1
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Ebbesen LG, Strange MV, Gunaalan K, Paulsen ML, Herrera A, Nielsen TG, Shashoua Y, Lindegren M, Almeda R. Do weathered microplastics impact the planktonic community? A mesocosm approach in the Baltic Sea. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 255:121500. [PMID: 38554636 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants of increasing concern in aquatic systems. However, little is still known about the impacts of weathered MPs on plankton at the community level after long-term exposure. In this study, we investigated the effects of weathered MPs on the structure and dynamics of a Baltic Sea planktonic community during ca. 5 weeks of exposure using a mesocosm approach (2 m3) mimicking natural conditions. MPs were obtained from micronized commercial materials of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyamide (nylon) previously weathered by thermal ageing and sunlight exposure. The planktonic community was exposed to 2 μg L-1 and 2 mg L-1 of MPs corresponding to measured particle concentrations (10-120 μm) of 680 MPs L-1 and 680 MPs mL-1, respectively. The abundance and composition of all size classes and groups of plankton and chlorophyll concentrations were periodically analyzed throughout the experiment. The population dynamics of the studied groups showed some variations between treatments, with negative and positive effects of MPs exhibited depending on the group and exposure time. The abundance of heterotrophic bacteria, pico- and nanophytoplankton, cryptophytes, and ciliates was lower in the treatment with the higher MP concentration than in the control at the last weeks of the exposure. The chlorophyll concentration and the abundances of heterotrophic nanoflagellates, Astromoeba, dinoflagellate, diatom, and metazooplankton were not negatively affected by the exposure to MPs and, in some cases, some groups showed even higher abundances in the MP treatments. Despite these tendencies, statistical analyses indicate that in most cases there were no statistically significant differences between treatments over the exposure period, even at very high exposure concentrations. Our results show that weathered MPs of the studied conventional plastic materials have minimal or negligible impact on planktonic communities after long-term exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linea Gry Ebbesen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Markus Varlund Strange
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Kuddithamby Gunaalan
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | | | - Alicia Herrera
- EOMAR, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Torkel Gissel Nielsen
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Yvonne Shashoua
- Environmental Archaeology and Materials Science, National Museum of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Martin Lindegren
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Rodrigo Almeda
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; EOMAR, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
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2
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Okoffo ED, Tan E, Grinham A, Gaddam SMR, Yip JYH, Twomey AJ, Thomas KV, Bostock H. Plastic pollution in Moreton Bay sediments, Southeast Queensland, Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 920:170987. [PMID: 38365023 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The mounting issue of plastic waste in the aquatic ecosystem is a growing source of concern. Most plastic waste originates on land and a significant proportion of this eventually finds its way into the marine environment, which is widely regarded as a major repository for plastic debris. Currently, there exists a substantial gap in our understanding of how much plastic, the main polymer types, and the distribution of plastic in the marine environment. This study aimed to provide information on mass concentrations of a range of plastics in the surface sediments in the semi-enclosed Moreton Bay, just offshore the large city of Brisbane, Southeast Queensland, Australia. Surface sediment samples were quantitatively analysed for a suite of 7 common plastic polymer types (i.e., polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), poly-(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) using a pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) followed by double-shot microfurnace pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Pyr-GC/MS). The advantage of this approach is that it can measure plastics below the limit of visual detection. The study revealed that Σ7plastics were consistently present in the samples, although the concentrations displayed a wide range of concentrations from 3.3 to 2194.2 μg/g across different sites. Among the polymers analysed, PE and PVC were found at the highest concentrations, ranging from 2.3 to 1885.9 μg/g and 3.0-979.5 μg/g, respectively. Based on the average concentrations of plastics measured, the dry bulk density and volume of sediments within the top 10 cm of the bay, it was estimated that there is a minimum of 7000 t of plastics stored in the surface sediments of the bay. This study is the first to report the mass concentrations of identified plastics and identify the main polymer types in Moreton Bay. This is important information to develop management plans to reduce the plastic waste entering the coastal marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis D Okoffo
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Emmeline Tan
- School of the Environment, Faculty of Science, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Alistair Grinham
- School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology, University of Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Josie Yee Hang Yip
- School of the Environment, Faculty of Science, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Alice J Twomey
- School of the Environment, Faculty of Science, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Helen Bostock
- School of the Environment, Faculty of Science, The University of Queensland, Australia
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3
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Zmozinski AV, S Peres R, Macedo AJ, Mendes Becker E, Pasinato Napp A, Schneider R, Reisdörfer Silveira J, Ferreira CA, H Vainstein M, Schrank A. Silicone-geranium essential oil blend for long-term antifouling coatings. BIOFOULING 2024; 40:209-222. [PMID: 38500010 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2024.2328611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
This study explores the potential of geranium essential oil as a natural solution for combating marine biofouling, addressing the environmental concerns associated with commercial antifouling coatings. Compounds with bactericidal activities were identified by 13Carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed minimal impact on film thermal stability, maintaining suitability for antifouling applications. The addition of essential oil induced changes in the morphology of the film and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated that oil remained within the film. Optical microscopy showed an increase in coating porosity after immersion in a marine environment. A total of 18 bacterial colonies were isolated, with Psychrobacter adeliensis and Shewanella algidipiscicola being the predominant biofilm-forming species. The geranium essential oil-based coating demonstrated the ability to reduce the formation of Psychrobacter adeliensis biofilms and effectively inhibit macrofouling adhesion for a duration of 11 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane V Zmozinski
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | - Rafael S Peres
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul - IFRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Alexandre José Macedo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Emilene Mendes Becker
- Departamento de Química Inorgânica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Amanda Pasinato Napp
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | - Rafael Schneider
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | - Jade Reisdörfer Silveira
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul - IFRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carlos Arthur Ferreira
- LAPOL/PPGE3M - Laboratório de Materiais Poliméricos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marilene H Vainstein
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | - Augusto Schrank
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
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4
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Jang YL, Jeong J, Eo S, Hong SH, Shim WJ. Occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in greywater from a research vessel. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122941. [PMID: 37979649 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122941] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
The discharge of greywater from ships, an uncounted sea-based source of microplastics (MPs), is a growing concern. Yet, empirical data on MPs from this source are currently limited. Here, the abundances and characteristics of MPs in greywater from a research vessel were investigated according to water usage type (e.g., galley, cabin, and laundry). The mean abundance of MPs was highest in greywater from the laundry (177,667 n/m3), followed by the cabins (133,833 n/m3) and galley (75,000 n/m3). However, no significant differences were found in the MP abundances among greywater types due to high variability of triplicate samples collected every five days. Fiber-type MPs accounted for 66% of the total MP abundance and fragment-type MPs for 34%. Microplastics in the size range of 100-200 μm exhibited the highest levels among size classes. The dominant polymer identified in all greywater samples was polyester (53%), followed by polypropylene (23%). Marine coating origin MPs (6%) were also observed in all types of greywater. The greywater generation rate during the cruise was 0.15 m3/person∙day. Annual MP emissions per person by the greywater discharge of the research vessel was estimated to be 4.1 × 106 n/person∙year (equivalent to 3.0 g/person∙year).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lee Jang
- Ecological Risk Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongwook Jeong
- Ecological Risk Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Soeun Eo
- Ecological Risk Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hee Hong
- Ecological Risk Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Joon Shim
- Ecological Risk Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Naik AT, Kamensky KM, Hellum AM, Moisander PH. Disturbance frequency directs microbial community succession in marine biofilms exposed to shear. mSphere 2023; 8:e0024823. [PMID: 37931135 PMCID: PMC10790581 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00248-23] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Disturbances are major drivers of community succession in many microbial systems; however, relatively little is known about marine biofilm community succession, especially under antifouling disturbance. Antifouling technologies exert strong local disturbances on marine biofilms, and resulting biomass losses can be accompanied by shifts in biofilm community composition and succession. We address this gap in knowledge by bridging microbial ecology with antifouling technology development. We show that disturbance by shear can strongly alter marine biofilm community succession, acting as a selective filter influenced by frequency of exposure. Examining marine biofilm succession patterns with and without shear revealed stable associations between key prokaryotic and eukaryotic taxa, highlighting the importance of cross-domain assessment in future marine biofilm research. Describing how compounded top-down and bottom-up disturbances shape the succession of marine biofilms is valuable for understanding the assembly and stability of these complex microbial communities and predicting species invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek T. Naik
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, USA
- School of Marine Science and Technology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Aren M. Hellum
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Pia H. Moisander
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, USA
- School of Marine Science and Technology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
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6
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Chen Q, Shi G, Revell LE, Zhang J, Zuo C, Wang D, Le Ru EC, Wu G, Mitrano DM. Long-range atmospheric transport of microplastics across the southern hemisphere. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7898. [PMID: 38036501 PMCID: PMC10689495 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43695-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Airborne microplastics (MPs) can undergo long range transport to remote regions. Yet there is a large knowledge gap regarding the occurrence and burden of MPs in the marine boundary layer, which hampers comprehensive modelling of their global atmospheric transport. In particular, the transport efficiency of MPs with different sizes and morphologies remains uncertain. Here we show a hemispheric-scale analysis of airborne MPs along a cruise path from the mid-Northern Hemisphere to Antarctica. We present the inaugural measurements of MPs concentrations over the Southern Ocean and interior Antarctica and find that MPs fibers are transported more efficiently than MPs fragments along the transect, with the transport dynamics of MPs generally similar to those of non-plastic particles. Morphology is found to be the dominant factor influencing the hemispheric transport of MPs to remote Antarctic regions. This study underlines the importance of long-range atmospheric transport in MPs cycling dynamics in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Guitao Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Laura E Revell
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Jun Zhang
- NYU-ECNU Physics and Mathematics Research Institutes, New York University Shanghai, Shanghai, 200062, China
- Department of Physics, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Chencheng Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Danhe Wang
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Eric C Le Ru
- The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Guangmei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Denise M Mitrano
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
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7
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Zhou M, Yanai H, Yap CK, Emmanouil C, Okamura H. Anthropogenic Microparticles in Sea-Surface Microlayer in Osaka Bay, Japan. J Xenobiot 2023; 13:685-703. [PMID: 37987445 PMCID: PMC10660477 DOI: 10.3390/jox13040044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The abundance, distribution, and composition of microparticles (MPs) in the sea-surface microlayer (S-SML, less than 100 μm of sea surface in this experiment) and in bulk water (1 m under the sea surface) were investigated to evaluate the pollution level of MPs in Osaka Bay in Japan. Both seawater fractions were collected at eight sites including ship navigation routes, the coastal area, and the center of Osaka Bay for 2021-2023. MPs were filtered for four size ranges (10-53, 53-125, 125-500, and >500 μm) and then digested with H2O2. MPs' abundance was microscopically assessed; and polymer types of MPs were identified by a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). For the 22 collections performed along eight sites, the average MPs' abundance was 903 ± 921 items/kg for S-SML, while for the 25 collections performed along the same sites, the average MPs' abundance was 55.9 ± 40.4 items/kg for bulk water, respectively. MPs in both S-SML and bulk water exhibited their highest abundance along the navigation routes. The smallest MPs (10-53 μm) accounted for 81.2% and for 62.2% of all MPs in S-SML and in bulk water among all sites, respectively. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was the major type of MPs identified while minor ones were polyethylene, polyesters, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, etc. PMMA comprised 95.1% of total MPs in S-SML and 45.6% of total MPs in bulk water. In addition, PMMA accounted for 96.6% in S-SML and 49.5% in bulk water for the smallest MP category (10-53 μm). It can be assumed that the MP sources were marine paints-primarily APPs (antifouling paint particles)-as well as land coatings. Sea pollution due to microparticles from ship vessels should be given proper attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Zhou
- Graduate School of Maritime Sciences, Kobe University, Fukaeminami-machi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe 658-0022, Japan; (M.Z.); (H.Y.); (C.K.Y.)
