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Zhang Y, Xu X, Xu J, Li Z, Cheng L, Fu J, Sun W, Dang C. When antibiotics encounter microplastics in aquatic environments: Interaction, combined toxicity, and risk assessments. Sci Total Environ 2024; 929:172455. [PMID: 38636871 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172455] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotics and microplastics (MPs), known as emerging pollutants, are bound to coexist in aquatic environments due to their widespread distribution and prolonged persistence. To date, few systematic summaries are available for the interaction between MPs and antibiotics in aquatic ecosystems, and a comprehensive reanalysis of their combined toxicity is also needed. Based on the collected published data, we have analyzed the source and distribution of MPs and antibiotics in global aquatic environments, finding their coexistence occurs in a lot of study sites. Accordingly, the presence of MPs can directly alter the environmental behavior of antibiotics. The main influencing factors of interaction between antibiotics and MPs have been summarized in terms of the characteristics of MPs and antibiotics, as well as the environmental factors. Then, we have conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the combined toxicity of antibiotics and MPs on aquatic organisms and the related toxicity indicators, suggesting a significant adverse effect on algae, and inapparent on fish and daphnia. Finally, the environmental risk assessments for antibiotics and MPs were discussed, but unfortunately the standardized methodology for the risk assessment of MPs is still challenging, let alone assessment for their combined toxicity. This review provides insights into the interactions and environment risks of antibiotics and MPs in the aquatic environment, and suggests perspectives for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Dezhou Eco-environment Monitoring Center of Shandong Province, Dezhou, 253000, China
| | - Zhang Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Long Cheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Jie Fu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Weiling Sun
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chenyuan Dang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China.
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2
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Miller C, Neidhart A, Hess K, Ali AMS, Benavidez A, Spilde M, Peterson E, Brearley A, Wang X, Dhanapala BD, Cerrato JM, Gonzalez-Estrella J, El Hayek E. Uranium accumulation in environmentally relevant microplastics and agricultural soil at acidic and circumneutral pH. Sci Total Environ 2024; 926:171834. [PMID: 38521258 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171834] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The co-occurrence of microplastics (MPs) with potentially toxic metals in the environment stresses the need to address their physicochemical interactions and the potential ecological and human health implications. Here, we investigated the reaction of aqueous U with agricultural soil and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) through the integration of batch experiments, microscopy, and spectroscopy. The aqueous initial concentration of U (100 μM) decreased between 98.6 and 99.2 % at pH 5 and between 86.2 and 98.9 % at pH 7.5 following the first half hour of reaction with 10 g of soil. In similar experimental conditions but with added HDPE, aqueous U decreased between 98.6 and 99.7 % at pH 5 and between 76.1 and 95.2 % at pH 7.5, suggesting that HDPE modified the accumulation of U in soil as a function of pH. Uranium-bearing precipitates on the cracked surface of HDPE were identified by SEM/EDS after two weeks of agitation in water at both pH 5 and 7.5. Accumulation of U on the near-surface region of reacted HDPE was confirmed by XPS. Our findings suggest that the precipitation of U was facilitated by the weathering of the surface of HDPE. These results provide insights about surface-mediated reactions of aqueous metals with MPs, contributing relevant information about the mobility of metals and MPs at co-contaminated agricultural sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Miller
- Gerald May Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Andrew Neidhart
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, MSC03 2060, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Kendra Hess
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, EN0059, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 740784, USA
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S Ali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Angelica Benavidez
- Center for Micro-Engineered Materials, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Michael Spilde
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Eric Peterson
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Adrian Brearley
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Xuewen Wang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, EN0059, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 740784, USA
| | - B Dulani Dhanapala
- College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 740784, USA
| | - José M Cerrato
- Gerald May Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, EN0059, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 740784, USA
| | - Eliane El Hayek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
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Cho Y, Jeon HJ, Lee SE, Kim C, Kim G, Kim K, Kim YK, Lee SR. Microplastic accumulation dynamics in Han river headwaters: Sediment interactions and environmental implication. J Hazard Mater 2024; 472:134445. [PMID: 38701727 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134445] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of microplastic (MP) contamination has become a significant environmental concern due to its pervasive nature and persistent effects. While sediments are considered major repositories for MPs, information on their spatial distribution within these matrices is insufficient. This research examined both the horizontal and vertical presence of MPs in the sediments surrounding Lake Paldang in South Korea, alongside a comprehensive evaluation of the physicochemical characteristics of the samples obtained. The total content of MPs varied from 2.15 to 122.2 particles g-1. The average contents of MPs on surface sediments were 40.47, 34.14, 5.01, and 8.19 particles g-1 in north mainstream (NM), south mainstream (SM), tributary (TB), and Tributary catchment (TC) based on Sonae Island, Gyeongan stream, respectively. The most abundant MP types were polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polypropylene (PP), accounting for more than 70% of the total MPs. The most abundant sizes of MPs were within 45-100 µm. At all sediment depths, polymers were distributed in the order PE, PP, and polyester in NM, SM, and TC, respectively, whereas PTFE mainly occurred in the surface layer. MPs distribution also exhibited seasonal variation as larger inflows and flow rates varied with season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunseo Cho
- Aero-Soil Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwang-Ju Jeon
- Red River Research Station, AgCenter, School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University, Bossier City, LA 71112, USA
| | - Sung-Eun Lee
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaeeun Kim
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyuwon Kim
- Aero-Soil Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeongnam Kim
- Institute of Quality and Safety Evaluation of Agricultural Products, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Kwan Kim
- Sustainable Nanochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, Seoul 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Ryong Lee
- Aero-Soil Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Ni B, Zhang TL, Cai TG, Xiang Q, Zhu D. Effects of heavy metal and disinfectant on antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factor genes in the plastisphere from diverse soil ecosystems. J Hazard Mater 2024; 465:133335. [PMID: 38142651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133335] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) are world-wide contaminants posing potential health risks. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) and heavy metals can apply selective pressure on antibiotic resistance. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding their coupled effect on changes in ARGs and virulence factor genes (VFGs) in various soil types and their plastispheres. Herein, we conducted a microcosm experiment to explore the abundances and profiles of ARGs and VFGs in soil plastispheres from three distinct types of soils amended with Cu and disinfectants. The plastispheres enriched the ARGs' abundance compared to soils and stimulated the coupling effect of combined pollutants on promoting the abundances of ARGs and VFGs. Horizontal gene transfer inevitably accelerates the propagation of ARGs and VFGs in plastispheres under pollutant stress. In plastispheres, combined exposure to disinfectants and Cu increased some potential pathogens' relative abundances. Moreover, the combined effect of disinfectants and Cu on ARGs and VFGs changed with soil type in plastispheres, emphasising the necessity to incorporate soil type considerations into health risk assessments for ARGs and VFGs. Overall, this study highlights the high health risks of ARGs under the selective pressure of combined pollutants in plastispheres and provides valuable insights for future risk assessments related to antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bang Ni
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Lun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Gui Cai
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Zhou L, Masset T, Breider F. Adsorption of copper by naturally and artificially aged polystyrene microplastics and subsequent release in simulated gastrointestinal fluid. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2024; 26:411-420. [PMID: 38250811 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00354j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, especially aged microplastics can become vectors of metals from environment to organisms with potential negative effects on food chain. However, a few studies focused on the bioavailability of adsorbed metals and most studies related to aged microplastics used artificial method that cannot entirely reflect actual aging processes. In this study, virgin polystyrene was aged by ozone (PS-O3), solar simulator (PS-SS) and lake (PS-lake) to investigate adsorption of Cu by virgin, artificially and naturally aged microplastics and subsequent release in simulated gastrointestinal fluids (SGF). Characterization results show carbonyl was formed in PS-O3 and PS-SS, and the oxidation degree was PS-O3 > PS-SS > PS-lake. However, Cu adsorption capacity followed this order PS-lake (158 μg g-1) > PS-SS (117 μg g-1) > PS-O3 (65 μg g-1) > PS-virgin (0). PS-O3 showed highest Cu adsorption capacity at 0.5 h (71 μg g-1), but it dropped dramatically later (10 μg g-1, 120 h), because PS-O3 could break up and the adsorbed Cu released in solutions subsequently. For PS-lake, precipitation of metallic oxides contributes to the accumulation of Cu. The addition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) could occupy adsorption sites on PS and compete with Cu, but also can attach PS and adsorb Cu due to its rich functional groups. The simultaneous ingestion of microplastics with food suggested that adsorbed Cu is solubilized mostly from aged PS to SGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhou
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne - EPFL, Central Environmental Laboratory, IIE, ENAC, Station 2, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, People's Republic of China
| | - Thibault Masset
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne - EPFL, Central Environmental Laboratory, IIE, ENAC, Station 2, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Florian Breider
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne - EPFL, Central Environmental Laboratory, IIE, ENAC, Station 2, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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6
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Ning Z, Zhou S, Li P, Li R, Liu F, Zhao Z, Ren N, Lu L. Exaggerated interaction of biofilm-developed microplastics and contaminants in aquatic environments. Chemosphere 2023; 345:140509. [PMID: 37871873 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140509] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm-developed microplastics (MPs) may serve as important vectors for contaminants in aquatic environments. Elucidating the interactions between biofilm-developed MPs and coexisting contaminants is crucial for understanding the vector capacities of MPs. However, little is known about how the adverse effects of contaminants on MP surface-colonized biofilms influence their vector capacity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the interaction mechanism of biofilms colonizing the surface of MPs with coexisting contaminants using microcosm experiments and biofilm characterization techniques. The results indicated that the biofilm biomass on polystyrene increased over time, providing an additional abundance of oxygen-containing functional groups and promoting Cd accumulation by biofilm-developed polystyrene. Moreover, as a coexisting contaminant, Cd exerted adverse effects such as additional mortality of microorganisms and senescence and MP-colonized biofilm shedding. Consequently, the contaminant vector capacity of biofilm-developed MPs could be mitigated. Thus, the adverse effects of coexisting contaminants on biofilms influenced the ability of MPs to act as vectors in aquatic environments. Neglecting the negative effects of contaminants on biofilms may lead to an overestimation of the contaminant vector capacity of biofilm-developed MPs. This study provides support for more accurate assessment of the interactions between biofilm-developed MPs as vectors and contaminants in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zigong Ning
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Zhuhai Modern Agriculture Development Center, Zhuhai 519075, China.
