1
|
Wu Y, Li Z, Deng Y, Bian B, Xie L, Lu X, Tian J, Zhang Y, Wang L. Mangrove mud clam as an effective sentinel species for monitoring changes in coastal microplastic pollution. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134617. [PMID: 38749247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The worldwide mangrove shorelines are experiencing considerable contamination from microplastics (MPs). Finding an effective sentinel species in the mangrove ecosystem is crucial for early warning of ecological and human health risks posed by coastal microplastic pollution. This study collected 186 specimens of the widely distributed mangrove clam (Geloina expansa, Solander, 1786) from 18 stations along the Leizhou Peninsula, the largest mangrove coast in Southern China. This study discovered that mangrove mud clams accumulated a relatively high abundance of MPs (2.96 [1.61 - 6.03] items·g-1) in their soft tissue, wet weight, as compared to previously reported levels in bivalves. MPs abundance is significantly (p < 0.05 or 0.0001) influenced by coastal urban development, aquaculture, and shell size. Furthermore, the aggregated MPs exhibit a significantly high polymer risk index (Level III, H = 353.83). The estimated annual intake risk (EAI) from resident consumption, as calculated via a specific questionnaire survey, was at a moderate level (990 - 2475, items·g -1·Capita -1). However, the EAI based on suggested nutritional standards is very high, reaching 113,990 (79,298 - 148,681), items·g -1·Capita -1. We recommend utilizing the mangrove mud clam as sentinel species for the monitoring of MPs pollution changing across global coastlines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinglin Wu
- Western Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood Resource Sustainable Utilization, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zitong Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanxia Deng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingbing Bian
- School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Xie
- School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianye Lu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingqiu Tian
- School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, People's Republic of China
| | - Liyun Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yang Z, Zhang J, Haruka N, Murat C, Arakawa H. Spectral analysis of environmental microplastic polyethylene (PE) using average spectra. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:171871. [PMID: 38531446 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
In this study, microplastic samples from surface seawater of Tokyo Bay were collected, polyethylene (PE) microplastics were used to calculate carbonyl index (CI), and average spectra of PE were analyzed and compared with a previous study applying agitation during chemical treatment. It was found that PE and polypropylene (PP) were the predominant polymer type in the samples. Among PE samples, fragments were the most commonly observed shape, with white being the dominant color. Deviations were found in the average spectra among different shapes and colors when compared to the standard PE spectrum. A comparison of the average spectra between the two datasets suggests that pronounced peaks related to oxidation are most likely resulted from agitation during the chemical treatment. Additionally, it was found a closer spectral resemblance between the sample spectra and the spectrum of standard sample of oxidized PE (PEOx) than with the standard PE spectrum, suggesting that using the oxidized PE as a reference spectrum might be more effective for identification. These findings highlight the complex factors affecting the spectral properties of microplastics and highlight the importance of understanding these variations to enhance the accuracy of microplastic identification workflows and understanding of environmental fate of microplastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zijiang Yang
- Faculty of Marine Resources and Environment, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Faculty of Marine Resources and Environment, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
| | - Nakano Haruka
- Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga-Koen, Kasuga, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan.
| | - Celik Murat
- Faculty of Marine Resources and Environment, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan
| | - Hisayuki Arakawa
- Faculty of Marine Resources and Environment, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ferrari M, Laranjeiro F, Sugrañes M, Oliva J, Beiras R. Weathering increases the acute toxicity of plastic pellets leachates to sea-urchin larvae-a case study with environmental samples. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11784. [PMID: 38782918 PMCID: PMC11116416 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60886-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics, particles under 5 mm, pervade aquatic environments, notably in Tarragona's coastal region (NE Iberian Peninsula), hosting a major plastic production complex. To investigate weathering and yellowness impact on plastic pellets toxicity, sea-urchin embryo tests were conducted with pellets from three locations-near the source and at increasing distances. Strikingly, distant samples showed toxicity to invertebrate early stages, contrasting with innocuous results near the production site. Follow-up experiments highlighted the significance of weathering and yellowing in elevated pellet toxicity, with more weathered and colored pellets exhibiting toxicity. This research underscores the overlooked realm of plastic leachate impact on marine organisms while proposes that prolonged exposure of plastic pellets in the environment may lead to toxicity. Despite shedding light on potential chemical sorption as a toxicity source, further investigations are imperative to comprehend weathering, yellowing, and chemical accumulation in plastic particles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Ferrari
- ECIMAT, Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM), Universidade de Vigo, 36331, Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Filipe Laranjeiro
- ECIMAT, Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM), Universidade de Vigo, 36331, Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Marta Sugrañes
- Associació Good Karma Projects, Manila 49 Àtic 2, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Oliva
- Associació Good Karma Projects, Manila 49 Àtic 2, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ricardo Beiras
- ECIMAT, Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM), Universidade de Vigo, 36331, Vigo, Galicia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Verma M, Singh P, Dhanorkar M. Exploring the abundance of microplastics in Indian landfill leachate: An analytical study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 360:121181. [PMID: 38761628 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Landfills are a major source of many emerging pollutants, including microplastics (MPs). This makes them a potential threat to human and environmental health and calls for a more detailed analysis of their hazard potential. India is a developing country with multiple unscientific waste dumping sites. In spite of their hazardous nature, detailed studies on the abundance of microplastics in landfills in India are scanty. Current work investigates the abundance and diversity of MPs in two landfills of India, Uruli Devachi in Pune (S1) and Deonar in Mumbai (S2). MPs collected from landfill leachate using multiple filters were analyzed using an optical microscope and categorized on the basis of shape, color and size to give information on their distribution. MP abundance in S1 was 1473 ± 273.01 items/L while 2067 ± 593.75 items/L were found in leachate from S2. Film and fragment were the dominant shape and black was the dominant color of MP found in both the landfills. Maximum number of MPs were in the size range below 100 μm in both the landfills necessitating the study of small sized particles. Chemical characterization revealed the prevalence of four types of MPs (polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, cellulose acetate and polyvinyl chloride). This study sheds light on the prevalence, characteristics, abundance and distribution of MPs in landfill leachate in Western India, sparking more research into the processes followed for capturing the factual small sized microplastic abundance data. This study is vital for a detailed management of landfill leachate enabling a sustainable waste management and targeted actions for ecosystem preservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Verma
- Symbiosis Centre for Waste Resource Management, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune, India
| | - Pooja Singh
- Symbiosis Centre for Waste Resource Management, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune, India
| | - Manikprabhu Dhanorkar
- Symbiosis Centre for Waste Resource Management, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thomas A, Marchand J, Schwoerer GD, Minor EC, Maurer-Jones MA. Size Distributions of Microplastics in the St Louis Estuary and Western Lake Superior. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:8480-8489. [PMID: 38693822 PMCID: PMC11097629 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Identifying the sources and fate of microplastics in natural systems has garnered a great deal of attention because of their implications for ecosystem health. This work characterizes the size fraction, morphology, color, and polymer composition of microplastics in western Lake Superior and its adjacent harbor sampled in August and September 2021. The results reveal that the overall microplastic counts are similar, with the harbor stations ranging from 0.62 to 3.32 microplastics per liter and the lake stations ranged from 0.83 to 1.4 microplastics per liter. However, meaningful differences between the sample locations can be seen in the size fraction trends and polymer composition. Namely, the harbor samples had relatively larger amounts of the largest size fraction and more diversity of polymer types, which can be attributed to the urbanized activity and shorter water residence time. Power law size distribution modeling reveals deviations that help in the understanding of potential sources and removal mechanisms, although it significantly underpredicts microplastic counts for smaller-sized particles (5-45 μm), as determined by comparison with concurrently collected microplastic samples enumerated by Nile Red staining and flow cytometry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariyah Thomas
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Minnesota Duluth, 1038 University Dr. , Duluth , Minnesota 55812, United States
| | - Joseph Marchand
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Minnesota Duluth, 1038 University Dr. , Duluth , Minnesota 55812, United States
| | - Guenter D. Schwoerer
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Minnesota Duluth, 1038 University Dr. , Duluth , Minnesota 55812, United States
| | - Elizabeth C. Minor
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Minnesota Duluth, 1038 University Dr. , Duluth , Minnesota 55812, United States
- Large
Lakes Observatory and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Minnesota Duluth, 2205 East Fifth St. , Duluth , Minnesota 55812, United States
| | - Melissa A. Maurer-Jones
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Minnesota Duluth, 1038 University Dr. , Duluth , Minnesota 55812, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
de Deus BCT, Costa TC, Altomari LN, Brovini EM, de Brito PSD, Cardoso SJ. Coastal plastic pollution: A global perspective. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 203:116478. [PMID: 38735173 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Coastal ecosystems have ecological importance worldwide and require control and prevention measures to mitigate human pollution. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review to provide a comprehensive overview of the global issue of coastal plastic pollution. 689 articles were eligible for qualitative synthesis and 31 were considered for quantitative analysis. There was an exponential increase in articles addressing coastal plastic pollution over the past 50 years. Studies were mainly carried out on beaches, and plastic bottles were the most found item, followed by cigarette butts. Polyethylene was the predominant plastic polymer, and white microplastic fragments stood out. China published most articles on the topic and Brazil had the highest number of sites sampled. Meta-analysis had significant effect sizes based on the reported data. These findings carry significant implications for environmental policies, waste management practices, and targeted awareness campaigns aimed at mitigating plastic pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Corrêa Thomé de Deus
- Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, 36036-900, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thaiane Cantarino Costa
- Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, 36036-900, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Leslie Nascimento Altomari
- Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, 36036-900, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Emília Marques Brovini
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Campus Universitário, Morro do Cruzeiro, 35400-000 Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sérgio Duque de Brito
- VALORIZA Research Centre, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, Campus Politécnico, 10, 7300-555 Portalegre, Portalegre, Portugal
| | - Simone Jaqueline Cardoso
- Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, 36036-900, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, 36036-900, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ganie ZA, Mandal A, Arya L, T S, Talib M, Darbha GK. Assessment and accumulation of microplastics in the Indian riverine systems: Risk assessment and implications of translocation across the water-to-fish continuum. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 272:106944. [PMID: 38823071 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has engulfed global aquatic systems, and the concerns about microplastic translocation and bioaccumulation in fish and other aquatic organisms are now an unpleasant truth. In the past few years, MP pollution in freshwater systems, particularly rivers and subsequently in freshwater organisms, especially in fish, has caught the attention of researchers. Rivers provide livelihood to approximately 40 % of the global population through food and potable water. Hence, assessment of emerging contaminants like microplastics in rivers and the associated fauna is crucial. This study assessed microplastics (MPs) in fish, sediment and freshwater samples across the third largest riverine system of peninsular India, the Mahanadi River. The number concentrations of MPs measured in water, sediment and fish ranged from 337.5 ± 54.4-1333.3 ± 557.2 MPs/m3, 14.7 ± 3.7-69.3 ± 10.1 MPs/kg. Dry weight and 0.4-3.2 MPs/Fish, respectively. Surprisingly, MPs were found in every second fish sample, with a higher MP number in the gut than in the gills. Black and blue coloured filaments with <0.5 mm size were the dominant MPs with polypropylene and polyethylene polymers in abundance. The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) and the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) studies revealed that the majority of the sampling sites fell in Risk category V (dangerous category). An irregular trend in the MP concentration was observed downstream of the river, though relatively elevated MP concentrations in water and fish samples were observed downstream of the river. t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbour Embedding (t-SNE) unveiled distinct patterns in MP distribution with a higher similarity exhibited in the MPs found in fish gill and gut samples, unlike water and sediment, which shared certain characteristics. The findings in the current study contribute to filling the knowledge gap of MP assessment and accumulation in global freshwater systems and highlight the microplastic contamination and accumulation in fish with its potential implications on human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahid Ahmad Ganie
- Environmental Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research- Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India
| | - Abhishek Mandal
- Environmental Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research- Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India
| | - Lavish Arya
- Environmental Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research- Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India
| | - Sangeetha T
- Environmental Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research- Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India
| | - Mohmmed Talib
- Environmental Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research- Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India
| | - Gopala Krishna Darbha
- Environmental Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research- Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India; Centre for Climate and Environmental Studies, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ko K, Lee J, Baumann P, Kim J, Chung H. Analysis of micro(nano)plastics based on automated data interpretation and modeling: A review. NANOIMPACT 2024; 34:100509. [PMID: 38734308 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The widespread presence of micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) in the environment threatens ecosystem integrity, and thus, it is necessary to determine and assess the occurrence, characteristics, and transport of MNPs between ecological components. However, most analytical approaches are cost- and time-inefficient in providing quantitative information with sufficient detail, and interpreting results can be difficult. Alternative analyses integrating novel measurements by imaging or proximal sensing with signal processing and machine learning may supplement these approaches. In this review, we examined published research on methods used for the automated data interpretation of MNPs found in the environment or those artificially prepared by fragmenting bulk plastics. We critically reviewed the primary areas of the integrated analytical process, which include sampling, data acquisition, processing, and modeling, applied in identifying, classifying, and quantifying MNPs in soil, sediment, water, and biological samples. We also provide a comprehensive discussion regarding model uncertainties related to estimating MNPs in the environment. In the future, the development of routinely applicable and efficient methods is expected to significantly contribute to the successful establishment of automated MNP monitoring systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kwanyoung Ko
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhwan Lee
- Department of Smart Agro-industry, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Jaeho Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Haegeun Chung
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Parolini M, Romano A. Geographical and ecological factors affect microplastic body burden in marine fish at global scale. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 352:124121. [PMID: 38723708 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) contamination has been identified as a worrisome environmental issue at the global level. Fish are the taxonomic group more extensively investigated to assess MP contamination in marine environment. A large variability in MP bioaccumulation (i.e., body burden) was reported in fish but to date there is a dearth of information concerning the drivers underlying this process. The present systematic review aimed at summarizing the results of the scientific literature on MP body burden in the digestive tract of marine fish to quantitatively shed light on the contribution of different geographical (i.e., latitudinal origin of the sample, distance from the coastline and field- or marked-collected) and ecological (i.e., trophic strategy, milieu, and body size) factors driving bioaccumulation. The mean (±SE) MPs/individual was 4.13 ± 2.87, and the mean MPs/ww (i.e., MPs/g) was 5.92 ± 0.94. Overall, MP abundance expressed as MPs/individual of fish from tropical areas was significantly higher compared to the other latitudinal bands, with species sampled close to the coastline that accumulated a larger number of MPs compared to those collected offshore. Neither the trophic strategy, nor the milieu and the market or field origin of fish explained the MP body burden. However, fish body size resulted as a determinant of MP body burden (as MPs/individual), with small fish accumulating a lower amount of MPs compared to larger ones. Qualitatively, but not statistically significant, similar results were generally obtained for MPs/ww, except for an opposite, and significant, variation according to species body size. Our findings showed that geographical, rather than ecological factors represent the main drivers of MP body burden in marine fish, suggesting that environmental variables and/or local pollution sources mainly contribute to explaining the large variability underlying the ingestion and bioaccumulation processes of these contaminants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Andrea Romano