| | - Hirofumi Yanai
- Graduate School of Maritime Sciences, Kobe University, Fukaeminami-machi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe 658-0022, Japan; (M.Z.); (H.Y.); (C.K.Y.)
| | - Chee Kong Yap
- Graduate School of Maritime Sciences, Kobe University, Fukaeminami-machi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe 658-0022, Japan; (M.Z.); (H.Y.); (C.K.Y.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Christina Emmanouil
- School of Spatial Planning and Development, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Hideo Okamura
- Research Center for Inland Seas, Kobe University, Fukaeminami-machi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe 658-0022, Japan
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8
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Goßmann I, Mattsson K, Hassellöv M, Crazzolara C, Held A, Robinson TB, Wurl O, Scholz-Böttcher BM. Unraveling the Marine Microplastic Cycle: The First Simultaneous Data Set for Air, Sea Surface Microlayer, and Underlying Water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:16541-16551. [PMID: 37853526 PMCID: PMC10620994 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05002] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) including tire wear particles (TWP) are ubiquitous. However, their mass loads, transport, and vertical behavior in water bodies and overlying air are never studied simultaneously before. Particularly, the sea surface microlayer (SML), a ubiquitous, predominantly organic, and gelatinous film (<1 mm), is interesting since it may favor MP enrichment. In this study, a remote-controlled research catamaran simultaneously sampled air, SML, and underlying water (ULW) in Swedish fjords of variable anthropogenic impacts (urban, industrial, and rural) to fill these knowledge gaps in the marine-atmospheric MP cycle. Polymer clusters and TWP were identified and quantified with pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Air samples contained clusters of polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, and polystyrene (max 50 ng MP m-3). In water samples (max. 10.8 μg MP L-1), mainly TWP and clusters of poly(methyl methacrylate) and polyethylene terephthalate occurred. Here, TWP prevailed in the SML, while the poly(methyl methacrylate) cluster dominated the ULW. However, no general MP enrichment was observed in the SML. Elevated anthropogenic influences in urban and industrial compared to the rural fjord areas were reflected by enhanced MP levels in these areas. Vertical MP movement behavior and distribution were not only linked to polymer characteristics but also to polymer sources and environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Goßmann
- Institute
for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, P.O. Box 2503, Oldenburg 26111, Germany
- Center
for Marine Sensors, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine
Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University
of Oldenburg, Wilhelmshaven 26382, Germany
| | - Karin Mattsson
- Department
of Marine Sciences, University
of Gothenburg, Kristineberg 566, Fiskebäckskil 45178, Sweden
| | - Martin Hassellöv
- Department
of Marine Sciences, University
of Gothenburg, Kristineberg 566, Fiskebäckskil 45178, Sweden
| | - Claudio Crazzolara
- Chair
of Environmental Chemistry and Air Research, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin 10623, Germany
| | - Andreas Held
- Chair
of Environmental Chemistry and Air Research, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin 10623, Germany
| | - Tiera-Brandy Robinson
- GEOMAR
Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstraße 1-3, Kiel 24148, Germany
| | - Oliver Wurl
- Center
for Marine Sensors, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine
Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University
of Oldenburg, Wilhelmshaven 26382, Germany
| | - Barbara M. Scholz-Böttcher
- Institute
for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, P.O. Box 2503, Oldenburg 26111, Germany
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9
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Mosconi G, Panseri S, Magni S, Malandra R, D’Amato A, Carini M, Chiesa L, Della Torre C. Plastic Contamination in Seabass and Seabream from Off-Shore Aquaculture Facilities from the Mediterranean Sea. J Xenobiot 2023; 13:625-640. [PMID: 37987441 PMCID: PMC10660701 DOI: 10.3390/jox13040040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We characterized the presence of plastics in different organs of the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) from some off-shore aquaculture facilities of the Mediterranean Sea. Plastics were detected in 38% of analyzed fish. Higher contamination was observed in fish from Turkey and Greece with respect to Italy, without significant differences between the geographical areas. Plastics accumulated mostly in the gastrointestinal tract and, to a lower extent, in the muscle, which represents the edible part of fish. Based on the particle detected, a maximum amount of 0.01 plastic/g wet weight (w.w.) can occur in muscles, suggesting a low input for humans through consumption. A large portion of the particles identified was represented by man-made cellulose-based fibers. The characterization of the polymeric composition suggests that plastics taken up by fish can have land-based and pelagic origins, but plastics can be introduced also from different aquaculture practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Mosconi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.M.); (S.P.); (L.C.)
| | - Sara Panseri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.M.); (S.P.); (L.C.)
| | - Stefano Magni
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Malandra
- ATS Milano-Città Metropolitana, Veterinary Unit, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alfonsina D’Amato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.D.); (M.C.)
| | - Marina Carini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.D.); (M.C.)
| | - Luca Chiesa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.M.); (S.P.); (L.C.)
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10
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Lou F, Wang J, Sima J, Lei J, Huang Q. Mass concentration and distribution characteristics of microplastics in landfill mineralized refuse using efficient quantitative detection based on Py-GC/MS. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132098. [PMID: 37490799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Landfilling is the most traditional disposal method of domestic waste. Plastic waste in landfill sites could degrade to microplastics (MPs) and diffuse to the surrounding environment with leachate. However, MPs pollution in landfill mineralized refuse has not been well recognized. In the present research, a detection method for mixed MPs of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) based on Py-GC/MS was established and verified. The method is suitable for the rapid quantitative detection of large-batch of complex solid matrix samples, with an average deviation of less than 10%. Based on the method, samples from a landfill site in South China were studied, where PE was found to be the main component. The total concentration of MPs in mineralized refuse was 7.62 kg/t in the old area and 5.49 kg/t in the young area. Further analysis showed that the content of MPs was correlated with that of plastic waste and the landfill age, indicating that a considerable proportion was secondary MPs. The reserves of MPs in landfill sites may have reached an alarming number. In the absence of adequate safeguards, quantities of MPs may spread from the landfill sites, resulting in serious pollution of the surrounding soil and groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Institute for Thermal Power Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Jun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Institute for Thermal Power Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Jiaxing Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing 314011, China.
| | - Jingyuan Sima
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Institute for Thermal Power Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Jiahui Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Institute for Thermal Power Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Qunxing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Institute for Thermal Power Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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11
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Kim B, Kim H, Yoo K. Insight into the marine microplastic abundance and distribution in ship cooling systems. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 339:117940. [PMID: 37075634 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are becoming widely recognized as one of many global environmental issues. Although recently, it has been suggested that marine plastics may affect a ship's operation, the presence of MPs in a ship's cooling system has not received significant attention. In this study, samples of 40 L each were taken from each of the five main pipes (sea chest (SC), ejector pump (EP), main engine jacket freshwater pump (MJFP), main engine jacket freshwater cooler (MJFC), and expansion tank (ET)) in each season (February, May, July, October 2021) to identify and characterize MPs in the five main pipes of the ship cooling system from the training ship Hanbada, Korea Maritime and Ocean University. As a result of FTIR analysis, the total MP abundance was 24,100 particles/m3 in the cooling system of the ship. MP concentrations were observed to be higher (p < 0.05) in winter and spring (dry season: 1578 ± 604 particles/m3) than in summer and autumn (wet season: 990 ± 390 particles/m3). In addition, the MP concentration in the seawater cooling system (SCS) (1509 ± 553 particle/m3) was slightly higher (p > 0.05) than that in the freshwater cooling system (FCS) (1093 ± 546 particles/m3). Compared to previous studies, it was confirmed that the quantitative amount of MPs on board was similar to or slightly less than the concentration of MPs investigated along the coast of Korea (1736 particles/m3). To identify the chemical composition of MPs, an optical microscope and FTIR analysis was carried out, and PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) were identified as major chemicals in all samples. MPs in the form of fibers and fragments accounted for approximately 95% of the total. This study provided evidence of MP contamination in the main pipe in the cooling system of the ship. These findings confirm that marine MPs existing in seawater may have flowed into the ship's cooling system, and it is necessary to understand the effect of marine MPs on the ship's engine and cooling system through continuous monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boram Kim
- Maritime Industry Research Division, Logistics and Maritime Industry Research Department, Korea Maritime Institute, Busan, 49111, South Korea
| | - Hyunsu Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan, 49112, South Korea; Interdisciplinary Major of Ocean Renewable Energy Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan, 49112, South Korea
| | - Keunje Yoo
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan, 49112, South Korea.
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12
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Eo S, Hong SH, Cho Y, Song YK, Han GM, Shim WJ. Spatial distribution and historical trend of microplastic pollution in sediments from enclosed bays of South Korea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115121. [PMID: 37302203 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115121] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Seafloor sediments are an important sink for microplastics (MPs), and the vertical profile of MP accumulation in a sediment core represents historical pollution trends. In this study, MP (20-5000 μm) pollution in surface sediments of urban, aquaculture, and environmental preservation sites in South Korea was evaluated, and the historical trend was investigated using age-dated core sediments from the urban and aquaculture sites. The abundance of MPs ranked in the order of urban, aquaculture, and environmental preservation sites. Polymer types were more diverse at the urban site compared to other sites, and expanded polystyrene was dominant in the aquaculture site. An increase in MP pollution and polymer types was observed from bottom to top of cores, and historical trends of MP pollution reflect local influences. Our results indicate that the characteristics of MPs are determined by human activities, and MP pollution should be addressed according to the characteristics of each site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soeun Eo
- Ecological Risk Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hee Hong
- Ecological Risk Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Youna Cho
- Ecological Risk Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Kyoung Song
- Ecological Risk Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Basic Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Myung Han
- Ecological Risk Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Joon Shim
- Ecological Risk Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Cattaneo N, Zarantoniello M, Conti F, Frontini A, Chemello G, Dimichino B, Marongiu F, Cardinaletti G, Gioacchini G, Olivotto I. Dietary Microplastic Administration during Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Development: A Comprehensive and Comparative Study between Larval and Juvenile Stages. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2256. [PMID: 37508033 PMCID: PMC10376277 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the main sources of MPs contamination in fish farms is aquafeed. The present study investigated, for the first time through a comparative approach, the effects of different-sized fluorescent MPs included in a diet intended for zebrafish (Danio rerio). A comparison based on fish developmental stage (larval vs. juvenile), exposure time, and dietary MPs' size and concentration was performed. Four experimental diets were formulated, starting from the control, by adding fluorescent polymer A (size range 1-5 µm) and B (size range 40-47 µm) at two different concentrations (50 and 500 mg/kg). Zebrafish were sampled at 20 (larval phase) and 60 dpf (juvenile stage). Whole larvae, intestine, liver and muscles of juveniles were collected for the analyses. Polymer A was absorbed at the intestinal level in both larvae and juveniles, while it was evidenced at the hepatic and muscular levels only in juveniles. Hepatic accumulation caused an increase in oxidative stress markers in juveniles, but at the same time significantly reduced the number of MPs able to reach the muscle, representing an efficient barrier against the spread of MPs. Polymer B simply transited through the gut, causing an abrasive effect and an increase in goblet cell abundance in both stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Cattaneo
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Matteo Zarantoniello
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Federico Conti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Frontini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulia Chemello
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Beniamino Dimichino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Fabio Marongiu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Gloriana Cardinaletti
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Giorgia Gioacchini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Ike Olivotto
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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14
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Goßmann I, Herzke D, Held A, Schulz J, Nikiforov V, Georgi C, Evangeliou N, Eckhardt S, Gerdts G, Wurl O, Scholz-Böttcher BM. Occurrence and backtracking of microplastic mass loads including tire wear particles in northern Atlantic air. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3707. [PMID: 37349297 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39340-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Few studies report the occurrence of microplastics (MP), including tire wear particles (TWP) in the marine atmosphere, and little data is available regarding their size or sources. Here we present active air sampling devices (low- and high-volume samplers) for the evaluation of composition and MP mass loads in the marine atmosphere. Air was sampled during a research cruise along the Norwegian coast up to Bear Island. Samples were analyzed with pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, generating a mass-based data set for MP in the marine atmosphere. Here we show the ubiquity of MP, even in remote Arctic areas with concentrations up to 37.5 ng m-3. Cluster of polyethylene terephthalate (max. 1.5 ng m-3) were universally present. TWP (max. 35 ng m-3) and cluster of polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyurethane (max. 1.1 ng m-3) were also detected. Atmospheric transport and dispersion models, suggested the introduction of MP into the marine atmosphere equally from sea- and land-based emissions, transforming the ocean from a sink into a source for MP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Goßmann
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, P.O. Box 2503, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany
- Center for Marine Sensors, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, 26382, Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Dorte Herzke
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, The FRAM Centre, P.O. Box 6606, Langnes, 9296, Tromsø, Norway
- NIPH - Norwegian Institute for Public Health, P.O.Box 222 Skøyen,, 0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andreas Held
- Chair of Environmental Chemistry and Air Research, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janina Schulz
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, P.O. Box 2503, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Vladimir Nikiforov
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, The FRAM Centre, P.O. Box 6606, Langnes, 9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Christoph Georgi
- Chair of Environmental Chemistry and Air Research, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Evangeliou
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, 2007, Kjeller, Norway
| | - Sabine Eckhardt
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, 2007, Kjeller, Norway
| | - Gunnar Gerdts
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, 27483, Heligoland, Germany
| | - Oliver Wurl
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, P.O. Box 2503, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany
- Center for Marine Sensors, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, 26382, Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Barbara M Scholz-Böttcher
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, P.O. Box 2503, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany.
