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Zhang Z, Zhao L, Jin Q, Luo Q, He H. Combined contamination of microplastic and antibiotic alters the composition of microbial community and metabolism in wheat and maize rhizosphere soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 473:134618. [PMID: 38761764 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The widespread application of antibiotics and plastic films in agriculture has led to new characteristics of soil pollution. The impacts of combined contamination of microplastics and antibiotics on plant growth and rhizosphere soil bacterial community and metabolisms are still unclear. We conducted a pot experiment to investigate the effects of polyethylene (0.2%) and norfloxacin/doxycycline (5 mg kg-1), as well as the combination of polyethylene and antibiotics, on the growth, rhizosphere soil bacterial community and metabolisms of wheat and maize seedlings. The results showed that combined contamination caused more serious damage to plant growth than individual contamination, and aggravated root oxidative stress responses. The diversity and structure of soil bacterial community were not markedly altered, but the composition of the bacterial community, soil metabolisms and metabolic pathways were altered. The co-occurrence network analysis indicated that combined contamination may inhibit the growth of wheat and maize seedings by simplifying the interrelationships between soil bacteria and metabolites, and altering the relative abundance of specific bacteria genera (e.g. Kosakonia and Sphingomonas) and soil metabolites (including sugars, organic acids and amino acids). The results help to elucidate the potential mechanisms of phytotoxicity of the combination of microplastic and antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau / College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Le Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau / College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qianwei Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau / College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau / College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Honghua He
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau / College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; College of Soil and Water Conservation Science and Engineering (Institute of Soil and Water Conservation), Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Yangling, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Shaanxi 712100, China; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
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2
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Ni X, Song J, Lu D, Tong H, Zhou H, Liu Y, Zhan J, Yi X. Effect of bioturbation of the mitten crab on distribution of tire wear particles and their combined effect on sediment ecosystem. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 346:140603. [PMID: 37918532 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140603] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Tire wear particles (TWPs) are a major source of environmental microplastic pollution which gradually settle and accumulate in sediments after entering the aquatic environment, which can affect the behaviors of benthic organisms. Bioturbation of benthic species could affect the fate, impacts and potential risks of TWPs by altering the properties and structure of sediments. Therefore, in this study, the effect of TWPs on the burrowing activity of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) was investigated. In addition, the effects of crab bioturbation on the distribution of TWPs and their additives were studied. The combined effects of TWPs and crab bioturbation on the microbial communities in the sediments were also explored. The results of this study showed that both TWPs and the leachate significantly inhibited the burrowing activity of crabs. TWPs in the surface layer of sediments were re-distributed by crab bioturbation and enriched mainly in the sediments near the burrow walls. Meanwhile, the heavy metals (i.e., Zn, Ca, Mg, Ba and Al) used as additives during the tire production in the burrow walls significantly increased as the accumulation of TWPs near burrow walls. In this study, TWP exposure decreased the bacterial diversity and abundance, as well as the functional genes related to carbon and nitrogen cycling process, but crab bioturbation increased them in the sediments of burrow walls by constructing a unique habitat. However, after TWPs entering into burrows, they were significantly decreased in the sediments near the burrow walls like the effects of TWPs, suggesting the negative effects of TWPs could play a dominant role in this combined system. Overall, this study is important for evaluating the distribution and effects of TWP pollution in the sediment ecosystem under biological factors such as bioturbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Ni
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin Campus, Panjin City, Liaoning, China
| | - Jinbo Song
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin Campus, Panjin City, Liaoning, China
| | - Dongliang Lu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Change and Disaster in Beibu Gulf, Qinzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Huiyan Tong
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin Campus, Panjin City, Liaoning, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin Campus, Panjin City, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin Campus, Panjin City, Liaoning, China
| | - Jingjing Zhan
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin Campus, Panjin City, Liaoning, China
| | - Xianliang Yi
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin Campus, Panjin City, Liaoning, China.
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3
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Kiessling T, Hinzmann M, Mederake L, Dittmann S, Brennecke D, Böhm-Beck M, Knickmeier K, Thiel M. What potential does the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive have for reducing plastic pollution at coastlines and riversides? An evaluation based on citizen science data. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 164:106-118. [PMID: 37044029 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
To address environmental pollution by plastic litter, the European Union adopted EU Directive 2019/904, the so called "Single-Use Plastics Directive" (SUPD), which bans several single-use plastic products and addresses additional items with measures such as extended producer responsibility and obligatory requirements for product redesign. This study assessed the potential of the SUPD to reduce litter pollution in the environment with three scenarios. The "best case" scenario assumed that all measures of the SUPD completely prevent targeted items from getting into the environment. Another scenario assumed that no measures besides bans were effective. An intermediate scenario assumed partial effectiveness of measures. Data of almost 5,000 sampling events from citizen science protocols (Plastic Pirates, International Coastal Cleanup, Marine Litter Watch) and the OSPAR protocol were used to analyse litter at riversides and coastlines in Germany and the European Union. 44 to 68% of litter items in citizen science protocols consisted of single-use plastics (cigarette butts were the most prominent items). At coastlines sampled by the OSPAR protocol, fishing gear and undefined plastics prevailed. The scenario analysis revealed that substantial litter reductions could be achieved in the "best case" scenario (upwards of 40%), while the intermediate scenario resulted in litter reductions of 13 to 25%. The marginal effect of the "only bans" scenario achieved a reduction of 2-6% in Germany and the European Union, respectively. Thus, depending on implementation and enforcement, the current SUPD can be an important first step, yet further legislative actions are needed to effectively prevent plastic waste pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Kiessling
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN) and Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 16i, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Mandy Hinzmann
- Ecologic Institute. Pfalzburger Strasse 43/44, 10717 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Linda Mederake
- Ecologic Institute. Pfalzburger Strasse 43/44, 10717 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sinja Dittmann
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN) and Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 16i, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Dennis Brennecke
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN) and Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 16i, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Marianne Böhm-Beck
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN) and Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 16i, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Katrin Knickmeier
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN) and Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 16i, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Martin Thiel
- Departamento de Biología Marina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Center for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile.
