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Liu Z, Liang T, Liu X. Characteristics, distribution patterns and sources of atmospheric microplastics in the Bohai and Yellow Seas, China. Sci Total Environ 2024; 926:171906. [PMID: 38531455 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Although the prevalence of microplastics in the atmosphere has recently received considerable attention, there is little information available regarding the distribution of atmospheric microplastics over oceanic regions. In this study, during the summer and autumn months of 2022, we investigated atmospheric microplastics in four marine regions off the eastern coast of mainland China, namely, the southern, middle, and northern regions of the Yellow Sea, and the Bohai Sea. The abundance of atmospheric microplastics in these regions ranged from 1.65 to 16.80 items/100 m3 during summer and from 0.38 to 14.58 items/100 m3 during autumn, although we detected no significant differences in abundance among these regions. Polyamide, chlorinated polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate were identified as the main types of plastic polymer. On the basis of meteorological data and backward trajectory model analyses, we established that the atmospheric microplastics detected during summer were mainly derived from the adjacent marine atmosphere and that over the continental landmass in the vicinity of the sampling area, whereas microplastics detected during autumn appear to have originated mainly from the northeast of China. By influencing the settlement and migration of microplastics, meteorological factors, such as relative humidity and wind speed, were identified as potential factors determining the distribution and characteristics of the detected microplastics. Our findings in this study, revealing the origin and fate of marine atmospheric microplastics, make an important contribution to our current understanding of the distribution and transmission of microplastics within the surveyed region and potentially worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjinhao Liu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; MoE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Ting Liang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; MoE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaoshou Liu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; MoE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
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Kaizuka M, Sato H, Ozaki Y, Sato H. Visualization of Recrystallization Induced by Ultraviolet Degradation of a Polypropylene Film Using Raman Imaging. Appl Spectrosc 2024; 78:517-522. [PMID: 38441132 DOI: 10.1177/00037028241235233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Raman images were constructed for polypropylene (PP) films before and after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation (100 mW, 248-436 nm) for 10 h using several intensity ratios of Raman bands that are sensitive to crystallization of PP. In the images of PP films before the irradiation the intensity ratios are nearly uniform for the films but for those of the PP films after the irradiation, the ratios become large with a mottled pattern, indicating that recrystallization occurs in the PP films upon the irradiation of the UV light. The UV-irradiated PP films show worm-like shaped structures in few micrometer order representing the recrystallization of PP. The temperature gradient of PP is low (273 K), and thus, it is very likely that due to UV energy and polymer fragmentation, PP molecules become more mobile and some parts of molecular chains in amorphous parts of PP molecules lead to their rearrangement and recrystallization. In this study, we demonstrate that Raman imaging clearly detects subtle changes in the crystallinity with a micrometer order structure which morphological images cannot observe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Kaizuka
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, Gakuen-Uegahara, Sanda, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Harumi Sato
- Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University, Tsurukabuto, Nada, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Ozaki
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, Gakuen-Uegahara, Sanda, Hyogo, Japan
- Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University, Tsurukabuto, Nada, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Sato
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, Gakuen-Uegahara, Sanda, Hyogo, Japan
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Ali M, Xu D, Yang X, Hu J. Microplastics and PAHs mixed contamination: An in-depth review on the sources, co-occurrence, and fate in marine ecosystems. Water Res 2024; 257:121622. [PMID: 38733961 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are toxic contaminants that have been found in marine ecosystems. This review aims to explore the sources and mechanisms of PAHs and MPs mixed contamination in marine environments. Understanding the released sources of PAHs and MPs is crucial for proposing appropriate regulations on the release of these contaminants. Additionally, the mechanisms of co-occurrence and the role of MPs in distributing PAHs in marine ecosystems were investigated in detail. Moreover, the chemical affinity between PAHs and MPs was proposed, highlighting the potential mechanisms that lead to their persistence in marine ecosystems. Moreover, we delve into the various factors influencing the co-occurrence, chemical affinity, and distribution of mixed contaminants in marine ecosystems. These factors, including environmental characteristics, MPs properties, PAHs molecular weight and hydrophobicity, and microbial interactions, were critically examined. The co-contamination raises concerns about the potential synergistic effects on their degradation and toxicity. Interesting, few studies have reported the enhanced photodegradation and biodegradation of contaminants under mixed contamination compared to their individual remediation. However, currently, the remediation strategies reported for PAHs and MPs mixed contamination are scarce and limited. While there have been some initiatives to remove PAHs and MPs individually, there is a lack of research specifically targeting the removal of mixed contaminants. This deficiency highlights the need for further investigation and the development of effective remediation approaches for the efficient remediation of PAHs and MPs from marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukhtiar Ali
- Advanced Water Technology Laboratory, National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Dong Xu
- Advanced Water Technology Laboratory, National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
| | - Xuan Yang
- Advanced Water Technology Laboratory, National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Jiangyong Hu
- Advanced Water Technology Laboratory, National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Block E1A, #07-01, 1 Engineering Drive 2, Singapore 117576, Singapore.