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15
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Gao H, Liu C, Wang H, Shen H. Raman spectra characterization of size-dependent aggregation and dispersion of polystyrene particles in aquatic environments. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 333:138939. [PMID: 37182713 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous environments are generally thought to be a source of pooling and re-distribution for both micro-plastics (MPs) and nano-plastics (NPs); however, significantly less data on NPs than MPs have been reported. The occurrence of salts, proteins, and other organic matter may promote or inhibit the aggregation of NPs to form agglomeration particles, making their detection more difficult. In this study, 80 and 500 nm polystyrene nano-plastics (PS-NPs) modified by four different functional groups (PS-Bare, PS-COOH, PS-NH2, and PS-CHO-500 nm) were selected to mimic the flocculation and/or sedimentation of NPs in salts (NaCl, CaCl2, and Na2SO4) and protein solutions. The results showed that the 80 nm PS-NPs are only colloidal in pure water. All four strong electrolyte solutions that were tested significantly promoted the aggregation of PS-NPs, including those that were protein-coated. In addition, 500 nm PS-CHO did not flocculate but gradually settled into sedimentation. Therefore, Raman spectrometry can be used to analyze assembled PS-NPs, but is not suitable for analyzing normal PS-NPs. By combining fractal morphology, this study provides insight into the comprehensive analysis of PS-NPs in water solutions, including the digestion of biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongying Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Vaccine Development, Xiang an Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; Zhoushan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316021, China
| | - Chuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University,Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Heng Wang
- Zhoushan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316021, China.
| | - Heqing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Vaccine Development, Xiang an Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; Department of Obstetrics, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, China.
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16
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Corti A, La Nasa J, Biale G, Ceccarini A, Manariti A, Petri F, Modugno F, Castelvetro V. Microplastic pollution in the sediments of interconnected lakebed, seabed, and seashore aquatic environments: polymer-specific total mass through the multianalytical "PISA" procedure. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023:10.1007/s00216-023-04664-0. [PMID: 37071143 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04664-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
The total mass of individual synthetic polymers present as microplastic (MP < 2 mm) pollutants in the sediments of interconnected aquatic environments was determined adopting the Polymer Identification and Specific Analysis (PISA) procedure. The investigated area includes a coastal lakebed (Massaciuccoli), a coastal seabed (Serchio River estuarine), and a sandy beach (Lecciona), all within a natural park area in Tuscany (Italy). Polyolefins, poly(styrene) (PS), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and the polyamides poly(caprolactame) (Nylon 6) and poly(hexamethylene adipamide) (Nylon 6,6) were fractionated and quantified through a sequence of selective solvent extractions followed by either analytical pyrolysis or reversed-phase HPLC analysis of the products of hydrolytic depolymerizations under acidic and alkaline conditions. The highest concentrations of polyolefins (highly degraded, up to 864 µg/kg of dry sediment) and PS (up to 1138 µg/kg) MPs were found in the beach dune sector, where larger plastic debris are not removed by the cyclic swash action and are thus prone to further aging and fragmentation. Surprisingly, low concentrations of less degraded polyolefins (around 30 µg/kg) were found throughout the transect zones of the beach. Positive correlation was found between polar polymers (PVC, PC) and phthalates, most likely absorbed from polluted environments. PET and nylons above their respective LOQ values were found in the lakebed and estuarine seabed hot spots. The pollution levels suggest a significant contribution from riverine and canalized surface waters collecting urban (treated) wastewaters and waters from Serchio River and the much larger Arno River aquifers, characterized by a high anthropogenic pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Corti
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- CISUP - Center for the Integration of Scientific Instruments of the University of Pisa, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Jacopo La Nasa
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- CISUP - Center for the Integration of Scientific Instruments of the University of Pisa, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Greta Biale
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessio Ceccarini
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- CISUP - Center for the Integration of Scientific Instruments of the University of Pisa, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonella Manariti
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- CISUP - Center for the Integration of Scientific Instruments of the University of Pisa, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Petri
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Modugno
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- CISUP - Center for the Integration of Scientific Instruments of the University of Pisa, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valter Castelvetro
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
- CISUP - Center for the Integration of Scientific Instruments of the University of Pisa, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
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17
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Seeley ME, Lynch JM. Previous successes and untapped potential of pyrolysis-GC/MS for the analysis of plastic pollution. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023:10.1007/s00216-023-04671-1. [PMID: 37036484 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04671-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
There is growing concern from scientists, policy makers, and the public about the contamination of natural and indoor environments with plastics, particularly micro/nanoplastics. Typically, characterizing microplastics in environmental samples requires extensive sample processing to isolate particles, followed by spectroscopic methodologies to identify particle polymer composition. Spectroscopic techniques are limited in their ability to provide polymer mass or advanced chemical composition (e.g., chemical additive content), which are important for toxicological assessments. To achieve mass fraction quantification and chemical characterization of plastics in environmental samples, many researchers have turned to thermoanalytical spectrometric approaches, particularly pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Sample preparation for Py-GC/MS may be approached similarly to techniques needed for spectroscopic approaches (e.g., isolate particles on a filter), employ pressurized solvent extraction, or use ultrafiltration techniques to concentrate nanoplastics. Great strides have been made in using calibration curves to quantify plastics in complex matrices. However, the approaches to the pyrolysis thermal program, as well as calibrant and sample preparation, are inconsistent, requiring refinement and harmonization. This review provides a critical synthesis of previous Py-GC/MS work and highlights opportunities for novel and improved Py-GC/MS analysis of plastics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Evans Seeley
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Waimanalo, HI, 96795, USA.
- Center for Marine Debris Research, Hawaii Pacific University, Waimanalo, HI, 96795, USA.
| | - Jennifer M Lynch
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Waimanalo, HI, 96795, USA
- Center for Marine Debris Research, Hawaii Pacific University, Waimanalo, HI, 96795, USA
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18
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Landrigan PJ, Raps H, Cropper M, Bald C, Brunner M, Canonizado EM, Charles D, Chiles TC, Donohue MJ, Enck J, Fenichel P, Fleming LE, Ferrier-Pages C, Fordham R, Gozt A, Griffin C, Hahn ME, Haryanto B, Hixson R, Ianelli H, James BD, Kumar P, Laborde A, Law KL, Martin K, Mu J, Mulders Y, Mustapha A, Niu J, Pahl S, Park Y, Pedrotti ML, Pitt JA, Ruchirawat M, Seewoo BJ, Spring M, Stegeman JJ, Suk W, Symeonides C, Takada H, Thompson RC, Vicini A, Wang Z, Whitman E, Wirth D, Wolff M, Yousuf AK, Dunlop S. The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:23. [PMID: 36969097 PMCID: PMC10038118 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plastics have conveyed great benefits to humanity and made possible some of the most significant advances of modern civilization in fields as diverse as medicine, electronics, aerospace, construction, food packaging, and sports. It is now clear, however, that plastics are also responsible for significant harms to human health, the economy, and the earth's environment. These harms occur at every stage of the plastic life cycle, from extraction of the coal, oil, and gas that are its main feedstocks through to ultimate disposal into the environment. The extent of these harms not been systematically assessed, their magnitude not fully quantified, and their economic costs not comprehensively counted. Goals The goals of this Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health are to comprehensively examine plastics' impacts across their life cycle on: (1) human health and well-being; (2) the global environment, especially the ocean; (3) the economy; and (4) vulnerable populations-the poor, minorities, and the world's children. On the basis of this examination, the Commission offers science-based recommendations designed to support development of a Global Plastics Treaty, protect human health, and save lives. Report Structure This Commission report contains seven Sections. Following an Introduction, Section 2 presents a narrative review of the processes involved in plastic production, use, and disposal and notes the hazards to human health and the environment associated with each of these stages. Section 3 describes plastics' impacts on the ocean and notes the potential for plastic in the ocean to enter the marine food web and result in human exposure. Section 4 details plastics' impacts on human health. Section 5 presents a first-order estimate of plastics' health-related economic costs. Section 6 examines the intersection between plastic, social inequity, and environmental injustice. Section 7 presents the Commission's findings and recommendations. Plastics Plastics are complex, highly heterogeneous, synthetic chemical materials. Over 98% of plastics are produced from fossil carbon- coal, oil and gas. Plastics are comprised of a carbon-based polymer backbone and thousands of additional chemicals that are incorporated into polymers to convey specific properties such as color, flexibility, stability, water repellence, flame retardation, and ultraviolet resistance. Many of these added chemicals are highly toxic. They include carcinogens, neurotoxicants and endocrine disruptors such as phthalates, bisphenols, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), brominated flame retardants, and organophosphate flame retardants. They are integral components of plastic and are responsible for many of plastics' harms to human health and the environment.Global plastic production has increased almost exponentially since World War II, and in this time more than 8,300 megatons (Mt) of plastic have been manufactured. Annual production volume has grown from under 2 Mt in 1950 to 460 Mt in 2019, a 230-fold increase, and is on track to triple by 2060. More than half of all plastic ever made has been produced since 2002. Single-use plastics account for 35-40% of current plastic production and represent the most rapidly growing segment of plastic manufacture.Explosive recent growth in plastics production reflects a deliberate pivot by the integrated multinational fossil-carbon corporations that produce coal, oil and gas and that also manufacture plastics. These corporations are reducing their production of fossil fuels and increasing plastics manufacture. The two principal factors responsible for this pivot are decreasing global demand for carbon-based fuels due to increases in 'green' energy, and massive expansion of oil and gas production due to fracking.Plastic manufacture is energy-intensive and contributes significantly to climate change. At present, plastic production is responsible for an estimated 3.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the contribution of Brazil. This fraction is projected to increase to 4.5% by 2060 if current trends continue unchecked. Plastic Life Cycle The plastic life cycle has three phases: production, use, and disposal. In production, carbon feedstocks-coal, gas, and oil-are transformed through energy-intensive, catalytic processes into a vast array of products. Plastic use occurs in every aspect of modern life and results in widespread human exposure to the chemicals contained in plastic. Single-use plastics constitute the largest portion of current use, followed by synthetic fibers and construction.Plastic disposal is highly inefficient, with recovery and recycling rates below 10% globally. The result is that an estimated 22 Mt of plastic waste enters the environment each year, much of it single-use plastic and are added to the more than 6 gigatons of plastic waste that have accumulated since 1950. Strategies for disposal of plastic waste include controlled and uncontrolled landfilling, open burning, thermal conversion, and export. Vast quantities of plastic waste are exported each year from high-income to low-income countries, where it accumulates in landfills, pollutes air and water, degrades vital ecosystems, befouls beaches and estuaries, and harms human health-environmental injustice on a global scale. Plastic-laden e-waste is particularly problematic. Environmental Findings Plastics and plastic-associated chemicals are responsible for widespread pollution. They contaminate aquatic (marine and freshwater), terrestrial, and atmospheric environments globally. The ocean is the ultimate destination for much plastic, and plastics are found throughout the ocean, including coastal regions, the sea surface, the deep sea, and polar sea ice. Many plastics appear to resist breakdown in the ocean and could persist in the global environment for decades. Macro- and micro-plastic particles have been identified in hundreds of marine species in all major taxa, including species consumed by humans. Trophic transfer of microplastic particles and the chemicals within them has been demonstrated. Although microplastic particles themselves (>10 µm) appear not to undergo biomagnification, hydrophobic plastic-associated chemicals bioaccumulate in marine animals and biomagnify in marine food webs. The amounts and fates of smaller microplastic and nanoplastic particles (MNPs <10 µm) in aquatic environments are poorly understood, but the potential for harm is worrying given their mobility in biological systems. Adverse environmental impacts of plastic pollution occur at multiple levels from molecular