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4
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dos Santos Filho EA, Luna CBB, Ferreira EDSB, Siqueira DD, Araújo EM. Production of PLA/NR blends compatibilized with EE-g-GMA and POE-g-GMA: an investigation of mechanical, thermal, thermomechanical properties and morphology. JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10965-023-03504-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
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5
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Tang T, Chen Y, Du Y, Yao B, Liu M. Effects of functional modules and bacterial clusters response on transmission performance of antibiotic resistance genes under antibiotic stress during anaerobic digestion of livestock wastewater. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 441:129870. [PMID: 36063716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The formation and transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have attracted increasing attention. It is unclear whether the internal mechanisms by which antibiotics affect horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs during anaerobic digestion (AD) were influenced by dose and type. We investigated the effects of two major antibiotics (oxytetracycline, OTC, and sulfamethoxazole, SMX) on ARGs during AD according to antibiotic concentration in livestock wastewater influent. The low-dose antibiotic (0.5 mg/L) increased ROS and SOS responses, promoting the formation of ARGs. Meanwhile, low-dose antibiotics could also promote the spread of ARGs by promoting pili, communication responses, and the type IV secretion system (T4SS). However, different types and doses of antibiotics would lead to changes in the above functional modules and then affect the enrichment of ARGs. With the increasing dose of SMX, the advantages of pili and communication responses would gradually change. In the OTC system, low-dose has the strongest promoting ability in both pili and communication responses. Similarly, an increase in the dose of SMX would change T4SS from facilitation to inhibition, while OTC completely inhibits T4SS. Microbial and network analysis also revealed that low-dose antibiotics were more favorable for the growth of host bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taotao Tang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Ying Chen
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Ye Du
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Bing Yao
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Min Liu
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China.
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6
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Dang F, Wang Q, Yan X, Zhang Y, Yan J, Zhong H, Zhou D, Luo Y, Zhu YG, Xing B, Wang Y. Threats to Terrestrial Plants from Emerging Nanoplastics. ACS NANO 2022; 16:17157-17167. [PMID: 36200753 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c07627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics are ubiquitous in ecosystems and impact planetary health. However, our current understanding on the impacts of nanoplastics upon terrestrial plants is fragmented. The lack of systematic approaches to evaluating these impacts limits our ability to generalize from existing studies and perpetuates regulatory barriers. Here, we undertook a meta-analysis to quantify the overall strength of nanoplastic impacts upon terrestrial plants and developed a machine learning approach to predict adverse impacts and identify contributing features. We show that adverse impacts are primarily associated with toxicity metrics, followed by plant species, nanoplastic mass concentration and size, and exposure time and medium. These results highlight that the threats of nanoplastics depend on a diversity of reactions across molecular to ecosystem scales. These reactions are rooted in both the spatial and functional complexities of nanoplastics and, as such, are specific to both the plastic characteristics and environmental conditions. These findings demonstrate the utility of interrogating the diversity of toxicity data in the literature to update both risk assessments and evidence-based policy actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Dang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing210008, P.R. China
| | - Qingyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing210008, P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, P.R. China
| | - Xiliang Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou510006, P.R. China
| | - Yuanye Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian361102, P.R. China
| | - Jiachen Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou510006, P.R. China
| | - Huan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, P.R. China
| | - Dongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, P.R. China
| | - Yongming Luo
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing210008, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen361021, P.R. China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts01003, United States
| | - Yujun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing210008, P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, P.R. China
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7
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Roy T, Dey TK, Jamal M. Microplastic/nanoplastic toxicity in plants: an imminent concern. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 195:27. [PMID: 36279030 PMCID: PMC9589797 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10654-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The toxic impact of microplastics/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) in plants and the food chain has recently become a top priority. Several research articles highlighted the impact of MPs/NPs on the aquatic food chain; however, very little has been done in the terrestrial ecosystem. A number of studies revealed that MPs/NPs uptake and subsequent translocation in plants alter plant morphological, physiological, biochemical, and genetic properties to varying degrees. However, there is a research gap regarding MPs/NPs entry into plants, associated factors influencing phytotoxicity levels, and potential remediation plans in terms of food safety and security. To address these issues, all sources of MPs/NPs intrusion in agroecosystems should be revised to avoid these hazardous materials with special consideration as preventive measures. Furthermore, this review focuses on the routes of accumulation and transmission of MPs/NPs into plant tissues, related aspects influencing the intensity of plant stress, and potential solutions to improve food quality and quantity. This paper also concludes by providing an outlook approach of applying exogenous melatonin and introducing engineered plants that would enhance stress tolerance against MPs/NPs. In addition, an overview of inoculation of beneficial microorganisms and encapsulated enzymes in soil has been addressed, which would make the degradation of MPs/NPs faster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapati Roy
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Khulna Agricultural University, Khulna, Bangladesh
- Micropastics Solution Ltd., Incubation Centre, KUET Business Park, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Thuhin K Dey
- Department of Leather Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, 9203, Bangladesh
- Micropastics Solution Ltd., Incubation Centre, KUET Business Park, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Mamun Jamal
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, 9203, Bangladesh.
- Micropastics Solution Ltd., Incubation Centre, KUET Business Park, Khulna, Bangladesh.
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8
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Okeke ES, Ezeorba TPC, Chen Y, Mao G, Feng W, Wu X. Ecotoxicological and health implications of microplastic-associated biofilms: a recent review and prospect for turning the hazards into benefits. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:70611-70634. [PMID: 35994149 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22612-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), over the years, have been regarded as a severe environmental nuisance with adverse effects on our ecosystem as well as human health globally. In recent times, microplastics have been reported to support biofouling by genetically diverse organisms resulting in the formation of biofilms. Biofilms, however, could result in changes in the physicochemical properties of microplastics, such as their buoyancy and roughness. Many scholars perceived the microplastic-biofilm association as having more severe consequences, providing evidence of its effects on the environment, aquatic life, and nutrient cycles. Furthermore, other researchers have shown that microplastic-associated biofilms have severe consequences on human health as they serve as vectors of heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and antibiotic resistance genes. Despite what is already known about their adverse effects, other interesting avenues are yet to be fully explored or developed to turn the perceived negative microplastic-biofilm association to our advantage. The major inclusion criteria for relevant literature were that it must focus on microplastic association biofilms, while we excluded papers solely on biofilms or microplastics. A total of 242 scientific records were obtained. More than 90% focused on explaining the environmental and health impacts of microplastic-biofilm association, whereas only very few studies have reported the possibilities and opportunities in turning the microplastic biofilms association into benefits. In summary, this paper concisely reviews the current knowledge of microplastic-associated biofilms and their adverse consequences and further proposes some approaches that can be developed to turn the negative association into positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Sunday Okeke