| | - Shuang Zhou
- Shenzhen Honglue Research Institute of Innovation Management, Shenzhen 518119, China
| | - Pengxiang Li
- CCTEG Beijing Academy of Land Renovation and Ecological Restoration Technology Co.,Ltd, Beijing 100013, China; Research Center of Land Renovation and Ecological Restoration Engineering in the Coal Industry, Beijing 100013, China
| | - Rong Li
- The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Feihua Liu
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zilong Zhao
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Nanqi Ren
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lu Lu
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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7
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Zhu Z, Parker W, Wong A. Leveraging deep learning for automatic recognition of microplastics (MPs) via focal plane array (FPA) micro-FT-IR imaging. Environ Pollut 2023; 337:122548. [PMID: 37757933 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122548] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The fast and accurate identification of MPs in environmental samples is essential for the understanding of the fate and transport of MPs in ecosystems. The recognition of MPs in environmental samples by spectral classification using conventional library search routines can be challenging due to the presence of additives, surface modification, and adsorbed contaminants. Further, the thickness of MPs also impacts the shape of spectra when FTIR spectra are collected in transmission mode. To overcome these challenges, PlasticNet, a deep learning convolutional neural network architecture, was developed for enhanced MP recognition. Once trained with 8000 + spectra of virgin plastic, PlasticNet successfully classified 11 types of common plastic with accuracy higher than 95%. The errors in identification as indicated by a confusion matrix were found to be caused by edge effects, molecular similarity of plastics, and the contamination of standards. When PlasticNet was trained with spectra of virgin plastic it showed good performance (92%+) in recognizing spectra that had increased complexity due to the presence of additives and weathering. The re-training of PlasticNet with more complex spectra further enhanced the model's capability to recognize complex spectra. PlasticNet was also able to successfully identify MPs despite variations in spectra caused by variations in MP thickness. When compared with the performance of the library search in identifying MPs in the same complex dataset collected from an environmental sample, PlasticNet achieved comparable performance in identifying PP MPs, but a 17.3% improvement. PlasticNet has the potential to become a standard approach for rapid and accurate automatic recognition of MPs in environmental samples analyzed by FPA FT-IR imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziang Zhu
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Wayne Parker
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Alexander Wong
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
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Luo H, Tu C, He D, Zhang A, Sun J, Li J, Xu J, Pan X. Interactions between microplastics and contaminants: A review focusing on the effect of aging process. Sci Total Environ 2023; 899:165615. [PMID: 37481081 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the environment are a major global concern due to their persistent nature and wide distribution. The aging of MPs is influenced by several processes including photodegradation, thermal degradation, biodegradation and mechanical fragmentation, which affect their interaction with contaminants. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the aging process of MPs and the factors that impact their aging, and to discuss the effects of aging on the interaction of MPs with contaminants. A range of characterization methods that can effectively elucidate the mechanistic processes of these interactions are outlined. The rate and extent of MPs aging are influenced by their physicochemical properties and other environmental factors, which ultimately affect the adsorption and aggregation of aged MPs with environmental contaminants. Pollutants such as heavy metals, organic matter and microorganisms have a tendency to accumulate on MPs through adsorption and the interactions between them impact their environmental behavior. Aging enhances the specific surface area and oxygen-containing functional groups of MPs, thereby affecting the mechanism of interaction between MPs and contaminants. To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of how aging affects the interactions, this review also provides an overview of the mechanisms by which MPs interact with contaminants. In the future, there should be further in-depth studies of the potential hazards of aged MPs in different environments e.g., soil, sediment, aquatic environment, and effects of their interaction with environmental pollutants on human health and ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Chaolin Tu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Dongqin He
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Anping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jianqiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Juan Xu
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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Vrinda PK, Amal R, Abhirami N, Mini DA, Kumar VJR, Devipriya SP. Co-exposure of microplastics and heavy metals in the marine environment and remediation techniques: a comprehensive review. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:114822-114843. [PMID: 37922080 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30679-2] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals are significant pollutants in the marine environment, necessitating effective remediation strategies to prevent their release into the sea through sewage and industrial effluent. This comprehensive review explores the current understanding of the co-exposure of MPs and heavy metal-enriched MPs, highlighting the need for effective remediation methods. Various mechanisms, including surface ion complexation, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic forces, contribute to the adsorption of heavy metals onto MPs, with factors like surface area and environmental exposure duration playing crucial roles. Additionally, biofilm formation on MPs alters their chemical properties, influencing metal adsorption behaviors. Different thermodynamic models are used to explain the adsorption mechanisms of heavy metals on MPs. The adsorption process is influenced by various factors, including the morphological characteristics of MPs, their adsorption capacity, and environmental conditions. Additionally, the desorption of heavy metals from MPs has implications for their bioavailability and poses risks to marine organisms, emphasizing the importance of source reduction and remedial measures. Hybrid approaches that combine both conventional and modern technologies show promise for the efficient removal of MPs and heavy metals from marine environments. This review identifies critical gaps in existing research that should be addressed in future studies including standardized sampling methods to ensure accurate data, further investigation into the specific interactions between MPs and metals, and the development of hybrid technologies at an industrial scale. Overall, this review sheds light on the adsorption and desorption mechanisms of heavy metal-enriched MPs, underscoring the necessity of implementing effective remediation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Punmoth Kalyadan Vrinda
- Department of Ocean Studies and Marine Biology, Pondicherry University, Port Blair, 744112, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
| | - Radhakrishnan Amal
- School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, India, 682022
| | - Nandakumar Abhirami
- Department of Aquatic Environment Management, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Versova, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400061, India
| | - Divya Alex Mini
- Department of Aquatic Environment Management, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Panangad, Kochi, 682508, Kerala, India
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Zheng Z, Huang Y, Liu L, Wang L, Tang J. Interaction between microplastic biofilm formation and antibiotics: Effect of microplastic biofilm and its driving mechanisms on antibiotic resistance gene. J Hazard Mater 2023; 459:132099. [PMID: 37517232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
