemical parameters could directly affect the adsorption process of PFASs. In addition, anthropogenic factors such as urbanization rate and per capita GDP also had a direct impact on the distribution of PFASs. Environmental risk assessment showed that PFOS posed low to medium risks to the Yangtze River, indicating that sustained attentions were needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yulin Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yile Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yang Tan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chunxia Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yuyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Zulin Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK.
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14
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Chen Y, Tan Y, Feng Y, Dong T, Jiang C, Wang C, Yang Y, Zhang Z. Selected legacy and emerging organic contaminants in sediments of China's Yangtze - the world's third longest river: Response to anthropogenic activities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123608. [PMID: 38428792 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123608] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
To explore contaminant concerns as a result of anthropogenic disturbance of the river system, this study provided the first extensive investigation of the contamination profiles, possible driving factors, and ecological risks of 40 target compounds including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), neonicotinoid pesticides (NNIs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sediments of the whole Yangtze River (the world's third longest river). Among these target compounds, PPCPs were the dominant contaminants with a total concentration (∑15PPCPs) of 2.13-14.99 ng/g, followed by ∑7PCBs (
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China; The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Yang Tan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yuying Feng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Tao Dong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Chunxia Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Chen Wang
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Yuyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Zulin Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China; The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK.
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15
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Behmanesh M, Chamani A, Chavoshi E. Potentially Toxic Elements' Accumulation in Relation to Sediment Physicochemical Attributes and Microplastic Content in Zayandeh-Rood River, Iran. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2024; 86:274-287. [PMID: 38551678 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-024-01059-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging pollutant whose ability to adsorb potentially toxic elements (PTEs) poses a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems, including rivers. In highly developed basins, the abundance of MPs in river sediment is expected to be high, elevating the sedimentary accumulation of PTEs. This hypothesis was tested in the Zayandeh-Rood River, Central Iran, with 21 sediment sampling stations distributed along the entire river stretch. Results of sediment analysis showed significant variations in the abundance and size of MPs, with concentrations ranked as Ba (270.71 mg/kg) > Li (21.29 mg/kg) > Cs (2.50 mg/kg) > Be (1.44 mg/kg) > Sn (1.17 mg/kg) > Mo (1.06 mg/kg) > Ag (0.76 mg/kg), along with sediment physicochemical attributes such as EC, TOC, pH and grain size. MPs were identified in all sediment samples with a mean of 588 items/kg dry weight. Except for Ag, all other PTEs were classified as uncontaminated but exhibited increased enrichment downstream. According to the results of the generalized additive model (maximum R-sq of 0.766), the sedimentary concentration of the majority of PTEs is nonlinearly and positively associated with smaller and more abundant MPs. This study acknowledges that MPs might influence sediment porosity, permeability and structure, thereby directly affecting the settling dynamics of other particles, especially PTEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mokarrameh Behmanesh
- Environmental Science and Engineering Department, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Atefeh Chamani
- Environmental Science and Engineering Department, Waste and Wastewater Research Center, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Elham Chavoshi
- Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
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16
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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17
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Liu Y, Zhao S, Wang D, Wang S, Ding X, Han K, Wang R, Kou Y, Zhou G, Shen W. Environmental fate of microplastics in alpine and canyon-type river-cascade reservoir systems: Large-scale investigation of the Yalong River in the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170300. [PMID: 38272090 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Reservoirs are regarded as potential collection sites for microplastics (MPs), and ample water resources in plateau regions provide favorable natural conditions for hydroelectric power generation. However, research on the impact of cascade reservoir construction in the plateau region on the fate of MPs within the watershed is limited. In this study, the Yalong River, an alpine canyon river in the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, was selected as the research area. This study explored the distribution of MPs at various depths in water, sediment, and riverbank soil as well as the formation of "MP communities" within the river-cascade reservoir system. Furthermore, the effects of dam construction on MPs' migration in different environments were analyzed. The results revealed that the abundance of MPs in the water and sediment within the cascade reservoir area (CRA) was significantly higher than that in the river area (RA) (P < 0.001). Additionally, the trend of increasing MPs in water with decreasing altitude was notably slower in CRA. Regarding shape, the proportion of fibers in the water within the CRA was significantly lower than that in the RA, with a smaller vertical migration rate in the water than in the sediment. The proportion of MPs < 500 μm in the water within the CRA was significantly higher than that in the RA. High-density MPs were notably deposited in the reservoir sediments. The analysis of the MP communities revealed that the construction of cascade dams led to relative geographical isolation between different sampling sites, reducing the similarity of MP communities in the CRA. This study established a theoretical foundation for understanding the impact of cascade dam construction on the fate characteristics of MPs and their potential risks in plateau areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Liu
- College of Soil and Water Conservation Science and Engineering (Institute of Soil and Water Conservation), Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Shaoting Zhao
- Agricultural Technology Promotion Center of Xi'an, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710000, PR China
| | - Dongzhi Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, PR China
| | - Shichen Wang
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Xiaofan Ding
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, PR China
| | - Kaiyang Han
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Ruiying Wang
- Xi'an Institute of Environmental Hygiene Sciences, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710075, PR China
| | - Yuyang Kou
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Guangqian Zhou
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Weibo Shen
- College of Soil and Water Conservation Science and Engineering (Institute of Soil and Water Conservation), Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China.
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18
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Sabatino R, Zullo R, Di Cesare A, Piscia R, Musazzi S, Corno G, Volta P, Galafassi S. Traditional and biodegradable plastics host distinct and potentially more hazardous microbes when compared to both natural materials and planktonic community. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133166. [PMID: 38101010 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133166] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic particles are persistent micropollutants that provide a substrate for the growth of bacterial biofilms, posing a threat to the environment. This study explores the changes in commercially available food containers made of conventional (polypropylene PP, polyethylene terephthalate PET), innovative biodegradable (Mater-Bi) and natural (wood and cellulose) materials, when introduced in the surface waters of Lake Maggiore for 43 days. Spectral changes revealed by FT-IR spectroscopy in PET and Mater-Bi, and changes in thermal properties of all human-made material tested indicated a degradation process occurred during environmental exposure. Despite similar bacterial richness, biofilms on PET, PP, and Mater-Bi differed from natural material biofilms and the planktonic community. Human-made material communities showed a higher proportion of potential pathogens, with PET and PP also exhibiting increased abundances of antibiotic resistance genes. Overall, these findings stress the need for dedicated strategies to curb the spread of human-made polymers in freshwaters, including innovative materials that, due to their biodegradable properties, might be perceived less hazardous for the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosa Zullo
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Verbania, Italy.
