1
|
Ribeiro VV, Avelino Soares TM, De-la-Torre GE, Casado-Coy N, Sanz-Lazaro C, Castro ÍB. Microplastics in rocky shore mollusks of different feeding habits: An assessment of sentinel performance. Environ Pollut 2024; 346:123571. [PMID: 38373623 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123571] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) accumulation in rocky shore organisms has limited knowledge. This study investigated MPs accumulation in filter-feeding oysters, herbivorous limpets and carnivorous snails to assess their performance as sentinel species in the MPs trophic transfer. The samples were obtained along a contamination gradient in the Santos Estuarine System, Brazil. All three studied species showed MPs concentrations related to the contamination gradient, being the oysters the species that showed the highest levels, followed by limpets and snails (average of less and most contaminated sites of 1.06-8.90, 2.28-5.69 and 0.44-2.10 MP g-1, respectively), suggesting that MPs ingestion rates are linked to feeding habits. MPs were mainly polystyrene and polyacetal. The polymer types did not vary among sites nor species. Despite minor differences in percentages and diversity of size, shape, and color classes, the analyzed species were equally able to demonstrate dominance of small, fiber, transparent, black and blue MPs. Thus, oysters, limpets, and snails are proposed as sentinels of MPs in monitoring assessments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Nuria Casado-Coy
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Studies (MIES), Universidad de Alicante, Spain
| | - Carlos Sanz-Lazaro
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Studies (MIES), Universidad de Alicante, Spain; Departamento de Ecología, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Frias J, Joyce H, Brozzetti L, Pagter E, Švonja M, Kavangh F, Nash R. Spatial monitoring of microplastics in environmental matrices from Galway Bay, Ireland. Mar Pollut Bull 2024; 200:116153. [PMID: 38354591 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116153] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic concentrations have been reported in a variety of environmental matrices and organisms across the world. Assessments of environmental concentrations are essential to understand trends and ensure decision-making processes that reduce environmental pressure. In this study, a combined sampling approach to surface waters, benthic sediments and biota in Galway Bay, Ireland, was carried out. Average concentrations of microplastics in surface waters were 1.42 ± 0.33 MPs m-3, in biota were 4.46 ± 0.36 MPs ind-1 and in benthic sediments were 5.60 ± 1.54 MPs kg-1. The diversity of polymers, microplastic types and colours were more abundant in surface waters and biota, when compared to benthic sediments. Integrated assessments of microplastics that follow existing monitoring programmes are essential to understand environmental trends. This work contributes to provide valuable information to descriptor 10 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive in Ireland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Frias
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Old Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland.
| | - Haleigh Joyce
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Old Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland.
| | - Loann Brozzetti
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Old Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland.
| | - Elena Pagter
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Old Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland; Marine Institute, Fisheries and Ecosystems Advisory, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway H91 R673, Ireland.
| | - Mateja Švonja
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Old Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland.
| | - Fiona Kavangh
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Old Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland.
| | - Róisín Nash
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Old Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ratchnashree SR, Karmegam N, Selvam M, Manikandan S, Deena SR, Subbaiya R, Vickram AS, Kim W, Govarthanan M. Advanced technologies for the determination of quantitative structure-activity relationships and degradation efficiency of micropollutants and their removal in water - A review. Sci Total Environ 2023; 904:166563. [PMID: 37647970 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166563] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The growing concentrations of micropollutants in aquatic ecosystems are a global water quality issue. Understanding micropollutants varied chemical composition and potency is essential to solving this complex issue. Micropollutants management requires identifying contaminants to reduce, optimal reduction targets, and the best wastewater recycling locations. Management requires appropriate technological measures. Pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, hormones, and other micropollutants can enter the aquatic environment from point and diffuse sources, with wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) distributing them in urban areas. Micropollutants like pharmaceuticals and hormones may not be removed by conventional WWTPs. Micropollutants affect the EU, especially in densely populated areas where surface water is consumed. This review examines several technological options that can be integrated into existing treatment methods to address this issue. In this work, oxidation, activated carbon, and their combinations as potential solutions, considering their efficacy and cost were evaluated. This study illuminates micropollutants origin and physico-chemical properties, which affect distribution, persistence, and environmental impacts. Understanding these factors helps us develop targeted micropollutant mitigation strategies to protect water quality. This review can inform policy and decision-making to reduce micropollutant impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S R Ratchnashree
- Department of Biotechnology, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Jeppiaar Nagar, Chennai 600 095, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - N Karmegam
- PG and Research Department of Botany, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Salem 636007, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Masilamani Selvam
- Department of Biotechnology, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Jeppiaar Nagar, Chennai 600 095, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Manikandan
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai 602 105. Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Santhana Raj Deena
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai 602 105. Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R Subbaiya
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, The Copperbelt University, Riverside, Jambo Drive, P O Box 21692, Kitwe, Zambia.