and biochemical to population and ecosystem. MNP contamination of seafood results in direct, though not well quantified, human exposure to plastics and plastic-associated chemicals. Marine plastic pollution endangers the ocean ecosystems upon which all humanity depends for food, oxygen, livelihood, and well-being. Human Health Findings Coal miners, oil workers and gas field workers who extract fossil carbon feedstocks for plastic production suffer increased mortality from traumatic injury, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, silicosis, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Plastic production workers are at increased risk of leukemia, lymphoma, hepatic angiosarcoma, brain cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, neurotoxic injury, and decreased fertility. Workers producing plastic textiles die of bladder cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and interstitial lung disease at increased rates. Plastic recycling workers have increased rates of cardiovascular disease, toxic metal poisoning, neuropathy, and lung cancer. Residents of "fenceline" communities adjacent to plastic production and waste disposal sites experience increased risks of premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, childhood leukemia, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.During use and also in disposal, plastics release toxic chemicals including additives and residual monomers into the environment and into people. National biomonitoring surveys in the USA document population-wide exposures to these chemicals. Plastic additives disrupt endocrine function and increase risk for premature births, neurodevelopmental disorders, male reproductive birth defects, infertility, obesity, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and cancers. Chemical-laden MNPs formed through the environmental degradation of plastic waste can enter living organisms, including humans. Emerging, albeit still incomplete evidence indicates that MNPs may cause toxicity due to their physical and toxicological effects as well as by acting as vectors that transport toxic chemicals and bacterial pathogens into tissues and cells.Infants in the womb and young children are two populations at particularly high risk of plastic-related health effects. Because of the exquisite sensitivity of early development to hazardous chemicals and children's unique patterns of exposure, plastic-associated exposures are linked to increased risks of prematurity, stillbirth, low birth weight, birth defects of the reproductive organs, neurodevelopmental impairment, impaired lung growth, and childhood cancer. Early-life exposures to plastic-associated chemicals also increase the risk of multiple non-communicable diseases later in life. Economic Findings Plastic's harms to human health result in significant economic costs. We estimate that in 2015 the health-related costs of plastic production exceeded $250 billion (2015 Int$) globally, and that in the USA alone the health costs of disease and disability caused by the plastic-associated chemicals PBDE, BPA and DEHP exceeded $920 billion (2015 Int$). Plastic production results in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions equivalent to 1.96 gigatons of carbon dioxide (CO2e) annually. Using the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) social cost of carbon metric, we estimate the annual costs of these GHG emissions to be $341 billion (2015 Int$).These costs, large as they are, almost certainly underestimate the full economic losses resulting from plastics' negative impacts on human health and the global environment. All of plastics' economic costs-and also its social costs-are externalized by the petrochemical and plastic manufacturing industry and are borne by citizens, taxpayers, and governments in countries around the world without compensation. Social Justice Findings The adverse effects of plastics and plastic pollution on human health, the economy and the environment are not evenly distributed. They disproportionately affect poor, disempowered, and marginalized populations such as workers, racial and ethnic minorities, "fenceline" communities, Indigenous groups, women, and children, all of whom had little to do with creating the current plastics crisis and lack the political influence or the resources to address it. Plastics' harmful impacts across its life cycle are most keenly felt in the Global South, in small island states, and in disenfranchised areas in the Global North. Social and environmental justice (SEJ) principles require reversal of these inequitable burdens to ensure that no group bears a disproportionate share of plastics' negative impacts and that those who benefit economically from plastic bear their fair share of its currently externalized costs. Conclusions It is now clear that current patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal are not sustainable and are responsible for significant harms to human health, the environment, and the economy as well as for deep societal injustices.The main driver of these worsening harms is an almost exponential and still accelerating increase in global plastic production. Plastics' harms are further magnified by low rates of recovery and recycling and by the long persistence of plastic waste in the environment.The thousands of chemicals in plastics-monomers, additives, processing agents, and non-intentionally added substances-include amongst their number known human carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxicants, and persistent organic pollutants. These chemicals are responsible for many of plastics' known harms to human and planetary health. The chemicals leach out of plastics, enter the environment, cause pollution, and result in human exposure and disease. All efforts to reduce plastics' hazards must address the hazards of plastic-associated chemicals. Recommendations To protect human and planetary health, especially the health of vulnerable and at-risk populations, and put the world on track to end plastic pollution by 2040, this Commission supports urgent adoption by the world's nations of a strong and comprehensive Global Plastics Treaty in accord with the mandate set forth in the March 2022 resolution of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).International measures such as a Global Plastics Treaty are needed to curb plastic production and pollution, because the harms to human health and the environment caused by plastics, plastic-associated chemicals and plastic waste transcend national boundaries, are planetary in their scale, and have disproportionate impacts on the health and well-being of people in the world's poorest nations. Effective implementation of the Global Plastics Treaty will require that international action be coordinated and complemented by interventions at the national, regional, and local levels.This Commission urges that a cap on global plastic production with targets, timetables, and national contributions be a central provision of the Global Plastics Treaty. We recommend inclusion of the following additional provisions:The Treaty needs to extend beyond microplastics and marine litter to include all of the many thousands of chemicals incorporated into plastics.The Treaty needs to include a provision banning or severely restricting manufacture and use of unnecessary, avoidable, and problematic plastic items, especially single-use items such as manufactured plastic microbeads.The Treaty needs to include requirements on extended producer responsibility (EPR) that make fossil carbon producers, plastic producers, and the manufacturers of plastic products legally and financially responsible for the safety and end-of-life management of all the materials they produce and sell.The Treaty needs to mandate reductions in the chemical complexity of plastic products; health-protective standards for plastics and plastic additives; a requirement for use of sustainable non-toxic materials; full disclosure of all components; and traceability of components. International cooperation will be essential to implementing and enforcing these standards.The Treaty needs to include SEJ remedies at each stage of the plastic life cycle designed to fill gaps in community knowledge and advance both distributional and procedural equity.This Commission encourages inclusion in the Global Plastic Treaty of a provision calling for exploration of listing at least some plastic polymers as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.This Commission encourages a strong interface between the Global Plastics Treaty and the Basel and London Conventions to enhance management of hazardous plastic waste and slow current massive exports of plastic waste into the world's least-developed countries.This Commission recommends the creation of a Permanent Science Policy Advisory Body to guide the Treaty's implementation. The main priorities of this Body would be to guide Member States and other stakeholders in evaluating which solutions are most effective in reducing plastic consumption, enhancing plastic waste recovery and recycling, and curbing the generation of plastic waste. This Body could also assess trade-offs among these solutions and evaluate safer alternatives to current plastics. It could monitor the transnational export of plastic waste. It could coordinate robust oceanic-, land-, and air-based MNP monitoring programs.This Commission recommends urgent investment by national governments in research into solutions to the global plastic crisis. This research will need to determine which solutions are most effective and cost-effective in the context of particular countries and assess the risks and benefits of proposed solutions. Oceanographic and environmental research is needed to better measure concentrations and impacts of plastics <10 µm and understand their distribution and fate in the global environment. Biomedical research is needed to elucidate the human health impacts of plastics, especially MNPs. Summary This Commission finds that plastics are both a boon to humanity and a stealth threat to human and planetary health. Plastics convey enormous benefits, but current linear patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal that pay little attention to sustainable design or safe materials and a near absence of recovery, reuse, and recycling are responsible for grave harms to health, widespread environmental damage, great economic costs, and deep societal injustices. These harms are rapidly worsening.While there remain gaps in knowledge about plastics' harms and uncertainties about their full magnitude, the evidence available today demonstrates unequivocally that these impacts are great and that they will increase in severity in the absence of urgent and effective intervention at global scale. Manufacture and use of essential plastics may continue. However, reckless increases in plastic production, and especially increases in the manufacture of an ever-increasing array of unnecessary single-use plastic products, need to be curbed.Global intervention against the plastic crisis is needed now because the costs of failure to act will be immense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Landrigan
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Hervé Raps
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Maureen Cropper
- Economics Department, University of Maryland, College Park, US
| | - Caroline Bald
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Fenichel
- Université Côte d’Azur
- Centre Hospitalier, Universitaire de Nice, FR
| | - Lora E. Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, UK
| | | | | | | | - Carly Griffin
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, US
| | - Budi Haryanto
- Department of Environmental Health, Universitas Indonesia, ID
- Research Center for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia, ID
| | - Richard Hixson
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Hannah Ianelli
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Bryan D. James
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | | | - Amalia Laborde
- Department of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of the Republic, UY
| | | | - Keith Martin
- Consortium of Universities for Global Health, US
| | - Jenna Mu
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | - Adetoun Mustapha
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
- Lead City University, NG
| | - Jia Niu
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, US
| | - Sabine Pahl
- University of Vienna, Austria
- University of Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Maria-Luiza Pedrotti
- Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche sur mer (LOV), Sorbonne Université, FR
| | | | | | - Bhedita Jaya Seewoo
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
| | | | - John J. Stegeman
- Biology Department and Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | - William Suk
- Superfund Research Program, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US
| | | | - Hideshige Takada
- Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry (LOG), Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, JP
| | | | | | - Zhanyun Wang
- Technology and Society Laboratory, WEmpa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials and Technology, CH
| | - Ella Whitman
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | - Aroub K. Yousuf
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Sarah Dunlop
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
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19
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Shiravani G, Oberrecht D, Roscher L, Kernchen S, Halbach M, Gerriets M, Scholz-Böttcher BM, Gerdts G, Badewien TH, Wurpts A. Numerical modeling of microplastic interaction with fine sediment under estuarine conditions. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 231:119564. [PMID: 36680823 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119564] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is an important challenge for human life which has consequently affected the natural system of other organisms. Mismanagement and also careless handling of plastics in daily life has led to an accelerating contamination of air, water and soil compartments with MP. Under estuarine conditions, interactions with suspended particulate matter (SPM) like fine sediment in the water column play an important role on the fate of MP. Further studies to better understand the corresponding transport and accumulation mechanisms are required. This paper aims at providing a new modeling approach improving the MP settling velocity formulation based on higher suspended fine sediment concentrations, as i.e. existent in estuarine turbidity zones (ETZ). The capability of the suggested approach is examined through the modeling of released MP transport in water and their interactions with fine sediment (cohesive sediment/fluid mud). The model results suggest higher concentrations of MP in ETZ, both in the water column as well as the bed sediment, which is also supported by measurements. The key process in the modeling approach is the integration of small MP particles into estuarine fine sediment aggregates. This is realized by means of a threshold sediment concentration, above which the effective MP settling velocity increasingly approaches that of the sediment aggregates. The model results are in good agreement with measured MP mass concentrations. Moreover, the model results also show that lighter small MP particles can easier escape the ETZ towards the open sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Shiravani
- Lower Saxony Water Management, Coastal Protection and Nature Conservation Agency (NLWKN), D-26506, Norden, Germany.
