1
|
Liu J, Han S, Wang P, Zhang X, Zhang J, Hou L, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Li L, Lin Y. Soil microorganisms play an important role in the detrimental impact of biodegradable microplastics on plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 933:172933. [PMID: 38703855 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172933] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics were developed to mitigate environmental pollution caused by conventional plastics. Research indicates that biodegradable microplastics still have effects on plants and microorganisms as their non-biodegradable counterparts, yet the effects on vegetable crops are not well-documented. Additionally, the function of soil microorganisms affected by biodegradable microplastics on the fate of microplastics remains unverified. In this study, Brassica chinensis was cultivated in soil previously incubated for one year with low-density polyethylene (LDPE-MPs) and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) microplastics (PBAT-MPs) at 0.05 % and 2 % concentrations. High concentrations of PBAT-MPs significantly reduced the biomass to 5.83 % of the control. The abundance of Methyloversatilis, IS-44, and UTCFX1 in the rhizosphere bacterial community increased significantly in the presence of PBAT-MPs. Moreover, these microplastics significantly enhanced soil enzyme activity. Incubation tests were performed with three PBAT plastic sheets to assess the function of the altered bacterial community in the soil of control (Control-soil) and soil treated with high concentrations of PBAT-MPs (PBAT-MPs-soil). Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Transfer Microscopy (SEM/ATM) results confirmed enhanced PBAT degradation in the PBAT-MPs-soil. PICRUST2 analysis revealed that pathways related to substance degradation were upregulated in the PBAT-MPs-soil. Furthermore, a higher percentage of strains with PBAT-MPs-degrading ability was found in PBAT-MPs-soil. Our results confirm that PBAT-MPs significantly inhibit the growth of vegetable crops and that soil bacterial communities affected by PBAT-MPs are instrumental in degrading them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxi Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Siqi Han
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Peiyuan Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jiuyu Zhang
- Institute of Metabolism & Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Lijun Hou
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Yiqiong Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yufan Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Yanbing Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
De Felice B, Gazzotti S, Ortenzi MA, Parolini M. Multi-level toxicity assessment of polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics on the cladoceran Daphnia magna. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 272:106966. [PMID: 38815345 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The accumulation of plastics waste in the environment has raised a worrisome concern, moving the society to seek out for sustainable solutions, such as the transition from the use of fossil-based, conventional plastics to bioplastics (BPs). However, once in the environment bioplastics have the same probability to accumulate and experience weathering processes than conventional plastics, leading to the formation of microplastics (MPs). However, to date the information on the potential toxicity of MPs originated from the weathering of bioplastics is limited. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the adverse effects induced by the exposure to MPs made of a bioplastic polymer, the polylactic acid (PLA), towards the freshwater cladoceran Daphnia magna. Organisms were exposed for 21 days to three concentrations (0.125 µg/mL, 1.25 µg/mL and 12.5 µg/mL) of PLA microplastics (hereafter PLA-MPs). A multi-level approach was performed to investigate the potential effects through the biological hierarchy, starting from the sub-individual up to the individual level. At the sub-individual level, changes in the oxidative status (i.e., the amount of reactive oxygen species and the activity of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes) and oxidative damage (i.e., lipid peroxidation) were explored. Moreover, the total caloric content as well as the content of protein, carbohydrate and lipid content assess were used to investigate the effects on energy reserves. At individual level the changes in swimming activity (i.e., distance moved and swimming speed) were assessed. Our results showed that the exposure to PLA-MPs induced a slight modulation in the oxidative status and energy reserves, leading to an increase in swimming behavior of treated individuals compared to control conspecifics. These results suggest that the exposure to MPs made of a bioplastic polymer can induce adverse effects similar to those caused by conventional polymers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice De Felice
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Gazzotti
- University of Milan, Laboratory of Materials and Polymers (LaMPo), Department of Chemistry, via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Aldo Ortenzi
- University of Milan, Laboratory of Materials and Polymers (LaMPo), Department of Chemistry, via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Parolini
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gwenzi W, Gufe C, Alufasi R, Makuvara Z, Marumure J, Shanmugam SR, Selvasembian R, Halabowski D. Insects to the rescue? Insights into applications, mechanisms, and prospects of insect-driven remediation of organic contaminants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 925:171116. [PMID: 38382596 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Traditional and emerging contaminants pose significant human and environmental health risks. Conventional physical, chemical, and bioremediation techniques have been extensively studied for contaminant remediation. However, entomo- or insect-driven remediation has received limited research and public attention. Entomo-remediation refers to the use of insects, their associated gut microbiota, and enzymes to remove or mitigate organic contaminants. This novel approach shows potential as an eco-friendly method for mitigating contaminated media. However, a comprehensive review of the status, applications, and challenges of entomo-remediation is lacking. This paper addresses this research gap by examining and discussing the evidence on entomo-remediation of various legacy and emerging organic contaminants. The results demonstrate the successful application of entomo-remediation to remove legacy organic contaminants such as persistent organic pollutants. Moreover, entomo-remediation shows promise in removing various groups of emerging contaminants, including microplastics, persistent and emerging organic micropollutants (e.g., antibiotics, pesticides), and nanomaterials. Entomo-remediation involves several insect-mediated processes, including bio-uptake, biotransfer, bioaccumulation, and biotransformation of contaminants. The mechanisms underlying the biotransformation of contaminants are complex and rely on the insect gut microbiota and associated enzymes. Notably, while insects facilitate the remediation of contaminants, they may also be exposed to the ecotoxicological effects of these substances, which is often overlooked in research. As an emerging field of research, entomo-remediation has several knowledge gaps. Therefore, this review proposes ten key research questions to guide future perspectives and advance the field. These questions address areas such as process optimization, assessment of ecotoxicological effects on insects, and evaluation of potential human exposure and health risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Willis Gwenzi
- Biosystems and Environmental Engineering Research Group, 380 New Adylin, Marlborough, Harare, Zimbabwe; Alexander von Humboldt Fellow and Guest Professor, Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources, Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, Universität Kassel, Steinstraße 19, D-37213 Witzenhausen, Germany; Alexander von Humboldt Fellow and Guest Professor, Leibniz-Institut für Agrartechnik und Bioökonomie e.V. (ATB), Max-Eyth-Allee 100, D-14469 Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Claudious Gufe
- Department of Veterinary Technical Services, Central Veterinary Laboratories, 18A Bevan Building, Borrowdale Road, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Richwell Alufasi
- Biological Sciences Department, Bindura University of Science Education, 741 Chimurenga Road, Off Trojan Road, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe
| | - Zakio Makuvara
- Department of Physics, Geography and Environmental Science, School of Natural Sciences, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe; Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa
| | - Jerikias Marumure
- Department of Physics, Geography and Environmental Science, School of Natural Sciences, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe; Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa
| | | | - Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Sciences, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh 522240, India
| | - Dariusz Halabowski
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Ecology and Vertebrate Zoology, Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Song X, Ding J, Zhang Y, Zhu M, Peng Y, Wang Z, Pan G, Zou H. New insights into changes in phosphorus profile at sediment-water interface by microplastics: Role of benthic bioturbation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134047. [PMID: 38492392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134047] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have attracted increasing attention due to their ubiquitous occurrence in freshwater sediments and the detrimental effects on benthic invertebrates. However, a clear understanding of their downstream impacts on ecosystem services is still lacking. This study examines the effects of bio-based polylactic acid (PLA), fuel-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and biofilm-covered PET (BPET) MPs on the bioturbator chironomid larvae (Tanypus chinensis), and the influence on phosphorus (P) profiles in microcosms. The changes in biochemical responses and metabolic pathways indicated that MPs disrupted energy synthesis by causing intestinal blockage and oxidative stress in T. chinensis, leading to energy depletion and impaired bioturbation activity. The impairment further resulted in enhanced sedimentary P immobilization. For larval treatments, the internal-P loadings were respectively 11.4%, 8.6%, and 9.0% higher in the PLA, PET, and BPET groups compared to the non-MP control. Furthermore, the influence of bioturbation on P profiles was MP-type dependent. Both BPET and PLA treatments displayed more obvious impacts on P profiles compared to PET due to the changes in MP bioavailability or sediment microenvironment. This study connects individual physiological responses to broader ecosystem services, showing that MPs alter P biogeochemical processes by disrupting the bioturbation activities of chironomid larvae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Song
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jiannan Ding
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou 215009, China; Biomass Energy and Biological Carbon Reduction Engineering Center of Jiangsu Province, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Yunbo Zhang
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Mingda Zhu
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yi Peng
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou 215009, China; Biomass Energy and Biological Carbon Reduction Engineering Center of Jiangsu Province, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Gang Pan
- School of Humanity, York St John University, Lord Mayor's Walk, York YO31 7EX, UK
| | - Hua Zou
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou 215009, China; Biomass Energy and Biological Carbon Reduction Engineering Center of Jiangsu Province, Wuxi 214122, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Parolini M, De Felice B, Gazzotti S, Sugni M, Ortenzi MA. Comparison of the potential toxicity induced by microplastics made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactic acid (PLA) on the earthworm Eiseniafoetida. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123868. [PMID: 38556148 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123868] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