| | - A S Vickram
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai 602 105. Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Woong Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - M Govarthanan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomaterials, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 077, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Porter A, Godbold JA, Lewis CN, Savage G, Solan M, Galloway TS. Microplastic burden in marine benthic invertebrates depends on species traits and feeding ecology within biogeographical provinces. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8023. [PMID: 38049431 PMCID: PMC10696022 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43788-w] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The microplastic body burden of marine animals is often assumed to reflect levels of environmental contamination, yet variations in feeding ecology and regional trait expression could also affect a species' risk of contaminant uptake. Here, we explore the global inventory of individual microplastic body burden for invertebrate species inhabiting marine sediments across 16 biogeographic provinces. We show that individual microplastic body burden in benthic invertebrates cannot be fully explained by absolute levels of microplastic contamination in the environment, because interspecific differences in behaviour and feeding ecology strongly determine microplastic uptake. Our analyses also indicate a degree of species-specific particle selectivity; likely associated with feeding biology. Highest microplastic burden occurs in the Yellow and Mediterranean Seas and, contrary to expectation, amongst omnivores, predators, and deposit feeders rather than suspension feeding species. Our findings highlight the inadequacy of microplastic uptake risk assessments based on inventories of environmental contamination alone, and the need to understand how species behaviour and trait expression covary with microplastic contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Porter
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Jasmin A Godbold
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Ceri N Lewis
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Georgie Savage
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Martin Solan
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abd-Elkader A, Hamed ESAE, Mahdy A, Shabaka S. Microplastics in marine invertebrates from the Red Sea Coast of Egypt: Abundance, composition, and risks. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 197:115760. [PMID: 37984088 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115760] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
This study marked the first exploration of microplastics in marine invertebrates in the Red Sea Coast of Egypt. 110 individuals from 11 different species, including Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Echinoidea, and Holothuroidrea, were collected near a popular tourist destination. The average concentrations of microplastics varied among species, ranging from 8.2 to 136.5 items per individual or 0.2 to 18.1 items per gram of tissue wet weight, with 100 % occurrence. Bivalves had higher concentrations per gram of tissue compared to sediment dwellers and grazers, with Brachidontes pharaonis showing the highest levels. Actinopyga crassa, a sea cucumber, displayed the highest abundance per individual due to its large size and behavior. The identified plastic polymers suggested sources associated with tourism and maritime activities. The estimated human exposure to microplastics through bivalve consumption was minimal. Further research is needed to examine microplastics contamination in the Red Sea and its potential impacts on ecosystems and human well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aya Abd-Elkader
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University-Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | | | - Aldoushy Mahdy
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University-Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt.
| | - Soha Shabaka
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vidal A, Phuong NN, Métais I, Gasperi J, Châtel A. Assessment of microplastic contamination in the Loire River (France) throughout analysis of different biotic and abiotic freshwater matrices. Environ Pollut 2023; 334:122167. [PMID: 37437763 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122167] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The contamination of microplastics (MP) in freshwater environments represent a major way for the MP transport in the environment. The assessment of MP pollution in freshwater compartments is then important to visualize the pressure and the impacts on medium, and to set up necessary measures. In this context, this study focused on the influence of anthropogenic activities of a medium French city (Angers) on MP levels in samples collected from the Loire River, the longest river in France. Abiotic and biotic matrices were collected upstream and downstream Angers. A first analysis was performed based on microscopy to determine the size, colour and shape of suspected MP and a complementary analysis by μ-FTIR (micro-Fourier Transform InfraRed) was conducted to determine the composition of plastic particles. Three organisms belonging to different trophic levels were studied: when the MP level was expressed per individual, the lowest abundance of MP was found in Tubifex sp. Followed by Corbicula fluminea, while the highest was measured in Anguilla anguilla. To establish the relationship with their habitat, the presence of MP in sediment and water was also analysed. Therefore, this works constitutes a complete overview of the MP levels in freshwater abiotic and biotic matrices. Overall, the presence of MP in analysed samples did not follow a particular pattern, neither in the sites nor matrices: the characteristics depending on a multifactorial outcome (feeding mode, organism size …). However, correlation of MP pattern between clams and sediment was quite evident, while the one between worms and their habitat was not. This demonstrates the relevance of investigating plastic contamination both in biotic and abiotic matrices. Finally, a standardisation of sampling and analytical analysis protocols would be helpful to make comparisons between studies more robust.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Vidal
- Laboratoire BIOSSE, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France.