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, 41000, Nigeria
- Natural Science Unit, SGS, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, 41000, Nigeria
| | | | - Yao Chen
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghua Mao
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Feng
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiangyang Wu
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
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Zhao Y, Gao J, Wang Z, Cui Y, Zhang Y, Dai H, Li D. Distinct bacterial communities and resistance genes enriched by triclocarban-contaminated polyethylene microplastics in antibiotics and heavy metals polluted sewage environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 839:156330. [PMID: 35640752 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge gaps still surround the question of what biofilms form on contaminated microplastics (MPs) in the antibiotics and (or) heavy metals polluted sewage. In this work, the clean polyethylene microplastics (PE MPs) and triclocarban (TCC)-contaminated PE MPs were cultured in the sewage containing only ampicillin (AMP), only copper (Cu) and both AMP and Cu for 28 days. The results showed that the TCC on PE MPs (with concentration of 2.48 mg/g PE MPs) did not impede the adhesion of the bacteria and the formation of biofilm. Moreover, many potential pathogenic bacteria (Aquabacterium and Pseudoxanthomonas) and potential resistant bacteria (Stenotrophomonas) were more likely to attach on TCC-contaminated PE MPs compared with clean PE MPs. In addition, biofilms of TCC-contaminated PE MPs had highest potential pathogenic functions. TCC-contaminated PE MPs also caused the increases of various resistance genes in both biofilm and sewage. The co-occurrence of TCC, AMP and Cu might exert a stronger selective pressure on bacterial communities and promote the co-selection of resistance genes. In addition, TCC-contaminated PE MPs resulted in higher abundance of five mobile genetic elements (MGEs) (intI1, intI3, tnpA-04, IS613 and trb-C) in sewage, which might further promote the transmission of resistance genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jingfeng Gao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Zhiqi Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yingchao Cui
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Huihui Dai
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Dingchang Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
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10
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Zhou SYD, Huang FY, Zhou XY, Lin C, Jin MK, Neilson R, Li H, Su JQ. Conurbation size drives antibiotic resistance along the river. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 823:153822. [PMID: 35157875 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
With growing concerns about antibiotic resistance, the tracking of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in urban waterways will facilitate our increased understanding of the impact of urbanization on ARGs dissemination. In the current study, we assessed the ARGs profiles and antibiotic resistome in water samples along the Jiulong River basin, a distance of 250 km, to better understand the impact of anthropogenic activities. A total of 244 ARGs and 12 MGEs were detected from 21 sampling sites. Both relative and absolute abundance of the observed resistome decreased with increasing distance from urban areas. Ordinary least-squares (OLS) regression revealed that both the relative and absolute resistome abundance were positively correlated with city size. The resistome had several inputs and outputs and Fast Expectation Maximization Microbial Source Tracking (FEAST), suggested that the majority of the antibiotic resistome originated from anthropogenic activities. A total of 8 ARGs and 20 microbial OTUs were considered as biomarkers that differentiated the location of sampling sites. Bacterial communities were significantly correlated with ARGs according to Procrustes analysis and Mantel test, which was also supported by a co-occurrence network. Variation partitioning analysis revealed that ARG profiles were driven by multiple factors. Although antibiotic resistome abundance significantly increased near urban conurbations, overall resistome abundance decreased as the river flowed downstream. Our study highlights the effect of conurbation size on antibiotic resistance profiles within the river basin and the potential resilience of rivers to recover from ARGs contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yi-Dan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 723Xingke Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510650, China; Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Fu-Yi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Xin-Yuan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chenshuo Lin
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ming-Kang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Roy Neilson
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee DD2 5DA, Scotland, UK
| | - Hu Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Su
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
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11
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Jiang M, Song S, Liu H, Dai X, Wang P. Responses of methane production, microbial community and antibiotic resistance genes to the mixing ratio of gentamicin mycelial residues and wheat straw in anaerobic co-digestion process. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150488. [PMID: 34607101 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) of gentamicin mycelial residues (GMRs), a kind of nitrogen-rich biowaste, and wheat straw (WS) is an attractive technology for the recycling of GMRs. However, the effects of the co-substrate ratio on methane production, system stability and antimicrobial resistance during co-digestion remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to fill in the blanks through AcoD of GMRs and WS with different mixing ratios (1:0, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 0:1, VS basis) via batch tests. Results showed that AcoD facilitated methane production than mono anaerobic digestion and reduced the accumulation of the toxic substances, such as ammonia nitrogen and humic-like substances. The maximum methane production was obtained at the reactors with the mixing ratio of 1:1 and 1:2 (R-1:1 and R-1:2), which matched with the relative abundance of key enzymes related to methanogenesis predicted by PICRUSt. Microbial community analysis indicated that Methanosaeta was the most dominant methanogen in the AcoD reactors. The highest relative abundance of Methanosaeta (45.1%) was obtained at R-1:1 due to the appropriate AcoD conditions, thus, providing greater possibilities for high stability of AcoD system. Additionally, AcoD of the GMRs and WS under the mixing ratio of 1:1 and 1:2 did not prompt the increase of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Not only that, the likelihood of horizontal gene transfer declined in R-1:1 due to the weaker connection and transport between host and recipient bacteria. Findings of this study suggested that the suitable mixing ratio of GMRs and WS contributes to methane production and system stability, and reduces the dissemination risks of ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingye Jiang
- School of Environment, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Siqi Song
- School of Environment, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Huiling Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Xiaohu Dai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Environment, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China.
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12
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Mai L, Zeng E, Zeng EY. Dog poop bags: A non-negligible source of plastic pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118355. [PMID: 34648841 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution derived from the disposal of plastic bags in the environment is clearly evidenced. However, little attention has been directed towards plastic waste derived from plastic dog poop bags (DPBs), which are widely used and can never be recycled. Herein, we raise concerns about the contribution of DPBs to plastic pollution in the environment. Combining the weight of each DPB, the number of bags daily used for a dog, and the number of pet dogs around the world, we estimated the number of annual consumed and disposed DPBs at more than 415 billion, or equivalently 0.76-1.23 million tons of plastics based on various weights of different DPBs. Although plastic waste produced by DPBs only accounts for a small fraction (0.6%) of the total plastic waste generation, the extremely short life cycle of DPBs has made them a non-negligible source of plastic pollution in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Mai
- Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Elaine Zeng
- University High School, 4771 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA, 92612, USA
| | - Eddy Y Zeng
- Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China.