A growing number of studies have demonstrated that microplastic (MP) contamination is widespread in terrestrial ecosystems. A wide array of MPs made of conventional, fossil-based polymers differing in size and shape has been detected in soils worldwide. Recently, also MPs made of bioplastics have been found in soils, but there is a dearth of information concerning their toxicity on soil organisms. This study aimed at exploring the potential toxicity induced by the exposure for 28 days to irregular shaped and differently sized MPs made of a fossil-based (polyethylene terephthalate - PET) and a bioplastic (polylactic acid - PLA) polymer on the earthworm Eisenia foetida. Two amounts (1 g and 10 g/kg of soil, corresponding to 0.1% and 1% of soil weight) of both MP types were administered to the earthworms. A multi-level approach was used to investigate the MP-induced effects at sub-individual and individual level. Changes in the activity of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes, as well as in lipid peroxidation levels, were investigated at specific time-points (i.e., 7, 14, 21 and 28 days) as sub-individual responses. Histological analyses were performed to assess effects at tissue level, while the change in digging activity was considered as a proxy of behavioral effects. Earthworms ingested MPs made of both the polymers. MPs made of PET did not induce any adverse effect at none of the biological levels. In contrast, MPs made of PLA caused the modulation of earthworms' oxidative status as showed by a bell-shaped activity of superoxide dismutase coupled with an increase in glutathione peroxidase activity. However, neither oxidative and tissue damage, nor behavioral alteration occurred. These findings suggest that the exposure to bio-based MPs can cause higher toxicity compared to fossil-based MPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Beatrice De Felice
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Gazzotti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, via Golgi 19, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Sugni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Aldo Ortenzi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, via Golgi 19, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
De Felice B, Gazzotti S, Roncoli M, Conterosito E, Gianotti V, Ortenzi MA, Parolini M. Exposure to Microplastics Made of Plasmix-Based Materials at Low Amounts Did Not Induce Adverse Effects on the Earthworm Eisenia foetida. TOXICS 2024; 12:300. [PMID: 38668523 PMCID: PMC11054649 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12040300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
The implementation of recycling techniques represents a potential solution to the plastic pollution issue. To date, only a limited number of plastic polymers can be efficiently recycled. In the Italian plastic waste stream, the residual, non-homogeneous fraction is called 'Plasmix' and is intended for low-value uses. However, Plasmix can be used to create new materials through mechanical recycling, which need to be tested for their eco-safety. This study aimed to investigate the potential toxicity of two amounts (0.1% and 1% MPs in soil weight) of microplastics (MPs) made of naïve and additivated Plasmix-based materials (Px and APx, respectively) on the earthworm Eisenia foetida. Changes in oxidative status and oxidative damage, survival, gross growth rate and reproductive output were considered as endpoints. Although earthworms ingested both MP types, earthworms did not suffer an oxidative stress condition or growth and reproductive impairments. The results suggested that exposure to low amounts of both MPs can be considered as safe for earthworms. However, further studies testing a higher amount or longer exposure time on different model species are necessary to complete the environmental risk assessment of these new materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice De Felice
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Stefano Gazzotti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy; (S.G.); (M.A.O.)
| | - Maddalena Roncoli
- Department of Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via T. Michel 11, I-13100 Vercelli, Italy; (M.R.); (E.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Eleonora Conterosito
- Department of Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via T. Michel 11, I-13100 Vercelli, Italy; (M.R.); (E.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Valentina Gianotti
- Department of Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via T. Michel 11, I-13100 Vercelli, Italy; (M.R.); (E.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Marco Aldo Ortenzi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy; (S.G.); (M.A.O.)
| | - Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li HH, Chen XW, Zhai FH, Li YT, Zhao HM, Mo CH, Luo Y, Xing B, Li H. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Alleviates Charged Nanoplastic Stress in Host Plants via Enhanced Defense-Related Gene Expressions and Hyphal Capture. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6258-6273. [PMID: 38450439 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Contamination of small-sized plastics is recognized as a factor of global change. Nanoplastics (NPs) can readily enter organisms and pose significant ecological risks. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are the most ubiquitous and impactful plant symbiotic fungi, regulating essential ecological functions. Here, we first found that an AM fungus, Rhizophagus irregularis, increased lettuce shoot biomass by 25-100% when exposed to positively and negatively charged NPs vs control, although it did not increase that grown without NPs. The stress alleviation was attributed to the upregulation of gene expressions involving phytohormone signaling, cell wall metabolism, and oxidant scavenging. Using a root organ-fungus axenic growth system treated with fluorescence-labeled NPs, we subsequently revealed that the hyphae captured NPs and further delivered them to roots. NPs were observed at the hyphal cell walls, membranes, and spore walls. NPs mediated by the hyphae were localized at the root epidermis, cortex, and stele. Hyphal exudates aggregated positively charged NPs, thereby reducing their uptake due to NP aggregate formation (up to 5000 nm). This work demonstrates the critical roles of AM fungus in regulating NP behaviors and provides a potential strategy for NP risk mitigation in terrestrial ecosystems. Consequent NP-induced ecological impacts due to the affected AM fungi require further attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Hao Li
- Guangdong Provincial Research Centre for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, Department of Ecology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xun Wen Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Research Centre for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, Department of Ecology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Feng Hua Zhai
- Guangdong Provincial Research Centre for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, Department of Ecology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yong Tao Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hai Ming Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Research Centre for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, Department of Ecology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ce Hui Mo
- Guangdong Provincial Research Centre for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, Department of Ecology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yongming Luo
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Hui Li
- Guangdong Provincial Research Centre for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, Department of Ecology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tao S, Li T, Li M, Yang S, Shen M, Liu H. Research advances on the toxicity of biodegradable plastics derived micro/nanoplastics in the environment: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170299. [PMID: 38272086 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170299] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The detrimental effects of plastic and microplastic accumulation on ecosystems are widely recognized and indisputable. The emergence of biodegradable plastics (BPs) offers a practical solution to plastic pollution. Problematically, however, not all BPs can be fully degraded in the environment. On the contrary, the scientific community has demonstrated that BPs are more likely than conventional plastics (CPs) to degrade into micro/nanoplastics and release additives, which can have similar or even worse effects than microplastics. However, there is very limited information available on the environmental toxicity assessment of BMPs. The absence of a toxicity evaluation system and the uncertainty regarding combined toxicity with other pollutants also impede the environmental toxicity assessment of BMPs. Currently, research is focused on thoroughly exploring the toxic effects of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs). This paper reviews the pollution status of BMPs in the environment, the degradation behavior of BPs and the influencing factors. This paper comprehensively summarizes the ecotoxicological effects of BPs on ecosystems, considering animals, plants, and microorganisms in various environments such as water bodies, soil, and sediment. The focus is on distinguishing between BMPs and conventional microplastics (CMPs). In addition, the combined toxic effects of BMPs and other pollutants are also being investigated. The findings suggest that BMPs may have different or more severe impacts on ecosystems. The rougher and more intricate surface of BMPs increases the likelihood of causing mechanical damage to organisms and breaking down into smaller plastic particles, releasing additives that lead to a series of cascading negative effects on related organisms and ecosystems. In the case of knowledge gaps, future research is also proposed and anticipated to investigate the toxic effects of BMPs and their evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Tao
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Tianhao Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Mingyu Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Shengxin Yang
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Maocai Shen
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Miksch L, Chen CY, Granberg ME, Krång AS, Gutow L, Saborowski R. Biodegradable microplastics: Uptake by and effects on the rockpool shrimp Palaemon elegans (Crustacea: Decapoda). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 274:116184. [PMID: 38461578 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Ingestion of microplastics can lead to deleterious consequences for organisms, as documented by numerous laboratory studies. The current knowledge is based on a multitude of effect studies, conducted with conventional fossil-based and non-degradable plastics. However, there is a lack of information about the acceptance and the effects of novel bio-based and biodegradable plastics. Biodegradable plastics are considered an alternative to conventional plastics and are showing rapidly growing production rates. Biodegradable plastics can disperse into the environment in the same way as conventional plastics do, becoming available to marine organisms. This study aims to provide new insights into the uptake and effects of biodegradable microplastics on marine invertebrates. Rockpool shrimp, Palaemon elegans, were fed with algal flakes coated with polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate (PHBV) and conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microparticles. Live observations showed that all of the different types of microplastics were ingested. After dissection of the shrimp, less LDPE particles were found in the stomachs than PLA and PHBV particles. This indicates a longer retention time of biodegradable microplastics compared to conventional microplastics. Presumably, less LDPE particles were ingested or evacuated from the stomach, probably by regurgitation. The ingestion of microparticles of all types of plastics induced enzymatic activity of short-chain carboxylesterases in the midgut glands of the shrimp. However, only PLA induced enzymatic activity of medium-chain carboxylesterases. Palaemon elegans showed no oxidative stress response after ingestion of microparticles, irrespective of polymer type. From our results we conclude that biodegradable plastics might have different effects than conventional plastics. The longer retention times of biodegradable plastics might enhance exposure to leaching additives and other harmful substances. Our study provides new insights into how biodegradable plastics might affect aquatic fauna and indicate that the use of biodegradable plastics needs to be reconsidered to some extent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Miksch
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, Bremerhaven 27570, Germany.