As two pollutants with similar transport pathways, microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics (ATs) inevitably co-exist in water environments, and their interaction has become a topic of intense research interest for scholars over the past few years. This paper comprehensively and systematically reviews the current interaction between MPs and ATs, in particular, the role played by biofilm developed MPs (microplastic biofilm). A summary of the formation process of microplastic biofilm and its unique microbial community structure is presented in the paper. The formation of microplastic biofilm can enhance the adsorption mechanisms of ATs on primary MPs. Moreover, microplastic biofilm system is a diverse and vast reservoir of genetic material, and this paper reviews the mechanisms by which microplastics with biofilm drive the production of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and the processes that selectively enrich for more ARGs. Meanwhile, the enrichment of ARGs may lead to the development of microbial resistance and the gradual loss of the antimicrobial effect of ATs. The transfer pathways of ARGs affected by microplastic biofilm are outlined, and ARGs dependent transfer of antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB) is mainly through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Furthermore, the ecological implications of the interaction between microplastic biofilm and ATs and perspectives for future research are reviewed. This review contributes to a new insight into the aquatic ecological environmental risks and the fate of contaminants (MPs, ATs), and is of great significance for controlling the combined pollution of these two pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yao Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, People's Republic of China
| | - Linan Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Lan Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jingchun Tang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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11
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Zhang S, Li Y, Jiang L, Han W, Zhao Y, Jiang X, Li J, Shi W, Zhang X. Organic fertilizer facilitates the soil microplastic surface degradation and enriches the diversity of bacterial biofilm. J Hazard Mater 2023; 459:132139. [PMID: 37517233 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
The land-use of organic fertilizers is considered as an important sustainable method for resource utilization, which may have an impact on the microplastic behaviors in the soil. Here, a 240-d dark culture experiment was conducted to reveal the degradation and biofilm characteristics of degradable and refractory granule microplastics in soil and soil-fertilizer systems. The results indicated that microplastics generally exhibited a weak weight loss as well as a specific etiolation on the surface after the culture, especially polyvinyl-chloride and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Increase in carbon-oxygen functional groups and the changes of oxygen/carbon ratios were noticed, which implied that oxidation and degradation occurred on the surface of microplastics during the cultural process. The changes were more intense on the degradable PHA, and the fertilized-soil treatment than those of the refractory microplastics and the pure soil. Moreover, the addition of organic fertilizers enriched the community diversity of bacterial biofilm on multiple microplastic surfaces. In this regard, the animal fertilizers provided a stronger effect than the plant fertilizers. Overall, the soil, fertilizer and microplastic types affected the community structure and diversity of bacterial biofilm. The outcomes of this study would provide a theoretical basis for the utilization of organic matters for agricultural soil applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yanxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Linshu Jiang
- Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Wei Han
- Solid Waste and Chemicals Management Center, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiaoman Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wenzhuo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xuelian Zhang
- Beijing Soil and Fertilizer Extension Service Station, Beijing 100029, China
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12
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Hao X, Zhang Y, Sun Y, Liu H, Zhang X, Li X, Ma Y, Niu Z. Biofilms retard the desorption of benzo(a)pyrene from polyethylene pellets in the marine environment. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 195:115453. [PMID: 37660663 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115453] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are emerging as vectors for the transport hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) in aquatic environments, however, their impact is poorly understood due to the lack of field studies. In this study, the pristine and benzo(a)pyrene (B[a]P) adsorbed polyethylene (PE) pellets were placed at Haihe Estuary (Tianjin, China) for 80 days to investigate desorption behavior. Combining laboratory and in situ experiments, this study firstly verified that the intra-particle diffusion was the rate-limiting step for the desorption process of B[a]P from PE microplastics under different environmental conditions. By hindering the desorption and modifying MPs surface, biofilm might play a key role in desorption process, leading to the apparent hysteresis of the field desorption process at our time scale. Potential degradation of the polymer and B[a]P by biofilms, however, would support continuing desorption. The study explored the interaction of biofilm and MPs-contaminants mixture and its implications for the environmental fate of HOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Hao
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yueling Sun
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Hongtao Liu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xiaohan Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yongzheng Ma
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Zhiguang Niu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; International Joint Institute of Tianjin University, Fuzhou 350207, China.
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13
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Tumwesigye E, Felicitas Nnadozie C, C Akamagwuna F, Siwe Noundou X, William Nyakairu G, Odume ON. Microplastics as vectors of chemical contaminants and biological agents in freshwater ecosystems: Current knowledge status and future perspectives. Environ Pollut 2023; 330:121829. [PMID: 37196837 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are becoming ubiquitous, and their environmental fate is becoming an issue of concern. Our review aims to synthesize current knowledge status and provide future perspectives regarding the vector effect of MPs for chemical contaminants and biological agents. The evidence in the literature indicates that MPs are a vector for persistent organic pollutants (POPs), metals and pharmaceuticals. Concentrations of chemical contaminant in orders of six-fold higher on MPs surfaces than in the surrounding environmental waters have been reported. Chemical pollutants such as perfluoroalkyl substances (PAFSs), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), exhibiting polarities in the range of 3.3-9 are the commonest chemicals reported on MP surfaces. Regarding metals on MPs including chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), the presence of C-O and N-H in MPs promote a relatively high adsorption of these metals onto MP surfaces. Regarding pharmaceuticals, not much has been done, but a few studies indicate that commonly used drugs such as ibuprofen, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen have been associated with MPs. There is sufficient evidence supporting the claim that MPs can act as vectors for viruses, bacterial and antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes, and MPs act to accelerate horizontal and vertical gene transfer. An area that deserves urgent attention is whether MPs can act as vectors for invertebrates and vertebrates, mainly non-native, invasive freshwater species. Despite the ecological significance of invasive biology, little research has been done in this regard. Overall, our review summarises the state of the current knowledge, identifies critical research gaps and provides perspectives for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Tumwesigye
- Centre for Environmental Water Quality, Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - Chika Felicitas Nnadozie
- Centre for Environmental Water Quality, Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - Frank C Akamagwuna
- Centre for Environmental Water Quality, Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Makhanda, South Africa
| | | | | | - Oghenekaro Nelson Odume
- Centre for Environmental Water Quality, Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Makhanda, South Africa.