| | - Ngoc-Nam Phuong
- Laboratoire Eau et Environnement, Université Gustave Eiffel, Allée des Ponts et Chaussées, 44340, Bouguenais, France
| | - Isabelle Métais
- Laboratoire BIOSSE, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Johnny Gasperi
- Laboratoire Eau et Environnement, Université Gustave Eiffel, Allée des Ponts et Chaussées, 44340, Bouguenais, France
| | - Amélie Châtel
- Laboratoire BIOSSE, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Vidal A, Neury-Ormanni J, Latchere O, Roman C, Gillet P, Métais I, Châtel A. Aquatic worms: relevant model organisms to investigate pollution of microplastics throughout the freshwater-marine continuum. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:91534-91562. [PMID: 37495809 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28900-3] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a global and emergency concern. Degradation processes of plastic macrowaste, either at the millimetre- and micrometre-size scales (microplastics, MP) or a nanometre one (nanoplastic, NP), is now well documented in all environmental compartments. It is hence necessary to study the environmental dynamic of MNP (micro(nano)plastic) on aquatic macrofauna considering their dispersion in different compartments. In this context, worms, having a large habitat in natural environments (soil, sediment, water) represent a relevant model organism for MNP investigations. In aquatic systems, worms could be used to compare MNP contamination between freshwater and seawater. The aim of this review was to discuss the relevance of using worms as model species for investigating MNP pollution in freshwater, estuarine, and marine systems. In this context, studies conducted in the field and in laboratory, using diverse classes of aquatic worms (polychaete and clitellate, i.e. oligochaete and hirudinea) to assess plastic contamination, were analysed. In addition, the reliability between laboratory exposure conditions and the investigation in the field was discussed. Finally, in a context of plastic use regulation, based on the literature, some recommendations about model species, environmental relevance, and experimental needs related to MNP are given for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Vidal
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France.
| | - Julie Neury-Ormanni
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Oihana Latchere
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Coraline Roman
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Patrick Gillet
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Isabelle Métais
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Amélie Châtel
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Keerthana Devi M, Karmegam N, Manikandan S, Subbaiya R, Song H, Kwon EE, Sarkar B, Bolan N, Kim W, Rinklebe J, Govarthanan M. Removal of nanoplastics in water treatment processes: A review. Sci Total Environ 2022; 845:157168. [PMID: 35817120 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics are drawing a significant attention as a result of their propensity to spread across the environment and pose a threat to all organisms. The presence of nanoplastics in water is given attention nowadays as the transit of nanoplastics occurs through the aquatic ecosphere besides terrestrial mobility. The principal removal procedures for macro-and micro-plastic particles are effective, but nanoparticles escape from the treatment, increasing in the water and significantly influencing the society. This critical review is aimed to bestow the removal technologies of nanoplastics from aquatic ecosystems, with a focus on the treatment of freshwater, drinking water, and wastewater, as well as the importance of transit and its impact on health concerns. Still, there exists a gap in providing a collective knowledge on the methods available for nanoplastics removal. Hence, this review offered various nanoplastic removal technologies (microorganism-based degradation, membrane separation with a reactor, and photocatalysis) that could be the practical/effective measures along with the traditional procedures (filtration, coagulation, centrifugation, flocculation, and gravity settling). From the analyses of different treatment systems, the effectiveness of nanoplastics removal depends on various factors, source, size, and type of nanoplastics apart from the treatment method adopted. Combined removal methods, filtration with coagulation offer great scope for the removal of nanoplastics from drinking water with >99 % efficiency. The collected data could serve as base-line information for future research and development in water nanoplastics cleanup.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Keerthana Devi
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha Nagar, Thandalam, Chennai 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - N Karmegam
- Department of Botany, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Salem 636 007, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - S Manikandan
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha Nagar, Thandalam, Chennai 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R Subbaiya
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, The Copperbelt University, Riverside, Jambo Drive, P O Box 21692, Kitwe, Zambia
| | - Hocheol Song
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-Dong, Guangjin-Gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eilhann E Kwon
- Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia
| | - Woong Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water and Waste Management, Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany; International Research Centre of Nanotechnology for Himalayan Sustainability (IRCNHS), Shoolini University, Solan 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India; Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-Dong, Guangjin-Gu, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - M Govarthanan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomaterials, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 600 077, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sharma S, Sharma B, Dey Sadhu S. Microplastic profusion in food and drinking water: are microplastics becoming a macroproblem? Environ Sci Process Impacts 2022; 24:992-1009. [PMID: 35699396 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00553g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are extremely complex, and as the food chain comes full circle, it is dreaded that these could have a deleterious influence on humans. Although the risk of plastics to humans is not yet established, their occurrence in food and water destined for human consumption has been reported. The prevalence of micro-sized plastics in the ecosystem and living organisms, their trophic transfer along the food web, and the discernment of food species as competent indicators have become research priorities. The scale of the issue is massive, but what are the main culprits and causes, and could there be a solution in sight for this global problem? Despite the massive amount of research in the field, a collation of available data and pertinent hazard evaluation remains difficult. In order to identify the knowledge gaps and exposure pathways, several traits related to food chain assessment are presented with the goal of properly evaluating and managing this emerging risk. We apprehend three possible noxious consequences of small plastic particles, firstly, due to the plastic particles themselves; secondly, due to the extrication of tenacious organic pollutants adsorbed onto the plastics; and thirdly, due to the leaching of components such as monomers and additives from the plastics. The exigency for the standardization of protocols to bring about consistency in data collection and analysis, involving solutions, stakeholder costs, and benefits, are discussed. Harmonized methods will enable meticulous assessment of the impacts and threats that microplastics pose to the biota and increase the comparability between studies. We emphasize the contribution of the "honest broker" in science, providing an overarching analysis to devise the most viable solutions to microplastic pollution for private and public leadership to utilize.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Dwarka Sec-3, Delhi, India
| | - Bhasha Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Shivaji College, University of Delhi, India
| | - Susmita Dey Sadhu
- Department of Polymer Science, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, Dwarka Sec-2, Delhi, India.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Joyce H, Frias J, Kavanagh F, Lynch R, Pagter E, White J, Nash R. Plastics, prawns, and patterns: Microplastic loadings in Nephrops norvegicus and surrounding habitat in the North East Atlantic. Sci Total Environ 2022; 826:154036. [PMID: 35202687 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs), a contaminant of emerging concern, has attracted increasing attention in commercially important seafood species such as Nephrops norvegicus. This species lend themselves well as bioindicators of environmental contamination owing to their availability, spatial and depth distribution, interactions with seafloor sediment and position in the ecosystem and food chain. This study assesses the abundance of MPs in N. norvegicus and in benthic sediments across six functional units in the North East Atlantic. Assessment of the relationship between MP abundance in N. norvegicus, their biological parameters and their surrounding environment was examined. Despite the lack of statistical significance, MP abundances, size, shape, and polymer type recorded in N. norvegicus mirrored those found in the surrounding environment samples. The three main polymers identified in both organisms and sediment were polystyrene, polyamide (nylons), and polypropylene. The level of MP contamination in N. norvegicus could be related to local sources, with relatively low abundances recorded in this study for the North East Atlantic in comparison to other regional studies. Furthermore, larger organisms contained a lower abundance of MPs, demonstrating no accumulation of MPs in N. norvegicus. Based on the results of this study, data on MP ingestion could be used to study trends in the amount and composition of litter ingested by marine animals towards fulfilling requirements of descriptor 10 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haleigh Joyce
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland.
| | - João Frias
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland
| | - Fiona Kavanagh
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland
| | - Rachel Lynch
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland
| | - Elena Pagter
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland
| | - Jonathan White
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Galway H91 R673, Ireland
| | - Róisín Nash
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), Dublin Rd., Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|