| | - D Oberrecht
- Lower Saxony Water Management, Coastal Protection and Nature Conservation Agency (NLWKN), D-26506, Norden, Germany
| | - L Roscher
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, D-27483, Helgoland, Germany
| | - S Kernchen
- University of Bayreuth, Department of Atmospheric Chemistry, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - M Halbach
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, D-26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - M Gerriets
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, D-26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - B M Scholz-Böttcher
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, D-26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - G Gerdts
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, D-27483, Helgoland, Germany
| | - T H Badewien
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, D-26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - A Wurpts
- Lower Saxony Water Management, Coastal Protection and Nature Conservation Agency (NLWKN), D-26506, Norden, Germany
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20
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Coralli I, Goßmann I, Fabbri D, Scholz-Böttcher BM. Determination of polyurethanes within microplastics in complex environmental samples by analytical pyrolysis. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023:10.1007/s00216-023-04580-3. [PMID: 36849616 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04580-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Polyurethanes (PUR) are a group of polymers synthesized from different diisocyanate and polyol monomers resulting in a countless number of possible structures. However, the large market demand, and the variety of application fields justify the inclusion of PUR in microplastic (MP) investigation. This study aimed at providing comprehensive information on PUR within MP analysis by pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to clarify whether (i) it is possible to make a reliable statement on the PUR content of environmental samples based on a few pyrolysis products and (ii) which restrictions are required in this context. PUR were managed as subclasses defined by the diisocyanates employed for polymer synthesis. Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI)- and toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-based PUR were selected as subclasses of greatest relevance. Different PUR were pyrolyzed directly and under thermochemolytic conditions with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH). Distinct pyrolytic indicators were identified. The study supported that the use of TMAH greatly reduced the interactions of pyrolytic MP analytes with the remaining organic matrix of environmental samples and the associated negative effects on analytical results. Improvements of chromatographic behavior of PUR was evidenced. Regressions (1-20 µg) showed good correlations and parallelism tests underlined that quantitation behavior of different MDI-PUR could be represented by the calibration of just one representative with sufficient accuracy, entailing a good estimation of the entire subclass if thermochemolysis were used. The method was exemplary applied to road dusts and spider webs sampled around a plastic processing plant to evaluate the environmental spread of PUR in an urban context. The environmental occurrence of MDI-PUR as MP was highly influenced by the proximity to a potential source, while TDI markers were not observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Coralli
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", University of Bologna, Tecnopolo Di Rimini, Rimini, Italy
| | - Isabel Goßmann
- Institute of Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Daniele Fabbri
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", University of Bologna, Tecnopolo Di Rimini, Rimini, Italy.
| | - Barbara M Scholz-Böttcher
- Institute of Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
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21
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Fan W, Salmond JA, Dirks KN, Cabedo Sanz P, Miskelly GM, Rindelaub JD. Evidence and Mass Quantification of Atmospheric Microplastics in a Coastal New Zealand City. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:17556-17568. [PMID: 36459143 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the atmospheric deposition of microplastics (MPs) in Auckland, New Zealand, from two sampling sites over a 9-week period. The sizes, morphologies, number counts, and mass concentrations of specific polymers were determined for airborne MPs using a combination of a Nile Red-assisted automated fluorescence microscopy technique in series with pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Pyr-GC/MS). This enabled a larger number of MPs to be analyzed from each sample compared to traditional spectroscopic techniques. Microplastic number concentrations increased exponentially with decreasing size. The results show the importance of using consistent methodologies and size cutoffs when comparing microplastic data between studies. Eight polymers were quantified in the atmospheric deposition samples, with polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) being the most commonly observed. The largest MP deposition rates at an urban rooftop correlated with winds originating from the marine environment with speeds between 15 and 20 m s-1, indicating that airborne MPs in coastal regions may originate from wave-breaking mechanisms. This study represents the first report of using Pyr-GC/MS to determine the chemical compositions and mass concentrations of atmospheric microplastics, along with corresponding data on their sizes, morphologies, and number counts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxia Fan
- School of Environment, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
| | - Jennifer A Salmond
- School of Environment, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
| | - Kim N Dirks
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
| | - Patricia Cabedo Sanz
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
| | - Gordon M Miskelly
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
| | - Joel D Rindelaub
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
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22
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Rauert C, Vardy S, Daniell B, Charlton N, Thomas KV. Tyre additive chemicals, tyre road wear particles and high production polymers in surface water at 5 urban centres in Queensland, Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 852:158468. [PMID: 36075411 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastics pollution is a global issue impacting every part of our environment. Tyre road wear particle (TRWP) plastics pollution is thought to be one of the largest pollution sources in urban environments. These plastics are also of concern due to the presence of additive chemicals, incorporated during manufacture, that can be released into the surrounding environment. This study aimed to provide information on concentrations of a range of anthropogenic plastics related pollutants in the Australian environment through a scoping study of surface water in 5 key urban centres around Queensland, Australia. Samples were analysed for a suite of 15 common tyre additive chemicals, TRWPs and 6 common high production polymers, and included the new transformation product of concern 6PPD-quinone which has recent reports of causing mass mortality events in certain aquatic species. The additives were ubiquitously detected (2.9-1440 ng/L) with 6PPD-quinone concentrations lower than in previous studies (<0.05-24 ng/L) and TRWPs detected at 18 of the 21 sites (
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Rauert
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia.
| | - Suzanne Vardy
- Water Quality and Investigation, Water Ecosystem Sciences, Science Division, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | | | - Nathan Charlton
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia
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23
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Chun S, Muthu M, Gopal J. Mass Spectrometry as an Analytical Tool for Detection of Microplastics in the Environment. CHEMOSENSORS 2022; 10:530. [DOI: 10.3390/chemosensors10120530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic particles smaller than 5 mm accumulate in aqueous, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments and their discovery has been a serious concern when it comes to eco-toxicology and human health risk assessment. In the following review, the potential of mass spectrometry (MS) for the detection of microplastic (MP) pollutants has been elaborately reviewed. The use of various mass spectrometric techniques ranging from gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatographic mass spectrometric (LC-MS) to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), including their variants, have been reviewed. The lapses in the detection system have been addressed and future recommendations proposed. The challenges facing microplastics and their detection have been discussed and future directions, including mitigation methods, have been presented.
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24
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Xu H, Nakano H, Tokai T, Miyazaki T, Hamada H, Arakawa H. Contamination of sea surface water offshore the Tokai region and Tokyo Bay in Japan by small microplastics. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114245. [PMID: 36279726 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A nested double neuston net was prepared and used to collect samples from the surface of coastal waters around Japan to obtain information about the properties of both small microplastics (SMPs; <350 μm) and large microplastics (LMPs; >350 μm). The SMP concentrations ranged from 1000 to 5900 pieces m-3 in the open ocean and averaged approximately 3000 pieces m-3 in the inner part of Tokyo Bay. The SMP concentrations were around 20-60 times greater than the LMP concentrations. By analyzing the seawater, we obtained a microplastic size distribution that spanned 50-5000 μm. The LMPs mainly comprised packaging-related plastics, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene, while the SMPs were dominated by paint-related plastics. SMPs derived from packaging materials (e.g., PE) may have gradually sank down from the sea surface when they were smaller than 600 μm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haodong Xu
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
| | - Haruka Nakano
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
| | - Tadashi Tokai
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
| | - Tadashi Miyazaki
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
| | - Hiroaki Hamada
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
| | - Hisayuki Arakawa
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
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25
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Galgani L, Goßmann I, Scholz-Böttcher B, Jiang X, Liu Z, Scheidemann L, Schlundt C, Engel A. Hitchhiking into the Deep: How Microplastic Particles are Exported through the Biological Carbon Pump in the North Atlantic Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:15638-15649. [PMID: 36302504 PMCID: PMC9670853 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Understanding residence times of plastic in the ocean is a major knowledge gap in plastic pollution studies. Observations report a large mismatch between plastic load estimates from worldwide production and disposal and actual plastics floating at the sea surface. Surveys of the water column, from the surface to the deep sea, are rare. Most recent work, therefore, addressed the "missing plastic" question using modeling or laboratory approaches proposing biofouling and degradation as the main removal processes in the ocean. Through organic matrices, plastic can affect the biogeochemical and microbial cycling of carbon and nutrients. For the first time, we provide in situ measured vertical fluxes of microplastics deploying drifting sediment traps in the North Atlantic Gyre from 50 m down to 600 m depth, showing that through biogenic polymers plastic can be embedded into rapidly sinking particles also known as marine snow. We furthermore show that the carbon contained in plastic can represent up to 3.8% of the total downward flux of particulate organic carbon. Our results shed light on important pathways regulating the transport of microplastics in marine systems and on potential interactions with the marine carbon cycle, suggesting microplastic removal through the "biological plastic pump".