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14
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Sun S, Yang X, Xu L, Zhang J, Wang Y, Zhou Z. Atrazine sorption on biodegradable microplastics: Significance of microbial aging. Sci Total Environ 2023; 862:160904. [PMID: 36526207 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The study of the environmental sorption behavior of typical biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) during biodegradation is essential given the different characteristics of BMPs and conventional microplastics (MPs) and the knowledge gap on the sorption capacity of BMPs for pollutants during degradation. In this study, polylactic acid (PLA) and poly (butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) were chosen as research objects, and the effects of soil microbial aging on their surface properties and atrazine (ATZ) sorption were investigated. The structural composition of the bacterial community was essentially similar between B-PLA and B-PBAT. Microbial aging action created new pores and cavities in PLA, forming microbial films that led to the agglomeration of PLA particles. The microbial aging action destroyed the amorphous regions of PLA and PBAT, resulting in higher crystallinity, and the ester groups broke to form carboxyl groups. The equilibrium sorption (Qe) of B-PLA increased by 11.12 % compared with PLA, while the Qe of B-PBAT decreased by 4.95 % compared to PBAT. These results show that soil microbes change the surface properties of PLA and PBAT, thus affecting the sorption mechanism of ATZ, and provide a theoretical premise for the behavior and ecological risk assessment of ATZ in the presence of BMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Sun
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Xia Yang
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Liang Xu
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Jiao Zhang
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Yajuan Wang
- College of Economics and Management, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Zhenfeng Zhou
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
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15
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Cui W, Hale RC, Huang Y, Zhou F, Wu Y, Liang X, Liu Y, Tan H, Chen D. Sorption of representative organic contaminants on microplastics: Effects of chemical physicochemical properties, particle size, and biofilm presence. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2023; 251:114533. [PMID: 36638563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114533] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has attracted mounting concerns worldwide. Microplastics may concentrate organic and metallic contaminants; thus, affecting their transport, fate and organismal exposure. To better understand organic contaminant-microplastic interactions, our study explored the sorption of selected polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), α-hexabromocyclododecane (α-HBCDD), and organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyvinylchloride (PVC) microplastics under saline conditions. Sorption isotherms determined varied between chemicals and between HDPE and PVC microplastics. Log Freundlich sorption coefficients (Log KF) for the targeted chemicals ranged from 2.01 to 5.27 L kg-1 for HDPE, but were significantly lower for PVC, i.e., ranging from Log KF data (2.84 - 8.58 L kg-1). Significant correlations between chemicals' Log KF and Log Kow (octanol-water partition coefficient) indicate that chemical-dependent sorption was largely influenced by their hydrophobicity. Sorption was evaluated using three size classes (< 53, 53 - 300, and 300 - 1000 µm) of lab-fragmented microplastics. Particle size did not significantly affect sorption isotherms, but influenced the time to reach equilibrium and the predicted maximum sorption, likely related to microplastic surface areas. The presence of biofilms on HDPE particles significantly enhanced contaminant sorption capacity, indicating more complex sorption dynamics in the chemical-biofilm-microplastic system. Our findings offer new insights into the chemical-microplastic interactions in marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxuan Cui
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Robert C Hale
- Department of Aquatic Health Sciences, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA 23011, USA
| | - Yichao Huang
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Fengli Zhou
- Research Center of Harmful Algae and Marine Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yan Wu
- School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiaolin Liang
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Hongli Tan
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
| | - Da Chen
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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16
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Sun N, Shi H, Li X, Gao C, Liu R. Combined toxicity of micro/nanoplastics loaded with environmental pollutants to organisms and cells: Role, effects, and mechanism. Environ Int 2023; 171:107711. [PMID: 36566717 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) are ubiquitous in the environment and living organisms have been exposed to these substances for a long time. When MPs/NPs enter different organisms, they transport various pollutants, including heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, drugs, bacteria, and viruses, from the environment. On this basis, this paper summarizes the combined toxicity induced by MPs/NPs accumulating contaminants from the environment and entering organisms through a systematic review of 162 articles. Moreover, the factors influencing toxic interactions are critically discussed, thus highlighting the dominant role of the relative concentrations of contaminants in the combined toxic effects. Furthermore, for the first time, we describe the threats posed by MPs/NPs combined with other pollutants to human health, as well as their cytotoxic behavior and mechanism. We found that the "Trojan horse" effect of nanoplastics can increase the bioaccessibility of environmental pollutants, thus increasing the carcinogenic risk to humans. Simultaneously, the complex pollutants entering the cells are observed to be constantly dissociated due to the transport of lysosomes. However, current research on the intracellular release of MP/NP-loaded pollutants is relatively poor, which hinders the accurate in vivo toxicity assessment of combined pollutants. Based on the findings of our critical review, we recommend analyzing the toxic effects by clarifying the dose relationship of each component pollutant in cells, which is challenging yet crucial to exploring the toxic mechanism of combined pollution. In the future, our findings can contribute to establishing a system modeling the complete load-translocation toxicological mechanism of MP/NP-based composite pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong Province, 72#, Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Huijian Shi
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong Province, 72#, Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Xiangxiang Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong Province, 72#, Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Canzhu Gao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong Province, 72#, Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Rutao Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong Province, 72#, Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China.
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17
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Zhou Q, Tu C, Liu Y, Li Y, Zhang H, Vogts A, Plewe S, Pan X, Luo Y, Waniek JJ. Biofilm enhances the copper (II) adsorption on microplastic surfaces in coastal seawater: Simultaneous evidence from visualization and quantification. Sci Total Environ 2022; 853:158217. [PMID: 36028022 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158217] [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: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) exposed to the urban coastal seawater could form biofilms, which facilitate the adsorption and transportation of hazardous contaminants. However, influence of biofilms on the metal adsorption of MPs, especially the co-existence of biofilm and metals on MPs, is still less known. In this study, the adsorption of copper (Cu) on biofilm-coated MPs (BMPs) was visually analyzed and quantified. The results of scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive X-ray showed that biofilm and metals co-occurred on MPs in seawater. The nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry images further exhibited that the distribution of Cu, chlorine (Cl) and biofilm on MP surfaces was highly consistent. Moreover, the adsorption of Cu(II) on BMPs was enhanced as quantified by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. Furthermore, different species on BMPs with and without Cu were identified, and their potential functions of metal or Cl metabolism were predicted based on KEGG pathway database. Overall, for the first time, this study provides visual and quantified evidences for the enhancement of Cu(II) adsorption on BMPs based on co-localization, and it may shed a light on the development of methodologies for investigating the interaction among MPs, biofilms and pollutants in marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Rostock 18119, Germany; CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Chen Tu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Rostock 18119, Germany; CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China.
| | - Ying Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Yuan Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Haibo Zhang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination Bioremediation, School of Environment and Resources, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Angela Vogts
- Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Rostock 18119, Germany
| | - Sascha Plewe
- Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Rostock 18119, Germany
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yongming Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Joanna J Waniek
- Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Rostock 18119, Germany
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18
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Yagi M, Ono Y, Kawaguchi T. Microplastic pollution in aquatic environments may facilitate misfeeding by fish. Environ Pollut 2022; 315:120457. [PMID: 36270564 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120457] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Numerous recent studies have documented ingestion of microplastics (MPs) by many aquatic animals, yet an explanation for misfeeding by fish remains unexplained. Here we tested the hypothesis that biofilm (biofouling) on MP surfaces due to exposure in the aquatic environment facilitates misfeeding in fish. Spherical polystyrene (PS) was cultured for 0-22 weeks in a freshwater environment to grow a biofilm on the MPs. Goldfish were employed in a simple feeding experiment with and without provision of genuine food at ecologically relevant MP concentrations. Absorbance (ABS), which is a proxy for biofilm formation, increased exponentially within three weeks of initiation and reached a plateau after approximately five weeks. Although fish did not swallow the MPs, "capture" occurred when food pellets were in the vicinity and significantly increased in probability with aging. Duration of capture also increased significantly with increasing aging. These results suggest that drifting of MPs in aquatic environments may facilitate fish misidentification of MPs as edible prey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuharu Yagi
- Faculty of Fisheries, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, 852-8521, Japan; Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, 852-8521, Japan; Institute of Integrated Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, 852-8521, Japan.
| | - Yurika Ono
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, 852-8521, Japan
| | - Toshiya Kawaguchi
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, 852-8521, Japan
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19
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Feng LJ, Zhang KX, Shi ZL, Zhu FP, Yuan XZ, Zong WS, Song C. Aged microplastics enhance their interaction with ciprofloxacin and joint toxicity on Escherichia coli. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2022; 247:114218. [PMID: 36279636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114218] [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: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in natural environments undergo complex aging processes, changing their interactions with coexisting antibiotics, and posing unpredictable ecological risks. However, the joint toxicity of aged MPs (aMPs) and antibiotics to bacteria, especially at the molecular level, is unclear. In this study, non-thermal plasma technology was used to simultaneously simulate various radical oxidation and physical reactions that occur naturally in the environment, breaking the limitation of simple aging process in laboratory aging technologies. After aging, we investigated the altered properties of aMPs, their interactions with ciprofloxacin (CIP), and the molecular responses of E. coli exposed to pristine MPs (13.5 mg/L), aMPs (13.5 mg/L), and CIP (2 μg/L) individually or simultaneously. aMPs bound far more CIP to their surfaces than pristine MPs, especially in freshwater ecosystems. Notably, the growth of E. coli exposed to aMPs alone was inhibited, whereas pristine MPs exposure didn't affect the growth of E. coli. Moreover, the most differentially expressed genes in E. coli were induced by the coexposure of aMPs and CIP. Although E. coli depended on chemotaxis to improve its flagellar rotation and escaped the stress of pollutants, the coexposure of aMPs and CIP still caused cell membrane damage, oxidative stress, obstruction of DNA replication, and osmotic imbalance in E. coli. This study filled the knowledge gap between the toxicity of aMPs and pristine MPs coexisting with antibiotics at the transcription level, helping in the accurate assessment of the potential risks of MPs to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Feng
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, PR China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Conservation, Hengshui, Hebei 053000, PR China
| | - Kai-Xin Zhang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China; School of Eco-Environment, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, PR China
| | - Zong-Lin Shi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Conservation, Hengshui, Hebei 053000, PR China; Department of Life Science, Hengshui College, Hengshui, Hebei 053000, PR China
| | - Fan-Ping Zhu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Xian-Zheng Yuan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Wan-Song Zong
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, PR China.
| | - Chao Song
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China.