| | - Chiau Yu Chen
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Kristineberg Marine Research Station, Kristineberg 566, Fiskebäckskil 45178, Sweden
| | - Maria E Granberg
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Kristineberg Marine Research Station, Kristineberg 566, Fiskebäckskil 45178, Sweden
| | - Anna-Sara Krång
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Kristineberg Marine Research Station, Kristineberg 566, Fiskebäckskil 45178, Sweden
| | - Lars Gutow
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, Bremerhaven 27570, Germany
| | - Reinhard Saborowski
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, Bremerhaven 27570, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kim D, Kim SA, Nam SH, Kwak JI, Kim L, Lee TY, Kim H, An S, An YJ. Microplastic ingestion in aquatic and soil biota: A comprehensive review of laboratory studies on edible size and intake pattern. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116056. [PMID: 38266480 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination is ubiquitous and can be transferred through the food chain to humans. However, studies on microplastic size have mainly focused on large animals with a body length >20 mm. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive review of 169 laboratory studies to determine the edible size of microplastics for macrofauna and flora in aquatic and soil biota. Our findings indicate that microplastics with a size of <300 μm and 1 μm, respectively, are edible for these organisms, which are positioned at the base of the food chain. We also analyzed intake and depuration patterns and identified factors affecting microplastic ingestion. Our study fills an important knowledge gap by identifying the range of microplastic sizes that can enter the food chain and be transferred to humans. The study findings have strong implications for the ecological risk assessment of microplastics and suggest a starting point for mitigating this threat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dokyung Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang A Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Hwa Nam
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Il Kwak
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Lia Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Yang Lee
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Haemi Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghee An
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Joo An
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chen C, Zheng N, Zhu H, An Q, Pan J, Li X, Ji Y, Li N, Sun S. Co-exposure to UV-aged microplastics and cadmium induces intestinal toxicity and metabolic responses in earthworms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 462:132737. [PMID: 37832442 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Aged microplastics (MPs) alter the interaction with heavy metals due to changes in surface properties. However, the combined toxicological effects of aged MPs on heavy metals in soil remain poorly understood. In this study, earthworms were employed as model animals to investigate the effects of aged MPs on the biotoxicity of cadmium (Cd) by simulating the exposure patterns of original and UV-aged MPs (polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene (PE)) with Cd. The results showed that UV-aging decreased the zeta potential and increased the specific surface area of the MPs, which enhanced the bioaccumulation of Cd and caused more severe oxidative stress to earthworms. Meanwhile, the earthworm intestines exhibited increased tissue damage, including chloragogenous tissue congestion lesions, and typhlosole damage. Furthermore, the combined exposure to UV-aged MPs and Cd enhanced the complexity of the microbial network in the earthworm gut and interfered with endocrine disruption, membrane structure, and energy metabolic pathways in earthworms. The results emphasized the need to consider the degradation of MPs in the environment. Hence, we recommend that future toxicological studies use aged MPs that are more representative of the actual environmental conditions, with the results being important for the risk assessment and management of MPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changcheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, China
| | - Na Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, China.
| | - Huicheng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, China
| | - Qirui An
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, China
| | - Jiamin Pan
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agricultural Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaoqian Li
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, China
| | - Yining Ji
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, China
| | - Ning Li
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, China
| | - Siyu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang C, Yang X, Wang Z, Liu Y, Yao M, Zhu L, Gao P, Wang Z. Co-exposure effects of butyl benzyl phthalate and TiO 2 nanomaterials (anatase) on Metaphire guillelmi gut health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167036. [PMID: 37709098 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) and TiO2 nanomaterials (nTiO2) are commonly used as plastic additives, nano-fertilizers or nano-pesticides. Their excessive co-applications led to the co-occurrence, which can induce damage to soil organisms such as Metaphire guillelmi (an earthworm widespread in farmland). However, the co-exposure effects of butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP, a typical PAEs) and nTiO2 on Metaphire guillelmi at environmental-relevant concentrations remain unclear. In this study, 1 mg kg-1 BBP and 1 mg kg-1 nTiO2 (anatase) were added into the soil to assess: (1) their effects on oxidative damage, digestive system, and neurotoxicity in Metaphire guillelmi gut on days 14 and 28; and (2) whether BBP and nTiO2 affected Metaphire guillelmi gut health by disrupting intestinal microorganisms. The results demonstrated that BBP and nTiO2 had the potential to inhibit the activity of superoxide dismutase, cellulase, protease, Na+K+-ATPase, and Ca2+-ATPase, as well as cause oxidative damage by altering intestinal bacteria such as Marmoricola and Microvirga at genus levels after 28 d-exposure. However, the exposure did not cause disorders of the intestinal bacteria. The present study provides more evidence for the sustainable application and scientific management of BBP and nTiO2, thus providing better guidance for PAEs and engineered nanomaterials regulations in agroecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaoqing Yang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhangjia Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yinglin Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Mengyao Yao
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Lusheng Zhu
- College of Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, 215009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Feng S, Wang H, Wang Y, Cheng Q. A review of the occurrence and degradation of biodegradable microplastics in soil environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166855. [PMID: 37683869 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The use of plastics for manufacturing of products and packaging has become ubiquitous. This is because plastics are cheap, pliable, and durable. However, these characteristics of plastics have also led to their disposal in landfill, where they persist. To overcome the environmental challenge posed by conventional plastics (CPs), biodegradable plastics (BDPs) are increasingly being used. However, BDPs form residual microplastics (MPs) at a rate that far exceeds that of CPs, and MPs have negative impacts on the soil environment. This review aimed to evaluate whether the move away from CPs to BDPs is having an overall positive impact on the environment considering the formation of MPs. Topics focused on in this review include the degradation of BDPs in the soil environment and the impacts of MPs originating from BDPs on soil physical and chemical properties, microbial communities, animals, and plants. The information collated in this review can provide scientific guidance for sustainable development of the BDPs industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Feng
- Key Lab of Eco-Restoration of Regional Contaminated Environment, Ministry of Education, Shenyang University, Shenyang 110044, China
| | - Haodong Wang
- Key Lab of Eco-Restoration of Regional Contaminated Environment, Ministry of Education, Shenyang University, Shenyang 110044, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Lab of Eco-Restoration of Regional Contaminated Environment, Ministry of Education, Shenyang University, Shenyang 110044, China
| | - Quanguo Cheng
- Key Lab of Eco-Restoration of Regional Contaminated Environment, Ministry of Education, Shenyang University, Shenyang 110044, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Martínez Rodríguez A, Marchant DJ, Francelle P, Kratina P, Jones JI. Nutrient enrichment mediates the effect of biodegradable and conventional microplastics on macroinvertebrate communities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122511. [PMID: 37689134 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122511] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
There is growing concern regarding the lack of evidence on the effects bioplastics may have on natural ecosystems, whilst their production continues to increase as they are considered as a greener alternative to conventional plastics. Most research is limited to investigations of the response of individual taxa under laboratory conditions, with few experiments undertaken at the community or ecosystem scale, either investigating microplastics independently or in combination with other pollutants, such as nutrient enrichment. The aim of this study is to experimentally compare the effects of oil-based (high density polyethylene - HDPE) with those of bio-based biodegradable (polylactic acid - PLA) microplastics and their interaction with nutrient enrichment on freshwater macroinvertebrate communities under seminatural conditions. There were no significant differences in total abundance, alpha and beta diversities, or community composition attributable to the type of microplastics, their concentration, or nutrient enrichment compared with the control. However, there was a significant difference in macroinvertebrate alpha diversity between high concentrations of both microplastic types under ambient nutrient conditions, with lower diversity in communities exposed to HDPE compared with PLA. Nutrient enrichment mediated the effect of microplastic type, such that the diversity of macroinvertebrate communities exposed to HDPE were similar to those communities exposed to PLA. These findings suggest that the effects of microplastic pollution on macroinvertebrate communities are very weak at large-scale settings under seminatural conditions and that these effects might be mediated by the nutrient status of freshwater ecosystems. More research under large-scale, long-term, seminatural settings are needed in order to elucidate the impact of both conventional plastics and bioplastics on natural environments and their interactive effect with other occurring stressors and pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martínez Rodríguez
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK.