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Galgani
- GEOMAR
Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, D-24105 Kiel, Germany
- Harbor
Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida
Atlantic University, 5600 N US1, Fort Pierce, Florida 34946, United
States
| | - Isabel Goßmann
- Institute
for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, P.O. Box 2503, D-26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Scholz-Böttcher
- Institute
for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, P.O. Box 2503, D-26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Xiangtao Jiang
- The
University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Dr., Port Aransas, Texas 78373, United States
| | - Zhanfei Liu
- The
University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Dr., Port Aransas, Texas 78373, United States
| | - Lindsay Scheidemann
- GEOMAR
Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, D-24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Cathleen Schlundt
- GEOMAR
Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, D-24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Anja Engel
- GEOMAR
Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, D-24105 Kiel, Germany
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26
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Vilakati B, Venkataraman S, Nyoni H, Mamba BB, Omine K, Msagati TAM. Qualitative characterisation and identification of microplastics in a freshwater dam at Gauteng Province, South Africa, using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-time of flight-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-ToF-MS). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:83452-83468. [PMID: 35761140 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21510-5] [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: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pyrolysis GC-ToF-MS-based analytical study was employed in the identification of microplastics (MPs) in the freshwater of a dam Rietvlei (RTV) located at Gauteng Province, South Africa. These MPs extracted in five locations of the dam were found to contain five different plastic polymeric constituents including PE, PS, PA, PVC and PET along with phthalate esters and fatty acid (amides and esters) derivatives as additives. Based on the fragmented pyrolyzate products, the contribution of plastic polymers and additives was 74% and 26% respectively. Among polymers, PA was dominant with 52% followed by PVC (16%) and others (13%) such as PE, PET and PS in MPs. Scanning electron micrographs of MPs in this aquatic body displayed the rough and fibrous typed patterns. The residual mass of 8-14% was left after the thermal degradation of MPs in RTV samples in the temperature range of 500-550 °C. The results of thermogravimetry (TGA) and energy-dispersive (EDS) analyses are mutually dependent and coherent to each other by way of demonstrating the presence of various inorganic compounds in the form of additives and/or sorbates. The lessened intensities of carbonyl stretching in PA (1625 cm-1) and PET (1725 cm-1) type of MPs attributed the occurrence of degradation and weathering in this aquatic system. The possible causes to the contamination of MPs in this freshwater are the located industries and poor waste management strategies being practised in this densely populated city. Based on the industry, waste management and population perspectives, the increased contamination of MPs is very likely in this freshwater which will drastically affect the ecosystem in the near future. Based on the characterisation results, the presence of various polymers, additives and the metals in MPs is envisaged to deteriorate the aquatic life along with successive risks for the people as a consequence of bio-magnification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongekile Vilakati
- College of Science Engineering and Technology, Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, University of South Africa, UNISA Science Campus, P.O. Box 392 UNISA 0003, Florida 1709, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sivasankar Venkataraman
- Post Graduate and Research Department of Chemistry, Pachaiyappa's College (Affiliated to University of Madras), Tamil Nadu, Chennai, 600 030, India
| | - Hlengilizwe Nyoni
- College of Science Engineering and Technology, Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, University of South Africa, UNISA Science Campus, P.O. Box 392 UNISA 0003, Florida 1709, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bhekie B Mamba
- College of Science Engineering and Technology, Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, University of South Africa, UNISA Science Campus, P.O. Box 392 UNISA 0003, Florida 1709, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kiyoshi Omine
- Geo-Environmental Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki-Daigaku, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki, 852 8521, Japan
| | - Titus A M Msagati
- College of Science Engineering and Technology, Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, University of South Africa, UNISA Science Campus, P.O. Box 392 UNISA 0003, Florida 1709, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Jing S, Huang Y, Chen Y, He X, Chen Z, Lu X, Wu M, Wanger TC. Non-Destructive Extraction and Separation of Nano- and Microplastics from Environmental Samples by Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation. Anal Chem 2022; 94:15280-15287. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Jing
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China
- Sustainable Agricultural Systems & Engineering lab, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024 Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, 310024 Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Instrumentation and Service Center for Molecular Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024 Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yinjuan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Instrumentation and Service Center for Molecular Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024 Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xueqing He
- Sustainable Agricultural Systems & Engineering lab, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024 Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, 310024 Zhejiang Province, China
- ChinaRiceNetwork.org, Hangzhou, 310024 Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Instrumentation and Service Center for Molecular Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024 Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xingyu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Instrumentation and Service Center for Molecular Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024 Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Minghuo Wu
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, 124221 Panjin, China
| | - Thomas C. Wanger
- Sustainable Agricultural Systems & Engineering lab, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024 Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, 310024 Zhejiang Province, China
- ChinaRiceNetwork.org, Hangzhou, 310024 Zhejiang Province, China
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Xu C, Zhou G, Lu J, Shen C, Dong Z, Yin S, Li F. Spatio-vertical distribution of riverine microplastics: Impact of the textile industry. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 211:112789. [PMID: 35271835 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) contamination in rivers and lakes is of paramount environmental importance as freshwater systems transport MPs from land to ocean. However, information regarding the spatio-vertical distributions of MPs in rivers, and their associations with surrounding industrial activities, is scarce and unclear. This study investigated MPs in the Taipu River, where there is a highly developed textile industry in Yangtze River Delta, China. Results showed a widespread occurrence of MPs particles with concentrations in the range of 0.65-6.07 items/L and 0.30-3.63 items/L in surface and bottom waters. A higher abundance of MPs was observed in surface waters than in bottom waters (t = 5.423, p = 0.024). The MPs distributions varied markedly in space, with the highest abundances being found in textile manufacturing zones as a consequence of industrial release (F = 14.642, p < 0.001). Transparent fibers were the major MPs compositions with 100-500 μm in size. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) accounted for 71.4% and 59.73% of the total MPs identified in surface and bottom water, respectively. These PET polymers were predominantly presented in "fibrous" shapes, further reflecting the point sources of textile wastewater. Moreover, polyvinyl acetate (PVAC), used as fabric coating and resin matrix to form nonwoven fabrics, was firstly highlighted at a watershed scale. Although risk assessments revealed a light to moderate risks of MPs in the Taipu River, textile wastewater appears to cause a high "grey water" footprint and increase the risks of MPs pollution from textile life-cycle production. This study bridged gaps between field data and policy-making for MPs control and shed insight into the cleaner production of the textile industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenye Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Gang Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jiawei Lu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Chensi Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Zhiqiang Dong
- Municipal Environmental Protection Engineering Co., Ltd of CERC Shanghai Group, Shanghai, 201906, China
| | - Shanshan Yin
- Interdisciplinary Research Academy (IRA), Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
| | - Fang Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China.
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Goßmann I, Süßmuth R, Scholz-Böttcher BM. Plastic in the air?! - Spider webs as spatial and temporal mirror for microplastics including tire wear particles in urban air. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:155008. [PMID: 35381237 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Studies concerning quantities of microplastics (MP) including tire wear particles (TWP) contamination in air samples are scarce. Spider webs have been suggested as a cheap and easily accessible biomonitor particularly for inorganic contaminates. Here, we emphasize the potential of spider webs to gain insights in the spatial and temporal trends of MP in urban air. The samples, collected in a mid-sized German city, were processed with Fentons reagent and measured using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for specific, polymer related indicator compounds. All samples contained TWP and other MP. The latter are detected and quantified as pyrolysis products of a polymer backbone. The results were expressed as clusters (prefix "C"). Determined polymer contaminations ranged from 11.4 μg/mg to 108 μg/mg spider web sample. The dominant polymer was C-PET (Ø 36.0% of total MP) derived most likely from textile fibers. Additionally, there was evidence for traffic-related contaminations. In particular car tire tread (Ø 40.8% of total MP) and ⁎C-PVC (Ø 12.0% of total MP) were found, with the latter presumably originating from paint used for road markings. Truck tire tread, C-PE, C-PP, C-PS, C-PMMA, and C-PC were also frequently found, but in much lower abundance (Ø <6.4% of total MP). Differences in contamination levels could be plausibly related to the sampling locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Goßmann
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, P.O. Box 2503, D-26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Süßmuth
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, P.O. Box 2503, D-26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Barbara M Scholz-Böttcher
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, P.O. Box 2503, D-26111 Oldenburg, Germany.
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Halbach M, Vogel M, Tammen JK, Rüdel H, Koschorreck J, Scholz-Böttcher BM. 30 years trends of microplastic pollution: Mass-quantitative analysis of archived mussel samples from the North and Baltic Seas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 826:154179. [PMID: 35231510 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are ubiquitous throughout the environment as a result of an ongoing, increasing, but also lavish use, of plastics over time and its inherent persistence. In contrast, there are almost no data that allow drawing conclusions about the evolution of plastic pollution in the environment over the past decades. This study investigates the MP load in blue mussels from the North and Baltic Sea archived by the German Environmental Specimen Bank in a time series covering almost 30 years. Samples were enzymatically and chemically oxidative digested for MP extraction and subsequent analyzed mass-quantitatively for nine common polymer clusters by pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Seven polymer clusters were detected in mussel tissue. Summed MP levels were at ppm levels (<20 μg/g mussel, dry weight). North Sea samples reflected a gradual increase from the 1980s/90s to the 2000s whereas those from Baltic Sea showed consistently higher, rather constant MP levels similar to the North Sea site later than 2000. Polymer composition of both sites stood out by cluster (C) of C-PVC and C-PET at both sites. Mussels from Baltic Sea site had larger C-PE and C-PP proportions. Opposed polymer- and site-specific trends indicated both regional and trans-regional MP sources for different polymer clusters. The MP composition of mussels showed strong similarities with adjacent sediment and water samples. The study introduces a relevant dataset addressing the temporal development of MP pollution. It emphasizes a high indicative potential of environmental MP composition/loads received by mussels but raises the necessity on adequate control materials accompany such kind of studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurits Halbach
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Vogel
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Juliane K Tammen
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Heinz Rüdel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (Fraunhofer IME), Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Jan Koschorreck
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Berlin, Germany
| | - Barbara M Scholz-Böttcher
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
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31
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Senathirajah K, Kemp A, Saaristo M, Ishizuka S, Palanisami T. Polymer prioritization framework: A novel multi-criteria framework for source mapping and characterizing the environmental risk of plastic polymers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 429:128330. [PMID: 35121294 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128330] [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: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are an intrinsic part of modern life with many beneficial uses for society. Yet, there is increasing evidence that plastic and microplastic pollution poses a risk to the environment and human health. Microplastics are increasingly grouped as a complex mix of polymers with different physicochemical and toxicological properties. This study attempts to assess the hazardous properties of common polymer types through the development of an integrated multi-criteria framework. The framework establishes a systematic approach to identify plastic polymers of concern. A semi-quantitative method was devised using twenty-one criteria. We used a case study from Victoria, Australia, to evaluate the effectiveness of the framework to characterize the environmental risk of common polymer types. A wide range of data sources were interrogated to complete an in-depth analysis across the material life cycle. We found that three polymers had the highest risk of harm: polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polystyrene; with dominant sectors being: building and construction, packaging, consumer and household, and automotive sectors; and greatest leakage of plastics at the end-of-life stages. Our findings illustrate the complexity of microplastics as an emerging contaminant, and its scalability supports decision-makers globally to identify and prioritize management strategies to address the risks posed by plastics. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: The hazardous nature of mismanaged plastics is an international concern. The negative impacts on the environment and human health are increasingly coming to light. Consequently, resource constraints limits the ability to address all problems. Our work adopts a holistic approach to evaluate the risk of harm from microplastics across the entire life cycle to allow for targeted management measures. The hazard assessment of common polymer types developed using a multi-criteria framework, presents a systematic approach to prioritize polymers at any scale. This allows for the development of optimal investments and interventions to ensure that high-risk environmental problems are addressed first.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kala Senathirajah
- Environmental and Plastic Innovation Cluster (EPIC), Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN), Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Science Division, Ernest Jones Drive, Macleod, Victoria 3085, Australia
| | - Alison Kemp
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Science Division, Ernest Jones Drive, Macleod, Victoria 3085, Australia
| | - Minna Saaristo
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Science Division, Ernest Jones Drive, Macleod, Victoria 3085, Australia
| | - Shige Ishizuka
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Science Division, Ernest Jones Drive, Macleod, Victoria 3085, Australia
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Environmental and Plastic Innovation Cluster (EPIC), Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN), Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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32
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Roscher L, Halbach M, Nguyen MT, Hebeler M, Luschtinetz F, Scholz-Böttcher BM, Primpke S, Gerdts G. Microplastics in two German wastewater treatment plants: Year-long effluent analysis with FTIR and Py-GC/MS. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 817:152619. [PMID: 34968590 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) have been recorded in various environments around the globe. For a better understanding of distribution patterns and for providing a basis for risk assessments, detailed data on MP concentrations and polymer compositions are required. This study investigated the effluents of two German wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) monthly over one year, in order to better understand their temporal input of MP into the receiving river systems. MP item data down to 11 μm were obtained by means of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy under the application of an improved polymer database. Complementary mass data were obtained by pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) (for one WWTP). Both FTIR and Py-GC/MS analysis revealed a homogeneous polymer composition over the year, with a general dominance of polyolefins. Elevated MP item and mass concentrations (maximum: 3 × 104 items m-3 and 3.8 × 103 μg m-3) were observed during winter months and were accompanied by either heavy rainfall (increased discharge and total organic carbon) or elevated turbidity values. These observations emphasize the need for the assessment of background parameters in future MP monitoring studies. By providing monthly data over one year on MP items and masses in WWTP effluents, this study helps enhancing the understanding of temporal MP dynamics and can act as a valuable reference point for future assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Roscher
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, D-27483 Helgoland, Germany.