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gupta P, Saha M, Naik A, Kumar MM, Rathore C, Vashishth S, Maitra SP, Bhardwaj KD, Thukral H. A comprehensive assessment of macro and microplastics from Rivers Ganga and Yamuna: Unveiling the seasonal, spatial and risk factors. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133926. [PMID: 38484661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
There have been growing apprehensions and concerns regarding the increasing presence of plastic pollutants in the holiest river of India, the Ganga, and its major tributary, Yamuna. In response to this issue, the current study aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the seasonal and spatial distribution of macro to microplastics (MPs) in the surface water, water column, and sediments from the River Ganga and Yamuna. MP samples were collected from various points of these Rivers, including upstream, downstream, and drainage points around the vicinity of Haridwar, Agra, Prayagraj, and Patna cities. With a significant seasonal variation, the estimated MPs and plastic flux were higher during the wet season than during the dry season. MPs sized 300 µm-1 mm and fibre-shaped blue and black colored MPs were pre-dominant in both rivers. Polyacrylamide, polyamide, and polyvinyl chloride were the most ascertained polymers. MPs including hazardous polymers (hazard score >1000) may pose a risk to the population of Indo-Gangetic Plain via direct and indirect exposure to MPs. The information provided in this study could serve as a starting point for the action plan required by municipal corporations to mitigate plastic pollution and target the possible sources at each location.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyansha Gupta
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Mahua Saha
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Akshata Naik
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India
| | - M Manish Kumar
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India
| | - Chayanika Rathore
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Shrish Vashishth
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India
| | | | - K D Bhardwaj
- National Productivity council, New Delhi 110003, India
| | - Harsh Thukral
- National Productivity council, New Delhi 110003, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Suzuki G, Uchida N, Tanaka K, Higashi O, Takahashi Y, Kuramochi H, Yamaguchi N, Osako M. Global discharge of microplastics from mechanical recycling of plastic waste. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123855. [PMID: 38548151 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The increasing production of plastic products and generation of plastic waste have had increasingly negative environmental impacts. Although recycling could reduce plastic pollution, microplastics can be generated during the process of crushing plastic products during mechanical recycling. We conducted crushing tests with 13 different plastics and documented the size distribution of particles generated. We then estimated the discharge of microplastics associated with recycling and their removal in wastewater treatment plants. We estimated that the global discharge of microplastics would increase from 0.017 Mt in 2000 to 0.749 Mt in 2060. Although mechanical recycling was estimated to account for 3.1% of the total emissions of microplastics for 2017, discharges of microplastics from plastic recycling may increase, even if plastic pollution from well-known sources decreases. Non-OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) Asia could be a major discharging region and would play a vital role in reducing discharges of microplastics. Reduction of the discharge of microplastics will require less use of plastic products and upgrading wastewater treatment in many countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Go Suzuki
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan.
| | - Natsuyo Uchida
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Kosuke Tanaka
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Osamu Higashi
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan; EX Research Institute Ltd., Takada 2-17-22, Toshimaku, Tokyo, 171-0033 Japan
| | - Yusuke Takahashi
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Kuramochi
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Naohisa Yamaguchi
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan; EX Research Institute Ltd., Takada 2-17-22, Toshimaku, Tokyo, 171-0033 Japan
| | - Masahiro Osako
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mansfield I, Reynolds SJ, Lynch I, Matthews TJ, Sadler JP. Birds as bioindicators of plastic pollution in terrestrial and freshwater environments: A 30-year review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123790. [PMID: 38537798 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123790] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a global concern that has grown ever more acute in recent years. Most research has focused on the impact of plastic pollution in marine environments. However, plastic is increasingly being detected in terrestrial and freshwater environments with key inland sources including landfills, where it is accessible to a wide range of organisms. Birds are effective bioindicators of pollutants for many reasons, including their high mobility and high intra- and interspecific variation in trophic levels. Freshwater and terrestrial bird species are under-represented in plastic pollution research compared to marine species. We reviewed 106 studies (spanning from 1994 onwards) that have detected plastics in bird species dwelling in freshwater and/or terrestrial habitats, identifying knowledge gaps. Seventy-two studies focused solely on macroplastics (fragments >5 mm), compared to 22 microplastic (fragments <5 mm) studies. A further 12 studies identified plastics as both microplastics and macroplastics. No study investigated nanoplastic (particles <100 nm) exposure. Research to date has geographical and species' biases while ignoring nanoplastic sequestration in free-living freshwater, terrestrial and marine bird species. Building on the baseline search presented here, we urge researchers to develop and validate standardised field sampling techniques and laboratory analytical protocols such as Raman spectroscopy to allow for the quantification and identification of micro- and nanoplastics in terrestrial and freshwater environments and the species therein. Future studies should consistently report the internalised and background concentrations, types, sizes and forms of plastics. This will enable a better understanding of the sources of plastic pollution and their routes of exposure to birds of terrestrial and freshwater environments, providing a more comprehensive insight into the potential impacts on birds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Mansfield
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | - S J Reynolds
- School of Biosciences, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; The Army Ornithological Society (AOS), c/o Prince Consort Library, Knollys Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 1PS, UK
| | - I Lynch
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - T J Matthews
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - J P Sadler
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Perold V, Connan M, Suaria G, Weideman EA, Dilley BJ, Ryan PG. Regurgitated skua pellets containing the remains of South Atlantic seabirds can be used as biomonitors of small buoyant plastics at sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 203:116400. [PMID: 38692002 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Using seabirds as bioindicators of marine plastic pollution requires an understanding of how the plastic retained in each species compares with that found in their environment. We show that brown skua Catharacta antarctica regurgitated pellets can be used to characterise plastics in four seabird taxa breeding in the central South Atlantic, even though skua pellets might underrepresent the smallest plastic items in their prey. Fregetta storm petrels ingested more thread-like plastics and white-faced storm petrels Pelagodroma marina more industrial pellets than broad-billed prions Pachyptila vittata and great shearwaters Ardenna gravis. Ingested plastic composition (type, colour and polymer) was similar to floating plastics in the region sampled with a 200 μm net, but storm petrels were better indicators of the size of plastics than prions and shearwaters. Given this information, plastics in skua pellets containing the remains of seabirds can be used to track long-term changes in floating marine plastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vonica Perold
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
| | - Maëlle Connan
- Department of Zoology, Marine Apex Predator Research Unit (MAPRU), Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | - Giuseppe Suaria
- CNR-ISMAR (Institute of Marine Sciences - National Research Council), Lerici 19032, La Spezia, Italy
| | - Eleanor A Weideman
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Ben J Dilley
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Peter G Ryan
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cowger W, Markley LAT, Moore S, Gray AB, Upadhyay K, Koelmans AA. How many microplastics do you need to (sub)sample? ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 275:116243. [PMID: 38522288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116243] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Analysis of microplastics in the environment requires polymer characterization as a confirmation step for suspected microplastic particles found in a sample. Material characterization is costly and can take a long time per particle. When microplastic particle counts are high, many researchers cannot characterize every particle in their sample due to time or monetary constraints. Moreover, characterizing every particle in samples with high plastic particle counts is unnecessary for describing the sample properties. We propose an a priori approach to determine the number of suspected microplastic particles in a sample that should be randomly subsampled for characterization to accurately assess the polymer distribution in the environmental sample. The proposed equation is well-founded in statistics literature and was validated using published microplastic data and simulations for typical microplastic subsampling routines. We report values from the whole equation but also derive a simple way to calculate the necessary particle count for samples or subsamples by taking the error to the power of negative two. Assuming an error of 0.05 (5 %) with a confidence interval of 95 %, an unknown expected proportion, and a sample with many particles (> 100k), the minimum number of particles in a subsample should be 386 particles to accurately characterize the polymer distribution of the sample, given the particles are randomly characterized from the full population of suspected particles. Extending this equation to simultaneously estimate polymer, color, size, and morphology distributions reveals more particles (620) would be needed in the subsample to achieve the same high absolute error threshold for all properties. The above proposal for minimum subsample size also applies to the minimum count that should be present in samples to accurately characterize particle type presence and diversity in a given environmental compartment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Win Cowger
- Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, 120 N Marina Drive Long Beach, CA 90803, USA; University of California, Riverside, USA.
| | | | - Shelly Moore
- Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, 120 N Marina Drive Long Beach, CA 90803, USA
| | | | | | - Albert A Koelmans
- Wageningen University, Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, PO Box 47, Wageningen 6700 AA, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Valencia-Castañeda G, Medina-López JA, Frías-Espericueta MG, Páez-Osuna F. Farmed stage (age)-dependent accumulation and size of microplastics in Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp reared in a super-intensive controlled system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170575. [PMID: 38309338 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The abundance of microplastics (MPs) in the gastrointestinal tract (GT), gills (GI), and exoskeleton (EX) of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp cultured in a commercial indoor super-intensive controlled (ISCO) system was investigated. Shrimp of 25 days (postlarvae; PL25), and one, three, five, and seven culture months were analyzed. The postlarvae PL25 MP abundance per individual and gram of PL (wet weight) was 0.2 ± 0.0 MPs and 3.5 ± 0.5 MPs/g. For L. vannamei juveniles at one, three, five, and seven culture months, the MP abundance per juvenile shrimp was 10.0 ± 0.3, 27.2 ± 1.6, 32.3 ± 3.1, and 40.3 ± 3.6 MPs/individual, respectively (expressed in MPs/g of tissue were 1.6 ± 0.1, 2.0 ± 0.2, 2.0 ± 0.3 and 1.5 ± 0.2, respectively). Fibers were the most common MP type in all shrimp age classes (42.1-68.7 %), and the predominant color was transparent (46.1-65.0 %). The MP size in all shrimp stages ranged between 15 and 4686 μm. In general, the predominant polymers identified were PE (37.4 %), NY (21.1 %), and PET (18.5 %). The MP variability through the culture cycle showed that as the age of shrimp increased, and the culture advanced the MP abundance and size also augmented. Conversely, there is a higher MP abundance in L. vannamei cultured in ISCO systems compared to shrimp cultured in traditional semi-intensive and intensive ponds and those from wild environments. The latter is probably due to the extensive use of plasticized materials (geomembrane and greenhouse installations) and their degradation, which cause a greater MP exposure to shrimp. The estimated oral MP intake by ISCO shrimp consumption was 647 MPs/capita/year, which can be 178 % more than from wild shrimp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gladys Valencia-Castañeda
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - Jesús A Medina-López
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Paseo Claussen s/n, Mazatlán 82000, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Martín G Frías-Espericueta
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Paseo Claussen s/n, Mazatlán 82000, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Federico Páez-Osuna
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico; Miembro de El Colegio de Sinaloa, Sinaloa, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hasanah U, Amqam H, Septami ARE, Chalid M, Aris AZ. Plasticizing Pregnancy: Microplastics Identified in Expectant Mothers' Feces. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2024; 18:11786302241235810. [PMID: 38476841 PMCID: PMC10929056 DOI: 10.1177/11786302241235810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Microplastics may be present in food and drinks from various sources, exposing pregnant women to these particles. Consumption of contaminated food can lead to the ingestion of microplastics by pregnant women, potentially causing adverse health effects on the fetus. This study aims to investigate the presence of microplastics in the stools of pregnant women. Methods The research was conducted in the Makassar City region of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Thirty healthy pregnant women from 2 community health centers, Pattingalloang and Jumpandang Baru, participated in the study. Their stools were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy to detect the presence of microplastics. Result The analysis revealed the presence of a total of 359 microplastics in the participants' stools, with particle counts ranging from 4 to 21 and sizes ranging from 0.2 to 4.9 mm per 25 g of stool. The polymers identified included Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyamide/Nylon, Polyethylene Chlorinated, HDPE, and Ethylene Propylene. The amount of microplastics varied significantly among groups with different levels of seafood consumption. Conclusion Indonesian pregnant women have been exposed to some microplastic polymers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uswatun Hasanah
- Department of Enviromental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Hasnawati Amqam
- Department of Enviromental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | | | - Maisuri Chalid
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Hasanuddin University, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Ahmad Zaharin Aris
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- International Institute of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rynek R, Tekman MB, Rummel C, Bergmann M, Wagner S, Jahnke A, Reemtsma T. Hotspots of Floating Plastic Particles across the North Pacific Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4302-4313. [PMID: 38394333 PMCID: PMC10919090 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The pollution of the marine environment with plastic debris is expected to increase, where ocean currents and winds cause their accumulation in convergence zones like the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG). Surface-floating plastic (>330 μm) was collected in the North Pacific Ocean between Vancouver (Canada) and Singapore using a neuston catamaran and identified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Baseline concentrations of 41,600-102,700 items km-2 were found, dominated by polyethylene and polypropylene. Higher concentrations (factors 4-10) of plastic items occurred not only in the NPSG (452,800 items km-2) but also in a second area, the Papaha̅naumokua̅kea Marine National Monument (PMNM, 285,200 items km-2). This second maximum was neither reported previously nor predicted by the applied ocean current model. Visual observations of floating debris (>5 cm; 8-2565 items km-2 and 34-4941 items km-2 including smaller "white bits") yielded similar patterns of baseline pollution (34-3265 items km-2) and elevated concentrations of plastic debris in the NPSG (67-4941 items km-2) and the PMNM (295-3748 items km-2). These findings suggest that ocean currents are not the only factor provoking plastic debris accumulation in the ocean. Visual observations may be useful to increase our knowledge of large-scale (micro)plastic pollution in the global oceans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robby Rynek
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre
for Environmental Research − UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mine B. Tekman
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut,
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
- Department
of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Ozyegin University, 34794 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Christoph Rummel
- Department
of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, Helmholtz-Centre
for Environmental Research − UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Melanie Bergmann
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut,
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Stephan Wagner
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre
for Environmental Research − UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Annika Jahnke
- Department
of Exposure Science, Helmholtz-Centre for
Environmental Research − UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute
for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen
University, 52047 Aachen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Reemtsma
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre
for Environmental Research − UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute
of Analytical Chemistry, University of Leipzig, Linnéstrasse 3, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Aranda DA, Sindou P, Cauich Rodriguez JV, Saldaña GM, Coronado RFV, González WDN, Díaz ME, Escalante VC. A non-invasive method of microplastics pollution quantification in green sea turtle Chelonia mydas of the Mexican Caribbean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116092. [PMID: 38359479 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Due to the amply exposure of marine turtles to marine plastic pollution, this is a reason that the green sea turtle Chelonia mydas makes a good candidate species as a bioindicator for plastic pollution. Turtle feces were collected at Isla Blanca on the northeast Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Microplastic extraction was done following Hidalgo-Ruz et al. (2012) and Masura et al. (2015) methods. After organic matter degradation of the feces samples, microplastics were identified and quantified by stereomicroscope. Their morphostructure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, while their composition was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Microplastics (MP) abundance ranged from 10 ± 2 MP·g-1 to 89 ± 3 MP·g-1. Kruskal Wallis test (KW = 70.31, p < 0.001) showed a significant difference between 22 green turtles analyzed. Most of the microplastics were fiber type. Blue, purple, and transparent fibers were the most abundant. The identified microplastics were nylon (polyamide), PVC, polypropylene, polyester, and viscose (cellulose). The non-invasive method used here allowed the detection of microplastic pollution and is promising for long-term microplastic pollution monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Aldana Aranda
- Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav IPN Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso Km. 6, 97310 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico.