| | - Andrea Di Cesare
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Verbania, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90133, Italy
| | - Roberta Piscia
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Verbania, Italy
| | - Simona Musazzi
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Verbania, Italy
| | - Gianluca Corno
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Verbania, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90133, Italy
| | - Pietro Volta
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Verbania, Italy
| | - Silvia Galafassi
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Verbania, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90133, Italy
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Li C, Li X, Bank MS, Dong T, Fang JKH, Leusch FDL, Rillig MC, Wang J, Wang L, Xia Y, Xu EG, Yang Y, Zhang C, Zhu D, Liu J, Jin L. The "Microplastome" - A Holistic Perspective to Capture the Real-World Ecology of Microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4060-4069. [PMID: 38331396 PMCID: PMC10919093 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08849] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution, an emerging pollution issue, has become a significant environmental concern globally due to its ubiquitous, persistent, complex, toxic, and ever-increasing nature. As a multifaceted and diverse suite of small plastic particles with different physicochemical properties and associated matters such as absorbed chemicals and microbes, future research on microplastics will need to comprehensively consider their multidimensional attributes. Here, we introduce a novel, conceptual framework of the "microplastome", defined as the entirety of various plastic particles (<5 mm), and their associated matters such as chemicals and microbes, found within a sample and its overall environmental and toxicological impacts. As a novel concept, this paper aims to emphasize and call for a collective quantification and characterization of microplastics and for a more holistic understanding regarding the differences, connections, and effects of microplastics in different biotic and abiotic ecosystem compartments. Deriving from this lens, we present our insights and prospective trajectories for characterization, risk assessment, and source apportionment of microplastics. We hope this new paradigm can guide and propel microplastic research toward a more holistic era and contribute to an informed strategy for combating this globally important environmental pollution issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changchao Li
- Environment
Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Michael S. Bank
- Institute
of Marine Research, 5005 Bergen, Norway
- University
of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Tao Dong
- Department
of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - James Kar-Hei Fang
- Department
of Food Science and Nutrition and Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
- State Key
Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University
of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Frederic D. L. Leusch
- Australian
Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222 Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Jie Wang
- Beijing
Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation,
College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lei Wang
- MOE Key
Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College
of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yu Xia
- School
of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Elvis Genbo Xu
- Department
of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - Yuyi Yang
- Key Laboratory
of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Environment
Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory
of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Environment
Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Ling Jin
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
- State Key
Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University
of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong 999077, Hong Kong
- Department
of Health Technology and Informatics, The
Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
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20
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Wen S, Yin X, Zhang Y, Diao X. Chronic exposure to low concentrations of microplastics causing gut tissue damage but non-significant changes in the microbiota of marine medaka larvae (Oryzias melastigma). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 195:106381. [PMID: 38286076 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106381] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have become a popular research topic due to their potential ramifications on aquatic organisms. To evaluate the ecotoxicological impacts of chronic exposure to different microplastics on marine medaka larvae, we exposed medaka larvae to 200 μg/L of polyethylene (PE-200) and polylactic acid (PLA-200) microplastics for 60 days, respectively. The results indicated that both exposures had no significant effect on fish length/weight and did not result in fish mortality. Notably, the structure of intestinal microbiota was not disrupted either. However, microscopy observations of intestinal tissue suggested that exposure to MPs resulted in inflammation of the intestinal tract of fish and significant atrophy and shedding of small intestinal villus. Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) showed that intestinal enrichment of Streptomyces occurred in marine medaka larvae in both MPs treatments, while the PE-200 treatment exhibited a significant enrichment. In addition, the PICRUSt2 prediction indicated significant upregulation of the Novobiocin biosynthesis function in gut microbiota in the PE-200 treatment. Overall, multi-level assessment is necessary to determine the risk of exposure of aquatic organisms to MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaobai Wen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China; Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Tropical and Laboratory Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Xiuran Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Yankun Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China
| | - Xiaoping Diao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China.
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21
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Guo F, Liu B, Zhao J, Hou Y, Wu J, Zhou C, Hu H, Zhang T, Yang Z. Effects of polyethylene, polylactic acid, and tire particles on the sediment microbiome and metabolome at high and low temperatures. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0201623. [PMID: 38214515 PMCID: PMC10880613 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02016-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Global warming has led to a high incidence of extreme heat events, and the frequent occurrence of extreme heat events has had extensive and far-reaching impacts on wetland ecosystems. The widespread distribution of plastics in the environment, including polyethylene (PE), polylactic acid (PLA), and tire particles (TPs), has caused various environmental problems. Here, high-throughput sequencing techniques and metabolomics were used for the first time to investigate the effects of three popular microplastic types: PE, PLA, and TP, on the sediment microbiome and the metabolome at both temperatures. The microplastics were incorporated into the sediment at a concentration of 3% by weight of the dry sediment (wt/wt), to reflect environmentally relevant conditions. Sediment enzymatic activity and physicochemical properties were co-regulated by both temperatures and microplastics producing significant differences compared to controls. PE and PLA particles inhibited bacterial diversity at low temperatures and promoted bacterial diversity at high temperatures, and TP particles promoted both at both temperatures. For bacterial richness, only PLA showed inhibition at low temperature; all other treatments showed promotion. PE, PLA, and TP microplastics changed the community structure of sediment bacteria, forming two clusters at low and high temperatures. Furthermore, PE, PLA, and TP changed the sediment metabolic profiles, producing differential metabolites such as lipids and molecules, organic heterocyclic compounds, and organic acids and their derivatives, especially TP had the most significant effect. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the potential impact of microplastic contamination.IMPORTANCEIn this study, we added 3% (wt/wt) microplastic particles, including polyethylene, polylactic acid, and tire particles, to natural sediments under simulated laboratory conditions. Subsequently, we simulated the sediment microbial and ecosystem responses under different temperature conditions by incubating them for 60 days at 15°C and 35°C, respectively. After synthesizing these results, our study strongly suggests that the presence of microplastics in sediment ecosystems and exposure under different temperature conditions may have profound effects on soil microbial communities, enzyme activities, and metabolite profiles. This is important for understanding the potential hazards of microplastic contamination on terrestrial ecosystems and for developing relevant environmental management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Guo
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, China
- School of Environment and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Biao Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, China
| | - Jiaying Zhao
- School of Environment and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yiran Hou
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, China
| | - Junfeng Wu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, China
| | - Changrui Zhou
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, China
| | - Hui Hu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, China
| | - Ziyan Yang
- School of Environment and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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22
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Zhou L, Masset T, Breider F. Adsorption of copper by naturally and artificially aged polystyrene microplastics and subsequent release in simulated gastrointestinal fluid. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:411-420. [PMID: 38250811 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00354j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, especially aged microplastics can become vectors of metals from environment to organisms with potential negative effects on food chain. However, a few studies focused on the bioavailability of adsorbed metals and most studies related to aged microplastics used artificial method that cannot entirely reflect actual aging processes. In this study, virgin polystyrene was aged by ozone (PS-O3), solar simulator (PS-SS) and lake (PS-lake) to investigate adsorption of Cu by virgin, artificially and naturally aged microplastics and subsequent release in simulated gastrointestinal fluids (SGF). Characterization results show carbonyl was formed in PS-O3 and PS-SS, and the oxidation degree was PS-O3 > PS-SS > PS-lake. However, Cu adsorption capacity followed this order PS-lake (158 μg g-1) > PS-SS (117 μg g-1) > PS-O3 (65 μg g-1) > PS-virgin (0). PS-O3 showed highest Cu adsorption capacity at 0.5 h (71 μg g-1), but it dropped dramatically later (10 μg g-1, 120 h), because PS-O3 could break up and the adsorbed Cu released in solutions subsequently. For PS-lake, precipitation of metallic oxides contributes to the accumulation of Cu. The addition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) could occupy adsorption sites on PS and compete with Cu, but also can attach PS and adsorb Cu due to its rich functional groups. The simultaneous ingestion of microplastics with food suggested that adsorbed Cu is solubilized mostly from aged PS to SGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhou
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne - EPFL, Central Environmental Laboratory, IIE, ENAC, Station 2, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, People's Republic of China
| | - Thibault Masset
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne - EPFL, Central Environmental Laboratory, IIE, ENAC, Station 2, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Florian Breider
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne - EPFL, Central Environmental Laboratory, IIE, ENAC, Station 2, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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23
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Yuan P, Wang Y, Chen X, Gao P. An overview of microplastic pollution in the environment over the megacity of Shanghai during 2013-2022. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168986. [PMID: 38040359 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants that have been globally found in the environment, and have become a focus of intensive management for the Shanghai government in China. Although there are several studies reporting the abundance of microplastics (MPs) in different matrices in Shanghai city, the general data are still limited. This work comprehensively reviews microplastic (MP) pollution in the water, sediment, atmosphere, and soil of Shanghai during 2013-2022. A summary of characteristics such as the abundance, shape, and polymer composition of MPs is presented. Additionally, the pollution trends, traceability, and ecological risks of MPs are analyzed and evaluated. Based on the analytical results, we find that the inland water in Shanghai city is the most contaminated with the highest abundance of MPs at 14.76 × 103 particles/m3 on average, while the abundances of MPs in the external water, inland sediment, external sediment, indoor atmosphere, outdoor atmosphere, inland soil, and external soil are 2.78 × 103 particles/m3, 0.80 × 103 particles/kg, 1.37 × 103 particles/kg, 0.03 × 103 particles/m3, 0.08 × 103 particles/m3, 0.27 × 103 particles/kg, and 0.18 × 103 particles/kg, respectively. Polyethylene and polypropylene are the top two detected polymer compositions of MPs. Results of ecological risk assessment using risk index and pollution load index models indicate that the risks of MPs in the water and sediment of the Yangtze Estuary are high. It is noteworthy that the abundances of MPs at the junction site of Suzhou Creek and the Huangpu River as well as in the Yangtze Estuary exhibited an increasing trend between 2017 and 2019. This work contributes to a comprehensive overview of MPs in the environment of Shanghai city during 2013-2022 and provides important data for local governments to develop urgent strategies for the management of MP pollution. However, more investigations are increasingly needed for better understand the production, migration, ecological risk, and management of MPs in the environment of Shanghai city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peikun Yuan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Xiaoqian Chen
- Bioassay and Safety Assessment Laboratory, Shanghai Academy of Public Measurement, 201203 Shanghai, China
| | - Pin Gao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Municipal Sewage Resource Utilization Technology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China; National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agroenvironmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China.