| | - Danielle J Marchant
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Pascaline Francelle
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Pavel Kratina
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - J Iwan Jones
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Baihetiyaer B, Jiang N, Li X, Song J, Wang J, Fan X, Zuo Y, Yin X. Exploring the toxicity of biodegradable microplastics and imidacloprid to earthworms (Eisenia fetida) from morphological and gut microbial perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122547. [PMID: 37709123 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) pose serious environmental problems to soil organisms, and their adsorption capacity might make pesticides more dangerous for soil organisms. Therefore, in this study, polylactic acid (PLA) BMPs and imidacloprid (IMI) were used as a representative of BMPs and pesticides, respectively. Eisenia fetida was used as a test animal to investigate the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of single and compound contaminated PLA BMPs and IMI on mortality, growth, number of offspring, tissue damage, and gut microorganisms of E.fetida. Exposure to PLA BMPs treatment and PLA BMPs + IMI treatment resulted in a sustained increase in E.fetida mortality, reaching 16.7% and 26.7%, respectively. The growth inhibition rate of single treatments was significantly increased. The compound contamination had the greatest effect on E.fetida offspring compared to the control. PLA BMPs and IMI cause histological damage to E.fetida, with the compound treatment causing the most severe damage. Based on the results of 16S sequencing, the bacterial communities in E.fetida gut and soil treated to PLA BMPs and IMI were significantly different. PLA BMPs + IMI treatment suppresses the abundance and diversity of E.fetida gut microorganisms, disrupting the homeostasis of bacterial communities and causing immune and metabolic dysfunction. These findings highlight the more severe damage of combined PLA BMPs and IMI pollution to E.fetida, and help to assess the risk of earthworm exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of PLA BMPs and IMI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baikerouzi Baihetiyaer
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712000, PR China
| | - Nan Jiang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712000, PR China
| | - Xianxu Li
- College of Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271000, PR China
| | - Jie Song
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712000, PR China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271000, PR China
| | - Xiaoteng Fan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712000, PR China
| | - Yajie Zuo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712000, PR China
| | - Xianqiang Yin
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, 712000, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Peng BY, Xiao S, Sun Y, Liu Y, Chen J, Zhou X, Wu WM, Zhang Y. Unveiling Fragmentation of Plastic Particles during Biodegradation of Polystyrene and Polyethylene Foams in Mealworms: Highly Sensitive Detection and Digestive Modeling Prediction. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:15099-15111. [PMID: 37751481 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
It remains unknown whether plastic-biodegrading macroinvertebrates generate microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) during the biodegradation of plastics. In this study, we utilized highly sensitive particle analyzers and pyrolyzer-gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GCMS) to investigate the possibility of generating MPs and NPs in frass during the biodegradation of polystyrene (PS) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) foams by mealworms (Tenebrio molitor larvae). We also developed a digestive biofragmentation model to predict and unveil the fragmentation process of ingested plastics. The mealworms removed 77.3% of ingested PS and 71.1% of ingested PE over a 6-week test period. Biodegradation of both polymers was verified by the increase in the δ13C signature of residual plastics, changes in molecular weights, and the formation of new oxidative functional groups. MPs accumulated in the frass due to biofragmentation, with residual PS and PE exhibiting the maximum percentage by number at 2.75 and 7.27 μm, respectively. Nevertheless, NPs were not detected using a laser light scattering sizer with a detection limit of 10 nm and Py-GCMS analysis. The digestive biofragmentation model predicted that the ingested PS and PE were progressively size-reduced and rapidly biodegraded, indicating the shorter half-life the smaller plastic particles have. This study allayed concerns regarding the accumulation of NPs by plastic-degrading mealworms and provided critical insights into the factors controlling MP and NP generation during macroinvertebrate-mediated plastic biodegradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Yu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shaoze Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ying Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yurong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Smart Manufacturing in Energy Chemical Process, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jiabin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xuefei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Wei-Min Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, William & Cloy Codiga Resource Recovery Center, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-4020, United States
| | - Yalei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yao M, Qian J, Chen X, Liu J, Yang X, Gao P, Zhang C. Butyl benzyl phthalate exposure impact on the gut health of Metaphire guillelmi. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 171:443-451. [PMID: 37801871 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural films are extensively utilized in high-intensity agriculture, with China's annual usage reaching 1.5 million tons. Unfortunately, the recovery rate is less than 60%, leading to an inevitable accumulation of plastic mulch in agricultural soils. This accumulation primarily introduces butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) into soil ecosystems, whose specific effects remain largely unclear, thereby posing potential risks. The present study focuses on the exposure impact of BBP on earthworms, Metaphire guillelmi, a commonly found endogenic earthworm within real farmland, as it provides insight into the direct interaction between biota gut health and contaminants. Specifically, we studied the biomarkers related to oxidative stress, the digestive system, and neurotoxicity within the gut of Metaphire guillelmi, and the integrated biological response (IBR) index was utilized to track these markers at different timeframes after BBP exposures. Our findings indicate that BBP exposures lead to oxidative damage, digestive system inhibition, and neurotoxicity, with IBR indexes of 14.6 and 17.3 on the 14th and 28th days, respectively. Further, the underlying mechanisms at a molecular level through molecular docking were investigated. The results showed that the most unstable interaction was with the Na+K+-ATPase (binding energy: -2.25 kcal-1), while BBP displayed stable bonds with superoxide dismutase and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine via hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interaction. These interactions resulted in changes in protein conformation and their normal physiological functions, offering new insights into the molecular mechanism underlying enzymatic activity changes. This study has significant implications for the prediction of toxicity, environmental risk assessment, and the establishment of regulations related to BBP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Yao
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jingran Qian
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaoni Chen
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jilong Liu
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaoqing Yang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Fu M, Tan J, Zhou S, Ling S, Hu S, Qiao Z, Han Y, Zhang W, Peng C. Insight into Bioaccumulation of Decabromodiphenyl Ethane in Eisenia fetida Increased by Microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13980-13990. [PMID: 37668438 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The rise of electronics inevitably induced the co-pollution of novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) and microplastics (MPs). However, studies on how they interact to influence their bioavailability are scarce. Here, we explored the influence mechanism of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-MPs on the bioaccumulation of decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) in soil-earthworm microcosms. The influence exhibited a temporal pattern characterized by short-term inhibition and long-term promotion. After 28 days of exposure, DBDPE bioaccumulation in a co-exposure (10 mg kg-1 DBDPE accompanied by 1000 mg kg-1 ABS-MPs) was 2.61 times higher than that in a separate exposure. The adsorption process in the soil, intestines, and mucus introduced DBDPE-carried MPs, which had a higher concentration of DBDPE than the surrounding soil and directly affected the bioavailability of DBDPE. MP-pre-exposure (100, 1000, and 10000 mg kg-1) reduced epidermal soundness, mucus secretion, and worm cast production. This eventually promoted the contact between earthworm and soil particles and enhanced the DBDPE of earthworm tissue by 6%-61% in the next DBDPE-postexposure period, confirming that MPs increased DBDPE bioaccumulation indirectly by impairing the earthworm health. This study indicates that MPs promoted DBDPE bioaccumulation via adsorption and self-toxicity, providing new insight into the combined risk of MPs and NBFRs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengru Fu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jiaqi Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Shanqi Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Siyuan Ling
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Shuangqing Hu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Zhihua Qiao
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yanna Han