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13
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Di Cesare A, Pinnell LJ, Brambilla D, Elli G, Sabatino R, Sathicq MB, Corno G, O'Donnell C, Turner JW. Bioplastic accumulates antibiotic and metal resistance genes in coastal marine sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 291:118161. [PMID: 34537596 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The oceans are increasingly polluted with plastic debris, and several studies have implicated plastic as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes and a potential vector for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Bioplastic is widely regarded as an environmentally friendly replacement to conventional petroleum-based plastic, but the effects of bioplastic pollution on marine environments remain largely unknown. Here, we present the first evidence that bioplastic accumulates antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and metal resistance genes (MRGs) in marine sediments. Biofilms fouling ceramic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) were investigated by shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Four ARG groups were more abundant in PHA: trimethoprim resistance (TMP), multidrug resistance (MDR), macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin resistance (MLS), and polymyxin resistance (PMR). One MRG group was more abundant in PHA: multimetal resistance (MMR). The relative abundance of ARGs and MRGs were strongly correlated based on a Mantel test between the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity matrices (R = 0.97, p < 0.05) and a Pearson's analysis (R = 0.96, p < 0.05). ARGs were detected in more than 40% of the 57 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) while MRGs were detected in more than 90% of the MAGs. Further investigation (e.g., culturing, genome sequencing, antibiotic susceptibility testing) revealed that PHA biofilms were colonized by hemolytic Bacillus cereus group bacteria that were resistant to beta-lactams, vancomycin, and bacitracin. Taken together, our findings indicate that bioplastic, like conventional petroleum-based plastic, is a reservoir for resistance genes and a potential vector for antibiotic-resistant bacteria in coastal marine sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Cesare
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IRSA), MEG - Molecular Ecology Group, Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy
| | - Lee J Pinnell
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, United States
| | - Diego Brambilla
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IRSA), MEG - Molecular Ecology Group, Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy
| | - Giulia Elli
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-22100, Lund, Sweden
| | - Raffaella Sabatino
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IRSA), MEG - Molecular Ecology Group, Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy
| | - María B Sathicq
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IRSA), MEG - Molecular Ecology Group, Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy
| | - Gianluca Corno
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IRSA), MEG - Molecular Ecology Group, Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy
| | - Colin O'Donnell
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, United States
| | - Jeffrey W Turner
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, United States.
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14
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Ya H, Jiang B, Xing Y, Zhang T, Lv M, Wang X. Recent advances on ecological effects of microplastics on soil environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 798:149338. [PMID: 34375233 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The mass production and wide application of plastics and their derivatives have led to the release of a large number of discarded plastic products into the natural environment, where they continue to accumulate due to their low recycling rate and long durability. These large pieces of plastic will gradually break into microplastics (<5 mm), which are highly persistent organic pollutants and attract worldwide attention due to their small particle size and potential threats to the ecosystem. Compared with the aquatic system, terrestrial systems such as soils, as sinks for microplastics, are more susceptible to plastic pollution. In this article, we comprehensively summarized the occurrence and sources of microplastics in terrestrial soil, and reviewed the eco-toxicological effects of microplastics in soil ecosystems, in terms of physical and chemical properties of soil, soil nutrient cycling, soil flora and fauna. The influence of microplastics on soil microbial community, and particularly the microbial community on the surface of microplastics, were examined in detail. The compound effects of microplastics and other pollutants, e.g., heavy metals and antibiotics, were addressed. Future challenges of research on microplastics include development of new techniques and standardization for the extraction and qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastics in soils, toxic effects of microplastics at microbial or even molecular levels, the contribution of microplastics to antibiotic resistance genes migration, and unraveling microorganisms for the degradation of microplastics. This work provides as a better understanding of the occurrence, distribution and potential ecological risks of microplastics in terrestrial soil ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haobo Ya
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Bo Jiang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; National Engineering Laboratory for Site Remediation Technologies, Beijing 100015, PR China.
| | - Yi Xing
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Tian Zhang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Mingjie Lv
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
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15
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Kiessling T, Knickmeier K, Kruse K, Gatta-Rosemary M, Nauendorf A, Brennecke D, Thiel L, Wichels A, Parchmann I, Körtzinger A, Thiel M. Schoolchildren discover hotspots of floating plastic litter in rivers using a large-scale collaborative approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 789:147849. [PMID: 34082209 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are an important transport route of anthropogenic litter from inland sources toward the sea. A collaborative (i.e. citizen science) approach was used to evaluate the litter pollution of rivers in Germany: schoolchildren within the project "Plastic Pirates" investigated rivers across the entire country during the years 2016 and 2017 by surveying floating macrolitter at 282 sites and taking 164 meso-/microplastic samples (i.e. particles 24.99-5 mm, and 4.99-1 mm, respectively). Floating macrolitter was sighted at 54% of sampling sites and floating macrolitter quantities ranged from 0 to 8.25 items m-1 h-1 (average of 0.34 ± 0.89 litter items m-1 h-1). Floating meso-/microplastics were present at 57% of the sampling sites, and floating meso-/microplastic quantities ranged from 0 to 220 particles h-1 (average of 6.86 ± 24.11 items h-1). As only particles >1 mm were sampled and analyzed, the pollution of rivers in Germany by microplastics could be a much more prevalent problem, regardless of the size of the river. We identified six plastic pollution hotspots where 60% of all meso-/microplastics collected in the present study were found. These hotspots were located close to a plastic-producing industry site, a wastewater treatment plant, at and below weirs, or in residential areas. The composition of the particles at these hotspots indicates plastic producers and possibly the construction industry and wastewater treatment plants as point sources. An identification of litter hotspots would enable specific mitigation measures, adjusted to the respective source, and thereby could prevent the release of large quantities of small plastic particles in rivers. The adopted large-scale citizen science approach was especially suitable to detect pollution hotspots by sampling a variety of rivers, large and small, and enabled a national overview of litter pollution in German rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Kiessling
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany; Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile.