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McLeod LJ, Hine DW, Milfont TL, Dorner Z, Tassell-Matamua NA, Maris RDC, Kitson JC, Stahlmann-Brown P. Protecting and restoring freshwater biodiversity across urban areas in Aotearoa New Zealand: Citizens' reporting of pollution in stormwater drains and waterways. J Environ Manage 2024; 351:120019. [PMID: 38181685 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Urbanization poses numerous challenges to freshwater biodiversity. This paper describes two studies with the joint aim of demonstrating the benefits of applying a systematic behaviour change framework and providing the foundational knowledge to inform future behavior change work to protect and restore urban freshwater biodiversity. In Study 1 we used a mixed-methods research design, involving 14 key informant interviews followed by an online survey targeting 17 freshwater biodiversity experts and another targeting a representative sample of 550 urban residents, to identify and prioritize the most promising resident behaviors to target to reduce stormwater pollution and improve natural waterway habitats in urban areas. Study 2 focused on the top-ranked short-term behavior identified in Study 1, citizen reporting of pollution in stormwater drains and waterways. We surveyed a representative sample of 1901 urban residents across Aoteraoa New Zealand to identify four main determinants influencing this behavior: awareness and uncertainty about reporting, lack of opportunity to report, social motivation and personal motivation to report, and five potential target audiences: 'Supportive', 'Unaware but receptive', 'Motivated but lack support', 'Reluctant', and 'Not my problem'. We make recommendations for the most appropriate intervention designs to target each of these audience segments to promote the reporting of stormwater pollution in urban areas. This knowledge will allow for a more coordinated and effective approach for addressing the 'human element' that lies at the heart of many urban freshwater management problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynette J McLeod
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Donald W Hine
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Taciano L Milfont
- Ministry for the Environment and School of Psychology, University of Waikato, Tauranga, New Zealand
| | - Zack Dorner
- Department of Environment Management, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Natasha A Tassell-Matamua
- Centre for Indigenous Psychologies, School of Psychology, Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand; Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Makea kei Rarotonga, New Zealand
| | - Robbie D C Maris
- Waikato Management School, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Jane C Kitson
- Kitson Consulting Ltd, Invercargill, New Zealand; Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Ngāi Tahu, New Zealand
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Wang K, Liu Y, Shi X, Zhao S, Sun B, Lu J, Li W. Characterization and traceability analysis of dry deposition of atmospheric microplastics (MPs) in Wuliangsuhai Lake. Sci Total Environ 2024; 906:168201. [PMID: 37918738 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) represent a contaminant of emerging concern that may negatively impact lacustrine ecosystems. It is important, then, to manage and reduce the influx of MPs to lakes, a process that requires the identification of MP sources. In this study, atmospheric MP samples were collected and analyzed from 6 sampling sites in the Wuliangsuhai Lake area from March to June 2021, and used to determine atmospheric depositional fluxes of MPs to the lake surface. The sources of MPs were also explored on the basis of MP characteristics and by determining atmospheric flow patterns to the sampling sites using a backward trajectory model (HYSPLIT). The average atmospheric depositional flux of MPs to the Wuliangsuhai Lake area (3371 ± 1423 n/d·m2) is several times higher than rates measured in other areas. MPs were predominately composed of small (0.05-0.5 mm), transparent fibers; a small percentage of particles consisted of fragments, thin films, or lumpy MPs. Compositionally, most MPs were composed of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS). The former polymer types are indicative of fibers from textiles, including those from textile plants in adjacent cites. The latter (PS) type is presumably derived from degraded food containers and other items associated with tourism. PE was also identified in association with thin films, which were likely derived from bags and/or agricultural plastics. MP characteristics, combined with spatial variations in depositional rates and the results of the backward trajectory model, suggest most atmospherically deposited MPs in the Wuliangsuhai Lake area were transported to the sampling sites from large cities external to the basin, and, to a much lesser degree, areas of tourism within the lake environment. The results of the study provide a theoretical basis for assessing atmospheric MP deposition within inland lake areas as well as for the prevention and control of MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, College of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, College of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; Inner Mongolia Water Resource Protection and Utilization Key Laboratory, Hohhot 010018, China; State Gauge and Research Station of Wetland Ecosystem, Wuliangsuhai Lake, Inner Mongolia, Bayan Nur 014404, China; Autonomous Region Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrated Management of Water Resources and Water Environment in the Inner Mongolia Reaches of the Yellow River, Hohhot 010018, China.
| | - Xiaohong Shi
- Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, College of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; Inner Mongolia Water Resource Protection and Utilization Key Laboratory, Hohhot 010018, China; State Gauge and Research Station of Wetland Ecosystem, Wuliangsuhai Lake, Inner Mongolia, Bayan Nur 014404, China
| | - Shengnan Zhao
- Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, College of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; Inner Mongolia Water Resource Protection and Utilization Key Laboratory, Hohhot 010018, China; State Gauge and Research Station of Wetland Ecosystem, Wuliangsuhai Lake, Inner Mongolia, Bayan Nur 014404, China
| | - Biao Sun
- Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, College of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; Inner Mongolia Water Resource Protection and Utilization Key Laboratory, Hohhot 010018, China; State Gauge and Research Station of Wetland Ecosystem, Wuliangsuhai Lake, Inner Mongolia, Bayan Nur 014404, China
| | - Junping Lu
- Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, College of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; Inner Mongolia Water Resource Protection and Utilization Key Laboratory, Hohhot 010018, China; State Gauge and Research Station of Wetland Ecosystem, Wuliangsuhai Lake, Inner Mongolia, Bayan Nur 014404, China
| | - Wenbao Li
- Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, College of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; Inner Mongolia Water Resource Protection and Utilization Key Laboratory, Hohhot 010018, China; State Gauge and Research Station of Wetland Ecosystem, Wuliangsuhai Lake, Inner Mongolia, Bayan Nur 014404, China
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