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20
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Battulga B, Atarashi-Andoh M, Nakanishi T, Koarashi J. A new approach to extracting biofilm from environmental plastics using ultrasound-assisted syringe treatment for isotopic analyses. Sci Total Environ 2022; 849:157758. [PMID: 35926621 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are one of the ubiquitous and artificial types of substrates for microbial colonization and biofilm development in the aquatic environment. Characterizing plastic-associated biofilms is key to the better understanding of organic material and mineral cycling in the "Plastisphere"-the thin layer of microbial life on plastics. In this study, we propose a new method to extract biofilms from environmental plastics, in order to evaluate the properties of biofilm-derived organic matter through stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope signatures and their interactions with radionuclides especially radiocesium (137Cs). The extraction method is simple and cost-effective, requiring only an ultrasonic bath, disposable plastic syringes, and a freeze drier. After ultrasound-assisted separation from the plastics, biofilm samples were successfully collected via a sequence of syringe treatments, with less contamination from plastics and other mineral particles. Effective removal of small microplastics from the experimental suspension was satisfactorily achieved using the method with syringe treatments. Biofilm-derived organic matter samples (14.5-65.4 mg) from four river mouths in Japan showed 137Cs activity concentrations of <75 to 820 Bq·kg-1 biofilm (dw), providing evidence that environmental plastics, mediated by developed biofilms, serve as a carrier for 137Cs in the coastal riverine environment. Significant differences in the δ13C and δ15N signatures were also obtained for the biofilms, indicating the different sources, pathways, and development processes of biofilms on plastics. We demonstrate here a straightforward method for extracting biofilms from environmental plastics; the results obtained with this method could provide useful insights into the plastic-associated nutrient cycling in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batdulam Battulga
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan.
| | - Mariko Atarashi-Andoh
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nakanishi
- Sector of Fukushima Research and Development, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Fukushima 975-0036, Japan
| | - Jun Koarashi
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan
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21
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Wang K, Han T, Chen X, Rushimisha IE, Liu Y, Yang S, Miao X, Li X, Weng L, Li Y. Insights into behavior and mechanism of tetracycline adsorption on virgin and soil-exposed microplastics. J Hazard Mater 2022; 440:129770. [PMID: 35988493 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), as vectors of pollutants, have attracted extensive attention because of their environmental effects. However, the adsorption behavior and antibiotic mechanism of environmentally exposed MPs is limited. Here, the adsorption of tetracycline (TC) onto virgin and soil-exposed polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE) MPs showed that the adsorption capacity of MPs for TC increased after soil exposure, and PLA showed the strongest increase. Soil exposure increased the time to reach equilibrium, and the adsorption rate was controlled by both intraparticle diffusion and membrane diffusion. The isothermal adsorption results of soil-exposed PE and PLA indicated that TC adsorbed on heterogeneous surfaces was affected by the physicochemical adsorption process. The equilibrium absorption capacity of MPs for TC increased by 88% (PLA), 26% (PVC) and 15% (PE) after soil exposure. Soil dissolved organic matter promoted the desorption of TC from MPs, and TC speciation changed with pH. Soil-exposed MPs have the potential to promote TC degradation in solution without the addition of biological inhibitors. Moreover, density functional theory calculations verified that PE and PVC adsorbed TC through physical interactions, while hydrogen bonds were formed on PLA with TC. These results clarified the behavior and mechanisms of TC adsorption on virgin and soil-exposed MPs, which can help in the risk assessment of concomitant pollution of MPs and antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Original Agro-Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, MARA/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Ting Han
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Original Agro-Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, MARA/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Original Agro-Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, MARA/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Iranzi Emile Rushimisha
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Original Agro-Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, MARA/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Yonghong Liu
- College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Side Yang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Original Agro-Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, MARA/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Xinyu Miao
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Xiaojing Li
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Original Agro-Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, MARA/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Tianjin 300191, China.
| | - Liping Weng
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Original Agro-Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, MARA/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Yongtao Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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22
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Ikenoue T, Yamada M, Ishii N, Kudo N, Shirotani Y, Ishida Y, Kusakabe M. Cesium-137 and 137Cs/ 133Cs atom ratios in marine zooplankton off the east coast of Japan during 2012-2020 following the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant accident. Environ Pollut 2022; 311:119962. [PMID: 35981638 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119962] [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: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We measured the concentrations of cesium isotopes (133Cs, 134Cs, and 137Cs) in zooplankton samples collected in waters off the east coast of Japan from May 2015 to June 2020. By combining these data with those obtained previously from May 2012 to February 2015, we evaluated the long-term impacts of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident on marine zooplankton. Relatively high 137Cs concentrations in zooplankton, exceeding 10 Bq/kg-dry weight, were sporadically observed until June 2016, regardless of year or station. After May-June 2017, 137Cs concentrations decreased to below 1 Bq/kg-dry at most stations, and by May 2020, concentrations were below 0.5 Bq/kg-dry except those off Fukushima Prefecture. Since the accident, the 137Cs/133Cs atom ratios of zooplankton samples were higher than those of ambient seawater until 2019, but in May-June 2020 the ratios matched those of seawater except off Fukushima Prefecture. Highly radioactive particles were not detected in zooplankton samples by autoradiography using imaging plates after May-June 2017, although they were before. Therefore, the persistence of elevated 137Cs/133Cs ratios in zooplankton relative to seawater for nine years after the accident was probably due to the incorporation of highly radioactive particles (cesium-bearing particles or clay-mineral aggregates with highly adsorbed radiocesium) onto/into zooplankton for several years after the accident. However, since at least May-June 2017, these elevated ratios have likely been caused by small highly radioactive particles (or larger particles disaggregated into small pieces) entering the ocean from land via rivers or directly discharged from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. Microplastics enriched with radiocesium with higher 137Cs/133Cs ratios than seawater may have also contributed 137Cs to the zooplankton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahito Ikenoue
- Head Office, Marine Ecology Research Institute, 7F Towa-Edogawabashi Building, 347 Yamabuki-cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-0801, Japan.