| | - Katrin Knickmeier
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Katrin Kruse
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Magdalena Gatta-Rosemary
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Alice Nauendorf
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Dennis Brennecke
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Laura Thiel
- OPENSEA, Alfred-Wegener-Institute Helmholtz-Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Germany
| | - Antje Wichels
- OPENSEA, Alfred-Wegener-Institute Helmholtz-Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Germany
| | - Ilka Parchmann
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Arne Körtzinger
- GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung, Kiel, Germany; Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Martin Thiel
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile
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16
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Meng J, Zhang Q, Zheng Y, He G, Shi H. Plastic waste as the potential carriers of pathogens. Curr Opin Food Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2021.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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17
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Hu H, Jin D, Yang Y, Zhang J, Ma C, Qiu Z. Distinct profile of bacterial community and antibiotic resistance genes on microplastics in Ganjiang River at the watershed level. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 200:111363. [PMID: 34048747 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are of great public concern due to their wide distribution and the potential risk to humans and animals. In this study, the microplastic pollution associated with bacterial communities, human pathogenic bacteria, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were investigated compared to water, sediment, and natural wood particles. Microplastics were widely distributed in surface water of the Ganjiang River at a watershed level with an average value of 407 particles m-3. The fragment was the main microplastic shape found in the basin. Microplastics had significantly higher observed species and Chao1 index of bacterial communities than those in water, but comparable to wood particles. However, there was no difference in the microplastics pollution and alpha diversity indices of bacterial between different reaches along the Ganjiang River. Flavobacterium, Rhodoferax, Pseudomonas, and Janthinobacterium on the microplastics were all found to be enriched compared with water and sediment. Principal component analysis of the composition and function profile of bacterial communities showed that microplastics provide a new microbial niche in the Ganjiang River, which was distinct from water, sediment, and natural wood. Pseudomonas genus dominated the composition of human pathogenic bacteria on the microplastics, which was significantly different from water and sediment. No difference was observed in the relative abundance of total ARGs among the four media. However, microplastic and wood particles showed similar composition patterns of ARGs compared with water and sediment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Hu
- School of Resources Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China; Nanchang Environmental Engineering and Technology, Co., Ltd., Nanchang, 330096, China
| | - Danfeng Jin
- The Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang, 330096, China
| | - Yuyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Resources Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Changpo Ma
- School of Resources Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Zumin Qiu
- School of Resources Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
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18
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Microplastics accumulate fungal pathogens in terrestrial ecosystems. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13214. [PMID: 34267241 PMCID: PMC8282651 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92405-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) is a pervasive pollutant in nature that is colonised by diverse groups of microbes, including potentially pathogenic species. Fungi have been largely neglected in this context, despite their affinity for plastics and their impact as pathogens. To unravel the role of MP as a carrier of fungal pathogens in terrestrial ecosystems and the immediate human environment, epiplastic mycobiomes from municipal plastic waste from Kenya were deciphered using ITS metabarcoding as well as a comprehensive meta-analysis, and visualised via scanning electron as well as confocal laser scanning microscopy. Metagenomic and microscopic findings provided complementary evidence that the terrestrial plastisphere is a suitable ecological niche for a variety of fungal organisms, including important animal and plant pathogens, which formed the plastisphere core mycobiome. We show that MPs serve as selective artificial microhabitats that not only attract distinct fungal communities, but also accumulate certain opportunistic human pathogens, such as cryptococcal and Phoma-like species. Therefore, MP must be regarded a persistent reservoir and potential vector for fungal pathogens in soil environments. Given the increasing amount of plastic waste in terrestrial ecosystems worldwide, this interrelation may have severe consequences for the trans-kingdom and multi-organismal epidemiology of fungal infections on a global scale.
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19
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Li R, Zhu L, Yang K, Li H, Zhu YG, Cui L. Impact of Urbanization on Antibiotic Resistome in Different Microplastics: Evidence from a Large-Scale Whole River Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:8760-8770. [PMID: 34132095 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are becoming ubiquitous in environments and viewed as carriers of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Rivers connecting differently urbanized areas contribute a significant input of MPs and ARGs to the environment. However, a systematic study assessing the role of urbanization in shaping antibiotic resistome and mobilome in riverine MPs is lacking. Here, we conducted a large-scale study by placing five types of MPs (polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene-fiber, and polyethylene-fiber-polyethylene) into Beilun River with an urbanization gradient. A total of 314 ARGs and 57 mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were detected in MPs by high-throughput quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The ARGs in MPs showed a clear spatial distribution with the abundance increased by 2 orders of magnitude from rural to urban regions. A holistic analysis of 13 socioeconomic and environmental factors identified that urbanization predominantly contributed to both the abundance and potential MGE-mediated dissemination of ARGs in riverine MPs. Notably, MPs types were found to significantly affect the resistome and dissemination risk of ARGs, with polypropylene being the preferred substrates to acquire and spread ARGs. This work highlights the necessity of controlling MPs and ARGs pollution in urban areas and provides an important guide for the future usage and disposal of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruilong Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- School of Marine Science, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Longji Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Kai Yang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Hongzhe Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Li Cui
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
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20
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Bhagwat G, O'Connor W, Grainge I, Palanisami T. Understanding the Fundamental Basis for Biofilm Formation on Plastic Surfaces: Role of Conditioning Films. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:687118. [PMID: 34248907 PMCID: PMC8267902 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.687118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Conditioning films (CFs) are surface coatings formed by the adsorption of biomolecules from the surrounding environment that can modify the material-specific surface properties and precedes the attachment of microorganisms. Hence, CFs are a biologically relevant identity that could govern the behavior and fate of microplastics in the aquatic environment. In the present study, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactic acid (PLA) plastic cards were immersed in natural seawater to allow the formation of CFs. The changes in the surface roughness after 24 h were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the surface changes were visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The global elemental composition of the conditioned surface was investigated by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Results indicated that marine conditioning of PET and PLA samples for 24 h resulted in an increase of ∼11 and 31% in the average surface roughness, respectively. SEM images revealed the attachment of coccoid-shaped bacterial cells on the conditioned surfaces, and the accumulation of salts of sodium and phosphate-containing precipitates was revealed through the EDS analysis. The results indicate that the increase in surface roughness due to conditioning is linked to a material’s hydrophilicity leading to a rapid attachment of bacteria on the surfaces. Further investigations into the CFs can unfold crucial knowledge surrounding the plastic-microbe interaction that has implications for medical, industrial, and environmental research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Bhagwat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Wayne O'Connor
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian Grainge
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, School of Engineering, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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21
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Bhagwat G, Carbery M, Anh Tran TK, Grainge I, O'Connor W, Palanisami T. Fingerprinting Plastic-Associated Inorganic and Organic Matter on Plastic Aged in the Marine Environment for a Decade. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:7407-7417. [PMID: 34009962 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The long-term aging of plastic leads to weathering and biofouling that can influence the behavior and fate of plastic in the marine environment. This is the first study to fingerprint the contaminant profiles and bacterial communities present in plastic-associated inorganic and organic matter (PIOM) isolated from 10 year-aged plastic. Plastic sleeves were sampled from an oyster aquaculture farm and the PIOM was isolated from the intertidal, subtidal, and sediment-buried segments to investigate the levels of metal(loid)s, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and explore the microbial community composition. Results indicated that the PIOM present on long-term aged high-density polyethylene plastic harbored high concentrations of metal(loid)s, PAHs, and PFAS. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the bacterial composition in the PIOM differed by habitat type, which consisted of potentially pathogenic taxa including Vibrio, Shewanella, and Psychrobacter. This study provides new insights into PIOM as a potential sink for hazardous environmental contaminants and its role in enhancing the vector potential of plastic. Therefore, we recommend the inclusion of PIOM analysis in current biomonitoring regimes and that plastics be used with caution in aquaculture settings to safeguard valuable food resources, particularly in areas of point-source contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Bhagwat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Maddison Carbery