| | - Pauline Sindou
- Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav IPN Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso Km. 6, 97310 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico; Université des Antilles, Campus Fouillole, BP 250, 97157 Pointe-á-Pitre, Guadeloupe
| | - Juan V Cauich Rodriguez
- Unidad de Materiales, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Col. Chuburná de Hidalgo, 97205 Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | | | - Rossana Faride Vargas Coronado
- Unidad de Materiales, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Col. Chuburná de Hidalgo, 97205 Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | | | - Martha Enríquez Díaz
- Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav IPN Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso Km. 6, 97310 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Víctor Castillo Escalante
- Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav IPN Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso Km. 6, 97310 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ilechukwu I, Das RR, Jamodiong EA, Borghi S, Manzano GG, Hakim AA, Reimer JD. Abundance and distribution of marine litter on the beaches of Okinawa Island, Japan. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116036. [PMID: 38237260 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluated the distribution and abundance of marine litter on 30 beaches around Okinawa Island, Japan. Beach quality indices and multivariate statistical analyses were used to assess the quality of the beaches and their pollution patterns. A total of 11,626 items weighing 513.49 kg with an average density of 0.13 ± 0.10 items/m2 were collected. Litter was dominated by plastics (81.72 %), broken glass (8.38 %), and cigarette butts (7.44 %), and 74.05 % of total litter was from land-based sources. Single-use plastics (SUPs) were present in all surveyed beaches and made up 30.54 % of the total litter. The clean coast index (CCI), plastic abundance index (PAI), and hazardous index (HI) were between 0.1 and 7.6, 0.1-4.0 and 0.01-1.42, respectively, indicating low to moderate levels of pollution of Okinawan beaches. This study should aid in the formation of strategies to deal with marine litter in Okinawa, other areas of Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ifenna Ilechukwu
- Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology (MISE) Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0123, Japan.
| | - Rocktim Ramen Das
- Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology (MISE) Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0123, Japan
| | - Emmeline A Jamodiong
- Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology (MISE) Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0123, Japan
| | - Stefano Borghi
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia; Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0123, Japan
| | - Geminne G Manzano
- Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology (MISE) Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0123, Japan
| | - Agus Alim Hakim
- Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology (MISE) Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0123, Japan; Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, IPB University, JI. Agatis, Kampus IPB Dramaga Bogor, 16680, West Java, Indonesia
| | - James Davis Reimer
- Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology (MISE) Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0123, Japan; Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0123, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Qin ZH, Siddiqui MA, Xin X, Mou JH, Varjani S, Chen G, Lin CSK. Identification of microplastics in raw and treated municipal solid waste landfill leachates in Hong Kong, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 351:141208. [PMID: 38219986 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Plastics are indispensable in modern society but also pose a persistent threat to the environment. In particular, microplastics (MPs) have a substantial environmental impact on ecosystems. Municipal solid waste landfill leachates are a source of MPs, but leakage of MPs from leachates has only been reported in a few studies. As a modern city, Hong Kong has a remarkably high population density and a massive plastic waste generation. However, it depends on conventional landfilling for plastic waste management and traditional thermal ammonia stripping for leachate treatment. Yet, the MP leakage from landfill leachates in Hong Kong has not been disclosed. This is the first study that aimed to identify, quantify, and characterise MPs in raw and treated leachates, respectively, from major landfill sites in Hong Kong. The concentrations of MPs varied from 49.0 ± 24.3 to 507.6 ± 37.3 items/L among the raw leachate samples, and a potential correlation was found between the concentration of MPs in the raw leachate sample from a given landfill site and the annual leachate generation of the site. Most MPs were 100-500 μm fragments or filaments and were transparent or yellow. Regarding the polymeric materials among the identified MPs, poly(ethylene terephthalate) and polyethylene were the most abundant types, comprising 45.30% and 21.37% of MPs, respectively. Interestingly, leachates treated by ammonia stripping contained higher concentrations of MPs than raw leachate samples, which demonstrated that the traditional treatment process may not be sufficient regarding the removal of emerging pollutants, such as MPs. Overall, our findings provide a more comprehensive picture of the pollution of MPs in landfill leachates in Hong Kong and highlight the urgent need for adopting the consideration of MPs into the conventional mindset of waste management systems in Hong Kong.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Hao Qin
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Muhammad Ahmar Siddiqui
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Technology Center, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control & Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiayin Xin
- Beaty Water Research Centre, Department of Civil Engineering, Union Street, Queen's University, Kingston, K7L 3Z6, Canada
| | - Jin-Hua Mou
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sunita Varjani
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Guanghao Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Technology Center, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control & Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Carol Sze Ki Lin
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chenappan NK, Ibrahim YS, Anuar ST, Yusof KMKK, Jaafar M, Ahamad F, Sulaiman WZW, Mohamad N. Quantification and characterization of airborne microplastics in the coastal area of Terengganu, Malaysia. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:242. [PMID: 38324118 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12381-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pose a threat to ecosystems due to their capacity to bind with toxic chemicals. While the occurrence of MPs in aquatic environmental matrices like water, sediments, and biota is well studied, their presence in the atmosphere remains less understood. This study aimed to determine the presence of airborne MPs and their characteristics through ground-based sampling in the coastal city of Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. Airborne MP samples were collected using passive sampling technique in December 2019. MPs were manually counted and identified using a stereomicroscope based on their colour and shape. The average deposition rate of airborne MPs during the sampling period was 5476 ± 3796 particles/m2/day, ranging from 576 to 15,562 particles/m2/day. Various colours such as transparent (38%), blue (25%), black (20%), red (13%), and others (4%) were observed. The predominant shape of airborne MPs was fibres (> 99%). The morphology structure of MPs observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed a cracked surface on MPs, suggesting weathering and irregular fragmentation. Further elemental analysis using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed the presence of heavy metals such as aluminium (Al) and cadmium (Cd) on the surface of MPs, attributed to the adsorption capacities of MPs. Polymer types of airborne MPs were analysed using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), which revealed particles composed of polyester (PES), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP). The preliminary findings could provide additional information for further investigations of MPs, especially in the atmosphere, to better understand their sources and potential human exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Kumar Chenappan
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Yusof Shuaib Ibrahim
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Sabiqah Tuan Anuar
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Ku Mohd Kalkausar Ku Yusof
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Maisarah Jaafar
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Fatimah Ahamad
- Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, Sunway University, 47500, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Noorlin Mohamad
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
- Atmospheric, Air Quality and Climate Change Research Interest Group, Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology and Informatics, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gupta P, Saha M, Suneel V, Rathore C, Chndrasekhararao AV, Gupta GVM, Junaid CK. Microplastics in the sediments along the eastern Arabian Sea shelf: Distribution, governing factors and risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 910:168629. [PMID: 37977402 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite the omnipresence of microplastics (MPs), the studies around the western continental shelf of Indian Ocean (Eastern Arabian Sea-EAS) are uncovered and understudied. Thus, the present study was focused to understand the spatial distribution, characterization and risk assessment of MPs in sediment across seven coastal transects (10 to 50 m) all along the EAS shelf. The highest MPs concentration (MPs/kg d.w.) was detected in the northern EAS (NEAS; 2260 ± 1050) followed by central (CEAS; 1550 ± 1012) and southern (SEAS; 1300 ± 513) shelves. Among all distinct locations, the highest concentration of MPs (2500 ± 1042) was detected in the north coastal sediments off Mumbai, followed by off Mangalore (1480 ± 1169) in the center and off Kochi (1350 ± 212) in the south. MPs were found in the form of fibres, fragments and films with a predominance of fibres (~70-80 %). Approximately 74.6 % of the total MPs were in the size range of 300 μm to 5 mm. The surface of detected MPs was rough, irregular, and mechanical weathering features such as pits, grooves also observed and spotted with bacterial community structures. Polypropylene (PP; 34 %), polyisoprene (PIP; 19 %), butyl rubber (18 %), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE; 13 %) were dominant polymers. The pollution load index highlighted minor risk while the polymer hazard index exhibited a hazard level of V. Litter discharge, fishing activities, and active marine navigation are among the many high-risk sources of plastic contamination in this region. Due to the prevailing winds, currents, low sea surface height, and high precipitation, the conditions in the EAS are favorable for the accumulation of both sea-based and land-based particles. Hence, this study provides novel insights into the potential risks posed by MP to the IO rim and associated marine ecosystem which will enhance our knowledge of the ecological implications and consequences of MP pollution, ultimately aiding in developing effective management and mitigation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyansha Gupta
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Mahua Saha
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - V Suneel
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Chayanika Rathore
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | | | - G V M Gupta
- Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology, Puthuvype, Kochi 682508, India
| | - C K Junaid
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bhatt V, Badola N, Chauhan JS. Microplastic in fishes: the first report from a Himalayan River - Alaknanda. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:1637-1643. [PMID: 38030841 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30889-8] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to understand microplastic (MP) ingestion by five fish species with different feeding habits namely, Schizothorax richardsonii and Crossocheilus latius (herbivore),Cyprinus carpio (omnivore), Tor chelenoid (herbi-omnivore), and Botia horii (carnivore). The fishes were sampled from River Alaknanda (one of the headwaters of River Ganga) patch at Srinagar, Garhwal, Uttarakhand. The fish gut samples were digested with 30% hydrogen peroxide and vacuum filtered through glass microfiber filter. Each filter paper was observed microscopically to count MPs, and then, selected MPs were chemically characterized using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The results revealed that all the species were contaminated with MPs and the rate of MP ingestion varied with feeding habits. The herbi-omnivore fish, Tor chelenoid, was observed to have the highest MP ingestion. Among the analyzed particles, fibers (66%) were the dominant type of MPs. The MPs were chemically characterized as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), and Polyester. This study contributes as a reference for the forthcoming researches, as it is the pioneer work on the ingestion of MP by fishes of a Himalayan River.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Bhatt
- Aquatic Ecology Lab, Department of Himalayan Aquatic Biodiversity, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Garhwal, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, 246174, India
| | - Neha Badola
- Aquatic Ecology Lab, Department of Himalayan Aquatic Biodiversity, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Garhwal, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, 246174, India
| | - Jaspal Singh Chauhan
- Aquatic Ecology Lab, Department of Himalayan Aquatic Biodiversity, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Garhwal, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, 246174, India.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Parashar N, Hait S. Abundance, characterization, and removal of microplastics in different technology-based sewage treatment plants discharging into the middle stretch of the Ganga River, India. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167099. [PMID: 37730063 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167099] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are considered as a prominent source for releasing microplastics (MPs) into the riverine systems. Though MPs abundance and removal efficacy in different secondary treatment technique-based STPs have been extensively studied worldwide, such studies are scarce in Indian conditions. Herein, this study comprehensively assesses MPs abundance, characterization, and their removal in the selected secondary treatment technique-based STPs discharging into the middle stretch of the Ganga River in India. MPs concentration (n/L) in influent and effluent of the STPs varied between 42 ± 10 to 150 ± 19 and 3 ± 1 to 22 ± 5, respectively. Overall, the primary treatment stage was observed to remove MPs by 23-42 %, while the secondary treatment stage removed MPs by 67-90 %. Selected technique-based STPs exhibited varying MPs removal efficacies as follows: SBR (94 %), TF (90 %), AL (88 %), UASB (87 %), ASP (85 %), FAB (84 %), and Bio-tower (77 %). MPs ranging from 50 to 250 μm were the dominant sizes, with PP, PE, and PS being the prevalent polymers. The Ganga River receives about 3 × 108 MPs/day from STP effluents, and an estimated 4.5 × 107 MPs/day are released via the sludge. This comprehensive assessment of MPs abundance and removal from different technology-based Indian STPs will allow the comparison of the generated dataset with similar studies worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Parashar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar 801 106, India
| | - Subrata Hait