| | - Masatoshi Yamada
- Central Laboratory, Marine Ecology Research Institute, 300 Iwawada, Onjuku-machi, Isumi-gun, Chiba, 299-5105, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Ishii
- Biospheric Assessment for Waste Disposal Team & Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Anagawa 4-9-1, Inage, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Natsumi Kudo
- Central Laboratory, Marine Ecology Research Institute, 300 Iwawada, Onjuku-machi, Isumi-gun, Chiba, 299-5105, Japan
| | - Yuhei Shirotani
- Central Laboratory, Marine Ecology Research Institute, 300 Iwawada, Onjuku-machi, Isumi-gun, Chiba, 299-5105, Japan
| | - Yasuo Ishida
- Central Laboratory, Marine Ecology Research Institute, 300 Iwawada, Onjuku-machi, Isumi-gun, Chiba, 299-5105, Japan
| | - Masashi Kusakabe
- Central Laboratory, Marine Ecology Research Institute, 300 Iwawada, Onjuku-machi, Isumi-gun, Chiba, 299-5105, Japan
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Liu Y, Jiang WY, Liao Y, Sun R, Hu J, Lu Z, Chang M, Yang J, Dai Z, Zhou C, Hong P, Qian ZJ, Sun S, Ren L, Liang YQ, Zhang Y, Li C. Separation of false-positive microplastics and analysis of microplastics via a two-phase system combined with confocal Raman spectroscopy. J Hazard Mater 2022; 440:129803. [PMID: 36027743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129803] [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: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the field of microplastics research, more accurate standardised methods and analytical techniques still need to be explored. In this study, a new method for the microplastics quantitatively and qualitatively analysis by two-phase (ethyl acetate-water) system combined with confocal Raman spectroscopy was developed. Microplastics can be separated from false-positive microplastics in beach sand and marine sediment, attributing to the hydrophobic-lipophilic interaction (HLI) of the two-phase system. Results show that the recovery rates of complex environment microplastics (polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide 66 (PA 66), polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene (PE)) are higher than 92.98%. Moreover, the new technique can also be used to detect hydrophobic and lipophilic antibiotics, such as sulfamethoxazole (SMX), erythromycin (EM), madimycin (MD), and josamycin (JOS), which adsorbed on microplastics and are extracted based on the dissolving-precipitating mechanism. This innovative research strategy provides a new scope for further detection of marine environment microplastics and toxic compounds adsorbed on its surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China
| | - Wen-Yan Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yuying Liao
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Ruikun Sun
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Jiale Hu
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Zifan Lu
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Min Chang
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Jie Yang
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Zhenqing Dai
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China.
| | - Chunxia Zhou
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Pengzhi Hong
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Zhong-Ji Qian
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, 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
| | - Yan-Qiu Liang
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yueqin Zhang
- 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.
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24
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He B, Liu A, Duan H, Wijesiri B, Goonetilleke A. Risk associated with microplastics in urban aquatic environments: A critical review. J Hazard Mater 2022; 439:129587. [PMID: 35863231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) has been recognized as a significant environmental threat due to adverse effects spanning from molecular level, organism health, ecosystem services to human health and well-being. MPs are complex environmental contaminants as they bind to a wide range of other contaminants. MPs associated contaminants include toxic chemical substances that are used as additives during the plastic manufacturing process and adsorbed contaminants that co-exist with MPs in aquatic environments. With the transfer between the water column and sediments, and the migration within aquatic systems, such contaminants associated MPs potentially pose high risk to aquatic systems. However, only limited research has been undertaken currently to link the environmental risk associated with MPs occurrence and movement behaviour in aquatic systems. Given the significant environmental risk and current knowledge gaps, this review focuses on the role played by the abundance of different MP species in water and sediment compartments as well as provides the context for assessing and quantifying the multiple risks associated with the occurrence and movement behaviour of different MP types. Based on the review of past literature, it is found that the physicochemical properties of MPs influence the release/sorption of other contaminants and current MPs transport modelling studies have primarily focused on virgin plastics rather than aged plastics. Additionally, risk assessment of contaminants-associated MPs needs significantly more research. This paper consolidates the current state-of-the art knowledge on the source to sink movement behaviour of MPs and methodologies for assessing the risk of different MP species. Moreover, knowledge gaps and emerging trends in the field are also identified for future research endeavours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei He
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - An Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| | - Huabo Duan
- College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Buddhi Wijesiri
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), P.O. Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia
| | - Ashantha Goonetilleke
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), P.O. Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia
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25
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Okeke ES, Ezeorba TPC, Chen Y, Mao G, Feng W, Wu X. Ecotoxicological and health implications of microplastic-associated biofilms: a recent review and prospect for turning the hazards into benefits. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:70611-70634. [PMID: 35994149 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22612-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), over the years, have been regarded as a severe environmental nuisance with adverse effects on our ecosystem as well as human health globally. In recent times, microplastics have been reported to support biofouling by genetically diverse organisms resulting in the formation of biofilms. Biofilms, however, could result in changes in the physicochemical properties of microplastics, such as their buoyancy and roughness. Many scholars perceived the microplastic-biofilm association as having more severe consequences, providing evidence of its effects on the environment, aquatic life, and nutrient cycles. Furthermore, other researchers have shown that microplastic-associated biofilms have severe consequences on human health as they serve as vectors of heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and antibiotic resistance genes. Despite what is already known about their adverse effects, other interesting avenues are yet to be fully explored or developed to turn the perceived negative microplastic-biofilm association to our advantage. The major inclusion criteria for relevant literature were that it must focus on microplastic association biofilms, while we excluded papers solely on biofilms or microplastics. A total of 242 scientific records were obtained. More than 90% focused on explaining the environmental and health impacts of microplastic-biofilm association, whereas only very few studies have reported the possibilities and opportunities in turning the microplastic biofilms association into benefits. In summary, this paper concisely reviews the current knowledge of microplastic-associated biofilms and their adverse consequences and further proposes some approaches that can be developed to turn the negative association into positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Sunday Okeke
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, 41000, Nigeria
- Natural Science Unit, SGS, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, 41000, Nigeria
| | | | - Yao Chen
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghua Mao
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Feng
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiangyang Wu
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
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26
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Battulga B, Kawahigashi M, Oyuntsetseg B. Characterization of biofilms formed on polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the shore of the Tuul River, Mongolia. Environ Res 2022; 212:113329. [PMID: 35472460 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113329] [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: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) surfaces are common sites for microbial colonization and promote biofilm formation in aquatic environments, resulting in changes to the surface properties of MPs and their interaction with pollutants. Although the diversity of microbial communities adhering to MPs has been well documented in aquatic environments, surface changes in MPs due to microbial colonization are still poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the variations in the chemical structure and components of biofilms on the surface of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) collected from the shore of the Tuul River in Mongolia, using micro-Fourier transform infrared (micro-FTIR) spectroscopy. We applied a spectral subtraction approach, and the differences in spectra between peroxide-treated and untreated PS-MP particles enabled us to obtain the structural features of biofilms that developed on the plastic surface. In addition, the surface photooxidation status of the sampled PS-MPs was calculated from the subtracted spectra of peroxide-treated and pristine PS-MPs. Various functional groups of N-containing organic substances from bacterial and fungal communities were detected in the obtained biofilm spectra. Based on the spectral characteristics, biofilm spectra were classified into four groups by applying principal component analysis (PCA). A wide range of carbonyl indices (CIs: 0.00-1.40) was found in the subtracted spectra between peroxide-treated and pristine PS-MPs, revealing that different levels of surface oxidation progressed by physical influences such as solar radiation and freeze-thaw cycles. Furthermore, lignocellulose and silicate were found on the PS-MP surface as allochthonous attachments. Considering the variation in residence time of PS-MPs, they attract plant residues and mineral particles through the development of biofilms and travel together in the river environment. Given that the dynamic behavior of MPs can be greatly affected by changes in their surfaces, further studies are needed to emphasize their link to organic matter dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batdulam Battulga
- Department of Geography, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji City, Tokyo, 1920397, Japan.
| | - Masayuki Kawahigashi
- Department of Geography, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji City, Tokyo, 1920397, Japan
| | - Bolormaa Oyuntsetseg
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Mongolia, Ikh Surguuliin Gudamj-1, Ulaanbaatar, 14201, Mongolia
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27
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Lv M, Jiang B, Xing Y, Ya H, Zhang T, Wang X. Recent advances in the breakdown of microplastics: strategies and future prospectives. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:65887-65903. [PMID: 35876989 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22004-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution is becoming a major environmental issue, and exposure to microplastics has been associated with numerous adverse results to both the ecological system and humans. This work summarized the state-of-the-art developments in the breakdown of microplastics, including natural weathering, catalysts-assisted breakdown and biodegradation. Characterization techniques for microplastic breakdown involve scanning electron microscopy, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, etc. Bioavailability and adsorption capacity of microplastics may change after they are broken down, therefore leading to variety in microplastics toxicity. Further prospectives for should be focused on the determination and toxicity evaluation of microplastics breakdown products, as well as unraveling uncultivable microplastics degraders via cultivation-independent approaches. This work benefits researchers interested in environmental studies, particularly the removal of microplastics from environmental matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Lv
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Jiang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China.