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Li X, Kong Y, Juhasz AL, Zhou P, Zhang Q, Cui X. Effect of Microplastic Types on the In Vivo Bioavailability of Polychlorinated Biphenyls. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:12838-12846. [PMID: 37587565 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04068] [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] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
As MPs are released into the soil, various equilibrium statuses are expected. MPs could play roles as a "source," a "cleaner," or a "sink" of HOCs. Three types of MPs (LDPE, PLA, and PS) were selected to study their effect on polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) relative bioavailability (RBA) measured by a mouse model. As a "source" of HOCs, exposure to MP-sorbed PCBs resulted in their accumulation in adipose tissue with PCB RBA as 101 ± 6.73% for LDPE, 76.2 ± 19.2% for PLA, and 9.22 ± 2.02% for PS. The addition of 10% MPs in PCB-contaminated soil led to a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in PCB RBA (52.2 ± 16.7%, 49.3 ± 4.85%, and 47.1 ± 5.99% for LDPE, PLA, and PS) compared to control (75.0 ± 4.26%), implying MPs acted as "cleaner" by adsorbing PCBs from the digestive system and reducing PCB accumulation. MPs acted as a "sink" for PCBs in contaminated soil after aging, but the sink effect varied among MP types with more pronounced effect for LDPE than PLA and PS. Therefore, the role played by MPs in bioavailability of HOCs closely depended on the MP types as well as the equilibrium status among MPs, soil, and HOCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yi Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Albert L Juhasz
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - Pengfei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xinyi Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Daghighi E, Shah T, Chia RW, Lee JY, Shang J, Rodríguez-Seijo A. The forgotten impacts of plastic contamination on terrestrial micro- and mesofauna: A call for research. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116227. [PMID: 37244494 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) contamination of the terrestrial environment is a growing concern worldwide and is thought to impact soil biota, particularly the micro and mesofauna community, by various processes that may contribute to global change in terrestrial systems. Soils act as a long-term sink for MP, accumulating these contaminants and increasing their adverse impacts on soil ecosystems. Consequently, the whole terrestrial ecosystem is impacted by microplastic pollution, which also threatens human health by their potential transfer to the soil food web. In general, the ingestion of MP in different concentrations by soil micro and mesofauna can adversely affect their development and reproduction, impacting terrestrial ecosystems. MP in soil moves horizontally and vertically because of the movement of soil organisms and the disturbance caused by plants. However, the effects of MP on terrestrial micro-and mesofauna are largely overlooked. Here, we give the most recent information on the forgotten impacts of MP contamination of soil on microfauna and mesofauna communities (protists, tardigrades, soil rotifers, nematodes, collembola and mites). More than 50 studies focused on the impact of MP on these organisms between 1990 and 2022 have been reviewed. In general, plastic pollution does not directly affect the survival of organisms, except under co-contaminated plastics that can increase adverse effects (e.g. tire-tread particles on springtails). Besides, they can have adverse effects at oxidative stress and reduced reproduction (protists, nematodes, potworms, springtails or mites). It was observed that micro and mesofauna could act as passive plastic transporters, as shown for springtails or mites. Finally, this review discusses how soil micro- and mesofauna play a key role in facilitating the (bio-)degradation and movement of MP and NP through soil systems and, therefore, the potential transfer to soil depths. More research should be focused on plastic mixtures, community level and long-term experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Daghighi
- BetterSoil e. V., Lise-Meitner-Straße 9, D-89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tufail Shah
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - R W Chia
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Earth Resources, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Yong Lee
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Earth Resources, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jianying Shang
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Andrés Rodríguez-Seijo
- Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia Do Solo, Facultade de Ciencias de Ourense, Universidade de Vigo, As Lagoas S/n, Ourense, 32004, Spain; Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros Do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos S/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Peng BY, Sun Y, Zhang X, Sun J, Xu Y, Xiao S, Chen J, Zhou X, Zhang Y. Unveiling the residual plastics and produced toxicity during biodegradation of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics by mealworms (Larvae of Tenebrio molitor). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 452:131326. [PMID: 37027925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Evidence for plastic degradation by mealworms has been reported. However, little is known about the residual plastics derived from incomplete digestion during mealworm-mediated plastic biodegradation. We herein reveal the residual plastic particles and toxicity produced during mealworm-mediated biodegradation of the three most common microplastics, i.e., polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). All three microplastics are effectively depolymerized and biodegraded. We discover that the PVC-fed mealworms exhibit the lowest survival rate (81.3 ± 1.5%) and the highest body weight reduction (15.1 ± 1.1%) among the experimental groups by the end of the 24-day experiment. We also demonstrate that the residual PVC microplastic particles are more difficult to depurate and excrete for the mealworms compared to the residual PE and PS particles by using laser direct infrared spectrometry. The levels of oxidative stress responses, including reactive oxygen species, antioxidant enzyme activities, and lipid peroxidation, are also highest in the PVC-fed mealworms. Sub-micron microplastics and small microplastics are found in the frass of mealworms fed with PE, PS, and PVC, with the smallest particles detected at diameters of 5.0, 4.0, and 5.9 µm, respectively. Our findings provide insights into the residual microplastics and microplastic-induced stress responses in macroinvertebrates under micro(nano)plastics exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Yu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ying Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Eco-environmental Protection Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 201403, China
| | - Jingjing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yazhou Xu
- National Engineering Research Center of Protected Agriculture, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Protected Agriculture, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shaoze Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiabin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xuefei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Yalei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhang P, Yuan Y, Zhang J, Wen T, Wang H, Qu C, Tan W, Xi B, Hui K, Tang J. Specific response of soil properties to microplastics pollution: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 232:116427. [PMID: 37327841 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The soil environment is a critical component of the global ecosystem and is essential for nutrient cycling and energy flow. Various physical, chemical, and biological processes occur in the soil and are affected by environmental factors. Soil is vulnerable to pollutants, especially emerging pollutants, such as microplastics (MPs). MPs pollution has become a significant environmental problem, and its harm to human health and the environment cannot be underestimated. However, most studies on MPs pollution have focused on marine ecosystems, estuaries, lakes, rivers, and other aquatic environments, whereas few considered the effects and hazards of MPs pollution of the soil, especially the responses of different environmental factors to MPs. In addition, when many MPs pollutants produced by agricultural activities (mulching film, organic fertilizer) and atmospheric sedimentation enter the soil environment, it will cause changes in soil pH, organic matter composition, microbial community, enzyme activity, animals and plants and other environmental factors. However, due to the complex and changeable soil environment, the heterogeneity is very strong. The changes of environmental factors may react on the migration, transformation and degradation of MPs, and there are synergistic or antagonistic interactions among different factors. Therefore, it is very important to analyze the specific effects of MPs pollution on soil properties to clarify the environmental behavior and effects of MPs. This review focuses on the source, formation, and influencing factors of MPs pollution in soil and summarizes its effect and influence degree on various soil environmental factors. The results provide research suggestions and theoretical support for preventing or controlling MPs soil pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Shiyou University, Xi'an, 710065, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Taoyi Wen
- School of Civil Engineering, Chang'an University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Chengtun Qu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Shiyou University, Xi'an, 710065, China
| | - Wenbing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Beidou Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Kunlong Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