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24
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Xu J, Wang Z. Efficient and accurate microplastics identification and segmentation in urban waters using convolutional neural networks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 911:168696. [PMID: 38000753 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), measuring less than 5 mm, pose threats to ecological security and human health in urban waters. Additionally, they act as carriers, transporting pollutants from terrestrial systems into oceanic circulation, contributing to global pollution. Recognizing the significance of identifying MPs in urban waters, one potential solution to the time-consuming and labor-intensive manual identification process is the application of a convolutional neural network (CNN). Therefore, having a reliable CNN model that efficiently and accurately identifies MPs is essential for extensive research on MPs pollution in urban waters. In this work, an MPs dataset with complex background was acquired from urban waters in southern China. The dataset was used to train and validate CNN models, including UNet, UNet2plus, and UNet3plus. Subsequently, the computational and inference performance of the three models was evaluated using a newly collected MPs dataset. The results showed that UNet, UNet2plus, UNet3plus, after being trained for 120 epochs, provided efficient inferences within less than 1 s, 2 s, and 3 s for 100 MPs images, respectively. Accurate segmentation with mIoU of 91.45 ± 5.93 % and 91.08 ± 6.18 % was achieved using UNet and UNet2plus, respectively, while UNet3plus exhibited a lower performance with only 82.21 ± 10.33 % mIoU. This work demonstrated that UNet and UNet2plus deliver efficient and accurate identification of MPs in urban waters. Developing CNN models that efficiently and accurately identify MPs is crucial for reducing manual time, especially in large-scale investigations of MPs pollution in urban waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiongji Xu
- School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building and Urban Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China; Pazhou Lab, Guangzhou 510335, China
| | - Zhaoli Wang
- School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building and Urban Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China; Pazhou Lab, Guangzhou 510335, China.
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25
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Jiang R, Lu G, Zhang L, Chen Y, Liu J, Yan Z, Xie H. Insight into the effect of microplastics on photocatalytic degradation tetracycline by a dissolvable semiconductor-organic framework. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132887. [PMID: 37918073 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) in large quantities in the aqueous environment significantly affects the degradation process of water pollution. Still, the interaction between MPs and pollutants during photocatalytic degradation has not been studied. Here, a soluble BiOCl-OH semiconductor-organic framework (BOCH-SOF) was prepared from xylitol, and the polystyrene (PS) MPs' effect on the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC) was investigated. It was found that the appropriate number of PS can promote TC degradation and also change degradation products and pathways. At the same time, the presence of TC can effectively enhance PS aging and reduce the molecular weight of PS. This indicates that BOCH-SOF produces a synergistic effect in treating the combined pollution of TC and PS. Through free radical analysis and density functional theory calculations, it was proposed that PS and TC can complement each other. A certain concentration and size of PS can promote the conversion of Bi(III) to Bi and enhance charge separation and radical generation; the TC can change the interfacial charge distribution and free radical depletion, extend the light absorption in the system, and the PS and TC work together to ultimately achieve the synergistic degradation of the TC and the aging PS. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the mechanism of the effect of MPs on the photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics, which is significant in controlling the combined pollution of MPs and associated pollutants in the water environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runren Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Guanghua Lu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| | - Leibo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Yufang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Jianchao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Zhenhua Yan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Haijiao Xie
- Hangzhou Yanqu Information Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310003, China
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26
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Wang L, Chen M, Wu Y, Chen X, Jin H, Huang J. Spatial distribution and vertical characteristics of microplastics in the urban river: The case of Qinhuai River in Nanjing, China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:115973. [PMID: 38171161 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging as global environmental pollutants, significantly influencing the safety of city rivers. This study investigated six sampling sites in the Qinhuai River of Nanjing, which explored the distribution and characteristics of MPs and the microbial structure in 2023. The studied river contained various levels of MPs with average concentrations of 667.68 items/L, whose abundance firstly decreased midstream and then increased downstream. The MPs abundance upstream was higher in surface water column, microplastics midstream and downstream accumulated more in deep water column. Black and blue are prevalent in the color distribution, while the polymers of PC, PP and PS changed with increasing depth, with a proportion of 74 % ∼ 97 % in the dominant shapes of granules. Furthermore, the water with higher MPs may stimulate the growth of MPs-related bacteria in sediments, including the genus of Pseudoxanthomonas and Dechloromonas. Our research will provide constructive support for enhancing urban river management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luming Wang
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Nanjing Research Institute of Environmental Protection, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yufeng Wu
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Xuan Chen
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Hui Jin
- Nanjing Research Institute of Environmental Protection, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Juan Huang
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
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27
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Guo F, Liu B, Zhao J, Hou Y, Wu J, Hu H, Zhou C, Hu H, Zhang T, Yang Z. Temperature-dependent effects of microplastics on sediment bacteriome and metabolome. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 350:141190. [PMID: 38215830 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of microplastics in the environment has become a concern for various ecosystems, including wetland ecosystems. Here, we investigated the effects of three popular microplastic types: polyethylene, polylactic acid, and tire particles at 5 °C and 25 °C on the sediment microbiome and metabolome at the 3% (w/w) level. Results indicated that temperature greatly influenced catalase and neutral phosphatase activities, whereas the type of microplastic had a more significant impact on urease and dehydrogenase activities. The addition of microplastic, especially tire particles, increased microbial diversity and significantly altered the microbial community structure and metabolic profile, leading to the formation of different clusters of microbial communities depending on the temperature. Nonetheless, the effect of temperature on the metabolite composition was less significant. Functional prediction showed that the abundance of functional genes related to metabolism and biogeochemical cycling increased with increasing temperature, especially the tire particles treatment group affected the nitrogen cycling by inhibiting ureolysis and nitrogen fixation. These observations emphasize the need to consider microplastic type and ambient temperature to fully understand the ecological impact of microplastics on microbial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Guo
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, 467036, PR China; School of Environment and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450011, PR China
| | - Biao Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, 467036, PR China.