- National Engineering Laboratory for Site Remediation Technologies, Beijing, 100015, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yi Xing
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Haobo Ya
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Development & Planning Institute, Hangzhou, 310030, China
| | - Tian Zhang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
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28
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Zhou J, Chen H, Guo Y, Chen Q, Ren H, Tao Y. Changes in metal adsorption ability of microplastics upon loss of calcium carbonate filler masterbatch through natural aging. Sci Total Environ 2022; 832:155142. [PMID: 35405241 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155142] [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: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
CaCO3 filler masterbatch (CFM) is one of the most commonly used fillers in polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) products, and its is used to enhance the toughness of the polymer matrix. This is the first study to investigate the loss of CaCO3 and its impact on the adsorption ability of microplastics from plastic woven bags throughout the natural aging process. PP wire (PPw, 85% PP + 15% CFM) and PE film (PEf, 80% PE + 20% CFM) samples from plastic woven bags underwent a 250 d aging process in an open-air environment. Changes in the surface properties, morphology, CaCO3 content, and density of PPw microplastics (PPw-MP) and PEf microplastics (PEf-MP) after various durations of aging were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that CaCO3 separated and agglomerated on the surfaces of PPw-MP and PEf-MP after 30 d. After 250 d, 42% of CaCO3 was lost from PPw-MP and 28% was lost from PEf-MP, decreasing the density of the microplastic samples. CFM presented a considerably higher adsorption affinity toward Cu(II) than PP particles and PE particles; therefore, its presence in plastic matrix increased the adsorption ability of the products. The adsorption of Cu(II) on PPw-MP and PEf-MP decreased with aging because of the loss of CaCO3 and poor development of O-containing functional groups. The qm value (maximum adsorption quantity of Langmuir model) decreased from 11.01 mg/g in unaged PPw-MP to 1.35 mg/g in aged PPw-MP, and from 9.00 mg/g in unaged PEf-MP to 1.05 mg/g in aged PEf-MP. Overall, the findings demonstrate that CaCO3 was crucial for the heavy metal-plastic interactions of the samples. Therefore, the results provide a basis to further clarify the potential environmental risks of plastic woven bags associated with heavy metal mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangmin Zhou
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Hualin Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yujie Guo
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qun Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Han Ren
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yueliang Tao
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
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Kiki C, Qiu Y, Wang Q, Ifon BE, Qin D, Chabi K, Yu CP, Zhu YG, Sun Q. Induced aging, structural change, and adsorption behavior modifications of microplastics by microalgae. Environ Int 2022; 166:107382. [PMID: 35803076 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The effects of microalgal biofouling on microplastic (MP) may differ from bacterial biofouling. In this study, the influence of microalgae on MP surface alteration, structural change, and adsorption of organic micropollutants was evaluated. Virgin polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyamide (PA) were each immersed in algal photobioreactor and river freshwater for 30 days to simulate algal and river microbe biofouling respectively. Consequently, their physicochemical changes and adsorption potential of a mixture of six bisphenol analogues (BPA, BPS, BPE, BPB, BPF, BPAF) and two parabens (propyl-paraben, benzyl-paraben) were investigated. Owing to the algal bioactive compounds, major microalgae-induced biofouling and more MP aging than the river microbe aging were observed through fractures, pits, cracks, and algal attachments. Intrusion of algal organic matter and scission of polymeric functional groups were revealed during microalgal immersion and the potential MP aging pathways were proposed. Algal biofouling considerably altered the intrinsic properties of the MPs, consequently the adsorption capacity of PE and PVC was enhanced by 3.04-6.72 and 2.14-8.72 times, respectively. Adsorption process onto algal-aged MPs was pH-dependent, endothermic, non-spontaneous, and favored by hydrogen bonds. Meanwhile, the amide group in PA structure was conducive to organic micropollutant adsorption, which was likely reduced by algal aging and the erosion of the N-H stretching. Moreover, higher adsorption capacities of organic micropollutants were shown by the algal-biofilm PE and PVC than virgin and river microbial biofilm MPs. This study discloses that, biofouling and aging of MPs by microalgae through their bioactive components would engender more incidences on MP properties, organic micropollutants adsorption with associated environmental and health hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Kiki
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100043, China; National Institute of Water, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP: 526, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Ying Qiu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Binessi Edouard Ifon
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100043, China
| | - Dan Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Kassim Chabi
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100043, China
| | - Chang-Ping Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Qian Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
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Liao J, Ji S, Chi Y. Effects of Discarded Masks on the Offshore Microorganisms during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Toxics 2022; 10:toxics10080426. [PMID: 36006105 PMCID: PMC9414469 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10080426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Numerous disposable plastic masks had been produced and used for preventing the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic effectively. Discarded masks are a potential source of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems. The effect of discarded masks on offshore microorganisms is still unclear. Herein, we profiled the interaction between the microplastics released by discarded masks and marine microbes. The effects of mask quantity, time, and environment on the microplastic-related communities were determined. We characterized the bacterial communities of each group using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic sequencing and correlated the community diversity to the physicochemical properties of seawater. We found that the diversity and richness of microflora on the surface of microplastics with different quantity and time varied significantly. Proteobacteria are the main bacteria on microplastics, and the KEGG metabolic pathway prediction shows that amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism were abundant. In addition, there was a correlation between bacterial communities and Antibiotic Resistance Ontology (ARO). We used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques to evaluate the plastic polymer characteristics of disposable medical masks. Our research shows that disposable medical masks immersed in seawater can alter the microbial community. This study provides the most recent data and insights into the contamination of discarded masks in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlan Liao
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, Quanzhou 362200, China;
- College of Oceanology and Food Science, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou 362000, China
| | - Shouping Ji
- College of Oceanology and Food Science, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou 362000, China
- Correspondence: (S.J.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yulang Chi
- College of Oceanology and Food Science, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou 362000, China
- Correspondence: (S.J.); (Y.C.)
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31
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Do ATN, Ha Y, Kwon JH. Leaching of microplastic-associated additives in aquatic environments: A critical review. Environ Pollut 2022; 305:119258. [PMID: 35398401 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [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: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has attracted significant attention as an emerging global environmental problem. One of the most important issues with microplastics is the leaching of harmful additives. This review summarizes the recent advances in the understanding of the leaching phenomena in the context of the phase equilibrium between microplastics and water, and the release kinetics. Organic additives, which are widely used in plastic products, have been introduced because they have diverse physicochemical properties and mass fractions in plastics. Many theoretical and empirical models have been utilized in laboratory and field studies. However, the partition or distribution constant between microplastics and water (Kp) and the diffusivity of an additive in microplastics (D) are the two key properties explaining the leaching equilibrium and kinetics of hydrophobic organic additives. Because microplastics in aquatic environments undergo dynamic weathering, leaching of organic additives with high Kp and/or low D cannot be described by a leaching model that only considers microplastic and water phases with a fixed boundary. Surface modifications of microplastics as well as biofilms colonizing microplastic surfaces can alter the leaching equilibrium and kinetics and transform additives. Further studies on the release of hydrophobic organic additives and their transformation products under various conditions are required to extend our understanding of the environmental fate and transport of these additives in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh T Ngoc Do
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonjeong Ha
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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32
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Rong X, Chen X, Li P, Zhao C, Peng S, Ma H, Qu H. Mechanically durable anti-bacteria non-fluorinated superhydrophobic sponge for highly efficient and fast microplastic and oil removal. Chemosphere 2022; 299:134493. [PMID: 35385765 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134493] [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: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution evolves into a global environmental problem to be solved urgently. Although many studies are exploring ways to remove MPs from water environment, most of them are lack of selectivity and low efficiency. Herein, considering the fascinating absorption selectivity of superwetting materials, a robust magnetic-responsive superhydrophobic and superoleophilic sponge was firstly used to quickly eliminate MPs from water with very high efficiency. The functional sponge was fabricated by a non-fluorinated coating technique that consisted of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) grafted Fe3O4 particle, PDMS grafted halloysite nanotubes, and PDMS binder. The coated sponge achieved excellent mechanically durable and chemically stable superhydrophobicity that resisted a series of severe treatments. It was unquestionable to show very fast oil absorption. What's more, it especially showed very high adsorption capacity (24.3-48.2 mg/g) and could quickly adsorb almost 100% MPs (polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene) from aqueous suspensions. Moreover, the removal rates remained almost 100% for these MPs after 50 cycles. Besides, the coated sponge had excellent salt tolerance and antibacterial activity to Escherichia coli (E. coli) (99.91%) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (90.46%). The adsorption mechanism of the coating was discussed from the perspectives of molecular structure, electronic effect, steric hindrance, and size-scale effect. The absorption driving force mainly derived from the intra-particle diffusion under capillary attraction, whilst slight electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bond interaction, and σ-p (or p-p) conjugation between PDMS and MPs. This functional sponge was destined to be a new strategy in the removal of MPs and other solid pollutants, especially in the high-salinity and rich-microorganism water environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Rong
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, China; College of Eco-Environment, China.