| | - Jun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Martellini T, Russo A, Cincinelli A, Santini S, Lofrumento C, Baini M, Ciattini S, Conti L, Mostardini F, Mercatelli L, Ugolini A. Bioplastics on marine sandy shores: Effects on the key species Talitrus saltator (Montagu, 1808). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 876:162811. [PMID: 36924974 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162811] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Talitrid amphipods are an important component of detritus web, playing a key role in the fragmentation of organic matters of marine and terrestrial origin, and it is well known that sandhoppers ingest microplastics. To assess the effective consumption of bioplastics and their effects on survival rate and on pollutants transfer (i.e. phthalates) on supralittoral arthropods, laboratory experiments were conducted by feeding adult T. saltator with two different types of bioplastic commonly used in the production of shopping bags. Groups of about 20 individuals were fed with 10 × 10 cm sample sheets of the two types of bioplastic for four weeks. The results show that amphipods ingest bioplastics even in the absence of microbial film and that ingestion of bioplastic can have effects on talitrid amphipods. Microtomographic analyses of faecal pellets seem consistent with this finding. The high phthalate concentrations in freshly collected individuals suggest the presence in the environment of these compounds, and the ability of amphipods to assimilate them, while the decrease in phthalate concentrations in bioplastic-fed individuals could be attributed to the scavenging effect of virgin plastic, as already observed in a previous study. In summary, the results indicate that different bioplastics may have effects on T. saltator (i.e. survival rate and faecal pellets structure) and confirm a potential role of amphipods in the degradation of bioplastics in supralittoral zone of marine sandy beaches, even when bioplastics are not colonized by bacterial biofilm that seems to improve palatability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Martellini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3, Sesto F.no, 50019 Florence, Italy; CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto F.no, 50019 Florence, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Russo
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Romana 17, 50125 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3, Sesto F.no, 50019 Florence, Italy; CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto F.no, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Saul Santini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3, Sesto F.no, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Cristiana Lofrumento
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3, Sesto F.no, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Baini
- Department of Environmental, Earth and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, Siena, Italy
| | - Samuele Ciattini
- Centro di Cristallografia (CRIST), University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino, I-50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Conti
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3, Sesto F.no, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | | | - Luca Mercatelli
- National institute of Optics, CNR, Largo E. Fermi, 6, 50125 Florence, Italy
| | - Alberto Ugolini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Romana 17, 50125 Florence, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ju H, Yang X, Osman R, Geissen V. The role of microplastic aging on chlorpyrifos adsorption-desorption and microplastic bioconcentration. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121910. [PMID: 37247767 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in soil undergo different aging processes such as photoaging, mechanical abrasion and biodegradation, leading to alterations in the surface properties of MPs. In this study, we investigated the adsorption-desorption of chlorpyrifos (CPF) on pristine and UV light-aged low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and biodegradable (Bio) MPs that were derived from plastic mulch films. We also tested the bioconcentration of pristine and aged MPs (LDPE- and Bio-MPs aged under UV light and LDPE-MPs aged in three different soils) associated with CPF by earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris). The results showed that UV-aged MPs showed higher CPF adsorption capacities than pristine MPs, with the adsorption capacities at 184.9 ± 5.3, 200.5 ± 1.8, 193.0 ± 8.7, and 215.9 ± 1.1 μg g-1 for pristine LDPE-, UV-aged LDPE-, pristine Bio- and UV-aged Bio-MPs, respectively. The desorption rate of CPF from UV-aged LDPE-MPs within 48 h was lower than the desorption from pristine ones (28.8 ± 7.7% vs. 40.0 ± 3.9%), while both pristine and UV-aged Bio-MPs showed very low CPF desorption rates. A 4-day Petri dish experiment showed that UV-aged MPs were significantly less concentrated in earthworm casts than pristine counterparts (52% and 36% lower for UV-aged LDPE- and Bio-MPs), while UV-aged MPs with adsorbed CPF were concentrated significantly more than UV-aged MPs without CPF. Interestingly, LDPE-MPs aged in soil with a high carbon, nitrogen, and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio were significantly more concentrated in earthworm casts than pristine LDPE-MPs. In conclusion, UV-aged MPs acted as stronger vectors for CPF than pristine MPs. The bioconcentration of MPs differed significantly due to microplastic aging, as well as the combined effect with CPF. Moreover, LDPE-MPs aged in soil with enriched carbon and nitrogen were significantly concentrated in earthworm casts. Further studies on the environmental behaviours of aged MPs associated with other pollutants in soil, especially soils high in carbon and nitrogen, are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ju
- Soil Physics and Land Management, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Xiaomei Yang
- Soil Physics and Land Management, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, China.
| | - Rima Osman
- Soil Physics and Land Management, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Violette Geissen
- Soil Physics and Land Management, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Liu X, Jiang D, Qin Y, Zhang Z, Yuan M. ZnO-PLLA/PLLA Preparation and Application in Air Filtration by Electrospinning Technology. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15081906. [PMID: 37112053 PMCID: PMC10146834 DOI: 10.3390/polym15081906] [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: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
With the increasing environmental pollution caused by disposable masks, it is crucial to develop new degradable filtration materials for medical masks. ZnO-PLLA/PLLA (L-lactide) copolymers prepared from nano ZnO and L-lactide were used to prepare fiber films for air filtration by electrospinning technology. Structural characterization of ZnO-PLLA by H-NMR, XPS, and XRD demonstrated that ZnO was successfully grafted onto PLLA. An L9(43) standard orthogonal array was employed to evaluate the effects of the ZnO-PLLA concentration, ZnO-PLLA/PLLA content, DCM(dichloromethane) to DMF(N,N-dimethylformamide) ratio, and spinning time on the air filtration capacity of ZnO-PLLA/PLLA nanofiber films. It is noteworthy that the introduction of ZnO is important for the enhancement of the quality factor (QF). The optimal group obtained was sample No. 7, where the QF was 0.1403 Pa-1, the particle filtration efficiency (PFE) was 98.3%, the bacteria filtration efficiency (BFE) was 98.42%, and the airflow resistance (Δp) was 29.2 Pa. Therefore, the as-prepared ZnO-PLLA/PLLA film has potential for the development of degradable masks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Liu
- Green Preparation Technology of Biobased Materials National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Dengbang Jiang
- Green Preparation Technology of Biobased Materials National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yuyue Qin
- Institute of Agriculture and Food Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650550, China
| | - Zhihong Zhang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Mingwei Yuan
- Green Preparation Technology of Biobased Materials National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming 650500, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ran C, Liu C, Peng C, Li X, Liu Y, Li Y, Zhang W, Cai H, Wang L. Oxidative potential of heavy-metal contaminated soil reflects its ecological risk on earthworm. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 323:121275. [PMID: 36780977 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The ecological risk of heavy metal-contaminated soil is usually evaluated by its oxidative stress on terrestrial animals, which are vulnerable to the impact of individual differences of animals and environmental conditions. Oxidative potential (OP) is the potential of particles to induce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, OP of the in situ contaminated soils collected from an industrial site (i.e., 64.5-7783 mg/kg of Cu, 54.9-397 mg/kg of Pb, 278-2085 mg/kg of Zn and 0.615-121 mg/kg of Cd) were measured as 38.0-60.1 pmol/min/mg, and the water extractable Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd in soils have been proved to contribute 89%-98% to OP. Oxidative stress in earthworms (Eisenia fetida) caused by the industrial contaminated soils can be reflected by the biomarkers such as 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, metallothionein, and antioxidant enzymes, and a negative correlation presents between the comprehensive biomarker response index and the OP of soils (r = -0.979, p < 0.01). This is the first time to propose a dose-response relationship between OP and oxidative stress. Metabolomic analysis also verified that the regulation of four ROS-related metabolites (i.e., l-pipecolate, 1-methylhistidine, 5-methoxytryptamine, and xanthosine) in earthworms treated with contaminated soil were directly correlated with OP values. These results indicate that OP can be used as an indicator for ecological risk assessment of heavy metal-contaminated soil, which provides a fast, stable and easily testable chemical method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Ran
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Chunguang Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Chu Peng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Xinxin Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Yu Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Ye Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Hongming Cai