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar 801 106, India.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Galli M, Baini M, Panti C, Giani D, Caliani I, Campani T, Rosso M, Tepsich P, Levati V, Laface F, Romeo T, Scotti G, Galgani F, Fossi MC. Oceanographic and anthropogenic variables driving marine litter distribution in Mediterranean protected areas: Extensive field data supported by forecasting modelling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166266. [PMID: 37579802 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter concentration in the Mediterranean Sea is strongly influenced both by anthropogenic pressures and hydrodynamic factors that locally characterise the basin. Within the Plastic Busters MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) Interreg Mediterranean Project, a comprehensive assessment of floating macro- and microlitter in the Pelagos Sanctuary and the Tuscan Archipelago National Park was performed. An innovative multilevel experimental design has been planned ad-hoc according to a litter provisional distribution model, harmonising and implementing the current sampling methodologies. The simultaneous presence of floating macro- and microlitter items and the potential influences of environmental and anthropogenic factors affecting litter distribution have been evaluated to identify hotspot accumulation areas representing a major hazard for marine species. A total of 273 monitoring transects of floating macrolitter and 141 manta trawl samples were collected in the study areas to evaluate the abundance and composition of marine litter. High mean concentrations of floating macrolitter (399 items/km2) and microplastics (259,490 items/km2) have been found in the facing waters of the Gulf of La Spezia and Tuscan Archipelago National Park as well in the Genova canyon and Janua seamount area. Accordingly, strong litter inputs were identified to originate from the mainland and accumulate in coastal waters within 10-15 nautical miles. Harbours and riverine outfalls contribute significantly to plastic pollution representing the main sources of contamination as well as areas with warmer waters and weak oceanographic features that could facilitate its accumulation. The results achieved may indicate a potentially threatening trend of litter accumulation that may pose a serious risk to the Pelagos Sanctuary biodiversity and provide further indications for dealing with plastic pollution in protected areas, facilitating future management recommendations and mitigation actions in these fragile marines and coastal environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Galli
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Baini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cristina Panti
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Dario Giani
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Caliani
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Campani
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Rosso
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy; CIMA Research Foundation, 17100 Savona, Italy
| | - Paola Tepsich
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy; CIMA Research Foundation, 17100 Savona, Italy
| | - Vanessa Levati
- CIMA Research Foundation, 17100 Savona, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Napoli Federico II, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Federica Laface
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Teresa Romeo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 98057 Milazzo, Italy; ISPRA, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, 98057 Milazzo, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Scotti
- ISPRA, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, 98057 Milazzo, Italy
| | | | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Saito J, Katte Y, Nagato EG. The molecular level degradation state of drift plastics in the Sea of Japan coastline. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115707. [PMID: 37883812 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are among the most abundant plastics polluting the oceans. However, their environmental fate depends on how they have been weathered. Due to its unique geography, the Sea of Japan is a pollution hotspot where plastics accumulate. In this study, the structures of plastics, having drifted into the Sea of Japan coastline environment, were analyzed with a particular focus on examining polymer crystallization and carbonyl formation; two factors which influence microplastic formation and the adsorption of contaminants onto plastic surfaces. PE in the coastal environment did not show evidence of crystallization, although carbonyl formation did increase. By contrast, PET bottles were shown to not be uniform in structure, with unaged bottles being less crystalline in the neck component compared to the body. Because of this difference, in environmental PET bottles, it was the bottle neck that showed increases in crystallization and carbonyl group formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junya Saito
- Shimane University, Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, 690-8504 Matsue, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Katte
- Shimane University, Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, 690-8504 Matsue, Japan
| | - Edward G Nagato
- Shimane University, Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, 690-8504 Matsue, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Díaz-Jaramillo M, Gonzalez M, Tomba JP, Silva LI, Islas MS. Occurrence and dynamics of microplastics and emerging concern microparticles in coastal sediments: Impact of stormwater upgrade and port-associated facilities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165724. [PMID: 37487895 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Urban runoff is a significant source of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments, especially in coastal areas. Despite urban stormwater runoff being considered a major pathway of anthropogenic particles there's no studies about the impact of stormwater upgrades on microparticle transport. Moreover, due to the influence of anthropogenic activities, including maritime traffic and maintenance, on coastal environments, it is crucial to identify plastic debris from both inland and in-shore sources. This study evaluates characteristics, abundance, and distribution of microplastics in subtidal sediments from the southwestern Atlantic region, influenced by a recently upgraded stormwater outfall and port facilities. Herein, we have analyzed temporal trends, including seasonal dynamics and their relation with the pre- and post-upgrade of the stormwater outfall. Three main types of anthropogenic microparticles were observed: common plastic (MPs), paints (Pps), and tire wear particles (TWPs). Microparticle groups varied in morphology, color, and size distribution, including uncommon microparticle debris. Analysis by FTIR and Raman spectroscopies allows the identification of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyamide, and polyacrylonitrile polymers for MPs mainly. Pigments such as Naphthol AS, phthalocyanine, and quinacridone have been identified in Pps. SEM-EDS and FTIR analysis of collected TWPs revealed similar trace metals constituents and infrared signals to those observed in tire road samples. Spatial and temporal abundances of microparticle groups were significantly different (p < 0.05), mainly related to the distance from the stormwater outfall and seasons. TWPs showed the most significant seasonal increment rate among pre and post-upgrade periods. Furthermore, the upgrades made to the stormwater system have been observed to intensify the transport and increase the presence of specific anthropogenic microparticles in subtidal sediments. Based on these findings, the occurrence of TWPs emerges as a reliable urban runoff indicator to differentiate ex and in-situ sources in multipolluted coastal environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Díaz-Jaramillo
- IIMyC, Estresores Múltiples en el Ambiente (EMA), FCEyN, UNMDP, CONICET, Funes 3350 (B7602AYL), Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Red de Investigación de los Estresores Marino Costeros de Latinoamérica y el Caribe-REMARCO, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina.
| | - M Gonzalez
- IIMyC, Estresores Múltiples en el Ambiente (EMA), FCEyN, UNMDP, CONICET, Funes 3350 (B7602AYL), Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Red de Investigación de los Estresores Marino Costeros de Latinoamérica y el Caribe-REMARCO, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina
| | - J P Tomba
- Ciencia e Ingeniería de Polímeros, INTEMA (CONICET-UNMDP), Avda. Colón 10850, (B7606BWV), Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L I Silva
- Ciencia e Ingeniería de Polímeros, INTEMA (CONICET-UNMDP), Avda. Colón 10850, (B7606BWV), Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M S Islas
- IIMyC, Estresores Múltiples en el Ambiente (EMA), FCEyN, UNMDP, CONICET, Funes 3350 (B7602AYL), Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Red de Investigación de los Estresores Marino Costeros de Latinoamérica y el Caribe-REMARCO, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina; Departamento de Química y Bioquímica, FCEyN, UNMDP, Funes 3350 (B7602AYL), Mar del Plata 7600, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Liu Y, Hu J, Lin L, Yang B, Huang M, Chang M, Huang X, Dai Z, Sun S, Ren L, Li C. Overcoming the fluorescent interference during Raman spectroscopy detection of microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 897:165333. [PMID: 37414187 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Owing to environmental concerns, microplastics pollution has been the object of increasing attention. Currently, the chemical composition of microplastics is commonly detected using Raman spectroscopy. Nevertheless, the Raman spectra of microplastics may be overlaid by signals derived from additives (e.g., pigment), resulting in serious interference. In this study, an efficient method is proposed to overcome the interference of fluorescence during Raman spectroscopic detection of microplastics. Four catalysts of Fenton's reagent (Fe2+, Fe3+, Fe3O4, and K2Fe4O7) have been investigated for their capacity to generate hydroxyl radical (•OH), thus potentially eliminating the fluorescent signals in microplastics. The results indicate that the Raman spectrum of microplastics treated with Fenton's reagent can be efficiently optimized in the absence of spectral processing. This method has been successfully applied to the detection of microplastics collected from mangroves, featuring a range of colours and shapes. Consequentially, after 14 h of treatment with sunlight-Fenton (Fe2+: 1 × 10-6 M, H2O2: 4 M), the Raman spectra matching-degree (RSMD) of all microplastics were >70.00 %. The innovative strategy discussed in this manuscript can greatly promote the application of Raman spectroscopy in the detection of real environmental microplastics, overcoming interfering signals derived from additives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China
| | - Jiale Hu
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Liqian Lin
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Bing Yang
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Minhua Huang
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Min Chang
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Xiaoxin Huang
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China
| | - Zhenqing Dai
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment for South China Sea Marine Ranching, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Shengli Sun
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Lei Ren
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chengyong Li
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment for South China Sea Marine Ranching, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Saliu F, Compa M, Becchi A, Lasagni M, Collina E, Liconti A, Suma E, Deudero S, Grech D, Suaria G. Plastitar in the Mediterranean Sea: New records and the first geochemical characterization of these novel formations. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115583. [PMID: 37769405 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
A new geological formation consisting of plastic debris admixed to petroleum oil residue, termed "plastitar", has been recently described in the Canary Islands. Here, we report its widespread occurrence across the Mediterranean coast and new insights into its biogeochemical composition. Specifically, we found marked differences in the diagenetic stable indicator profiles, suggesting a heterogeneous seeps provenance. Moreover, the 801 plastic particles found in the 1372 g of tar surveyed, with a maximum concentration of 2.0 items/g, showed interesting patterns in the tar mat, with nurdles predominantly layered in the external of the tar mat and lines in the inner core. Overall, the collected observation suggests that tar entraps plastics through a stepwise process and is a sink for them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Montserrat Compa
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Mallorca, Spain
| | - Alessandro Becchi
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Collina
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Arianna Liconti
- OutBe SRL, Genova, Italy; MBA, The Marine Biological Association, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, United Kingdom
| | | | - Salud Deudero
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Mallorca, Spain
| | - Daniele Grech
- IMC - International Marine Centre, Loc. Sa Mardini, 09170, Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Suaria
- CNR-ISMAR, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Scienze Marine, Pozzuolo di Lerici, 19032 La Spezia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Su J, Ruan J, Luo D, Wang J, Huang Z, Yang X, Zhang Y, Zeng Q, Li Y, Huang W, Cui L, Chen C. Differential Photoaging Effects on Colored Nanoplastics in Aquatic Environments: Physicochemical Properties and Aggregation Kinetics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:15656-15666. [PMID: 37747788 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) have different colors, which could affect their photoaging processes in aquatic environments. This study investigated the effects of irradiation on physicochemical properties and aggregation kinetics of five colored NPs. Photodegradation rates and photooxidation degrees ranked white ≈ yellow > red > blue ≈ black NPs, indicating that NPs with longer color wavelengths photoaged faster. The discoloration process followed color fading (2-14 days, except for white NPs), yellowing (10-16 days), yellow fading (18 days), and turning transparent (20-22 days). White NPs exhibited a different photoaging sequence (C-H → C-OH → C═O → O-C═O) from others. Photodegradation was mainly controlled by singlet oxygen, producing 13 chemicals that were mostly organic acids. The overall colloidal stability of pristine NPs ranked blue > yellow > red > black > white. Irradiation for 16 days retarded aggregation of white and other NPs in NaCl solution, raising the critical coagulation concentration (CCC) by 82.14 and 0.85-7.90%, respectively. Contrarily, irradiation promoted aggregation in CaCl2 solution by reducing the CCC of white (67.37%) and other (33.33-37.58%) NPs. The findings demonstrate that colored NPs underwent photoaging processes different from white/transparent NPs, which were focused by previous work, highlighting the important role of color in their environmental fate and transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiana Su
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiahui Ruan
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Dan Luo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinjin Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhujian Huang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingjian Yang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Yulong Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiaoyun Zeng
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongtao Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Weilin Huang
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
| | - Lihua Cui
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Chengyu Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Merrill GB, Hermabessiere L, Rochman CM, Nowacek DP. Microplastics in marine mammal blubber, melon, & other tissues: Evidence of translocation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122252. [PMID: 37541381 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals consume large quantities of microplastic particles, likely via trophic transfer (i.e., through prey who have consumed plastic) and direct consumption from seawater or sediment. Microplastics have been found in the stomachs, gastro-intestinal tracts, and feces of cetaceans and pinnipeds. Translocation of ingested microplastics has been documented in other organs of several aquatic species, but has not been examined in marine mammals. Marine mammals have highly specialized lipid-rich tissues which may increase susceptibility to lipophilic microplastics. Here we demonstrate the occurrence of microplastics, ranging in size, mass concentration, and particle count concentration from 24.4 μm - 1387 μm, 0.59 μg/g - 25.20 μg/g, and 0.04 - 0.39 particles/g, respectively, in four tissues (acoustic fat pad, blubber, lung, & melon) from twelve marine mammal species inclusive of mysticetes, odontocetes, and phocids. Twenty-two individuals were examined for microplastics using a combination of Raman spectroscopy and pyrolysis gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Overall, 68% of individuals had at least one microplastic particle in at least one of the four tissue types, with the most common polymer and shape observed being polyethylene and fibers, respectively. These findings suggest some proportion of ingested microplastics translocate throughout marine mammal bodies posing an exposure risk to both marine mammals and people. For people, exposure could be directly through consumption for those who rely on marine mammals as food and indirectly to peoples globally who consume the same prey resources as marine mammals. Some individuals examined represent samples obtained over two decades ago, suggesting that this process, and thus exposure risk, has occurred for some time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greg B Merrill
- Duke University Marine Lab, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, United States.