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Thi Kim Anh Tran
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, School of Engineering, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Ian Grainge
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Wayne O'Connor
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Port Stephens, Taylors Beach 2316, Australia
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, School of Engineering, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
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22
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Bhagwat G, Zhu Q, O'Connor W, Subashchandrabose S, Grainge I, Knight R, Palanisami T. Exploring the Composition and Functions of Plastic Microbiome Using Whole-Genome Sequencing. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:4899-4913. [PMID: 33686859 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c07952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Besides the ecotoxicological consequences of microplastics and associated chemicals, the association of microbes on plastics has greater environmental implications as microplastics may select for unique microbiome participating in environmentally significant functions. Despite this, the functional potential of the microbiome associated with different types of plastics is understudied. Here, we investigate the interaction between plastic and marine biofilm-forming microorganisms through a whole-genome sequencing approach on four types of microplastics incubated in the marine environment. Taxonomic analysis suggested that the microplastic surfaces exhibit unique microbial profiles and niche partitioning among the substrates. In particular, the abundance of Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio campbellii suggested that microplastic pollution may pose a potential risk to the marine food chain and negatively impact aquaculture industries. Microbial genera involved in xenobiotic compound degradation, carbon cycling, and genes associated with the type IV secretion system, conjugal transfer protein TraG, plant-pathogen interaction, CusA/CzcA family heavy metal efflux transfer proteins, and TolC family proteins were significantly enriched on all the substrates, indicating the variety of processes operated by the plastic-microbiome. The present study gives a detailed characterization of the rapidly altering microbial composition and gene pools on plastics and adds new knowledge surrounding the environmental ramifications of marine plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Bhagwat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Qiyun Zhu
- Biodesign Centre for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-1004, United States
| | - Wayne O'Connor
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Port Stephens, Taylors Beach 2316, Australia
| | | | - Ian Grainge
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Rob Knight
- Centre for Microbiome Innovation, and Departments of Pediatrics, Bioengineering, and Computer Science & Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0021, California, United States
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, School of Engineering, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
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23
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Rasool FN, Saavedra MA, Pamba S, Perold V, Mmochi AJ, Maalim M, Simonsen L, Buur L, Pedersen RH, Syberg K, Jelsbak L. Isolation and characterization of human pathogenic multidrug resistant bacteria associated with plastic litter collected in Zanzibar. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 405:124591. [PMID: 33301968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a growing problem, not at least in areas where poor waste management results in direct pollution of coastal zones, such as South Asia and regions in Africa. In addition to the effect on ecosystems and their related services, plastic pollution may also affect human health indirectly as vectors for infectious disease. As plastic offers a suitable surface for the attachment of biofilm forming bacteria, it may contribute to disease outbreaks and antimicrobial resistance. To investigate the role of plastic litter as potential vectors for pathogenic bacteria, we collected plastic litter from four rural sites in Zanzibar, and isolated adhered bacteria. Isolates were short-read sequenced for further molecular analysis. This revealed that collected plastic litter was associated with diverse bacterial species, including human pathogens Citrobacter freundii, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Vibrio cholerae. Furthermore, most isolates were found to be multidrug resistant. Our findings confirm that plastic litter, serve as novel reservoir for human multidrug resistant pathogenic bacteria that combined with poor sanitation and waste handling, may lead to transmission of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. These findings add a new level to the environmental challenges with plastic pollution; the potential health risk associated with exposure to plastic litter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah N Rasool
- Roskilde University, Department of Science and Environment, Universitetsvej 1, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Mariana A Saavedra
- Roskilde University, Department of Science and Environment, Universitetsvej 1, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Siajali Pamba
- University of Dar es Salaam, Department of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Technology, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Vonica Perold
- Fitz Patrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Aviti J Mmochi
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 668, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Mohammed Maalim
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 668, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Lone Simonsen
- Roskilde University, Department of Science and Environment, Universitetsvej 1, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Lars Buur
- Roskilde University, Department of Social Science and Business, Universitetsvej 1, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | | | - Kristian Syberg
- Roskilde University, Department of Science and Environment, Universitetsvej 1, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Lotte Jelsbak
- Roskilde University, Department of Science and Environment, Universitetsvej 1, Roskilde 4000, Denmark.
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24
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De-la-Torre GE, Dioses-Salinas DC, Pizarro-Ortega CI, Santillán L. New plastic formations in the Anthropocene. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:142216. [PMID: 33254855 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is one of the major challenges in the Anthropocene. Upon reaching the marine environment, plastic debris is subject to anthropogenic and environmental conditions that result in novel items that vary in composition, physical and chemical characteristics. Here, we reviewed and discussed the potential fate and threat to the environment of four recently described plastic formations: Plastiglomerates, pyroplastics, plasticrusts, and anthropoquinas. The threats identified were mostly related to the release of toxic chemicals and plastic ingestion. Transportation of alien invasive species or microbial pathogens and fragmentation of larger plastics into microplastics (<5 mm), potentially reaching marine trophic webs, are suspected as potential impacts based on the characteristics of these plastic formations. Some plastic forms may persist in the environment and voyage across the ocean, while others are denser and less likely to enter the plastic cycle or interact with biota. In the latter case, plastics are expected to become buried in the sediment and incorporate into the geological record. It is necessary to establish sampling protocols or standards that are specific to each plastic formation and start reporting the occurrence of these new plastic categories as such to avoid underestimating plastic pollution in marine environments. It is suggested that monitoring plans include these categories and identify potential sources. Further research must focus on investigating whether the suspected impacts are a matter of concern. In this sense, we have suggested research questions to address the knowledge gaps and have a better understanding of the impacts and distribution of the new plastic forms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luis Santillán
- Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Av. La Fontana 501, Lima 12, Peru; Peruvian Centre for Cetacean Research (CEPEC), Pucusana, Peru.
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25
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Xue N, Fang Q, Pan X, Zhang D. Distinct fungal plastisphere across different river functional zones: A watershed scale study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 752:141879. [PMID: 33207490 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fungi not only play important roles in biogeochemical processes but also can form biofilm on plastic debris. However, knowledge of structure composition and spatiotemporal pattern of fungal plastisphere on different kinds of plastic debris in river with specific usages, known as river functional zones, is still missing. In this study, we investigated the spatial distribution of the fungal plastisphere across a complete urban river with different functional zones (drinking, farm irrigation, aquaculture, and tail lake). Our research was performed based on both field residual plastic debris collection and a 30-day field in situ incubation experiments. Our study revealed that plastic debris enriched distinct fungal communities (including pathogenic fungi) significantly different from the surrounding water. Tracking the source of the fungi colonized on plastic debris suggested that the fungal taxa colonized on the different kinds of plastic debris were not from the surrounding water. Human activities had considerable effects on the fungal community structure on plastic debris, and the plastisphere fungal community structure strikingly varied across different river functional zones. Plastisphere may be used as an indicator for fungi biogeography and pathogenic fungi pollution in river with different functional zones. These findings are essential for ecological risk assessment and management decisions for pollution control of plastic debris and maintaining ecological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Xue
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qunkai Fang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China..