| | - Maurits Halbach
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, D-26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Minh Trang Nguyen
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, D-27483 Helgoland, Germany
| | | | | | - Barbara M Scholz-Böttcher
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, D-26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, D-27483 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Gunnar Gerdts
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, D-27483 Helgoland, Germany
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Khattab Y, Mohammadein A, Al Malki JS, Hussien NA, Tantawy EM. Preliminary screening of microplastic contamination in different marine fish species of Taif market, Saudi Arabia. Open Life Sci 2022; 17:333-343. [PMID: 35480485 PMCID: PMC8989159 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), as a physical anthropogenic contaminant, represent a serious, human health concern due to their toxicity and ability to act as vectors for other pollutants and pathogens. This study aimed to screen for MP contamination in marine fish in Taif market, Saudi Arabia. A total of 22 fish species were used according to their different marine habitats and feedings. We have focused on extracting MPs from gills and muscles using KOH digestion. Nile red dye was used for the MP identification under fluorescence microscopy followed by the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. This study has reported MP contamination in gills and muscles of all the studied fish, in which poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) was present in epipelagic species, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and poly(2,4,6,-tribromostyrene) (PtBS) were present in pelagic species, and PtBS and chlorosulfonated polyethylene were present in demersal/benthopelagic species. Moreover, benthic fish samples contain PtBS particles; reef-associated species have three different MP particles/fiber PtBS, PVDF, and poly(vinyl formal) and the rest of the studied species samples contain PtBS. The results highlight that the MP pollution increased to reach different species from the pelagic species to the benthic ones. PtBS as a type of polystyrene was the most dominant MP found in most species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassir Khattab
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taif University , P.O. Box 11099 , Taif 21944 , Saudi Arabia
| | - Amaal Mohammadein
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taif University , P.O. Box 11099 , Taif 21944 , Saudi Arabia
| | - Jamila S. Al Malki
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taif University , P.O. Box 11099 , Taif 21944 , Saudi Arabia
| | - Nahed Ahmed Hussien
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taif University , P.O. Box 11099 , Taif 21944 , Saudi Arabia
| | - Ehab M. Tantawy
- Research and Development Sector, EGYVAC, VACSERA , Giza 12311 , Egypt
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Mattonai M, Nacci T, Modugno F. Analytical strategies for the quali-quantitation of tire and road wear particles – A critical review. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Barkhau J, Sanchez A, Lenz M, Thiel M. Effects of microplastics (PVC, PMMA) on the mussel Semimytilus algosus differ only at high concentrations from those of natural microparticles (clay, celite). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 177:113414. [PMID: 35314397 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory exposure studies allow to investigate the impact of microplastics on marine biota, but commonly lack a procedural control, i.e. assessing the effects of natural microparticles. In two experiments with the mussel Semimytilus algosus, we compared the effects of clay vs. polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and celite vs. polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA), respectively, at concentrations of 1.5, 15 and 150 mg l-1. After more than 60 days, no effects on respiration and clearance rates, mortality and byssus strength were observed. However, in mussels exposed to PVC the Body Condition Index was 34% lower at 150 mg l-1 than at 1.5 mg l-1. Furthermore, at 15 mg l-1, mussels exposed to microplastics produced over 40% less byssus than those exposed to natural microparticles. This suggests that mussels react differently to natural microparticles and to microplastics, but only at high particle loads that exceed current environmental microplastic concentrations by orders of magnitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Barkhau
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute for Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Abril Sanchez
- Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Mark Lenz
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Marine Ecology Department, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Martin Thiel
- Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Aridas (CEAZA), Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
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36
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Okoffo ED, O'Brien S, O'Brien JW, Tscharke BJ, Rauert C, Rødland ES, Ribeiro F, Burrows SD, Toapanta T, Mueller JF, Thomas KV. Does size matter? Quantification of plastics associated with size fractionated biosolids. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 811:152382. [PMID: 34923004 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the occurrence and contribution of plastic particles associated with size fractionated biosolids to the total concentration in biosolids (treated sewage sludge) samples collected from 20 wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) across Australia. This was achieved through sequential size fractionation of biosolids samples to quantify the mass concentration of 7 common plastics across a range of biosolids size fractions, including below 25 μm which has not been assessed in many previous studies. Quantitative analysis was performed by pressurized liquid extraction followed by pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. Of the total quantified plastics (Σ7plastics), the greatest proportion (27%) of the total mass were identified in the nominal <25 μm sized biosolids fraction. Polyethylene dominated the polymer mass in every size fraction, even though profiles varied between WWTPs. When comparing the sum of all sites for each sized biosolids fraction, the plurality of the polyethylene, polyvinyl-chloride, polystyrene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and polyethylene-terephthalate concentrations were associated with the smallest size fraction (<25 μm). We confirm for the first time the presence of plastic particles in biosolids below a size fraction that is not captured by many methods. This is important, because of the potential greater significance of plastics in the low sizes to environmental and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis D Okoffo
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Stacey O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jake W O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Tscharke
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Cassandra Rauert
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Elisabeth S Rødland
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalléen 21, N-0349 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Center of Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD CoE), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, P.O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway
| | - Francisca Ribeiro
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD Exeter, UK
| | - Stephen D Burrows
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD Exeter, UK
| | - Tania Toapanta
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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Turner A, Ostle C, Wootton M. Occurrence and chemical characteristics of microplastic paint flakes in the North Atlantic Ocean. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150375. [PMID: 34563907 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Non-fibrous microplastics sampled by the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey throughout the North Atlantic Ocean during 2018 have been recorded and a selection (n = 17, or 16.7%) physically and chemically characterised. The average abundance of non-fibrous particles captured by the plankton silks and detectable by microscopy was estimated to be around 0.01 m-3, with the highest concentrations evident in shelf seas of northwest Europe. Amongst the samples analysed, median size was 180 μm and, based on visible properties (e.g., brittleness, layering) and infra-red spectra, all but one were identified as flakes of paint. Semi-quantitative analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry with a collimated beam revealed that six flakes from European shelf seas were Cu-based antifouling formulations (without evidence of organo-Sn compounds), and five with a broader geographical distribution were Pb-based formulations of likely marine origin. Other elements regularly detected included Cr, Fe, Ti and Zn that were present in pigments or as contaminants from the underlying substrate. After fibres, paint flakes appear to be the most abundant type of microplastic in the oceans that, because of the abundance and mobility of metallic additives, deserve closer scientific attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Clare Ostle
- The Marine Biological Association (MBA), The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, UK
| | - Marianne Wootton
- The Marine Biological Association (MBA), The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, UK
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Zhang J, Choi CE. Improved Settling Velocity for Microplastic Fibers: A New Shape-Dependent Drag Model. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:962-973. [PMID: 34963046 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are abundant in aquatic environments and are an emerging environmental concern. The prediction of their settling velocities is central to predictions of the residence time and concentration depth profiles of microplastics in aquatic environments. The main scientific challenge in improving the current understanding of the settling motions of microplastics is that existing drag models are deficient at reasonably predicting the settling velocities of various microplastics, especially microplastic fibers. This is because the shape factors used in the existing drag models cannot morphologically distinguish fibers from fragments and films. In this study, a new shape factor, specifically the Aschenbrenner shape factor, is proposed as a vehicle to explicitly distinguish among the morphologies of fibers, films, and fragments. With this new shape factor, a new drag model is developed and then systematically evaluated against the unique set of data provided by new experiments conducted in this study along with four other published data sets in the literature. The proposed model allows the prediction of the terminal settling velocity of microplastic fibers more accurately than existing drag models. Moreover, the new model has also shown its applicability to microplastic films and fragments. Notwithstanding, the new model appears deficient at reasonably predicting the terminal settling velocity of weathered microplastics in the field, which requires further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Clarence Edward Choi
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong SAR
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39
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Horton AA. Plastic pollution: When do we know enough? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 422:126885. [PMID: 34418830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is one of today's great environmental challenges. Research addressing the issue of plastic pollution is growing, improving our predictions of risk, and informing the development of long-term solutions and mitigations. Nonetheless, sufficient evidence already exists to show that immediate and widespread action must be taken to reduce plastic release to the environment, and thus limit future harm. Given the cross-sector and multi-stakeholder approach that will be required to address plastic pollution, it is essential that contrasting opinions and misconceptions are tackled with respect to the status of knowledge, relative importance of plastics as an environmental stressor, and measures to reduce or mitigate harm from plastics in the environment. This perspective article lays out some key considerations and recommendations for moving forward with respect to both research and action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice A Horton
- National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK.