| | - Jiaying Zhao
- School of Environment and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450011, PR China
| | - Yiran Hou
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, 467036, PR China
| | - Junfeng Wu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, 467036, PR China
| | - Hongwei Hu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, 467036, PR China
| | - Changrui Zhou
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, 467036, PR China
| | - Hui Hu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, 467036, PR China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan, 467036, PR China
| | - Ziyan Yang
- School of Environment and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450011, PR China
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28
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Khedre AM, Ramadan SA, Ashry A, Alaraby M. Interactions between microplastics and Culex sp. larvae in wastewater. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2024; 96:e11003. [PMID: 38385906 DOI: 10.1002/wer.11003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are a growing issue because they endanger both aquatic organisms and humans. Studies have indicated that wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are one of the major contributors to MPs in the environment. However, studies on the abundance of MP contamination in WWTPs and its transmission into aquatic organisms are still scarce, especially in Egypt. The goal of this study was to examine the temporal fluctuations in the distribution of MPs in surface water and the dominant macroinvertebrate fauna (Culex sp. larvae) in a fixed wastewater basin in Sohag Governorate, Egypt. The average of MPs in the surface water was 3.01 ± 0.9 particles/L. The results indicated to seasonal variation of MP abundance in the wastewater basin that was significantly higher in winter than in the other seasons. The risk index for polymers (H), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (RI) were used to assess the degree of MP contamination. The basin has moderate H values (<1000) because of the presence of polymers with moderate hazard scores such as polyester (PES), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP). According to the PLI values, surface water is extremely contaminated with MPs (PLI: 88 to 120). The RI values of surface water showed higher ecological risk (level V). MPs in Culex sp. larvae were seasonally changed with an 85% detection rate, and an abundance average of 0.24 ± 0.65 particles/ind, MP concentration in Culex sp. larvae was influenced by the MP characters (shape, color, and polymer). The larvae of Culex sp. showed a greater preference for black and red fibrous polyester (PES) with sizes (<1000 μm) of MPs. These findings suggest that Culex sp. larvae prefer ingesting MPs that resemble their food. It is possible to overestimate Culex sp.'s preference for lower sizes because of their catabolism of MPs. To better understand the preferences of Culex sp. larvae for MPs, further controlled trials should be conducted. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Wastewater is highly contaminated with microplastics (MPs) in the different seasons. First report of detection of the seasonal abundance of MP in Culex sp. larvae. Culex sp. larvae showed a stronger feeding preference for MPs with specific characteristics. Smaller size and blue polyester fibers were the dominant characteristics of MPs in wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza M Khedre
- Group of Entomology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University (82524), Sohag, Egypt
| | - Somaia A Ramadan
- Group of Entomology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University (82524), Sohag, Egypt
| | - Ali Ashry
- Group of Entomology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University (82524), Sohag, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Alaraby
- Group of Entomology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University (82524), Sohag, Egypt
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Liu S, Li Y, Wang F, Gu X, Li Y, Liu Q, Li L, Bai F. Temporal and spatial variation of microplastics in the urban rivers of Harbin. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 910:168373. [PMID: 37951265 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
This study was to investigate temporal and spatial variation of microplastics in surface water and sediment in the urban rivers of Harbin during dry and wet season. Water samples (n = 25) in Xinyi River (n = 13) and Ashe River (n = 12) were collected from the selected sampling points. Microplastics in urban rivers in Harbin included polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The results show that urban rivers in Harbin had relatively mild microplastic abundance with most fragments in shape and colorless in color. PP and PE were the major polymers in surface water samples, while PVC and PET were the major polymers in sediment, which were dominated by large-size and granulate shape microplastics. Source apportionment demonstrate that the main sources of microplastics in Xinyi River and Ashe River during dry season were domestic wastewater and effluent from rainfall, while the main sources of microplastics in Xinyi River and Ashe River during wet season were wastewater, atmospheric sedimentation, and agricultural source. The morphology of microplastics in surface water and sediment in urban rivers of Harbin was negatively correlated with water velocity and positively correlated with the concentration of suspended matter, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity. Riparian vegetation on the sides of Xinyi and Ashe River decreased migration process of microplastics by vegetal purification and then resulted in low abundance of microplastics. In conclusion, this study highlighted the occurrence characteristics, source apportionment and environmental influencing factors of microplastics in urban rivers of Harbin, which may develop new insights into the reduction of abundance of microplastics in the urban rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Liu
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Yundong Li
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Feiyu Wang
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Xueqian Gu
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Yuxiang Li
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Qi Liu
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Lipin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150096, China.
| | - Fuliang Bai
- School of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
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Chen H, Wang T, Ding Y, Yuan F, Zhang H, Wang C, Wang Y, Wang Y, Song Y, Fu G, Zou X. A catchment-wide microplastic pollution investigation of the Yangtze River: The pollution and ecological risk of tributaries are non-negligible. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133544. [PMID: 38244455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The Yangtze River is an important global channel for plastics and microplastics (MPs) to enter the sea. However, the existing research on MPs in the Yangtze River has primarily focused on the mainstream region, without regarding the occurrence, spatial distribution, and ecological risks associated with tributaries, as well as their relationship with the mainstream. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a large-scale catchment-wide investigation of the surface water in the Yangtze River, encompassing MPs (48 µm-5 mm) of the mainstream and 15 important tributaries. Tributaries and upstream regions exhibited relatively higher levels of MPs compared with the mainstream and different sections of the river. The distribution of MPs is primarily influenced by the emission of arable land and the pH of water. Notably, the upstream tributary areas demonstrated the highest ecological risks associated with MPs. Further analysis highlighted that the tributaries accounted for a contribution ranging from 16% to 67% in quantity and from 14% to 90% in mass of the microplastics observed in the mainstream. Our results suggest that the pollution of tributaries and their associated ecological risk migration must be effectively regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Chen
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Teng Wang
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210013, China
| | - Yongcheng Ding
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Feng Yuan
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hexi Zhang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Chenglong Wang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yameng Wang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yuyang Song
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Guanghe Fu
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xinqing Zou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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Li C, Gillings MR, Zhang C, Chen Q, Zhu D, Wang J, Zhao K, Xu Q, Leung PH, Li X, Liu J, Jin L. Ecology and risks of the global plastisphere as a newly expanding microbial habitat. Innovation (N Y) 2024; 5:100543. [PMID: 38111463 PMCID: PMC10726253 DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2023.100543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic offers a new niche for microorganisms, the plastisphere. The ever-increasing emission of plastic waste makes it critical to understand the microbial ecology of the plastisphere and associated effects. Here, we present a global fingerprint of the plastisphere, analyzing samples collected from freshwater, seawater, and terrestrial ecosystems. The plastisphere assembles a distinct microbial community that has a clearly higher heterogeneity and a more deterministically dominated assembly compared to natural habitats. New coexistence patterns-loose and fragile networks with mostly specialist linkages among microorganisms that are rarely found in natural habitats-are seen in the plastisphere. Plastisphere microbiomes generally have a great potential to metabolize organic compounds, which could accelerate carbon turnover. Microorganisms involved in the nitrogen cycle are also altered in the plastisphere, especially in freshwater plastispheres, where a high abundance of denitrifiers may increase the release of nitrite (aquatic toxicant) and nitrous oxide (greenhouse gas). Enrichment of animal, plant, and human pathogens means that the plastisphere could become an increasingly mobile reservoir of harmful microorganisms. Our findings highlight that if the trajectory of plastic emissions is not reversed, the expanding plastisphere could pose critical planetary health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changchao Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Michael R. Gillings
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Chao Zhang
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Qinglin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kankan Zhao
- Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qicheng Xu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Polly Hangmei Leung
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics and Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiangdong Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Ling Jin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics and Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
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Zeng Y, Wang H, Liang D, Yuan W, Shen Y, Shen Z, Gu Q. Shape- and polymer-considered simulation to unravel the estuarine microplastics fate. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132679. [PMID: 37793263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Environmental microplastics (MPs) constitute various sizes, polymers, and shape components. In estuaries, such differences are related to the reliability of assessing the seaward fate of MPs, aggregation hotspots, and ecological risks. This study sets the MP particle mass gradient using the shape factor and size probability density function to categorically estimate the MP load in the surface layer of the Yangtze River Estuary (YRE), which is the largest contributor of plastics to the sea. During the high plastic input period in July, the optimized estimated MP load through the surface layer of the YRE was 9766 kg/month, which was overestimated by 821 kg/month based on the empirical average particle mass. While tracking MP transport classified by shape and polymer type, the resuspension of MPs that accumulate in the intertidal zone cannot be neglected. The average relative error of the simulation was as low as 19.6% after including the abovementioned factors. Finally, the simulation results of the sensitive regions were extracted to assess the new MP risk index, which considers shape, abundance, and polymer type. By introducing these essential tools, this study helps to understand the fate of riverine MPs entering estuaries, where valuable opportunities for removing MPs exist before they spread to the oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichuan Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| | - Dongfang Liang
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK
| | - Weihao Yuan
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Yuhan Shen
- Dept. of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Zilin Shen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Qihui Gu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