| | - Daoyong Zhang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
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Zhao Y, Gao J, Wang Z, Dai H, Wang Y. Responses of bacterial communities and resistance genes on microplastics to antibiotics and heavy metals in sewage environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 402:123550. [PMID: 33254740 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
In present study, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), tetracycline (TC) and ampicillin (AMP) were selected to study the individual and synergistic effects of antibiotics and heavy metals on the microbial communities and resistance genes on polyvinyl chloride microplastics (PVC MPs) and surrounding sewage after 28 and 84 days. The results indicated that PVC MPs enriched many microorganisms from surrounding sewage, especially pathogenic bacteria such as Mycobacterium and Aquabacterium. The resistance gene with the highest abundance enriched on PVC MPs was tnpA (average abundance of 1.0 × 107 copies/mL sewage). The single presence of Zn, TC and AMP inhibited these enrichments for a short period of time (28 days). But the single presence of Cu and the co-existence of antibiotics and heavy metals inhibited these enrichments for a long period of time (84 days), resulting in relatively low microbial diversities and resistance genes abundances. Transpose tnpA had significantly positive correlations (p < 0.05) with all other genes. Pathogenic bacteria Mycobacterium and Legionella were potential hosts harboring 5 and 1 resistance genes, respectively. Overall, PVC MPs played important roles in the distribution and transfer of pathogenic bacteria and resistance genes in sewage with the presence of antibiotics or (and) heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jingfeng Gao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Zhiqi Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Huihui Dai
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yuwei Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
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27
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Galgani L, Loiselle SA. Plastic pollution impacts on marine carbon biogeochemistry. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115598. [PMID: 33158618 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
One of the major challenges in understanding the dynamics of the ocean's health and functioning is the potential impact of the increasing presence of plastic. Besides the verified and macroscopic effects on marine wildlife and habitats, micro and macroplastics offer potential sites for microbial activity and chemical leaching. Most marine plastic is found initially in the upper meters of the water column, where fundamental biogeochemical processes drive marine productivity and food web dynamics. However, recent findings show a continuum of potential effects of these new marine components on carbon, nutrients and microbial processes. In the present analysis, we develop a common ground between these studies and we identify knowledge gaps where new research efforts should be focused, to better determine potential feedbacks of plastics on the carbon biogeochemistry of a changing ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Galgani
- Center for Colloids and Surface Science, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Italy.
| | - Steven A Loiselle
- Center for Colloids and Surface Science, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Italy
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Bhagwat G, O'Connor W, Grainge I, Palanisami T. Understanding the Fundamental Basis for Biofilm Formation on Plastic Surfaces: Role of Conditioning Films. Front Microbiol 2021. [PMID: 34248907 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.687118/bibtex] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Conditioning films (CFs) are surface coatings formed by the adsorption of biomolecules from the surrounding environment that can modify the material-specific surface properties and precedes the attachment of microorganisms. Hence, CFs are a biologically relevant identity that could govern the behavior and fate of microplastics in the aquatic environment. In the present study, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactic acid (PLA) plastic cards were immersed in natural seawater to allow the formation of CFs. The changes in the surface roughness after 24 h were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the surface changes were visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The global elemental composition of the conditioned surface was investigated by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Results indicated that marine conditioning of PET and PLA samples for 24 h resulted in an increase of ∼11 and 31% in the average surface roughness, respectively. SEM images revealed the attachment of coccoid-shaped bacterial cells on the conditioned surfaces, and the accumulation of salts of sodium and phosphate-containing precipitates was revealed through the EDS analysis. The results indicate that the increase in surface roughness due to conditioning is linked to a material's hydrophilicity leading to a rapid attachment of bacteria on the surfaces. Further investigations into the CFs can unfold crucial knowledge surrounding the plastic-microbe interaction that has implications for medical, industrial, and environmental research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Bhagwat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Wayne O'Connor
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian Grainge
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, School of Engineering, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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29
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Zhou Y, Wang J, Zou M, Jia Z, Zhou S, Li Y. Microplastics in soils: A review of methods, occurrence, fate, transport, ecological and environmental risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 748:141368. [PMID: 32798871 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The global prevalence of microplastics (MPs) poses a potential threat and unpredictable risk to the function and health of environmental systems. However, the research progress of soil MPs is restricted by the inherent technical inconformity and difficulties in analyzing particles in complex matrices. Here, we reviewed a selection of papers and then extrapolated a tentative standardized method for such analyses. The multiple sources of soil MPs in soil need to be quantified. Global monitoring data of soil MPs is far from sufficient. The interaction between MPs and different properties and environmental factors controls the migration and retention of MPs in soil. The migration behavior and key mechanisms of MPs in real-world environments remain to be determined. The presence of MPs threatens soil microbial-plant-animal ecosystem function and health, and may enter the human body through the food chain, although the extent of these hazards is currently debated. In particular, attention should be paid to the potential transport and ecotoxicological mechanisms of contaminants derived and adsorptive from MPs and of harmful microorganisms (such as pathogens) attached as biofilms. Although there exist preliminary studies on soil MPs, it is urgent to consider the diversity of MPs as a suite of contaminants and to systematically understand the sources, flux and effects of these artificial pollutants in time and space from the perspective of plastic environmental cycle. More comprehensive quantification of their environmental fate is undertaken to identify risks to global human and ecological systems. From the perspective of controlling soil MP pollution, the responsibility assignment of government manage-producer-consumer system and the strategy of remediation should be implemented. This review is helpful for providing an important roadmap and inspiration for the research methods and framework of soil MPs and facilitates the development of waste management and remediation strategies for regional soil MP contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Junxiao Wang
- 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
| | - Mengmeng Zou
- 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
| | - Zhenyi Jia
- 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.
| | - Yan Li
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing 210037, Jiangsu, China.