| | - Ludovic Hermabessiere
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Douglas P Nowacek
- Duke University Marine Lab, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Li R, Wang J, Deng J, Peng G, Wang Y, Li T, Liu B, Zhang Y. Selective enrichments for color microplastics loading of marine lipophilic phycotoxins. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132137. [PMID: 37499500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and marine lipophilic phycotoxins (MLPs) are two classes of emerging contaminants. Together, they may exacerbate the negative impacts on nearshore marine ecosystems. Herein, the loading of 14 representative MLPs, closely related to toxin-producing algae, on MPs and their relations with colorful MPs have been explored for the first time based on both field and lab data. The objectives of our study are to explore the roles of multiple factors (waterborne MLPs and MP characteristics) in the loading of MLPs by MPs with the applications of various statistical means, and to further explore the role of the color of MP in the loading of specific MLPs through lab simulation experiments. Our results demonstrated that MPs color determined the loading of some specific MLPs on MPs and green MPs can load much more than other colorful fractions (p < 0.05). These interesting phenomena illustrated that the color effects on the loading processes of MLPs on MPs are a dynamic process, and it can be well explained by the shading effect of MP color, which may affect the growth and metabolism of the attached toxic-producing algae on MPs and hence the production of specific MLPs. Furthermore, loading of MLPs on MPs can be considered as the comprehensive physicochemical and biological processes. Our results caution us that special attention should be paid to explore the real-time dynamic color shading effects on all kinds of bio-secreted contaminants loading on MPs, and highlight the necessary to comprehensive investigate the interaction between biota, organic contaminants and MPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruilong Li
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Jiuming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Environmental Science Research Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jun Deng
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Gen Peng
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yijin Wang
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Tiezhu Li
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Beibei Liu
- Institute of Environmental and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Environmental Science Research Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
de Haan WP, Quintana R, Vilas C, Cózar A, Canals M, Uviedo O, Sanchez-Vidal A. The dark side of artificial greening: Plastic turfs as widespread pollutants of aquatic environments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 334:122094. [PMID: 37392868 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Artificial turf (AT) is a surfacing material that simulates natural grass by using synthetic, mainly plastic, fibers in different shapes, sizes and properties. AT has spread beyond sports facilities and today shapes many urban landscapes, from private lawns to rooftops and public venues. Despite concerns regarding the impacts of AT, little is known about the release of AT fibers into natural environment. Here, for the first time, we specifically investigate the presence of AT fibers in river and ocean waters as major conduits and final destination of plastic debris transported by water runoff. Our sampling survey showed that, AT fibers - composed mainly of polyethylene and polypropylene - can constitute over 15% of the mesoplastics and macroplastics content, suggesting that AT fibers may contribute significantly to plastic pollution. Up to 20,000 fibers a day flowed down through the river, and up to 213,200 fibers per km2 were found floating on the sea surface of nearshore areas. AT, apart from impacting on urban biodiversity, urban runoff, heat island formation, and hazardous chemical leaching, is a major source of plastic pollution to natural aquatic environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William P de Haan
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rocío Quintana
- Departamento de Biología, University of Cadiz and European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), E-11510, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - César Vilas
- Andalusian Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training (IFAPA), Centro "El Toruño", Camino Tiro del Pichón, S/N, E-11500, El Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Andrés Cózar
- Departamento de Biología, University of Cadiz and European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), E-11510, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Miquel Canals
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oriol Uviedo
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Sanchez-Vidal
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Purushothaman A, Vishnudattan NK, Nehala SP, Meghamol MD, Neethu KV, Joseph J, Nandan SB, Padmakumar KB, Thomas LC. Patterns and variability in the microplastic contamination along the southwest coast of India with emphasis on submarine groundwater discharge sites. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115432. [PMID: 37639866 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Beach sediments of the southwest coast of India were analysed to estimate the microplastic contamination with emphasis on the submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) zones. Both SGD and non-SGD sites were assessed for abundance, morphotype and polymer type of microplastics. Microplastic load was 230.429 ± 62.87 particles per 100 g. Fibre, mainly blue, was the abundant morphotype, followed by fragment, foam and film. The polymer types were POLYETHYLENE (PE) (30.77 %), POLYPROPYLENE (PP) (26.92 %), POLYAMIDE (PA) (19.23 %), POLYSTYRENE (PS) (11.54 %), ETHYLENE VINYL ACETATE (EVA) (7.692 %) and POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) (3.846 %). The SGD zones exhibited higher microplastic contamination with statistically significant variations from non SGD sites. The study accounts the levels of microplastic contamination along the southwest coast of India, a major fishery zone. The higher abundance of microplastic in the SGD zones indicates the significance of subterranean groundwater through flow as a pathway of anthropogenic contaminants towards marine ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Purushothaman
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology & Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi 16, Kerala, India
| | - N K Vishnudattan
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology & Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi 16, Kerala, India
| | - S P Nehala
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology & Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi 16, Kerala, India
| | - M D Meghamol
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology & Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi 16, Kerala, India
| | - K V Neethu
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology & Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi 16, Kerala, India
| | - Jorphin Joseph
- Department of Chemical Oceanography, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi 16, Kerala, India
| | - S Bijoy Nandan
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology & Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi 16, Kerala, India
| | - K B Padmakumar
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology & Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi 16, Kerala, India
| | - Lathika Cicily Thomas
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology & Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi 16, Kerala, India.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Mazumder D, Quader MFB, Saha S, Islam MA, Sarker RH, Chowdhury AM. An investigation on the prevalence of microplastic in commercial and open pan salts obtained from Cox's Bazar and Maheshkhali region of Bay of Bengal (Bangladesh). Food Sci Nutr 2023; 11:5283-5295. [PMID: 37701207 PMCID: PMC10494635 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Unrestrained utilization of plastic has reached an intemperate state, menacing environment and human lives. The preliminary focus of this research was to investigate and divulge the contemporary status of microplastics (MPs) in commercialized and open pan salts from Cox's Bazar and Maheshkhali channels. A total of 27 samples were obtained. The samples were analyzed for the prevalence of MPs by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy (RS); the prevailing amount, color, size, and shapes were analyzed by stereomicroscope and SEM. The abundance of high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) were detected by FTIR, meanwhile exuberance of cellulose acetate, polypropylene, PET, LDPE, and Nylon 6 were identified by RS. The average quantifications of MPs in Cox's Bazar, Maheshkhali, and packaged salts were found to be 6851.11 ± 538.18, 5638.89 ± 1001.18, and 3405.56 ± 638.57 per kg, respectively. ANOVA resulted in highly significant association between MPs and sampling sites (p = .001*). Post hoc Tukey's test revealed prominent link between commercialized and open pan salts based on the amount of MPs (p = .001*). The most prevalent colors were purple (28%) and blue (27%). The most frequent shapes were fibrous (79%) and fragmented (19.9%) MPs. The smallest MP was detected in commercial salt (1.55 μm), nearly identical and closer to the size of nanoplastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debapriya Mazumder
- Department of Applied Chemistry & Chemical TechnologyChattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences UniversityChattogramBangladesh
| | - Md. Fahad Bin Quader
- Department of Applied Chemistry & Chemical TechnologyChattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences UniversityChattogramBangladesh
| | - Suvanker Saha
- Department of Applied Chemistry & Chemical TechnologyChattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences UniversityChattogramBangladesh
| | - Md. Ashraful Islam
- Department of Applied Chemistry & Chemical TechnologyChattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences UniversityChattogramBangladesh
| | | | - Arpan Mitra Chowdhury
- One Health InstituteChattogram veterinary and Animal Sciences UniversityChattogramBangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Thibault M, Hoarau L, Lebreton L, Le Corre M, Barret M, Cordier E, Ciccione S, Royer SJ, Ter Halle A, Ramanampamonjy A, Jean C, Dalleau M. Do loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) gut contents reflect the types, colors and sources of plastic pollution in the Southwest Indian Ocean? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115343. [PMID: 37531795 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed plastic debris ingested by loggerheads from bycatch between 2007 and 2021 in the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO). We also analyzed plastic debris accumulated on beaches of the east coast of Madagascar as a proxy for ocean plastics to compare the characteristics of beached plastics and plastic ingested by turtles. We conducted a "brand audit" of the plastics to determine their country of origin. An oceanic circulation model was used to identify the most likely sources of plastics in the SWIO. In total, 202 of the 266 loggerheads analyzed had ingested plastics. Plastics categorized as "hard" and "white" were equally dominant in loggerheads and on beaches, suggesting no diet selectivity. Both the brand audit and circulation modeling demonstrated that Southeast Asia is the main source of plastic pollution in the region. This study demonstrates that loggerheads can be used as bioindicators of plastic pollution in the SWIO.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margot Thibault
- UMR ENTROPIE, University of Reunion Island, 15 Avenue René Cassin, BP 7151, 97715, Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France; Centre d'Étude et Découverte de Tortues Marine (CEDTM), Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France; The Ocean Cleanup, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Kelonia, The Marine Turtle Observatory of Reunion Island, 46 rue du Gal de Gaulle, Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France; CNRS, Université Toulouse III, Laboratoire des Interactions Moléculaires et Réactivité Chimique et Photochimique (IMRCP), UMR 5623 Toulouse, France.