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Zhang W, Liang S, Grossart HP, Christie-Oleza JA, Gadd GM, Yang Y. Convergence effect during spatiotemporal succession of lacustrine plastisphere: loss of priority effects and turnover of microbial species. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:ycae056. [PMID: 38711932 PMCID: PMC11073396 DOI: 10.1093/ismeco/ycae056] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Succession is a fundamental aspect of ecological theory, but studies on temporal succession trajectories and ecological driving mechanisms of plastisphere microbial communities across diverse colonization environments remain scarce and poorly understood. To fill this knowledge gap, we assessed the primary colonizers, succession trajectories, assembly, and turnover mechanisms of plastisphere prokaryotes and eukaryotes from four freshwater lakes. Our results show that differences in microbial composition similarity, temporal turnover rate, and assembly processes in the plastisphere do not exclusively occur at the kingdom level (prokaryotes and eukaryotes), but also depend on environmental conditions and colonization time. Thereby, the time of plastisphere colonization has a stronger impact on community composition and assembly of prokaryotes than eukaryotes, whereas for environmental conditions, the opposite pattern holds true. Across all lakes, deterministic processes shaped the assembly of the prokaryotes, but stochastic processes influenced that of the eukaryotes. Yet, they share similar assembly processes throughout the temporal succession: species turnover over time causes the loss of any priority effect, which leads to a convergent succession of plastisphere microbial communities. The increase and loss of microbial diversity in different kingdoms during succession in the plastisphere potentially impact the stability of entire microbial communities and related biogeochemical cycles. Therefore, research needs to integrate temporal dynamics along with spatial turnovers of the plastisphere microbiome. Taking the heterogeneity of global lakes and the diversity of global climate patterns into account, we highlight the urgency to investigate the spatiotemporal succession mechanism of plastisphere prokaryotes and eukaryotes in more lakes around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Shuxin Liang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- School of Ecology and Environment, Tibet University, Lhasa 850000, China
| | - Hans-Peter Grossart
- Leibniz-Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Neuglobsow 16775, Germany
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam University, Potsdam 14469, Germany
| | | | - Geoffrey Michael Gadd
- Geomicrobiology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution Control, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China
| | - Yuyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China
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Qiu Y, Zhou S, Zhang C, Chen L, Qin W, Zhang Q. Vertical distribution and weathering characteristic of microplastics in soil profile of different land use types. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:166902. [PMID: 37709069 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
After deposition on the topsoil, microplastics (MPs) may be vertically migrated to deeper soil layers over time or eventually enter the groundwater system, leading to more widespread environmental and ecological issues. However, the vertical distribution of MPs in natural soils are not yet fully understood. In this study, we collected soil profiles (0-100 cm) from four different land use types on the west bank of Taihu Lake in China to investigate the vertical distribution and weathering characteristics of MPs. The average abundance of soil MPs followed the pattern of paddy field (490 ± 82 items/kg) > dryland (356 ± 55 items/kg) > tea garden (306 ± 32 items/kg) > woodland (171 ± 27 items/kg) in the 0-10 cm layer, and the abundance of MPs decreased linearly with soil depth (r = -0.89, p < 0.01). Compared to tea garden and woodland, MPs in dryland and paddy field have migrated to deeper soil layers (80-100 cm). The carbonyl index of polyethylene and polypropylene MPs increased significantly with soil depth (r = 0.96, p < 0.01), with values of 0.58 ± 0.30 and 0.54 ± 0.33, respectively. The significant negative correlation between MPs size and carbonyl index confirmed that small-sized MPs in deeper soil layers originated from the weathering and fragmentation of MPs in topsoil. The results of structural equation model showed that roots and soil aggregates may act as filters during the vertical migration of MPs. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the environmental fate of MPs in soil and the assessment of associated ecological risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Qiu
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Shenglu Zhou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China.
| | - Chuchu Zhang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Long Chen
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Wendong Qin
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
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Zhao X, Qiang M, Yuan Y, Zhang M, Wu W, Zhang J, Gao Z, Gu X, Ma S, Liu Z, Cai L, Han J. Distribution of microplastic contamination in the major tributaries of the Yellow River on the Loess Plateau. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167431. [PMID: 37774863 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in rivers had gained increased attention worldwide. However, the differences in microplastic characteristics among major tributaries of large rivers and the environmental factors influencing these characteristics remain uncertain. Through field investigation and indoor experiments, the distribution of microplastics and their driving factors were investigated at 96 sampling sites along the three main tributaries (Huangfuchuan, Wuding and Yan River) of the Yellow River in the Loess Plateau. The results revealed that the average microplastic abundance followed this order: Yan River (430.30 items kg-1) > Wuding River (145.09 items kg-1) > Huangfuchuan River (253.33 items kg-1). The abundance was lower than that in most parts of the world. There was a generally increasing trend in average microplastic abundance from upstream to downstream in the three rivers. The most frequently observed microplastic colors observed were black and white, and the most common polymer type were PE and PS in all three rivers. The dominant shape and size in the three rivers were fiber and particles measuring 0.5-5.0 mm, all accounting for more than half of the total microplastic content. The microplastic abundance, shape, and size were primarily influenced by mean annual precipitation and population density. This relationship can be attributed to the fact that increased population density driven by higher demand and consumption of plastic products, while augmented rainfall aggravated the occurrence of floods and provided conditions for plastic degradation and accumulation. This study will provide fundamental data for pollution assessing and ecological protection of the Yellow River, and provide a certain reference for future management and protection on the Loess Plateau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhao
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Science and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minmin Qiang
- Power China Northwest Survey Design and Research Institute Co. Ltd., Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Man Zhang
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Science and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenjing Wu
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiaocheng Zhang
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zesen Gao
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinmei Gu
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sitian Ma
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zihan Liu
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lu Cai
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jianqiao Han
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Science and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
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Peng M, Wu Q, Gao S, Liu Y, Zeng J, Ruan Y. Distribution and characteristics of microplastics in an urban river: The response to urban waste management. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:166638. [PMID: 37657545 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The rivers have been proven to be potential sources and the major transport pathways of microplastic (MP) in natural aquatic eco-systems, yet there is an absence of understanding the provenances and distribution dynamics of MP in fluvial water body of urban regions. The present investigation aimed to characterize the distribution and accumulation of MPs in both surface water and riverine bed sediments in a typical urban river (Nanming River, southwest China), during the dry and wet seasons of 2021. MP were detected throughout the entire sample set, with average surface water abundances of 750 ± 53 n/m3 and 693.3 ± 40 n/m3 in dry and wet seasons, respectively, and 2250 ± 496.7 n/kg (dw) in surface sediments. Furthermore, the composition of 25 polymer types MPs were analyzed. The sediment of the Nanming River is a sink for MPs, recording their long-term accumulation. Multivariate statistical analysis-based results indicated that urban littering and agricultural input were the major contributors of non-point MP in the Nanming River, while the discharged effluent was another factor influencing the distribution of MPs in urban fluvial system. The average abundance of MPs was negatively correlated with purchase power parity (PPP), demonstrating that the poorly waste management results in a higher abundance of MPs in municipal river systems. The present study systematically characterized the distribution of MPs in medium-sized urban rivers systems in Southwest China. These findings can inform policy and management decisions to reduce MPs pollution in urban rivers and protect aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixue Peng
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Qixin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550000, China.
| | - Shilin Gao
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550000, China
| | - Yongxue Liu
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550000, China
| | - Jie Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550000, China
| | - Yunjun Ruan
- Institute of Advanced Optoelectronic Materials and Technology, College of Big Data and Information Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
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Tan Y, Dai J, Xiao S, Tang Z, Zhang J, Wu S, Wu X, Deng Y. Occurrence of microplastic pollution in rivers globally: Driving factors of distribution and ecological risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:165979. [PMID: 37543313 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165979] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics, as global emerging pollutants, have received significant attention worldwide due to their ubiquitous presence in the rivers. However, there is still a lack of clarity on the occurrence, driving factors, and ecological risks of microplastics in rivers worldwide. In this study, a global microplastic dataset based on 862 water samples and 445 sediment samples obtained from 63 articles was constructed, which revealed the temporal and spatial distribution of abundance and morphological characteristics of microplastics in rivers across the globe. In global rivers, the abundance of MPs in both water and sediment spans across 10 and 4 orders of magnitude, respectively. The MP comprehensive diversity index based on the physical morphological characteristics of MPs indicated a significant positive correlation between the pollution sources of MPs in different environmental media. Based on the data was aligned to the full-scale MPs, a novel framework was provided to evaluate the ecological risk of MPs and the interaction effects between the influencing factors driving the distribution characteristics of MPs in rivers around the world. The results obtained demonstrated a wide variation in the key driving factors affecting the distribution of microplastics in different environmental media (water and sediment) in rivers globally. The diversity indices of the morphological characteristics of MPs in densely populated areas of lower-middle income countries in Asia were significantly higher, implying that the sources of microplastics in these regions are more complex and extensive. More than half of the rivers are exposed to potential ecological risks of MPs; however, microplastics may pose only immediate risks to aquatic species in Burigang River, Bangladesh. This can provide valuable insights for formulating more effective scientific strategies for the management of MP pollution in rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Tan
- College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625000, China; State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China; State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jiangyu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Shuwen Xiao
- College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625000, China
| | - Zhiqiang Tang
- College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625000, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Shiqiang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xiufeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yu Deng
- College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625000, China.