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30
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Wang J, Liu X, Dai Y, Ren J, Li Y, Wang X, Zhang P, Peng C. Effects of co-loading of polyethylene microplastics and ciprofloxacin on the antibiotic degradation efficiency and microbial community structure in soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 741:140463. [PMID: 32886986 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have become a global environmental concern while soil plastic pollution has been largely overlooked. In view of the severe antibiotic contamination in arable soils owing to land application of sewage sludge and animal manure, the invasion of MPs along with antibiotics may pose an unpredictable threat to soil microbial communities and ecological health. In this work, polyethylene MPs and ciprofloxacin (CIP) were applied to a soil microcosm to investigate the CIP degradation behavior and their combined effects on soil microbial communities. Compared with that of the individual amendment of CIP, the co-amendment of CIP and MPs reduced the CIP degradation efficiency during the 35 d cultivation period. In addition, the high-throughput sequencing results illustrated that the combined loading of MPs and CIP in soil significantly decreased the microbial diversity compared with that of individual contamination. As for the community structure, the microbial compositions at the phylum level were consistent among all treatments, and the most dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi. At the genus level, only one genus, namely Arthrobacter, was remarkably changed in the CIP-amended soil compared with that in the blank control, but four genera were significantly altered in the MPs-CIP co-amended soil. Serratia and Achromobacter were abundant in the combined polluted soil, which might have been involved in accelerated depletion of soil total nitrogen based on redundancy analysis. These findings may contribute to the understanding of bacterial responses to the combined pollution of MPs and antibiotics in soil ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China
| | - Xianhua Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China.
| | - Yexin Dai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China
| | - Jun Ren
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Pingping Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, PR China
| | - Chu Peng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China
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31
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Xue N, Wang L, Li W, Wang S, Pan X, Zhang D. Increased inheritance of structure and function of bacterial communities and pathogen propagation in plastisphere along a river with increasing antibiotics pollution gradient. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114641. [PMID: 32505934 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris provides a stable substrate and novel ecological niche for microorganisms in the aquatic environment, which was referred to as "Plastisphere". Little is known about distribution patterns and responses of ecological function and structure of microbial communities in the plastisphere along rivers which usually have antibiotics pollution gradient. In this study, the differences in the community structure between the plastisphere and the planktonic bacteria, and their spatial variation of the community structure and function along a river with increased antibiotics pollution gradient was investigated at the watershed scale. The diversity of bacteria colonized on most plastic debris was higher than in surrounding water. Plastic debris could accumulate a higher abundance of some potential pathogens than surrounding water even at high antibiotics concentrations. The source tracking results showed that downstream plastisphere inherited much higher proportions of bacterial taxa from upstream than planktonic bacteria. About 92.3-99.7% of bacteria communities in downstream water were not from upstream but from the input of downstream human activities. On the contrary, high proportions of bacterial taxa in downstream plastisphere were closely connected to upstream. The plastisphere possesses higher ecological functional diversity than the planktonic bacteria. Seventy nine functional groups across plastisphere were predicted using functional annotation of prokaryotic taxa and only 65 functional groups were found in the planktonic bacteria. Plastisphere also acts as hotspot for biogeochemical cycling of nutrients such as N and S. Intensive human activities of urban and downstream agriculture and aquaculture had great effects on microbial community structure and functional groups of the Urumqi River. Pastisphere communities are much more resistant to human disturbance than planktonic bacteria. Compared to surrounding water, plastisphere increased inheritance from upstream microbial structure and function and also increased survival and propagation of pathogens in the downstream water with high concentrations of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Xue
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liyi Wang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wenfeng Li
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
| | - Daoyong Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
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32
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Yang K, Chen QL, Chen ML, Li HZ, Liao H, Pu Q, Zhu YG, Cui L. Temporal Dynamics of Antibiotic Resistome in the Plastisphere during Microbial Colonization. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:11322-11332. [PMID: 32812755 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The increasing and simultaneous pollution of plastic debris and antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments makes plastisphere a great health concern. However, the development process of antibiotic resistome in the plastisphere is largely unknown, impeding risk assessment associated with plastics. Here, we profiled the temporal dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and microbial composition in the plastisphere from initial microbial colonization to biofilm formation in urban water. A total of 82 ARGs, 12 MGEs, and 63 bacterial pathogens were detected in the plastisphere and categorized as the pioneering, intermediate, and persistent ones. The high number of five MGEs and six ARGs persistently detected in the whole microbial colonization process was regarded as a major concern because of their potential role in disseminating antibiotic resistance. In addition to genomic analysis, D2O-labeled single-cell Raman spectroscopy was employed to interrogate the ecophysiology of plastisphere in a culture-independent way and demonstrated that the plastisphere was inherently more tolerant to antibiotics than bacterioplankton. Finally, by combining persistent MGEs, intensified colonization of pathogenic bacteria, increased tolerance to antibiotic, and potential trophic transfer into a holistic risk analysis, the plastisphere was indicated to constitute a hot spot to acquire and spread antibiotic resistance and impose a long-term risk to ecosystems and human health. These findings provide important insights into the antibiotic resistome and ecological risk of the plastisphere and highlight the necessity for comprehensive surveillance of plastisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qing-Lin Chen
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Mo-Lian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hong-Zhe Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hu Liao
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qiang Pu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Li Cui
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
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Shen M, Zhang Y, Zhu Y, Song B, Zeng G, Hu D, Wen X, Ren X. Recent advances in toxicological research of nanoplastics in the environment: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 252:511-521. [PMID: 31167159 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.05.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics have attracted increasing attention in recent years due to their widespread existence in the environment and the potential adverse effects on living organisms. In this paper, the toxic effects of nanoplastics on organisms were systematically reviewed. The translocation and absorption of nanoplastics, as well as the release of additives and contaminants adsorbed on nanoplastics in the organism body were discussed, and the potential adverse effects of nanoplastics on human health were evaluated. Nanoplastics can be ingested by organisms, be accumulated in their body and be transferred along the food chains. Nanoplastics showed effects on the growth, development and reproduction of organisms, and disturbing the normal metabolism. The toxic effects on living organisms mainly depended on the surface chemical properties and the particle size of nanoplastics. Positively charged nanoplastics showed more significant effects on the normal physiological activity of cells than negatively charged nanoplastics, and smaller particle sized nanoplastics could more easily penetrate the cell membranes, hence, accumulated in tissues and cells. Additionally, the release of additives and contaminants adsorbed on nanoplastics in organism body poses more significant threats to organisms than nanoplastics themselves. However, there are still knowledge gaps in the determination and quantification of nanoplastics, as well as their contaminant release mechanisms, degradation rates and process from large plastics to nanoplastics, and the transportation of nanoplastics along food chains. These challenges would hinder the risk assessment of nanoplastics in the environment. It is necessary to further develop the risk assessment of nanoplastics and deeply investigate its toxicological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maocai Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Yaxin Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Yuan Zhu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China.
| | - Duofei Hu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Xiaofeng Wen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Xiaoya Ren
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
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Bank MS, Hansson SV. The Plastic Cycle: A Novel and Holistic Paradigm for the Anthropocene. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:7177-7179. [PMID: 31198029 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b02942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Bank
- Department of Contaminants and Biohazards , Institute of Marine Research , Bergen , Norway
- Department of Environmental Conservation , University of Massachusetts , Amherst , Massachusetts United States
| | - Sophia V Hansson
- Department of Bioscience , Aarhus University , Frederiksborgvej 399 Roskilde , DK-4000 , Denmark
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