| | - Ludovic Hoarau
- UMR ENTROPIE, University of Reunion Island, 15 Avenue René Cassin, BP 7151, 97715, Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France; Centre d'Étude et Découverte de Tortues Marine (CEDTM), Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France
| | | | - Matthieu Le Corre
- UMR ENTROPIE, University of Reunion Island, 15 Avenue René Cassin, BP 7151, 97715, Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France
| | - Mathieu Barret
- Kelonia, The Marine Turtle Observatory of Reunion Island, 46 rue du Gal de Gaulle, Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France
| | - Emmanuel Cordier
- Osu-Réunion, University of Reunion Island, 15 Avenue René Cassin, BP 7151, 97715, Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France
| | - Stéphane Ciccione
- Kelonia, The Marine Turtle Observatory of Reunion Island, 46 rue du Gal de Gaulle, Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France
| | | | - Alexandra Ter Halle
- CNRS, Université Toulouse III, Laboratoire des Interactions Moléculaires et Réactivité Chimique et Photochimique (IMRCP), UMR 5623 Toulouse, France
| | | | - Claire Jean
- Kelonia, The Marine Turtle Observatory of Reunion Island, 46 rue du Gal de Gaulle, Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France
| | - Mayeul Dalleau
- Centre d'Étude et Découverte de Tortues Marine (CEDTM), Saint-Leu, Reunion Island, France
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Møller P, Roursgaard M. Exposure to nanoplastic particles and DNA damage in mammalian cells. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2023; 792:108468. [PMID: 37666295 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2023.108468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
There is concern about human exposure to nanoplastics from intentional use or degradation of plastics in the environment. This review assesses genotoxic effects of nanoplastics, defined as particles with a primary size of less than 1000 nm. The majority of results on genotoxicity come from studies on polystyrene (PS) particles in mammalian cell cultures. Most studies have measured DNA strand breaks (standard comet assay), oxidatively damaged DNA (Fpg-modified comet assay) and micronuclei. Twenty-nine out of 60 results have shown statistically significant genotoxic effects by PS exposure in cell cultures. A statistical analysis indicates that especially modified PS particles are genotoxic (odds ratio = 8.6, 95 % CI: 1.6, 46) and immune cells seems to be more sensitive to genotoxicity than other cell types such as epithelial cells (odds ratio = 8.0, 95 % CI: 1.6, 39). On the contrary, there is not a clear association between statistically significant effects in genotoxicity tests and the primary size of PS particles, (i.e. smaller versus larger than 100 nm) or between the type of genotoxic endpoint (i.e. repairable versus permanent DNA lesions). Three studies of PS particle exposure in animals have shown increased level of DNA strand breaks in leukocytes and prefrontal cortex cells. Nanoplastics from polyethylene, propylene, polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene terephthalate have been investigated in very few studies and it is currently not possible to draw conclusion about their genotoxic hazard. In summary, there is some evidence suggesting that PS particles may be genotoxic in mammalian cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Møller
- Department of Public Health, Section of Environmental Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, DK-1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
| | - Martin Roursgaard
- Department of Public Health, Section of Environmental Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, DK-1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Nava V, Chandra S, Aherne J, Alfonso MB, Antão-Geraldes AM, Attermeyer K, Bao R, Bartrons M, Berger SA, Biernaczyk M, Bissen R, Brookes JD, Brown D, Cañedo-Argüelles M, Canle M, Capelli C, Carballeira R, Cereijo JL, Chawchai S, Christensen ST, Christoffersen KS, de Eyto E, Delgado J, Dornan TN, Doubek JP, Dusaucy J, Erina O, Ersoy Z, Feuchtmayr H, Frezzotti ML, Galafassi S, Gateuille D, Gonçalves V, Grossart HP, Hamilton DP, Harris TD, Kangur K, Kankılıç GB, Kessler R, Kiel C, Krynak EM, Leiva-Presa À, Lepori F, Matias MG, Matsuzaki SIS, McElarney Y, Messyasz B, Mitchell M, Mlambo MC, Motitsoe SN, Nandini S, Orlandi V, Owens C, Özkundakci D, Pinnow S, Pociecha A, Raposeiro PM, Rõõm EI, Rotta F, Salmaso N, Sarma SSS, Sartirana D, Scordo F, Sibomana C, Siewert D, Stepanowska K, Tavşanoğlu ÜN, Tereshina M, Thompson J, Tolotti M, Valois A, Verburg P, Welsh B, Wesolek B, Weyhenmeyer GA, Wu N, Zawisza E, Zink L, Leoni B. Plastic debris in lakes and reservoirs. Nature 2023; 619:317-322. [PMID: 37438590 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06168-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris is thought to be widespread in freshwater ecosystems globally1. However, a lack of comprehensive and comparable data makes rigorous assessment of its distribution challenging2,3. Here we present a standardized cross-national survey that assesses the abundance and type of plastic debris (>250 μm) in freshwater ecosystems. We sample surface waters of 38 lakes and reservoirs, distributed across gradients of geographical position and limnological attributes, with the aim to identify factors associated with an increased observation of plastics. We find plastic debris in all studied lakes and reservoirs, suggesting that these ecosystems play a key role in the plastic-pollution cycle. Our results indicate that two types of lakes are particularly vulnerable to plastic contamination: lakes and reservoirs in densely populated and urbanized areas and large lakes and reservoirs with elevated deposition areas, long water-retention times and high levels of anthropogenic influence. Plastic concentrations vary widely among lakes; in the most polluted, concentrations reach or even exceed those reported in the subtropical oceanic gyres, marine areas collecting large amounts of debris4. Our findings highlight the importance of including lakes and reservoirs when addressing plastic pollution, in the context of pollution management and for the continued provision of lake ecosystem services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Nava
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
| | - Sudeep Chandra
- Global Water Center, Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Julian Aherne
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
| | - María B Alfonso
- Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ana M Antão-Geraldes
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Katrin Attermeyer
- WasserCluster Lunz - Biologische Station, Lunz am See, Austria
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roberto Bao
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Química e Bioloxía (CICA), GRICA Group, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Mireia Bartrons
- Aquatic Ecology Group, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia, Vic, Spain
| | - Stella A Berger
- Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Stechlin, Germany
| | - Marcin Biernaczyk
- Faculty of Food Sciences and Fisheries, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Raphael Bissen
- Department of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Justin D Brookes
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, Australia
| | - David Brown
- Department of Environmental Data, Horizons Regional Council, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Miguel Cañedo-Argüelles
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), FEHM-Lab, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Moisés Canle
- Cátedra EMALCSA-UDC, React! Group, Faculty of Sciences & CICA, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Camilla Capelli
- Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Mendrisio, Switzerland
| | - Rafael Carballeira
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Química e Bioloxía (CICA), GRICA Group, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Luis Cereijo
- Water and Environmental Engineering Group, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Jorge Delgado
- Water and Environmental Engineering Group, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Tyler N Dornan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jonathan P Doubek
- School of Natural Resources & Environment, Lake Superior State University, Sault Sainte Marie, MI, USA
- Center for Freshwater Research and Education, Lake Superior State University, Sault Sainte Marie, MI, USA
| | - Julia Dusaucy
- Savoie Mont Blanc University, CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, EDYTEM, Chambéry, France
| | - Oxana Erina
- Department of Hydrology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Fisheries, Moscow State University of Technologies and Management (FCU), Moscow, Russia
| | - Zeynep Ersoy
- FEHM-Lab (Freshwater Ecology, Hydrology and Management), Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Rui Nabeiro Biodiversity Chair, Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development (MED), Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - Heidrun Feuchtmayr
- Lake Ecosystems Group, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Luce Frezzotti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Galafassi
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Verbania, Italy
| | - David Gateuille
- Savoie Mont Blanc University, CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, EDYTEM, Chambéry, France
| | - Vitor Gonçalves
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning; UNESCO Chair - Land Within Sea: Biodiversity & Sustainability in Atlantic Islands, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Açores, Portugal
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam University, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Grossart
- Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Stechlin, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam University, Potsdam, Germany
| | - David P Hamilton
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ted D Harris
- Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Külli Kangur
- Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Rebecca Kessler
- Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Christine Kiel
- Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Stechlin, Germany
| | - Edward M Krynak
- Global Water Center, Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Àngels Leiva-Presa
- Aquatic Ecology Group, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia, Vic, Spain
| | - Fabio Lepori
- Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Mendrisio, Switzerland
| | - Miguel G Matias
- Rui Nabeiro Biodiversity Chair, Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development (MED), Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Yvonne McElarney
- Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Beata Messyasz
- Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Mark Mitchell
- Department of Science and Innovation, Horizons Regional Council, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Musa C Mlambo
- Department of Freshwater Invertebrates, Albany Museum, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Samuel N Motitsoe
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Sarma Nandini
- FES Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| | - Valentina Orlandi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Caroline Owens
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Deniz Özkundakci
- Environmental Research Institute - Te Pūtahi Rangahau Taiao, The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Solvig Pinnow
- Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Stechlin, Germany
| | - Agnieszka Pociecha
- Department of Freshwater Biology, Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Pedro Miguel Raposeiro
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning; UNESCO Chair - Land Within Sea: Biodiversity & Sustainability in Atlantic Islands, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Açores, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologias, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Eva-Ingrid Rõõm
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Federica Rotta
- Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Mendrisio, Switzerland
| | - Nico Salmaso
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Italy
| | - S S S Sarma
- FES Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| | - Davide Sartirana
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Facundo Scordo
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Geografía y Turismo, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Claver Sibomana
- Center of Research in Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Burundi, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | | | - Katarzyna Stepanowska
- Faculty of Food Sciences and Fisheries, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Maria Tereshina
- Department of Hydrology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - James Thompson
- Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- School of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
| | - Monica Tolotti
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Italy
| | - Amanda Valois
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Freshwater Ecology, Hamilton and Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Piet Verburg
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Freshwater Ecology, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Brittany Welsh
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
| | - Brian Wesolek
- Biological Services Department, Bay Mills Indian Community, Brimley, MI, USA
| | - Gesa A Weyhenmeyer
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Limnology Group, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Naicheng Wu
- Department of Geography and Spatial Information Techniques, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Edyta Zawisza
- Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lauren Zink
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Barbara Leoni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Suaria G, Cappa P, Perold V, Aliani S, Ryan PG. Abundance and composition of small floating plastics in the eastern and southern sectors of the Atlantic Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115109. [PMID: 37327719 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We report the distribution of floating plastics in the eastern and southern sectors of the Atlantic Ocean based on 35 neuston net trawl samples collected during two research cruises in 2016 and 2017. Plastic particles (>200 μm) were found in 69% of net tows, with median densities of 1583 items·km-2 and 5.1 g·km-2. Most particles (80% of 158) were microplastics (<5 mm) of secondary origin (88%), followed by industrial pellets (5%), thin plastic films (4%) and lines/filaments (3%). Due to the large mesh size we used, textile fibers were not considered in this study. μFTIR analysis revealed that most particles found in the net were made of polyethylene (63%), followed by polypropylene (32%) and polystyrene (1%). A transect between 0 and 18°E along 35°S in the South Atlantic Ocean revealed higher densities farther west, supporting the accumulation of floating plastics in the South Atlantic gyre, mainly west of 10°E.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Suaria
- CNR-ISMAR (Institute of Marine Sciences - National Research Council), Lerici 19032, La Spezia, Italy.
| | - Paolo Cappa
- Independent Researcher, Sommariva Perno 12040, Italy
| | - Vonica Perold
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Stefano Aliani
- CNR-ISMAR (Institute of Marine Sciences - National Research Council), Lerici 19032, La Spezia, Italy
| | - Peter G Ryan
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kelleher L, Schneidewind U, Krause S, Haverson L, Allen S, Allen D, Kukkola A, Murray-Hudson M, Maselli V, Franchi F. Microplastic accumulation in endorheic river basins - The example of the Okavango Panhandle (Botswana). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162452. [PMID: 36870500 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The Okavango Panhandle is the main influent watercourse of the Okavango Delta, an inland sink of the entire sediment load of the Cubango-Okavango River Basin (CORB). The sources of pollution in the CORB, and other endorheic basins, are largely understudied when compared to exorheic systems and the world's oceans. We present the first study of the distribution of microplastic (MP) pollution in surface sediments of the Okavango Panhandle in Northern Botswana. MP concentrations (64 μm-5 mm size range) in sediment samples from the Panhandle range between 56.7 and 399.5 particles kg-1 (dry weight) when analysed with fluorescence microscopy. The concentrations of MP in the 20 μm to 5 mm grain size range (analysed with Raman spectroscopy) range between 1075.7 and 1756.3 particles kg-1. One shallow core (15 cm long) from an oxbow lake suggests that MP size decreases with depth while MP concentration increases downcore. Raman Spectroscopy revealed that the compositions of the MP are dominated by polyethene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). From this novel data set it was possible to estimate that 10.9-336.2 billion particles could be transported into the Okavango Delta annually, indicating that the region represents a significant sink for MP, raising concerns for the unique wetland ecosystem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liam Kelleher
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham, United Kingdom; Institute of Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, B15 2SA Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Uwe Schneidewind
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Stefan Krause
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham, United Kingdom; Institute of Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, B15 2SA Birmingham, United Kingdom; LEHNA- Laboratoire d'ecologie des hydrosystemes naturels et anthropises, University of Lyon, Darwin C & Forel, 3-6 Rue Raphaël Dubois, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Lee Haverson
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Steve Allen
- Ocean Frontiers Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Deonie Allen
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham, United Kingdom; School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Anna Kukkola
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Vittorio Maselli
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Fulvio Franchi