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38
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Liu X, Fang L, Yan X, Gardea-Torresdey JL, Gao Y, Zhou X, Yan B. Surface functional groups and biofilm formation on microplastics: Environmental implications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166585. [PMID: 37643702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) contamination is becoming a significant environmental issue, as the widespread omnipresence of MPs can cause many adverse consequences for both ecological systems and humans. Contrary to what is commonly thought, the toxicity-inducing MPs are not the original pristine plastics; rather, they are completely transformed through various surface functional groups and aggressive biofilm formation on MPs via aging or weathering processes. Therefore, understanding the impacts of MPs' surface functional groups and biofilm formation on biogeochemical processes, such as environmental fate, transport, and toxicity, is crucial. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the distinctive impact that surface functional groups and biofilm formation of MPs have on their significant biogeochemical behavior in various environmental media, as well as their toxicity and biological effects. We place emphasis on the role of surface functional groups and biofilm formation as a means of influencing the biogeochemical processes of MPs. This includes their effects on pollutant fate and element cycling, which in turn impacts the aggregation, transport, and toxicity of MPs. Ultimately, future research studies and tactics are needed to improve our understanding of the biogeochemical processes that are influenced by the surface functional groups and biofilm formation of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xigui Liu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Liping Fang
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-Environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Xiliang Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jorge L Gardea-Torresdey
- University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Yan Gao
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhou
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Bing Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Wang D, Jiang SY, Fan C, Fu L, Ruan HD. Occurrence and correlation of microplastics and dibutyl phthalate in rivers from Pearl River Delta, China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115759. [PMID: 37988965 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115759] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been identified as the novel contaminants in various environments. Phthalates would be released from plasticized microplastics into a riverine environment while transporting to a marine region, but data on their relationship in rivers have been scarce. In this study, the occurrence, distribution and correlation of microplastics and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in two rivers from the Pearl River Estuary were investigated. The elevated level of DBP in the Qianshan River (2.70 ± 0.20 μg/L) was in alignment with the presence of highest microplastic concentration at the same sampling site (15.8 ± 9.8 items/L). A positive correlation was observed between microplastics and DBP in all sampling sites (p < 0.05). The results showed that UV irradiation from sunlight was a majorly inducing factor of DBP leaching from polyethylene microplastics. The concentrations of chemical additives in some degrees reflect the microplastic pollution, but environmental factors and multidimensionality of microplastics such as residence times and types may cause spatial differences of chemical additives in aquatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duojia Wang
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519087, PR China
| | - Sabrina Yanan Jiang
- National Observation and Research Station of Coastal Ecological Environments in Macao, Macao Environmental Research Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa 999078, Macao.
| | - Changchang Fan
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519087, PR China
| | - Longshan Fu
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519087, PR China; National Observation and Research Station of Coastal Ecological Environments in Macao, Macao Environmental Research Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa 999078, Macao
| | - Huada Daniel Ruan
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519087, PR China.
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Chen Y, Wang Y, Tan Y, Jiang C, Li T, Yang Y, Zhang Z. Phthalate esters in the Largest River of Asia: An exploration as indicators of microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166058. [PMID: 37553051 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Phthalate esters (PAEs) are the most ubiquitous and highly used plasticizers in plastic products globally, yet studies on the spatial variation, risks, and their correlation with microplastics (MPs) are limited, particularly throughout the Yangtze River (the largest river in China/Asia). Therefore, this study investigated for the first time the PAEs pollution characteristics throughout the Yangtze River sediments, studied the environmental factors linked to the distribution of PAEs, and explored their potential as chemical indicators for interpreting pollution patterns of MPs. Totally 14 out of 16 PAEs were detected in sediments, with total concentrations ranging from 84.67 ng/g to 274.0 ng/g (mean: 163.5 ng/g), dominated by Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), and Di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP), with contributions of 38.9 %, 31.8 %, and 20.8 %, respectively. Spatial distribution of PAEs did not indicate significant differences, which may be related to anthropogenic activities (i.e., emission intensity), runoff, and sediment physicochemical properties (i.e., TOC and TN), with TOC and TN being potential predictors of PAEs. The quantitative relationships (p < 0.001) between DEHP/∑16PAEs ratio and MPs (both individual and total MPs) were found in sediments, which suggested that DEHP could be potentially used as an indicator for MPs. DEHP, DIBP, and DBP posed high risks, accounting for 100 %, 68.4 %, and 10.5 % of the monitoring sites, respectively. Further work is necessary to better understand the relationship between DEHP/∑16PAEs and MPs in the environment and to take corresponding management and control measures for these pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yile Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yang Tan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chunxia Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Tianyi Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yuyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Zulin Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK.
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41
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Yang Y, Suyamud B, Liang S, Liang X, Wan W, Zhang W. Distinct spatiotemporal succession of bacterial generalists and specialists in the lacustrine plastisphere. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:2746-2760. [PMID: 37190986 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The assembly processes of generalists and specialists and their driving mechanisms during spatiotemporal succession is a central issue in microbial ecology but a poorly researched subject in the plastisphere. We investigated the composition variation, spatiotemporal succession, and assembly processes of bacterial generalists and specialists in the plastisphere, including non-biodegradable (NBMPs) and biodegradable microplastics (BMPs). Although the composition of generalists and specialists on NBMPs differed from that of BMPs, colonization time mainly mediated the composition variation. The relative abundance of generalists and the relative contribution of species replacement were initially increased and then decreased with colonization time, while the specialists initially decreased and then increased. Besides, the richness differences also affected the composition variation of generalists and specialists in the plastisphere, and the generalists were more susceptible to richness differences than corresponding specialists. Furthermore, the assembly of generalists in the plastisphere was dominated by deterministic processes, while stochastic processes dominated the assembly of specialists. The network stability test showed that the community stability of generalists on NBMPs and BMPs was lower than corresponding specialists. Our results suggested that different ecological assembly processes shaped the spatiotemporal succession of bacterial generalists and specialists in the plastisphere, but were less influenced by polymer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Bongkotrat Suyamud
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shuxin Liang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Science, Tibet University, Lhasa, China
| | - Xinjin Liang
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Wenjie Wan
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Weihong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
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Zhou Y, Jia Z, Zheng G, Chen L, Zhang Q, Su B, Zhou S. Microplastics in agricultural soils on the coastal plain: Spatial characteristics, influencing factors and sources. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:165948. [PMID: 37532042 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Farmland is a major sink for microplastics (MPs), but research on MPs in coastal plain soil, particularly their occurrence in agricultural areas with changing coastlines, is limited. Here, we investigated the distribution, influencing factors and sources of MPs in a typical agricultural county near the southeast coast of China considering different human activities and soil property changes. The average MP concentration in farmland soils was 314 items/kg, ranging from 70.2 to 851.3 items/kg. MPs increased first and then decreased from inland to the coast, and this trend was greatly affected by coastline expansion. Bulk density, clay and textile points of interest (POIs) are the major factors affecting MPs in farmland. Network analysis was used to divide the whole MP community into two modules, and the average similarity between each MP community and the other 25.5 MP communities was >0.5. Overall, the similarity of the MP community tended to decrease with increasing geographical distance (P < 0.01). In the soil environmental factors group, bulk density and clay affected the total MP abundance, accounting for 14.7 % and 9.4 % of MPs, respectively. After fitting 8 types of POIs and the total MP diversity integrated index (MDII) of farmland, washing POIs (R2 = 0.65, P < 0.01) displayed the greatest and most significant fit with MDII, followed by clothing POIs (R2 = 0.29, P < 0.01). The MDII-POI results showed that the major POI sources of soil MPs were clothing manufacturing and washing POIs. Unlike in urban areas, automobile service POIs, packaging POIs and textile POIs had no significant relationship with the MDII, which may be related to the population and economic development scale. The results emphasize the importance of investigating MP occurrence and sources in coastal agricultural areas to promote the effective management of MPs and plastic emissions in land-sea transition zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Zhou
- School of Geographic Sciences, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China; School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Zhenyi Jia
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Gunghui Zheng
- School of Geographic Sciences, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Long Chen
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Bo Su
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Shenglu Zhou
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China.