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40
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Leistenschneider C, Burkhardt-Holm P, Mani T, Primpke S, Taubner H, Gerdts G. Microplastics in the Weddell Sea (Antarctica): A Forensic Approach for Discrimination between Environmental and Vessel-Induced Microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:15900-15911. [PMID: 34841863 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c05207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has been found in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica, but many local regions within this vast area remain uninvestigated. The remote Weddell Sea contributes to the global thermohaline circulation, and one of the two Antarctic gyres is located in that region. In the present study, we evaluate MP (>300 μm) concentration and composition in surface (n = 34) and subsurface water samples (n = 79, ∼11.2 m depth) of the Weddell Sea. All putative MP were analyzed by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. MP was found in 65% of surface and 11.4% of subsurface samples, with mean (±standard deviation (SD)) concentrations of 0.01 (±0.01 SD) MP m-3 and 0.04 (±0.1 SD) MP m-3, respectively, being within the range of previously reported values for regions south of the Polar Front. Additionally, we aimed to determine whether identified paint fragments (n = 394) derive from the research vessel. Environmentally sampled fragments (n = 101) with similar ATR-FTIR spectra to reference paints from the research vessel and fresh paint references generated in the laboratory were further subjected to micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (μXRF) to compare their elemental composition. This revealed that 45.5% of all recovered MP derived from vessel-induced contamination. However, 11% of the measured fragments could be distinguished from the reference paints via their elemental composition. This study demonstrates that differentiation based purely on visual characteristics and FTIR spectroscopy might not be sufficient for accurately determining sample contamination sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Leistenschneider
- The Man-Society-Environment Program, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Kurpromenade, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Patricia Burkhardt-Holm
- The Man-Society-Environment Program, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Mani
- The Man-Society-Environment Program, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Kurpromenade, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Heidi Taubner
- Organic Geochemistry Group, MARUM─Center for Marine Environmental Sciences and Faculty of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Leobener Str. 8, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Gunnar Gerdts
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Kurpromenade, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
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41
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan D Richardson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29205, United States
| | - Thomas A Ternes
- Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, Koblenz 56068, Germany
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42
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Courtene-Jones W, Maddalene T, James MK, Smith NS, Youngblood K, Jambeck JR, Earthrowl S, Delvalle-Borrero D, Penn E, Thompson RC. Source, sea and sink-A holistic approach to understanding plastic pollution in the Southern Caribbean. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 797:149098. [PMID: 34303234 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine plastics are considered to be a major threat to the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources of the Caribbean, on which the region relies heavily for tourism and fishing. To date, little work has quantified plastics within the Caribbean marine environment or examined their potential sources. This study aimed to address this by holistically integrating marine (surface water, subsurface water and sediment) and terrestrial sampling and Lagrangian particle tracking to examine the potential origins, flows and quantities of plastics within the Southern Caribbean. Terrestrial litter and the microplastics identified in marine samples may arise from the maritime and tourism industries, both of which are major contributors to the economies of the Caribbean region. The San Blas islands, Panama had the highest abundance of microplastics at a depth of 25 m, and significantly greater quantities in surface water than recorded in the other countries. Modelling indicated the microplastics likely arose from mainland Panama, which has some of the highest levels of mismanaged waste. Antigua had among the lowest quantities of terrestrial and marine plastics, yet the greatest diversity of polymers. Modelling indicated the majority of the microplastics in Antiguan coastal surface were likely to have originated from the wider North Atlantic Ocean. Ocean currents influence the movements of plastics and thus the relative contributions arising from local and distant sources which become distributed within a country's territorial water. These transboundary movements can undermine local or national legislation aimed at reducing plastic pollution. While this study presents a snapshot of plastic pollution, it contributes towards the void of knowledge regarding marine plastic pollution in the Caribbean Sea and highlights the need for international and interdisciplinary collaborative research and solutions to plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Courtene-Jones
- International Marine Litter Research Unit, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Taylor Maddalene
- College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Molly K James
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK
| | - Natalie S Smith
- International Marine Litter Research Unit, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK
| | | | - Jenna R Jambeck
- College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | | | - Denise Delvalle-Borrero
- Laboratorio de Microplásticos, Centro de Investigaciones Hidráulicas e Hidrotécnicas (CIHH), Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Panamá, Panama
| | | | - Richard C Thompson
- International Marine Litter Research Unit, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK
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43
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Toapanta T, Okoffo ED, Ede S, O'Brien S, Burrows SD, Ribeiro F, Gallen M, Colwell J, Whittaker AK, Kaserzon S, Thomas KV. Influence of surface oxidation on the quantification of polypropylene microplastics by pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 796:148835. [PMID: 34280630 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The influence of photo-oxidation on the quantification of isotactic polypropylene by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Pyr-GC/MS) was assessed. Beads (oval shape, ~5 mm) and fragments (irregular shaped, 250-50 μm and 500-1000 μm) were subjected to relatively harsh simulated accelerated weathering conditions (using a filtered xenon-arc reproducing sunlight's full spectrum) for up to 37 and 80 days, respectively. Samples collected (n = 10 replicates for each treatment) at increasing number of weathering days were analysed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflection (FTIR-ATR), scanning electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry in order to assess the extent and the rate of degradation. The rate of surface oxidation occurred faster for fragments compared to beads, probably due to their higher surface area. Quantification of the polypropylene trimer (2,4-dimethyl-1-heptene) via double shot Pyr-GC/MS, showed that the signal of the trimer relative to the mass of polypropylene was reduced through weathering with a degradation rate of 1:3 faster for fragments over beads. Signal reduction and carbonyl index were correlated to show that polypropylene with a carbonyl index of ≥13 has a significantly reduced 2,4-dimethyl-1-heptene signal when compared to virgin material. Consequently, the quantification of polypropylene subjected to weathering under harsh conditions may be underestimated by 42% (fragments, carbonyl index: 18) to 49% (beads, carbonyl index: 30) when quantified by Pyr-GC/MS and using virgin polypropylene calibration standards. Pyrolysis at a lower temperature (350 °C) identified six degradation specific markers (oxidation products) that increased in concentration with weathering. Further comparisons between virgin and weathered microplastics may need to be considered to avoid underestimation of microplastic concentrations in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Toapanta
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Elvis D Okoffo
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Sarah Ede
- Centre for Materials Science and Centre for Waste Free World, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George St, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Stacey O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Stephen D Burrows
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Francisca Ribeiro
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Michael Gallen
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - John Colwell
- School of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew K Whittaker
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Corner College and Cooper Rds, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sarit Kaserzon
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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44
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Roscher L, Fehres A, Reisel L, Halbach M, Scholz-Böttcher B, Gerriets M, Badewien TH, Shiravani G, Wurpts A, Primpke S, Gerdts G. Microplastic pollution in the Weser estuary and the German North Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 288:117681. [PMID: 34284208 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are defined as synthetic organic pollutants sized <5 mm and have been recorded in various environments worldwide. Due to their small size, they pose a potential risk for many organisms throughout the food web. However, little is known about MP distribution patterns and associated transport mechanisms. Rivers may act as pathways for MP into marine environments. In this study, we investigate the occurrence of MP in the estuary and lower stretch of the second-largest German River, the Weser, representative of a significant interface between fresh water and marine environments. The aim of the study was to enhance the general understanding by providing novel, comprehensive data and suggestions for future studies on estuarine systems. Surface water samples of two different size classes were collected by ship using an on-board filtration system (11-500 μm fraction) and net sampling (500-5000 μm fraction). After a thorough sample preparation, all samples were analysed with Focal Plane Array (FPA) Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) FTIR spectroscopy in order to obtain information on MP concentrations, polymer composition and size distribution. Our findings show highest concentrations in the 11-500 μm fraction (2.3 × 101 - 9.7 × 103 MP m-3), with the polymer cluster acrylates/polyurethanes(PUR)/varnish being dominant. The >500 μm fraction was dominated by polyethylene. Estimated MP concentrations generally increased in the Turbidity Maximum Zone (TMZ) and decreased towards the open sea. This study contributes to the current research by providing novel insights into the MP pollution of the estuary and lower stretch of an important European river and provides implications for future MP monitoring measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Roscher
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, D-27483, Helgoland, Germany.
| | - Annika Fehres
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, D-27483, Helgoland, Germany
| | - Lorenz Reisel
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, D-27483, Helgoland, Germany
| | - Maurits Halbach
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, D-26111, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Scholz-Böttcher
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, D-26111, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Michaela Gerriets
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, D-26111, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Thomas H Badewien
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, D-26111, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Gholamreza Shiravani
- Lower Saxony Water Management, Coastal Defence and Nature Conservation Agency (NLWKN), D-26506, Norden, Germany
| | - Andreas Wurpts
- Lower Saxony Water Management, Coastal Defence and Nature Conservation Agency (NLWKN), D-26506, Norden, Germany
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, D-27483, Helgoland, Germany
| | - Gunnar Gerdts
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, D-27483, Helgoland, Germany
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45
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Ivleva NP. Chemical Analysis of Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Challenges, Advanced Methods, and Perspectives. Chem Rev 2021; 121:11886-11936. [PMID: 34436873 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics have become emerging particulate anthropogenic pollutants and rapidly turned into a field of growing scientific and public interest. These tiny plastic particles are found in the environment all around the globe as well as in drinking water and food, raising concerns about their impacts on the environment and human health. To adequately address these issues, reliable information on the ambient concentrations of microplastics and nanoplastics is needed. However, micro- and nanoplastic particles are extremely complex and diverse in terms of their size, shape, density, polymer type, surface properties, etc. While the particle concentrations in different media can vary by up to 10 orders of magnitude, analysis of such complex samples may resemble searching for a needle in a haystack. This highlights the critical importance of appropriate methods for the chemical identification, quantification, and characterization of microplastics and nanoplastics. The present article reviews advanced methods for the representative mass-based and particle-based analysis of microplastics, with a focus on the sensitivity and lower-size limit for detection. The advantages and limitations of the methods, and their complementarity for the comprehensive characterization of microplastics are discussed. A special attention is paid to the approaches for reliable analysis of nanoplastics. Finally, an outlook for establishing harmonized and standardized methods to analyze these challenging contaminants is presented, and perspectives within and beyond this research field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia P Ivleva
- Institute of Hydrochemistry, Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Water Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
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46
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Wang Z, An C, Chen X, Lee K, Zhang B, Feng Q. Disposable masks release microplastics to the aqueous environment with exacerbation by natural weathering. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 417:126036. [PMID: 34015713 PMCID: PMC8734940 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has driven explosive growth in the use of masks has resulted in many issues related to the disposal and management of waste masks. As improperly disposed masks enter the ocean, the risk to the marine ecological system is further aggravated, especially in the shoreline environment. The objective of this study is to explore the changing characteristics and environmental behaviors of disposable masks when exposed to the shoreline environment. The transformation of chain structure and chemical composition of masks as well as the decreased mechanical strength of masks after UV weathering were observed. The melt-blown cloth in the middle layer of masks was found to be particularly sensitive to UV irradiation. A single weathered mask can release more than 1.5 million microplastics to the aqueous environment. The physical abrasion caused by sand further exacerbated the release of microplastic particles from masks, with more than 16 million particles released from just one weathered mask in the presence of sand. The study results indicate that shorelines are not only the main receptor of discarded masks from oceans and lands, but also play host to further transformation of masks to plastic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada.
| | - Xiujuan Chen
- Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainable Communities, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ecosystem Science, Ottawa, ON K1A 0E6, Canada
| | - Baiyu Zhang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollutant Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Qi Feng
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
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47
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Turner A. Paint particles in the marine environment: An overlooked component of microplastics. WATER RESEARCH X 2021; 12:100110. [PMID: 34401707 PMCID: PMC8350503 DOI: 10.1016/j.wroa.2021.100110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Because paint particles consist of a resin (polymer) combined with one or more additives, they bear compositional similarities with microplastics. Despite these shared characteristics, however, paint particles are often undetected, deliberately overlooked or evade classification in the pool of micro-debris (all synthetic debris of < 5 mm in size), and in particular in the marine setting where an extensive body of microplastic literature exists. Accordingly, the present paper provides a critical insight into the physico-chemical properties, sources, distributions, behaviour and toxicity of paint particles in the marine environment. Paint particles contain a greater proportion of additives than plastics and, consequently, are more brittle, angular, opaque, dense, heterogeneous and layered than microplastics of equivalent dimensions. Land-based sources of paint particles, including deteriorating or disturbed coatings on roads and building, are transported to the ocean with other microplastics via urban runoff, water treatment facilities and the atmosphere. However, inputs of paint particles are enhanced significantly and more directly by the disturbance, erosion and weathering of coatings on coastal structures, boats and ships. Estimates of paint particle emissions to the marine environment vary widely, with calculated contributions to the total synthetic micro-debris input as high as 35%. Upper estimates are consistent with available (albeit limited) quantitative information on the relative abundance of paint particles amongst synthetic material captured by sea surface trawls and ingested by marine animals. Of greatest environmental concern is the high chemical toxicity of paint particles compared with similarly-sized microplastics and other synthetic debris. This results from the contemporary and historical use of high concentrations of hazardous inorganic additives in marine antifouling and land-based paints, and the relatively ready mobilisation of harmful ions, like Cu+/Cu2+, TBT+, Pb2+ and CrO4 2-, from the matrix. Recommendations arising from this review include greater use of particulate capturing devices, waste collection systems and recycling facilities during paint disturbance, raising awareness of the potential impacts of discarded paint amongst users, and alerting the microplastic community to the significance of paint particles and developing means by which they are isolated from environmental samples.
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