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Private bag 16, Palapye, Botswana.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Landrigan PJ, Raps H, Cropper M, Bald C, Brunner M, Canonizado EM, Charles D, Chiles TC, Donohue MJ, Enck J, Fenichel P, Fleming LE, Ferrier-Pages C, Fordham R, Gozt A, Griffin C, Hahn ME, Haryanto B, Hixson R, Ianelli H, James BD, Kumar P, Laborde A, Law KL, Martin K, Mu J, Mulders Y, Mustapha A, Niu J, Pahl S, Park Y, Pedrotti ML, Pitt JA, Ruchirawat M, Seewoo BJ, Spring M, Stegeman JJ, Suk W, Symeonides C, Takada H, Thompson RC, Vicini A, Wang Z, Whitman E, Wirth D, Wolff M, Yousuf AK, Dunlop S. The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:23. [PMID: 36969097 PMCID: PMC10038118 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plastics have conveyed great benefits to humanity and made possible some of the most significant advances of modern civilization in fields as diverse as medicine, electronics, aerospace, construction, food packaging, and sports. It is now clear, however, that plastics are also responsible for significant harms to human health, the economy, and the earth's environment. These harms occur at every stage of the plastic life cycle, from extraction of the coal, oil, and gas that are its main feedstocks through to ultimate disposal into the environment. The extent of these harms not been systematically assessed, their magnitude not fully quantified, and their economic costs not comprehensively counted. Goals The goals of this Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health are to comprehensively examine plastics' impacts across their life cycle on: (1) human health and well-being; (2) the global environment, especially the ocean; (3) the economy; and (4) vulnerable populations-the poor, minorities, and the world's children. On the basis of this examination, the Commission offers science-based recommendations designed to support development of a Global Plastics Treaty, protect human health, and save lives. Report Structure This Commission report contains seven Sections. Following an Introduction, Section 2 presents a narrative review of the processes involved in plastic production, use, and disposal and notes the hazards to human health and the environment associated with each of these stages. Section 3 describes plastics' impacts on the ocean and notes the potential for plastic in the ocean to enter the marine food web and result in human exposure. Section 4 details plastics' impacts on human health. Section 5 presents a first-order estimate of plastics' health-related economic costs. Section 6 examines the intersection between plastic, social inequity, and environmental injustice. Section 7 presents the Commission's findings and recommendations. Plastics Plastics are complex, highly heterogeneous, synthetic chemical materials. Over 98% of plastics are produced from fossil carbon- coal, oil and gas. Plastics are comprised of a carbon-based polymer backbone and thousands of additional chemicals that are incorporated into polymers to convey specific properties such as color, flexibility, stability, water repellence, flame retardation, and ultraviolet resistance. Many of these added chemicals are highly toxic. They include carcinogens, neurotoxicants and endocrine disruptors such as phthalates, bisphenols, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), brominated flame retardants, and organophosphate flame retardants. They are integral components of plastic and are responsible for many of plastics' harms to human health and the environment.Global plastic production has increased almost exponentially since World War II, and in this time more than 8,300 megatons (Mt) of plastic have been manufactured. Annual production volume has grown from under 2 Mt in 1950 to 460 Mt in 2019, a 230-fold increase, and is on track to triple by 2060. More than half of all plastic ever made has been produced since 2002. Single-use plastics account for 35-40% of current plastic production and represent the most rapidly growing segment of plastic manufacture.Explosive recent growth in plastics production reflects a deliberate pivot by the integrated multinational fossil-carbon corporations that produce coal, oil and gas and that also manufacture plastics. These corporations are reducing their production of fossil fuels and increasing plastics manufacture. The two principal factors responsible for this pivot are decreasing global demand for carbon-based fuels due to increases in 'green' energy, and massive expansion of oil and gas production due to fracking.Plastic manufacture is energy-intensive and contributes significantly to climate change. At present, plastic production is responsible for an estimated 3.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the contribution of Brazil. This fraction is projected to increase to 4.5% by 2060 if current trends continue unchecked. Plastic Life Cycle The plastic life cycle has three phases: production, use, and disposal. In production, carbon feedstocks-coal, gas, and oil-are transformed through energy-intensive, catalytic processes into a vast array of products. Plastic use occurs in every aspect of modern life and results in widespread human exposure to the chemicals contained in plastic. Single-use plastics constitute the largest portion of current use, followed by synthetic fibers and construction.Plastic disposal is highly inefficient, with recovery and recycling rates below 10% globally. The result is that an estimated 22 Mt of plastic waste enters the environment each year, much of it single-use plastic and are added to the more than 6 gigatons of plastic waste that have accumulated since 1950. Strategies for disposal of plastic waste include controlled and uncontrolled landfilling, open burning, thermal conversion, and export. Vast quantities of plastic waste are exported each year from high-income to low-income countries, where it accumulates in landfills, pollutes air and water, degrades vital ecosystems, befouls beaches and estuaries, and harms human health-environmental injustice on a global scale. Plastic-laden e-waste is particularly problematic. Environmental Findings Plastics and plastic-associated chemicals are responsible for widespread pollution. They contaminate aquatic (marine and freshwater), terrestrial, and atmospheric environments globally. The ocean is the ultimate destination for much plastic, and plastics are found throughout the ocean, including coastal regions, the sea surface, the deep sea, and polar sea ice. Many plastics appear to resist breakdown in the ocean and could persist in the global environment for decades. Macro- and micro-plastic particles have been identified in hundreds of marine species in all major taxa, including species consumed by humans. Trophic transfer of microplastic particles and the chemicals within them has been demonstrated. Although microplastic particles themselves (>10 µm) appear not to undergo biomagnification, hydrophobic plastic-associated chemicals bioaccumulate in marine animals and biomagnify in marine food webs. The amounts and fates of smaller microplastic and nanoplastic particles (MNPs <10 µm) in aquatic environments are poorly understood, but the potential for harm is worrying given their mobility in biological systems. Adverse environmental impacts of plastic pollution occur at multiple levels from molecular and biochemical to population and ecosystem. MNP contamination of seafood results in direct, though not well quantified, human exposure to plastics and plastic-associated chemicals. Marine plastic pollution endangers the ocean ecosystems upon which all humanity depends for food, oxygen, livelihood, and well-being. Human Health Findings Coal miners, oil workers and gas field workers who extract fossil carbon feedstocks for plastic production suffer increased mortality from traumatic injury, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, silicosis, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Plastic production workers are at increased risk of leukemia, lymphoma, hepatic angiosarcoma, brain cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, neurotoxic injury, and decreased fertility. Workers producing plastic textiles die of bladder cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and interstitial lung disease at increased rates. Plastic recycling workers have increased rates of cardiovascular disease, toxic metal poisoning, neuropathy, and lung cancer. Residents of "fenceline" communities adjacent to plastic production and waste disposal sites experience increased risks of premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, childhood leukemia, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.During use and also in disposal, plastics release toxic chemicals including additives and residual monomers into the environment and into people. National biomonitoring surveys in the USA document population-wide exposures to these chemicals. Plastic additives disrupt endocrine function and increase risk for premature births, neurodevelopmental disorders, male reproductive birth defects, infertility, obesity, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and cancers. Chemical-laden MNPs formed through the environmental degradation of plastic waste can enter living organisms, including humans. Emerging, albeit still incomplete evidence indicates that MNPs may cause toxicity due to their physical and toxicological effects as well as by acting as vectors that transport toxic chemicals and bacterial pathogens into tissues and cells.Infants in the womb and young children are two populations at particularly high risk of plastic-related health effects. Because of the exquisite sensitivity of early development to hazardous chemicals and children's unique patterns of exposure, plastic-associated exposures are linked to increased risks of prematurity, stillbirth, low birth weight, birth defects of the reproductive organs, neurodevelopmental impairment, impaired lung growth, and childhood cancer. Early-life exposures to plastic-associated chemicals also increase the risk of multiple non-communicable diseases later in life. Economic Findings Plastic's harms to human health result in significant economic costs. We estimate that in 2015 the health-related costs of plastic production exceeded $250 billion (2015 Int$) globally, and that in the USA alone the health costs of disease and disability caused by the plastic-associated chemicals PBDE, BPA and DEHP exceeded $920 billion (2015 Int$). Plastic production results in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions equivalent to 1.96 gigatons of carbon dioxide (CO2e) annually. Using the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) social cost of carbon metric, we estimate the annual costs of these GHG emissions to be $341 billion (2015 Int$).These costs, large as they are, almost certainly underestimate the full economic losses resulting from plastics' negative impacts on human health and the global environment. All of plastics' economic costs-and also its social costs-are externalized by the petrochemical and plastic manufacturing industry and are borne by citizens, taxpayers, and governments in countries around the world without compensation. Social Justice Findings The adverse effects of plastics and plastic pollution on human health, the economy and the environment are not evenly distributed. They disproportionately affect poor, disempowered, and marginalized populations such as workers, racial and ethnic minorities, "fenceline" communities, Indigenous groups, women, and children, all of whom had little to do with creating the current plastics crisis and lack the political influence or the resources to address it. Plastics' harmful impacts across its life cycle are most keenly felt in the Global South, in small island states, and in disenfranchised areas in the Global North. Social and environmental justice (SEJ) principles require reversal of these inequitable burdens to ensure that no group bears a disproportionate share of plastics' negative impacts and that those who benefit economically from plastic bear their fair share of its currently externalized costs. Conclusions It is now clear that current patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal are not sustainable and are responsible for significant harms to human health, the environment, and the economy as well as for deep societal injustices.The main driver of these worsening harms is an almost exponential and still accelerating increase in global plastic production. Plastics' harms are further magnified by low rates of recovery and recycling and by the long persistence of plastic waste in the environment.The thousands of chemicals in plastics-monomers, additives, processing agents, and non-intentionally added substances-include amongst their number known human carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxicants, and persistent organic pollutants. These chemicals are responsible for many of plastics' known harms to human and planetary health. The chemicals leach out of plastics, enter the environment, cause pollution, and result in human exposure and disease. All efforts to reduce plastics' hazards must address the hazards of plastic-associated chemicals. Recommendations To protect human and planetary health, especially the health of vulnerable and at-risk populations, and put the world on track to end plastic pollution by 2040, this Commission supports urgent adoption by the world's nations of a strong and comprehensive Global Plastics Treaty in accord with the mandate set forth in the March 2022 resolution of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).International measures such as a Global Plastics Treaty are needed to curb plastic production and pollution, because the harms to human health and the environment caused by plastics, plastic-associated chemicals and plastic waste transcend national boundaries, are planetary in their scale, and have disproportionate impacts on the health and well-being of people in the world's poorest nations. Effective implementation of the Global Plastics Treaty will require that international action be coordinated and complemented by interventions at the national, regional, and local levels.This Commission urges that a cap on global plastic production with targets, timetables, and national contributions be a central provision of the Global Plastics Treaty. We recommend inclusion of the following additional provisions:The Treaty needs to extend beyond microplastics and marine litter to include all of the many thousands of chemicals incorporated into plastics.The Treaty needs to include a provision banning or severely restricting manufacture and use of unnecessary, avoidable, and problematic plastic items, especially single-use items such as manufactured plastic microbeads.The Treaty needs to include requirements on extended producer responsibility (EPR) that make fossil carbon producers, plastic producers, and the manufacturers of plastic products legally and financially responsible for the safety and end-of-life management of all the materials they produce and sell.The Treaty needs to mandate reductions in the chemical complexity of plastic products; health-protective standards for plastics and plastic additives; a requirement for use of sustainable non-toxic materials; full disclosure of all components; and traceability of components. International cooperation will be essential to implementing and enforcing these standards.The Treaty needs to include SEJ remedies at each stage of the plastic life cycle designed to fill gaps in community knowledge and advance both distributional and procedural equity.This Commission encourages inclusion in the Global Plastic Treaty of a provision calling for exploration of listing at least some plastic polymers as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.This Commission encourages a strong interface between the Global Plastics Treaty and the Basel and London Conventions to enhance management of hazardous plastic waste and slow current massive exports of plastic waste into the world's least-developed countries.This Commission recommends the creation of a Permanent Science Policy Advisory Body to guide the Treaty's implementation. The main priorities of this Body would be to guide Member States and other stakeholders in evaluating which solutions are most effective in reducing plastic consumption, enhancing plastic waste recovery and recycling, and curbing the generation of plastic waste. This Body could also assess trade-offs among these solutions and evaluate safer alternatives to current plastics. It could monitor the transnational export of plastic waste. It could coordinate robust oceanic-, land-, and air-based MNP monitoring programs.This Commission recommends urgent investment by national governments in research into solutions to the global plastic crisis. This research will need to determine which solutions are most effective and cost-effective in the context of particular countries and assess the risks and benefits of proposed solutions. Oceanographic and environmental research is needed to better measure concentrations and impacts of plastics <10 µm and understand their distribution and fate in the global environment. Biomedical research is needed to elucidate the human health impacts of plastics, especially MNPs. Summary This Commission finds that plastics are both a boon to humanity and a stealth threat to human and planetary health. Plastics convey enormous benefits, but current linear patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal that pay little attention to sustainable design or safe materials and a near absence of recovery, reuse, and recycling are responsible for grave harms to health, widespread environmental damage, great economic costs, and deep societal injustices. These harms are rapidly worsening.While there remain gaps in knowledge about plastics' harms and uncertainties about their full magnitude, the evidence available today demonstrates unequivocally that these impacts are great and that they will increase in severity in the absence of urgent and effective intervention at global scale. Manufacture and use of essential plastics may continue. However, reckless increases in plastic production, and especially increases in the manufacture of an ever-increasing array of unnecessary single-use plastic products, need to be curbed.Global intervention against the plastic crisis is needed now because the costs of failure to act will be immense.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Landrigan
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Hervé Raps
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Maureen Cropper
- Economics Department, University of Maryland, College Park, US
| | - Caroline Bald
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Fenichel
- Université Côte d’Azur
- Centre Hospitalier, Universitaire de Nice, FR
| | - Lora E. Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, UK
| | | | | | | | - Carly Griffin
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, US
| | - Budi Haryanto
- Department of Environmental Health, Universitas Indonesia, ID
- Research Center for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia, ID
| | - Richard Hixson
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Hannah Ianelli
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Bryan D. James
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | | | - Amalia Laborde
- Department of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of the Republic, UY
| | | | - Keith Martin
- Consortium of Universities for Global Health, US
| | - Jenna Mu
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | - Adetoun Mustapha
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
- Lead City University, NG
| | - Jia Niu
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, US
| | - Sabine Pahl
- University of Vienna, Austria
- University of Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Maria-Luiza Pedrotti
- Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche sur mer (LOV), Sorbonne Université, FR
| | | | | | - Bhedita Jaya Seewoo
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
| | | | - John J. Stegeman
- Biology Department and Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | - William Suk
- Superfund Research Program, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US
| | | | - Hideshige Takada
- Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry (LOG), Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, JP
| | | | | | - Zhanyun Wang
- Technology and Society Laboratory, WEmpa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials and Technology, CH
| | - Ella Whitman
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | - Aroub K. Yousuf
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Sarah Dunlop
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Tang L, Feng JC, Li C, Liang J, Zhang S, Yang Z. Global occurrence, drivers, and environmental risks of microplastics in marine environments. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 329:116961. [PMID: 36542885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
With an increasing quantity of plastic waste being discharged into the oceans, marine microplastic (MP) pollution has received widespread attention. However, the global occurrence characteristics, environmental risks, driving factors, and source-sink relationships remain unclear. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis based on 165 articles about marine MP pollution. It was found that the global marine MP abundance displayed a significant spatial heterogeneity, and the distribution pattern was influenced by offshore distance, population density, and economic development. The morphological characteristics of MPs showed a significant difference between seawater and marine sediment, and small-size MPs (<1 mm) accounted for the majority of all MPs in the marine environment. The environmental risk assessment revealed that most of the marine MP pollution still remains at low concentrations in the global context, with the Polyurethane (PU), Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) types of MPs showing high environmental-risk contributions. In addition, land-based waste and marine operations, which were considered to be the dominant sources of marine MPs, primarily aggregated at nearshore submarine areas, in the water column, and in the deep-sea bottom environment. This study suggested that the combination of a meta-analysis and Monte Carlo simulation can provide much valuable information regarding the global occurrence characteristics and environmental risks of marine MPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, PR China
| | - Jing-Chun Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, PR China.