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Huang Y, Liang B, Li Z, Zhong Y, Wang B, Zhang B, Du J, Ye R, Xian H, Min W, Yan X, Deng Y, Feng Y, Bai R, Fan B, Yang X, Huang Z. Polystyrene nanoplastic exposure induces excessive mitophagy by activating AMPK/ULK1 pathway in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells and dopaminergic neurons in vivo. Part Fibre Toxicol 2023; 20:44. [PMID: 37993864 PMCID: PMC10664492 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-023-00556-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging environmental contaminants detected in human samples, and have raised concerns regarding their potential risks to human health, particularly neurotoxicity. This study aimed to investigate the deleterious effects of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, 50 nm) and understand their mechanisms in inducing Parkinson's disease (PD)-like neurodegeneration, along with exploring preventive strategies. METHODS Following exposure to PS-NPs (0.5-500 μg/mL), we assessed cytotoxicity, mitochondrial integrity, ATP levels, and mitochondrial respiration in dopaminergic-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations explored PS-NPs' interactions with mitochondrial complexes. We further probed mitophagy's pivotal role in PS-NP-induced mitochondrial damage and examined melatonin's ameliorative potential in vitro. We validated melatonin's intervention (intraperitoneal, 10 mg/kg/d) in C57BL/6 J mice exposed to 250 mg/kg/d of PS-NPs for 28 days. RESULTS In our in vitro experiments, we observed PS-NP accumulation in cells, including mitochondria, leading to cell toxicity and reduced viability. Notably, antioxidant treatment failed to fully rescue viability, suggesting reactive oxygen species (ROS)-independent cytotoxicity. PS-NPs caused significant mitochondrial damage, characterized by altered morphology, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, and decreased ATP production. Subsequent investigations pointed to PS-NP-induced disruption of mitochondrial respiration, potentially through interference with complex I (CI), a concept supported by molecular docking studies highlighting the influence of PS-NPs on CI. Rescue experiments using an AMPK pathway inhibitor (compound C) and an autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine) revealed that excessive mitophagy was induced through AMPK/ULK1 pathway activation, worsening mitochondrial damage and subsequent cell death in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Notably, we identified melatonin as a potential protective agent, capable of alleviating PS-NP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Lastly, our in vivo experiments demonstrated that melatonin could mitigate dopaminergic neuron loss and motor impairments by restoring mitophagy regulation in mice. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that PS-NPs disrupt mitochondrial function by affecting CI, leading to excessive mitophagy through the AMPK/ULK1 pathway, causing dopaminergic neuron death. Melatonin can counteract PS-NP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and motor impairments by regulating mitochondrial autophagy. These findings offer novel insights into the MNP-induced PD-like neurodegenerative mechanisms, and highlight melatonin's protective potential in mitigating the MNP's environmental risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Boxuan Liang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiming Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Yizhou Zhong
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Wang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingli Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxin Du
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongyi Ye
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyi Xian
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Weicui Min
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiliang Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhong Deng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Feng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruobing Bai
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingchi Fan
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingfen Yang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Food Safety and Health Research Center, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenlie Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China.
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Santos LFO, Neu V, Monteiro RCP, Kütter VT, Morais LMS, Soares-Gomes A, Chelazzi D, Giarrizzo T, Martinelli Filho JE. Microplastics and microfibers in the Guajará Bay, Amazon delta: Potential sources and variability. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115525. [PMID: 37708604 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The role of Amazon on the transport and as a source of microplastics (MPs) to the ocean is uncertain. This study is an assessment on the distribution of MPs and microfibers (MFs) in a portion of the Amazon delta. Guajará bay is a potential source for surrounding waters, since a metropolis is located at the right margin. Surface water samples were collected during the dry and rainy season of 2014/2015 at six stations. MP and MF abundance ranged from 218 to 5529.98 (1565.01 ± 196.94) particles·m-3. Transparent, white and blue particles were frequent. Higher values were detected on the right, urbanized margin of the bay (p = 0.0124). Most of the particles were anthropogenic cellulose fibers (68.8 %). Polyethylene terephthalate (52.9 %) and polyamide (34.4 %) were the dominant polymers. Our results indicate higher MP and MF abundances near to the potential source, the urban nucleus, and related to local hydrodynamic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Francy Oliveira Santos
- Laboratório de Oceanografia Biológica and Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Vania Neu
- Instituto Socioambiental e dos Recursos Hídricos, Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Belém, PA 66.077-830, Brazil
| | - Raqueline Cristina Pereira Monteiro
- Programa de pós-graduação em Ecologia Aquática e Pesca, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Tavares Kütter
- Programa de pós-graduação em Geologia e Geoquímica, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal do Pará, Augusto Correa n°1, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Mario Siqueira Morais
- Laboratório de Oceanografia Biológica and Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil; Programa de pós-graduação em Ecologia Aquática e Pesca, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Abilio Soares-Gomes
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Sedimentos, Departamento de Biologia Marinha, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ 24220900, Brazil
| | - David Chelazzi
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Tommaso Giarrizzo
- Instituto de Ciências do Mar (LABOMAR), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - José Eduardo Martinelli Filho
- Laboratório de Oceanografia Biológica and Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil.
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45
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Yang H, Sun F, Liao H, Guo Y, Pan T, Wu F, Giesy JP. Distribution, abundance, and risks posed by microplastics in surface waters of the Yangtze River Basin, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 333:122086. [PMID: 37355005 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution in the Yangtze River Basin, China, has become an environmental issue of great concern. However, most studies on MPs have focused on a part of the Yangtze River Basin, and still lack knowledge on the risk of MPs exposure in surface waters of the whole basin. This study overviews the differences in abundance and spatial distribution of MPs in surface waters basin-wide and comprehensively assesses the ecological risk of MPs exposure in surface waters of the Yangtze River Basin by considering the abundance and toxicity effects. The results showed that the MP abundance at the collected sampling sites ranged from 0 to 44,080 particles/m3, with a mean of 3441 particles/m3. MPs were unevenly distributed throughout the basin, with hotspots such as Three Gorges Reservoir, Yangtze River estuary, and some urban lakes showing relatively higher abundance than the surroundings. Based on the available toxicity data, chronic and acute predicted no-effect concentrations (PNECs) of 12.3 particles/L and 21 particles/L were derived for freshwater MPs exposure using constructed species sensitivity distributions (SSDs). The hazard quotient (HQ) method was used to compare the environmental exposure concentrations of MPs with PNECs, and the results showed that 71.8% of the sampling sites in the Yangtze River Basin had moderate chronic ecological risk, while 43% of the sampling sites had moderate acute ecological risk. Overall, the ecological risk of MPs in lake and reservoir water was higher than that in river water. Joint probability curves (JPCs) showed that the overall risk probability of MPs in the surface water of the Yangtze River Basin was lower than that of other basins in China and other countries. This research provides valuable information for the ecological risk assessment of MPs at the watershed scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, PR China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Fuhong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, PR China.
| | - Haiqing Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, PR China
| | - Yiding Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, PR China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Ting Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, PR China
| | - Fengchang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, PR China
| | - John P Giesy
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences and Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B3, Canada; Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48895, USA; Department of Environmental Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798-7266, USA
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46
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Yang H, Sun F, Liao H, Guo Y, Pan T, Wu F. The pollution of microplastics in sediments of the Yangtze River Basin: Occurrence, distribution characteristics, and basin-scale multilevel ecological risk assessment. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 243:120322. [PMID: 37451127 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB) of China has grown to be a serious issue, yet there is a lack of understanding of the environmental risks of MPs in the sediment of the entire basin. This work revealed the spatial distribution characteristics of MPs in YRB sediments, and it methodically assessed the ecological risks of MPs by taking into consideration their abundance, toxic effects, and polymer types. The results showed a high heterogeneity in the abundance of MPs in YRB sediments, with an average of 611 particles/kg dry weight (DW) sediment. Small-sized MPs (<1 mm), fibrous, transparent-colored and polypropylene (PP) accounted for the majority with 71.6%, 68%, 37% and 30.8%, respectively. Correlation analysis indicated significant influences of human activities such as population, industrial structure, and urban wastewater discharge on the abundance and morphological types of MPs in sediments. Based on chronic toxicity data exposed to sediments, a predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) of 539 particles/kg DW was calculated using the species susceptibility distribution (SSD). Multiple deterministic risk assessment indices indicated that MPs in YRB sediments exhibited primarily low pollution load levels, moderate-to-low potential ecological risk levels, and high levels of polymer pollution. However, probabilistic risk assessment revealed an overall low risk of MPs in YRB sediments. Monte Carlo simulation results demonstrated that polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polycarbonate (PC) made a great contribution to ecological risk and should be considered as priority control pollutants in MPs. In addition, various assessments showed that the ecological risk of MPs in river sediments was higher than that in lake reservoir sediments. This is the first study to comprehensively assess the ecological risk of MPs in sediments of the YRB, which improves the understanding of the basin-wide occurrence characteristics and environmental risks of MPs in freshwater systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Fuhong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China.