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, College of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Baihetiyaer B, Jiang N, Li X, He B, Wang J, Fan X, Sun H, Yin X. Oxidative stress and gene expression induced by biodegradable microplastics and imidacloprid in earthworms (Eisenia fetida) at environmentally relevant concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 323:121285. [PMID: 36796666 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121285] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The environmental issues caused by biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) from polylactic acid (PLA) as well as pesticides are of increasing concern nowadays. In this study, the toxicological effects of the single and combined exposure of PLA BMPs and imidacloprid (IMI), a neonicotinoid insecticide, on earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were investigated in terms of oxidative stress, DNA damage, and gene expression, respectively. The results showed that compared with the control, SOD, CAT and AChE activities in the single and combined treatments decreased significantly, and POD activity showed an "inhibition-activation" trend. SOD and CAT activities of combined treatments on day 28 and AChE activity of combined treatment on day 21 were significantly higher than those of the single treatments. For the rest of the exposure period, SOD, CAT and AChE activities in the combined treatments were lower than those in the single treatments. POD activity in the combined treatment was significantly lower than those of single treatments at day 7 and higher than that of single treatments at day 28. MDA content showed an "inhibition-activation-inhibition" trend, and the ROS level and 8-OHdG content increased significantly in both the single and combined treatments. This shows that both single and combined treatments led to oxidative stress and DNA damage. ANN and HSP70 were expressed abnormally, while the SOD and CAT mRNA expression changes were generally consistent with the corresponding enzyme activities. The integrated biomarker response (IBR) values were higher under combined exposures than single exposures at both biochemical and molecular levels, indicating that combined treatment exacerbated the toxicity. However, the IBR value of the combined treatment decreased consistently at the time axis. Overall, our results suggest that PLA BMPs and IMI induce oxidative stress and gene expression in earthworms at environmentally relevant concentrations, thereby increasing the risk of earthworms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baikerouzi Baihetiyaer
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712000, PR China
| | - Nan Jiang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712000, PR China
| | - Xianxu Li
- College of Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271000, PR China
| | - Bo He
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712000, PR China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271000, PR China
| | - Xiaoteng Fan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712000, PR China
| | - Huimin Sun
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, 712000, PR China
| | - Xianqiang Yin
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, 712000, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Meng K, Lwanga EH, van der Zee M, Munhoz DR, Geissen V. Fragmentation and depolymerization of microplastics in the earthworm gut: A potential for microplastic bioremediation? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 447:130765. [PMID: 36640504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of microplastics poses potential risks to soil health. Here, we did a preliminary exploration on the potential of Lumbricus terrestris (Oligochaeta) to reduce low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polylactic acid (PLA), and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) microplastic (20-648 µm) contamination in soils. The ingestion of microplastics-contaminated soil (1% of microplastics, dw/dw) in a mesocosm system and the ingestion of pure microplastics in the Petri Dish by earthworms were studied. Results show that earthworms survived in the microplastics-contaminated soil (0% mortality in 35 days) but barely when exposed solely to microplastics (30-80% mortality in 4 days). Size-dependent ingestion of microplastics was not observed. The fragmentation of LDPE microplastics in the gizzard facilitated by soil was confirmed by the significantly increased ratio of small-sized (20-113 µm) microplastics from the bulk soil to the gut (from 8.4% to 18.8%). PLA and PBAT microplastics were fragmented by gizzard without the facilitation of soil, the ratios of small-sized (20-113 µm) PLA and PBAT microplastics in the gut were 55.5% and 108.2% higher than in respective pristine distributions. Substantial depolymerization of PLA (weight-average molar mass reduced by 17.7% with shift in molecular weight distribution) and suspected depolymerization of PBAT were observed in the worm gut, while no change in the molar mass was observed for PLA and PBAT microplastics buried in the soil for 49 days. Our results suggest that ingested microplastics could undergo fragmentation and depolymerization (for certain polymers) in the earthworm gut. Further research is needed to reveal the mechanisms of polymer depolymerization in the earthworm gut and to evaluate the feasibility of microplastic bioremediation with earthworms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Meng
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Esperanza Huerta Lwanga
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands; Agroecología, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Campeche, Av Polígono s/n, Cd. Industrial, Lerma, Campeche, Mexico
| | - Maarten van der Zee
- Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708WG Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Davi Renato Munhoz
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Violette Geissen
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lu Q, Zhou Y, Sui Q, Zhou Y. Mechanism and characterization of microplastic aging process: A review. FRONTIERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2023; 17:100. [PMID: 36935734 PMCID: PMC10010843 DOI: 10.1007/s11783-023-1700-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing production of petroleum-based plastics, the problem of environmental pollution caused by plastics has aroused widespread concern. Microplastics, which are formed by the fragmentation of macro plastics, are bio-accumulate easily due to their small size and slow degradation under natural conditions. The aging of plastics is an inevitable process for their degradation and enhancement of adsorption performance toward pollutants due to a series of changes in their physiochemical properties, which significantly increase the toxicity and harm of plastics. Therefore, studies should focus on the aging process of microplastics through reasonable characterization methods to promote the aging process and prevent white pollution. This review summarizes the latest progress in natural aging process and characterization methods to determine the natural aging mechanism of microplastics. In addition, recent advances in the artificial aging of microplastic pollutants are reviewed. The degradation status and by-products of biodegradable plastics in the natural environment and whether they can truly solve the plastic pollution problem have been discussed. Findings from the literature pointed out that the aging process of microplastics lacks professional and exclusive characterization methods, which include qualitative and quantitative analyses. To lessen the toxicity of microplastics in the environment, future research directions have been suggested based on existing problems in the current research. This review could provide a systematic reference for in-depth exploration of the aging mechanism and behavior of microplastics in natural and artificial systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinwei Lu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
| | - Yi Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Qian Sui
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Yanbo Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092 China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Han Y, Fu M, Wu J, Zhou S, Qiao Z, Peng C, Zhang W, Liu F, Ye C, Yang J. Polylactic acid microplastics induce higher biotoxicity of decabromodiphenyl ethane on earthworms (Eisenia fetida) compared to polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 862:160909. [PMID: 36526185 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) and microplastics (MPs), such as fossil-based polymers polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and bio-based plastics polylactic acid (PLA) are abundant in e-waste dismantling areas. However, the information on the effects of DBDPE combined with MPs (DBDPE-MPs) on earthworms is still limited. In this study, we explored the impacts of DBDPE-MPs on neurotoxic biomarkers, tissue damage, and transcriptomics of Eisenia fetida by simulating different exposure patterns of 10 mg kg-1 DBDPE and 10 mg kg-1 DBDPE-MPs (PLA, PP, and PE). Results showed that the activities of acetylcholinesterase, Na+/K+-ATPase, Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase, carboxylate enzyme, and the contents of calcium and glutamate were significantly stimulated. DBDPE-MP co-exposure caused more severe damage to the epidermis, muscles, and tissues. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of DBDPE-MPs were mainly related to inflammation, the immune system, digestive system, endocrine system, and metabolism. DBDPE and PP-MPs had similar influences on immunity and metabolism. However, DBDPE-PLA and DBDPE-PE further affected the endocrine system and signaling pathways. Specific DEGs showed that detoxification systems in the case of MPs were significantly upregulated. The study indicated that MPs exacerbated DBDPE toxicity in the nervous system, epidermis, and gene regulation of E. fetida, helping to assess the ecological risks of e-wastes and microplastics in soil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanna Han
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China; State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, PR China
| | - Mengru Fu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China; State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, PR China
| | - Jinhong Wu
- Shanghai Yaxin Urban Construction Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200436, PR China
| | - Shanqi Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Zhihua Qiao
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China; State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, PR China.
| | - Fang Liu
- State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, PR China.