| | - Canrong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, PR China
| | - Jianzhen Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, PR China
| | - Si Zhang
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, PR China; South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China
| | - Zhifeng Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Thushari GGN, Miyazono K, Sato T, Yamashita R, Takasuka A, Watai M, Yasuda T, Kuroda H, Takahashi K. Floating plastic accumulation and distribution around Kuroshio Current, western North Pacific. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114604. [PMID: 36706546 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The distribution of floating plastic debris around the Kuroshio Current which transports plastics from the coastal waters of Asian countries to North Pacific subtropical gyre, was investigated in 2014. The mean abundance and weight of plastic debris on the sea surface were 100,376 counts/km2 and 446.16 g/km2, respectively. Intensive plastic accumulation was observed in the frontal area between the northern edge of the Kuroshio and coastal waters off Shikoku, while a relatively higher abundance in the south of Kuroshio was generally associated with anticyclonic mesoscale eddies. Such an accumulation resulted from the eddy-Kuroshio interactions which are specifically associated with the offshore non-large meandering Kuroshio path. Overall, white, fragmented, small-sized (≤1 mm) particles with polyethylene and polypropylene polymers were dominant. In the southern area of Kuroshio, the contribution of polystyrene and larger-sized plastic was higher, suggesting a rapid influx of fresh particles from western Japan to offshore by the northwest monsoon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gajahin Gamage Nadeeka Thushari
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science & Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Passara Road, Badulla 90 000, Sri Lanka.
| | - Kentaro Miyazono
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Takuya Sato
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Rei Yamashita
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba 277-8564, Japan
| | - Akinori Takasuka
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Mikio Watai
- Fisheries Resources Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 2-12-4 Fukuura, Kanazawa, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-8648, Japan
| | - Tohya Yasuda
- Fisheries Resources Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 2-12-4 Fukuura, Kanazawa, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-8648, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kuroda
- Fisheries Resources Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 116 Katsurakoi, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0802, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Takahashi
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Hernández-Sánchez C, Pestana-Ríos ÁA, Villanova-Solano C, Domínguez-Hernández C, Díaz-Peña FJ, Rodríguez-Álvarez C, Lecuona M, Arias Á. Bacterial Colonization of Microplastics at the Beaches of an Oceanic Island, Tenerife, Canary Islands. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3951. [PMID: 36900968 PMCID: PMC10001659 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
(1) Isolated systems, such as oceanic islands, are increasingly experiencing important problems related to microplastic debris on their beaches. The formation of microbial biofilm on the surface of microplastics present in marine environments provides potential facilities for microorganisms to survive under the biofilm. Moreover, microplastics act as a vehicle for the dispersion of pathogenic organisms, constituting a new route of exposure for humans. (2) In this study, the microbial content (FIO and Vibrio spp. and Staphylococcus aureus) of microplastics (fragments and pellets) collected from seven beaches of the oceanic island of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands (Spain), was determined. (3) Results showed that Escherichia coli was present in 57.1% of the fragments and 28.5% of the pellets studied. In the case of intestinal Enterococci, 85.7% of the fragments and 57.1% of the pellets tested positive for this parameter. Finally, 100% of the fragments and 42.8% of the pellets analyzed from the different beaches contained Vibrio spp. (4) This study shows that microplastics act as reservoirs of microorganisms that can increase the presence of bacteria indicating faecal and pathogenic contamination in bathing areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cintia Hernández-Sánchez
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, Health Science Faculty, University of La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra s/n, 38071 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna (ULL), Avda, Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n°, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Ángel Antonio Pestana-Ríos
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, Health Science Faculty, University of La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra s/n, 38071 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Cristina Villanova-Solano
- Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna (ULL), Avda, Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n°, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Departmental Unit of Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry Department, Science Faculty, University of La Laguna (ULL), Avda Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n°, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Cristopher Domínguez-Hernández
- Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna (ULL), Avda, Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n°, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Departmental Unit of Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry Department, Science Faculty, University of La Laguna (ULL), Avda Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n°, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Díaz-Peña
- Department of Animal Biology, Soil Science and Geology, Science Faculty, University of La Laguna (ULL), Avda, Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n°, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Cristobalina Rodríguez-Álvarez
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, Health Science Faculty, University of La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra s/n, 38071 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - María Lecuona
- Microbiology and Infection Control Service of the University Hospital of the Canary Islands (HUC), 38071 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ángeles Arias
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, Health Science Faculty, University of La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra s/n, 38071 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Acarer S. Microplastics in wastewater treatment plants: Sources, properties, removal efficiency, removal mechanisms, and interactions with pollutants. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2023; 87:685-710. [PMID: 36789712 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2023.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Since wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) cannot completely remove microplastics (MPs) from wastewater, WWTPs are responsible for the release of millions of MPs into the environment even in 1 day. Therefore, knowing the sources, properties, removal efficiencies and removal mechanisms of MPs in WWTPs is of great importance for the management of MPs. In this paper, firstly the sources of MPs in WWTPs and the quantities and properties (polymer type, shape, size, and color) of MPs in influents, effluents, and sludges of WWTPs are presented. Following this, the MP removal efficiency of different treatment units (primary settling, flotation, biological treatment, secondary settling, filtration-based treatment technologies, and coagulation) in WWTPs is discussed. In the next section, details about MP removal mechanisms in critical treatment units (settling and flotation tanks, bioreactors, sand filters, membrane filters, and coagulation units) in WWTPs are given. In the last section, the mechanisms and factors that are effective in adsorbing organic-inorganic pollutants in wastewater to MPs are presented. Finally, the current situation and research gap in these areas are identified and suggestions are provided for topics that need further research in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seren Acarer
- Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Avcilar, 34320 Istanbul, Turkey E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Tan M, Sun Y, Gui J, Wang J, Chen X, Song W, Wu D. Distribution characteristics of microplastics in typical organic solid wastes and their biologically treated products. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 852:158440. [PMID: 36057301 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Enormous production, use, and disposal of plastic goods present great challenges to environmental sustainability. Microplastics (MPs) are added into land which may serve as a larger MP repository than the ocean. Organic solid wastes and their biologically treated products can easily enter the soil and accumulate in soil systems. The current work deals with the extraction, identification, and distribution of MPs in typical organic solid wastes (food waste, livestock manure, and sludge) and their biologically treated products. The ecological risks of MPs were also preliminarily evaluated. The results showed that the abundance of MPs in organic solid wastes was in order of sludge > food waste > livestock manure. The main categories of MPs were fibers and films including PE, PP, and PET. The colors of MPs were mainly black, red, blue, and green. MPs generally exhibited bulges, depressions, cracks, or holes after biological treatment, and would be degraded into smaller fragments with potentially greater ecological risks. It was also found that the polymer risk index (H) of MPs in semi-dynamic composting products, compound fertilizer, and biogas residue of sedimentation tank sludge were higher than 10, reflecting their high ecological risk. Thus, it is recommended that the input of (micro)plastics to organic solid wastes streams should be minimized and related management should be established for the utilization of organic solid wastes and their biologically treated products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Tan
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yue Sun
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiaxi Gui
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jingli Wang
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xu Chen
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wei Song
- China Urban Construction Design & Research Institute, Beijing 100120, China
| | - Donglei Wu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Montoto-Martínez T, Meléndez-Díez C, Melián-Ramírez A, Hernández-Brito JJ, Gelado-Caballero MD. Comparison between the traditional Manta net and an innovative device for microplastic sampling in surface marine waters. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114237. [PMID: 36283151 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Manta nets are commonly used for microplastics sampling although a number of limitations have emerged. In this study we compare the manta net to an innovative microplastic sampler, referred to as MuMi, registered as utility model. The results highlight the large variability that can exist in the outcomes of the different studies due to the lack of harmonization between methods and the differing factors such as sampling mesh size, representativeness or reproducibility of the sampling volumes. Control over the filtered volume is an issue to be improved in trawl sampling methods, while in the MuMi sampler the control over the sampling depth could be improved. Still, MuMi represents a highly advantageous sampling system in terms of ease of operation, lower cost, smaller microplastics target size and greater precision, all while maintaining the representativeness of the collected samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Montoto-Martínez
- Environmental Technologies, Management and Biogeochemistry Research Group, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Carmen Meléndez-Díez
- FarFalle Project, Science On Board, Scientific Tourism in the Canary Islands. Spain.
| | - Abisai Melián-Ramírez
- Environmental Technologies, Management and Biogeochemistry Research Group, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - José Joaquín Hernández-Brito
- Environmental Technologies, Management and Biogeochemistry Research Group, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain; Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Mª Dolores Gelado-Caballero
- Environmental Technologies, Management and Biogeochemistry Research Group, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
López-Martínez S, Perez-Rubín C, Gavara R, Handcock RN, Rivas ML. Presence and implications of plastics in wild commercial fishes in the Alboran Sea (Mediterranean Sea). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 850:158025. [PMID: 35973533 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The presence of plastic in the environment has become a major problem for marine ecosystems. The identification of the global micro and mesoplastic uptake by commercial fish populations may allow for a better understanding of their impact. This study aims to determine the presence and composition of plastic in two pelagic fish (Engraulis encrasicolus and Scomber scombrus) and two demersal species (Scyliorinus canicula and Mullus barbatus) from the Alboran Sea (western Mediterranean) to quantify the relationship between plastic prevalence and the environment and feeding behavior in the selected fish species. Samples of these four fish species from sites in the Alboran Sea were studied for ingested plastics. These localized samples were also compared to published values which covered a broader geographical range. Samples from the Alboran Sea study sites showed that the predominant fiber color was black and the predominant plastic polymers were polyethylene and cellulose. At the Alboran Sea study site the highest plastic occurrence was found in S. scombrus, whereas in the published literature the highest occurrence of plastics in digestive tracts was found in E. encrasicolus. The general prevalence of marine plastic pollution and levels of macro- and micro-plastic ingested by commercial fish species in this study support the idea that quantifying plastic presence and composition may be essential to understanding potential impacts on marine ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rebecca N Handcock
- Curtin Institute for Computation, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Marga L Rivas
- Biology Department, Campus of Excellence of Marine Science CEIMAR, University of Cádiz, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ujjaman Nur AA, Hossain MB, Banik P, Choudhury TR, Liba SI, Umamaheswari S, Albeshr MF, Senapathi V, Arai T, Yu J. Microplastic contamination in processed and unprocessed sea salts from a developing country and potential risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136395. [PMID: 36096307 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136395] [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: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In aquatic environments, microplastics (MPs) are pervasive which could have a considerable negative impact on the environment, organisms and pose a risk to human health. However, knowledge about the exposure and ecological risk of MPs in the coastal ecosystems of developing countries is limited. In this study, we analyzed salt samples from five commonly consumed processed and unprocessed sea salts of different commercial brands originated from 15 salt pans in Bangladesh to assess the abundance, characteristics and potential risks of MPs. The quantities of MPs in unprocessed salts (average 195 ± 56 item/kg) were higher than those in the processed salts (average 157 ± 34 item/kg). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant (p < 0.05) differences among the average numbers of MPs in both processed and unprocessed salts. MP levels in this study were 2-3 times higher than those reported from some other countries. Fiber-shaped and transparent MPs were dominant in both cases. MPs less than 0.5 mm in size were the most abundant in both unprocessed (58.2%) and processed (62.2%) salts. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed five types of polymers, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET-35%), polypropylene (PP-27.5%), polyethylene (PE-25%), polystyrene (PS-10%), and Nylon (2.5%) in the studied salts. The sea salts were classified as potential hazard index (PHI) levels IV to V, indicating serious MP contamination, whereas potential ecological risk factor (Ei), potential ecological risk index (RI), and pollutant load index (PLI) indicated moderate levels of pollution of MPs. Domestic and municipal wastewater effluents to Bay of Bengal and fishing activities may attributed to presence of MPs in the sea salt. These findings can be used by consumers, salt industries and policy makers to reduce MPs levels during consumption, production and policymaking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- As-Ad Ujjaman Nur
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Bangladesh
| | - M Belal Hossain
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Bangladesh; School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Partho Banik
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Bangladesh
| | - Tasrina Rabia Choudhury
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre Dhaka, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Samia Islam Liba
- Materials Science Division, Atomic Energy Centre Dhaka, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - S Umamaheswari
- Department of Zoology, Thanthai Periyar Government Arts and Science College, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mohammed Fahad Albeshr
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Takaomi Arai
- Environmental and Life Sciences Programme, Faculty of Science, University Brunei Darussalam, Jala Tungku Link, Gadong BE, 1410, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Jimmy Yu
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Cuvelier D, Ramalho SP, Purser A, Haeckel M. Impact of returning scientific cruises and prolonged on-site presence on litter abundance at the deep-sea nodule fields in the Peru Basin. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114162. [PMID: 36174254 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter can be found along coasts, continental shelves and slopes, down into the abyss. The absence of light, low temperatures and low energy regimes characterising the deeper habitats ensure the persistence of litter over time. Therefore, manmade items within the deep sea will likely accumulate to increasing quantities. Here we report the litter abundance encountered at the Pacific abyssal nodule fields from the Peru Basin at 4150 m depth. An average density of 2.67 litter items/ha was observed. Litter composed of plastic was the most abundant followed by metal and glass. At least 58 % of the items observed could be linked to the research expeditions conducted in the area and appeared to be mostly accidental disposals from ships. The data gathered was used to address temporal trends in litter abundance as well as the impact of human on-site presence and return cruises in the context of future deep-sea mining efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Cuvelier
- Institute of Marine Sciences - Okeanos, University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal.
| | - Sofia P Ramalho
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Autun Purser
- Alfred Wegener Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|