| | - Haiqing Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China.
| | - Yiding Guo
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Ting Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Fengchang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
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47
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Li C, Shi Y, Luo D, Kang M, Li Y, Huang Y, Bai X. Interventions of river network structures on urban aquatic microplastic footprint from a connectivity perspective. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 243:120418. [PMID: 37536245 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic footprint in urban river networks can be disturbed by multiple urbanization features, and regional river structures are generally overlooked. In this research, we analyzed the distribution of microplastics and potential impact pattern of river structures on it in a typical urban river network in Nanjing, China. Surface waters of the river network were jointly detected by multiple methods, and the Renkonen similarity index was used to study spatial variabilities of microplastics characteristics. Microplastics were ubiquitous and abundant, showing five (>50 μm) and six (20∼50 μm) hotspots, and heterogeneities in the shape and type of microplastics larger than 100 μm were prominent, presumably influenced by river network scale and connectivity. River structure parameters associated with network connectivity were obtained by combining graph theory and an entropy-based set-pair analysis model. Aiming at the action pathway of river structures, by using correlation and partial least squares regression analysis, we found that river node (confluences and sluices) ratio, river frequency, river network density, and water system circularity were significantly positively correlated with microplastic abundance, and confluences with poor connectivity had a greater indirect intervention intensity on the microplastic distribution. The land use characteristics dominated the fitting of microplastic abundance, which was about 1.2 times better than river structures, and the comprehensive land use intensity and river network connectivity were the critical factors, respectively. Potential ecological risks of microplastics were evaluated, resulting in relatively severe levels. This study proposed targeted measures to control urban microplastic pollution by combining the perspective of river network characteristics. To summarize, our exploration of microplastic footprint based on urban river network structures from the perspective of river network connectivity provides new insights into microplastic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Yi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Dan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Meng'en Kang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Yujian Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Yue Huang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Xue Bai
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China.
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48
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Liu Q, Xiong X, Wang K, Wang H, Ling Y, Li Q, Xu F, Wu C. Homogenization of microplastics in alpine rivers: Analysis of microplastic abundance and characteristics in rivers of Qilian Mountain, China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 340:118011. [PMID: 37116418 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics in remote areas has received increasing concern in recent years. However, studies on microplastics in alpine rivers and their affecting factors are still limited. In this study, we investigate the abundance and characteristics of microplastic in the surface water of five alpine rivers in Qilian Mountain, China. Utilizing sieve collection, digestion and density separation, along with microscopy and Raman spectroscopy analyses, microplastics were observed in all the water samples and the average abundance of microplastics was 0.48 ± 0.28 items/L, which was lower than in other freshwaters. Transparent (37.3%) and fibrous (72.1%) microplastics were predominant. Polypropylene (53.8%) was the most frequently identified polymer type. Analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) based on microplastic shape, color, and polymer type showed that there was no significant difference in the microplastic characteristics among rivers of Qilian Mountain. The distance decay models revealed that the similarity in microplastics characteristics was not affected by changes in watershed characteristics, such as geographical distance, elevation, water quality, and land use. This finding suggests that the primary source of microplastics in Qilian Mountain rivers could be from dispersed origins. The results of this study indicated that despite remote alpine rivers suffering limited anthropogenic impacts, they were not immune to microplastics. However, in watersheds with lower intensity of human activity, the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in water bodies may be more uniformly distributed and controlled by diffusion conditions such as atmospheric transport or riverine transport. Our investigation unveils novel understanding of microplastic dispersion in secluded alpine territories, emphasizing the crucial need for managing atmospheric transport of microplastics within conservation areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiong Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Kehuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yiqin Ling
- China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China
| | - Quanliang Li
- Qinghai Service Guarantee Center of Qilian Mountain National Park, Xining, 810000, China
| | - Fengyi Xu
- Qinghai Service Guarantee Center of Qilian Mountain National Park, Xining, 810000, China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
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49
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Huang Q, Yang C, Cheng Z, Wang H, Mojiri A, Zhu N, Qian X, Shen Y, Wu S, Lou Z. Exploring into a light-avoided environment: Mechanical-thermal coupled conditions responsible for the aging behavior of plastic waste in landfills. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 242:120162. [PMID: 37307685 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120162] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastics in landfills undergo a unique micronization process due to multi-factor and light-avoided conditions, but their aging process in such a typical environment remains unexplored. This study investigated the aging behavior of polyethylene plastics, representative of landfills, under simulated dynamic mechanical forces and high temperature-two prevalent environmental factors in landfills. The study explored the individual and combined contributions of these factors to the aging process. Results indicated that high temperature played a primary role in aging plastics by depolymerization and degradation through ·OH production, while mechanical forces contributed mainly to surface structure breakdown. The combined effect leads to more serious surface damage, creating holes, cracks, and scratches that provide access for free radical reactions to plastic bulk, thereby accelerating the aging and micronization process. The resulting microplastics were found to be 14.25 ± 0.53 μg L-1. Aged plastics exhibit a rapid aging rate of depolymerization and oxidation compared to virgin plastics due to their weak properties, suggesting a higher potential risk of microplastic generation. This study fills a knowledge gap regarding the aging behavior of plastics under complex and light-avoided landfill conditions, emphasizing the need for increased attention to the evolution process of microplastics from aged plastic waste in landfills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiujie Huang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Changfu Yang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhaowen Cheng
- School of Resource Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Amin Mojiri
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Nanwen Zhu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaoyong Qian
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yilong Shen
- Shanghai Solid Waste Management Center, Shanghai 200235, China
| | - Shaolin Wu
- Shanghai Solid Waste Management Center, Shanghai 200235, China
| | - Ziyang Lou
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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50
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Yuan W, Xu EG, Li L, Zhou A, Peijnenburg WJGM, Grossart HP, Liu W, Yang Y. Tracing and trapping micro- and nanoplastics: Untapped mitigation potential of aquatic plants? WATER RESEARCH 2023; 242:120249. [PMID: 37356163 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics are emerging concerns due to their environmental ubiquity and currently largely unknown ecological impacts. Leveraging on a recently developed method using europium-doped polystyrene particles (PS-Eu), our present work aimed to accurately trace the uptake and transport of micro- and nanoplastics in aquatic plants and shed insights into the potential of different aquatic plants for trapping and removal of plastics from water environment. Seedlings of Vallisneria denseserrulata Makino (submerged plant), Iris tectorum Maxim (emergent plant), and Eichhornia crassipes Solms (floating plant) were exposed to 100 nm and 2 μm PS-Eu in freshwater (5 μg/mL) or sediments (5 μg/g) for 8 weeks. Fluorescence imaging clearly evidenced that PS-Eu mainly accumulated in the intercellular space and were transported from roots to leaves via the apoplastic path and vascular bundle. Mass spectrum analysis demonstrated that up to 6250 μg/g nanoplastics were trapped in aquatic plants (mainly in roots) with a bioconcentration factor of 306.5, depending on exposure routes and plant species. Owing to their excellent capture capability and high tolerance to plastic exposures, floating plants like E. crassipes are promising for immobilizing and removing fine plastics from the water environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenke Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Elvis Genbo Xu
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - Lianzhen Li
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Amei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Willie J G M Peijnenburg
- National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Safety of Substances and Products, P.O. Box 1, Bilthoven, 3720, Netherlands; Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, P. O. Box 9518, Leiden 2300, Netherlands
| | - Hans-Peter Grossart
- Plankton and Microbial Ecology, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Alte Fischerhuette 2, Neuglobsow, 16775, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Maulbeerallee 2, Potsdam 14469, Germany
| | - Wenzhi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yuyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China.
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