| | - Chunmei Ye
- State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, PR China
| | - Jie Yang
- State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Gong W, Li H, Wang J, Zhou J, Zhao H, Wang X, Qu H, Lu A. Global Research Activities on Micro(nano)plastic Toxicity to Earthworms. TOXICS 2023; 11:112. [PMID: 36850987 PMCID: PMC9966243 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11020112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Micro(nano)plastics are emerging contaminants that have been shown to cause various ecotoxicological effects on soil biota. Earthworms, as engineers of the ecosystem, play a fundamental role in soil ecosystem processes and have been used as model species in ecotoxicological studies. Research that evaluates micro(nano)plastic toxicity to earthworms has increased greatly over the last decade; however, only few studies have been conducted to highlight the current knowledge and evolving trends of this topic. This study aims to visualize the research status and knowledge structure of the relevant literature. Bibliometrics and visualization analyses were conducted using co-citations, cooperation networks and cluster analysis. The results showed that micro(nano)plastic toxicity to earthworms is an emerging and increasingly popular topic, with 78 articles published from 2013 to 2022, the majority of which were published in the last two years. The most prolific publications and journals involved in this topic were also identified. In addition, the diversity of cooperative relationships among different countries and institutions confirmed the evolution of this research field, in which China contributed substantially. The high-frequency keywords were then determined using co-occurrence analysis, and were identified as exposure, bioaccumulation, soil, pollution, toxicity, oxidative stress, heavy metal, microplastic, Eisenia foetida and community. Moreover, a total of eight clusters were obtained based on topic knowledge clustering, and these included the following themes: plastic pollution, ingestion, combined effects and the biological endpoints of earthworms and toxic mechanisms. This study provides an overview and knowledge structure of micro(nano)plastic toxicity to earthworms so that future researchers can identify their research topics and potential collaborators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Gong
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, BAAFS (Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences), Beijing 100097, China
| | - Haifeng Li
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, BAAFS (Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences), Beijing 100097, China
| | - Jiachen Wang
- Institute of Plan Nutrition, Resources and Environment, BAAFS (Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences), Beijing 100097, China
| | - Jihua Zhou
- Beijing Agricultural Technology Promotion Station, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Haikang Zhao
- Beijing Agricultural Technology Promotion Station, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xuexia Wang
- Institute of Plan Nutrition, Resources and Environment, BAAFS (Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences), Beijing 100097, China
| | - Han Qu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region of Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Anxiang Lu
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, BAAFS (Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences), Beijing 100097, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Yang XG, Wen PP, Yang YF, Jia PP, Li WG, Pei DS. Plastic biodegradation by in vitro environmental microorganisms and in vivo gut microorganisms of insects. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1001750. [PMID: 36687617 PMCID: PMC9852869 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1001750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional plastics, such as polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PUR), and other plastic polymers, are difficult to degrade and are gradually accumulated in the environment to cause a serious environmental problem, which is urgently needed to develop novel treatments or control technology. The biodegradation of plastics has gained great attention due to the advantages of green and safe characteristics. Microorganisms play a vital role in the biodegradation of plastics, including environmental microbes (in vitro) and gut microbes of insects (in vivo). Microbial degradation in environmental conditions in vitro is extremely slow for major plastics at degradation rates on the basis of a month or even a year time, but recent discoveries show that the fast biodegradation of specific plastics, such as PS, PE, and PUR, in some invertebrates, especially insects, could be enhanced at rates on basis of hours; the biodegradation in insects is likely to be gut microbial-dependent or synergetic bioreactions in animal digestive systems. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest 7-year (2016-2022) publications on plastic biodegradation by insects and microorganisms, elucidates the mechanism of plastic degradation in insects and environmental microbes, and highlights the cutting-edge perspectives for the potential applications of plastic biodegradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Guang Yang
- State Key Laboratory Base of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Ping-Ping Wen
- State Key Laboratory Base of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi-Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory Base of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pan-Pan Jia
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei-Guo Li
- State Key Laboratory Base of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - De-Sheng Pei
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ju H, Yang X, Osman R, Geissen V. Effects of microplastics and chlorpyrifos on earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) and their biogenic transport in sandy soil. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120483. [PMID: 36306883 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120483] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in agricultural soil, little is known about the effects of MPs combined with pesticides on soil organisms and their biogenic transport through the soil profile. In this study, we conducted mesocosm experiments to observe the effects of microplastics (polyethylene (LDPE-MPs) and biodegradable microplastics (Bio-MPs)) and chlorpyrifos (CPF) on earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) mortality, growth and reproduction, as well as the biogenic transport of these contaminants through earthworm burrows. The results showed that earthworm reproduction was not affected by any treatment, but earthworm weight was reduced by 17.6% and the mortality increased by 62.5% in treatments with 28% Bio-MPs. Treatments with 28% LDPE-MPs and 7% Bio-MPs combined with CPF showed greater toxicity while the treatment with 28% Bio-MPs combined with CPF showed less toxicity on earthworm growth as compared to treatments with only MPs. The treatments with 1250 g ha-1 CPF and 28% Bio-MPs significantly decreased the bioaccumulation of CPF in earthworm bodies (1.1 ± 0.2%, w w-1), compared to the treatment with CPF alone (1.7 ± 0.4%). With CPF addition, more LDPE-MPs (8%) were transported into earthworm burrows and the distribution rate of LDPE-MPs in deeper soil was increased. No effect was observed on the transport of Bio-MPs. More CPF was transported into soil in the treatments with LDPE-MPs and Bio-MPs, 5% and 10% of added CPF, respectively. In addition, a lower level of the CPF metabolite 3,5,6-trichloropyridinol was detected in soil samples from the treatments with MPs additions than without MP additions, indicating that the presence of MPs inhibited CPF degradation. In conclusion, Bio-MPs caused significant toxicity effects on earthworms and the different types of MPs combined with CPF affected earthworms differently, and their transport along the soil profile. Thus, further research is urgently needed to understand the environmental risks of MPs and MP-associated compounds in the soil ecosystem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ju
- Soil Physics and Land Management, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Xiaomei Yang
- Soil Physics and Land Management, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, China.
| | - Rima Osman
- Soil Physics and Land Management, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Violette Geissen
- Soil Physics and Land Management, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
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.
Collapse
|
35
|
From microbes to ecosystems: a review of the ecological effects of biodegradable plastics. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:423-433. [PMID: 36069649 DOI: 10.1042/etls20220015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics have been proposed as a potential solution to plastic pollution, as they can be biodegraded into their elemental components by microbial action. However, the degradation rate of biodegradable plastics is highly variable across environments, leading to the potential for accumulation of plastic particles, chemical co-contaminants and/or degradation products. This paper reviews the toxicological effects of biodegradable plastics on species and ecosystems, and contextualises these impacts with those previously reported for conventional polymers. While the impacts of biodegradable plastics and their co-contaminants across levels of biological organisation are poorly researched compared with conventional plastics, evidence suggests that individual-level effects could be broadly similar. Where differences in the associated toxicity may arise is due to the chemical structure of biodegradable polymers which should facilitate enzymatic depolymerisation and the utilisation of the polymer carbon by the microbial community. The input of carbon can alter microbial composition, causing an enrichment of carbon-degrading bacteria and fungi, which can have wider implications for carbon and nitrogen dynamics. Furthermore, there is the potential for toxic degradation products to form during biodegradation, however understanding the environmental concentration and effects of degradation products are lacking. As global production of biodegradable polymers continues to increase, further evaluation of their ecotoxicological effects on organisms and ecosystem function are required.
Collapse
|
36
|
Qiu Y, Zhou S, Zhang C, Zhou Y, Qin W. Soil microplastic characteristics and the effects on soil properties and biota: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 313:120183. [PMID: 36126769 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The soil environment serves as an assembling area for microplastics, and is an important secondary source of microplastics in other environmental media. Recently, soil microplastics have been extensively studied; however, high variability is observed among the research results owing to different soil properties, and the complexity of soil microplastic composition. The present study amassed the findings of 2886 experimental groups, across 38 studies from 2016 to 2022, and used meta-analysis to quantitatively analyze the differences in the effects of microplastic exposure on soil physicochemical properties and biota. The results showed that among the existing soil microplastic research, agricultural soils maintained a higher environmental exposure distribution than other environments. Microplastic fibers and fragments were the predominant shapes, indicating that the extensive use of agricultural films are the primary influencing factor of soil microplastic pollution at present. The results of the meta-analysis found that microplastic exposure had a significant negative effect on soil bulk density (lnRR = -0.04) and aggregate stability (lnRR = -0.085), indicating that microplastics may damage the integrity of soil structure or damage the soil surface. The significant changes in plant root biomass and soil phosphatase further signified the potential impact of microplastics on soil nutrient and geochemical element cycling. We further constructed species sensitivity distribution curves, revealing that invertebrates had a higher species sensitivity to microplastics, as they can pass through the gut wall of soil nematodes, causing oxidative stress and affecting gene expression. In general, soil is an interconnected complex, and microplastic exposure can directly or indirectly interact with environmental chemical processes in the soil environment, potentially harming the soil ecosystem; however, current research remains insufficient with respect to breadth and depth in terms of the comprehensive "source-sink" mechanism of soil microplastics, the hazard of exposure, and the overall toxic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Qiu
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Shenglu Zhou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China.
| | - Chuchu Zhang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yujie Zhou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Wendong Qin
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
A Review on the Role of Earthworms in Plastics Degradation: Issues and Challenges. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14214770. [DOI: 10.3390/polym14214770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the contribution of earthworms to plastic degradation and their capability to swallow smaller plastic fragments, known as microplastics, has been emphasized. The worm physically changes the size of microplastics and enhances microbial activities to increase the possibility of degradation. However, no research has shown that earthworms can chemically degrade microplastics to an element form, CO2 or H2O. In this review, previous research has been thoroughly explored to analyse the role that earthworms could play in plastic degradation in the soil. Earthworms can significantly affect the physical characteristics of plastics. However, earthworms’ abilities to chemically degrade or change the chemical structure of plastics and microplastics have not been observed. Additionally, earthworms exhibit selective feeding behaviour, avoiding areas containing a high plastics concentration and rejecting plastics. Consequently, earthworms’ abilities to adapt to the microplastics in soil in the environment can cause a problem. Based on this review, the challenges faced in earthworm application for plastic degradation are mostly expected to be associated with the toxicity and complexity of the plastic material and environmental factors, such as the moisture content of the soil and its temperature, microbial population, and feeding method.
Collapse
|