| | - Xiaoxin Chen
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, China; College of Eco-Environment, China.
| | - Pan Li
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, China.
| | - Chenyang Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, China.
| | - Shan Peng
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, China; Engineering Technology Research Center for Flame Retardant Materials and Processing Technology of Hebei Province, Key Laboratory of Analytical Science and Technology of Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China.
| | - Haiyun Ma
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, China; Engineering Technology Research Center for Flame Retardant Materials and Processing Technology of Hebei Province, Key Laboratory of Analytical Science and Technology of Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China.
| | - Hongqiang Qu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, China; Engineering Technology Research Center for Flame Retardant Materials and Processing Technology of Hebei Province, Key Laboratory of Analytical Science and Technology of Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China.
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33
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He Y, Wei G, Tang B, Salam M, Shen A, Wei Y, Zhou X, Liu M, Yang Y, Li H, Mao Y. Microplastics benefit bacteria colonization and induce microcystin degradation. J Hazard Mater 2022; 431:128524. [PMID: 35220121 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) can sorb toxic substances and be colonized by microorganisms. However, the interactions between the adsorbed toxic substances and the MPs biofilm remains inadequately understood. Here, a 37-days microcosm experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on microcystin (MC-LR) behavior in turbulent scenarios. The results revealed that adsorption by PS-MPs was the primary process that led to a quick reduction of aquatic MC-LR concentrations. With the colonization of microorganisms on the PS-MPs, the attached biofilm altered the surface properties of PS-MPs, which enhanced the bio-adsorption of MC-LR. Meanwhile, microcystins degrading bacteria, such as Sphingomonadaceae and Methylophilaceae, inhabited in the biofilm, which facilitated the MC-LR biodegradation; this was also demonstrated by the identified MC-LR degradation products. Thus, the MC-LR concentration in water was constantly decreased, with a maximum removal capability of 35.8% in PS-MPs added groups. In addition, a 25% reduction of MC-LR was recorded in PS-MPs added static water. This suggested that the interaction between PS-MPs, biofilm, and MC-LR may be prevalent in natural waters. Our results indicate MPs as vectors for toxic substances could be a double-edged sword (adsorption and biodegradation), which provides new insights for understanding the ecological risks of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin He
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Guining Wei
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Bingran Tang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Muhammad Salam
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Ai Shen
- Department of hepatobiliary pancreatic tumor center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Yanyan Wei
- Cultivation Base of Guangxi Key Laboratory for Agro-Environment and Agro-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Mengzi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yongchuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Hong Li
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
| | - Yufeng Mao
- Key Laboratory of Hydraulic and Waterway Engineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, China.
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34
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Santos AL, Rodrigues CC, Oliveira M, Rocha TL. Microbiome: A forgotten target of environmental micro(nano)plastics? Sci Total Environ 2022; 822:153628. [PMID: 35124041 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging pollutants in different environmental compartments (air, soil and water) and that may induce several ecotoxicological effects on organisms and their microbiota. A considerable number of studies has been addressing and highlighting the effects of MPs/NPs on biochemical, molecular and behavior effects of aquatic organisms. However, less attention has been focused on microbiota. Here, a critical overview of published studies focusing on microorganisms affected by MPs and NPs after in vitro or in vivo exposure is provided. Available studies regarding the properties of MPs/NPs, microbial phyla, experimental conditions, techniques employed, and effects are summarized. The link between microbiota disruption and other effects on other hosts (e.g., crustaceans, fish, and mammals) as also analyzed. Overall, the literature review shows that most studies with microorganisms were performed in vitro (MPs: 44.11%; NPs: 23.52%) in comparison with in vivo tests (MPs: 32.35%; NPs: 11.76%). The most studied MP/NPs were polystyrene particles, generally spheres, with sizes <50 μm and concentrations ranged between 100 and 1000 mg L-1. The most studied main phyla were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. MPs/NPs induced microbiome composition disruption, immune response (i.e., immune modulator release, immune cells activation and inflammatory response), enzyme activity changes (i.e., catalase, urease, dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and fluorescein diacetate hydrolase) and gene expression changes. The immune responses changes were related to microbiome disruption. Research gaps are highlighted and recommendations for future research indicated that microbiome is sensitive to MP/NPs and microbiome disruption can be a valuable tool to assess the risk of plastic particles to human and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Liberal Santos
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Cândido Carvalho Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Miguel Oliveira
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Thiago Lopes Rocha
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
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35
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Wu C, Tanaka K, Tani Y, Bi X, Liu J, Yu Q. Effect of particle size on the colonization of biofilms and the potential of biofilm-covered microplastics as metal carriers. Sci Total Environ 2022; 821:153265. [PMID: 35065112 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [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: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Upon release into the aquatic environment, the surface of microplastics (MPs) can be readily colonized by biofilms, which may enhance the adsorption of contaminants. In this study, industrial-grade polystyrene (PS) of about 4 mm in size (MP4000-1), food-grade PS of about 4 mm in size (MP4000-2), and Powder PS of about 75 μm in size (MP75) were co-cultured with a model freshwater fungus, namely Acremonium strictum strain KR21-2, for seven days to form biofilms on their surface. We also determined the changes in surface physicochemical properties of the biofilm-covered MPs (BMPs) and the heavy metal adsorption capacity of the original MPs and BMPs. The results revealed that the biofilms improve the adsorption of heavy metals on MPs, and the particle size of MPs plays a crucial role in biofilm colonization and adsorption of heavy metals by BMPs. MP75 can carry more biofilm on its surface than that of the two MP4000s and form heteroaggregates with biofilms. In addition, there were more functional groups on the surface of BMP75 than on the surface of the two BMP4000s, which could promote the electrostatic interaction and chemical association of heavy metals. Moreover, BMP75 exhibited a higher capacity to adsorb Cu and reduce Cr (VI), which may be related to the functional groups in its biofilm. Overall, this study showed that after biofilms colonization, BMPs of smaller size have more significant potential as a metal vector, and the particle size deserves more scientific attention during the risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Kazuya Tanaka
- Advanced Science Research Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan
| | - Yukinori Tani
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Xiangyang Bi
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jinling Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Qianqian Yu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
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36
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Zhang G, Chen J, Li W. Conjugative antibiotic-resistant plasmids promote bacterial colonization of microplastics in water environments. J Hazard Mater 2022; 430:128443. [PMID: 35152101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Both microplastic and bacterial antibiotic resistance have attracted attention worldwide. When microplastics coexist with antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), which carry antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), ARB colonize the surface of microplastics, and a unique biofilm is formed. The ARB and ARGs in biofilms are denser and more difficult to remove. However, studies on the factors influencing the formation of microplastic biofilms are limited. In this study, plasmid RP4, which appeared in wastewater treatment plants, was found to be able to promote irreversible bacterial colonization of microplastics, and the hypothetical reason was conjugative pili expression. Then, the potential conjugative pili synthesis promoter "nanoalumina" and inhibitor "free nitrous acid" (FNA) were selected to test this hypothesis. Simultaneously, nanoalumina promoted and FNA inhibited bacterial colonization when RP4 existed. Combined with the gene expression and ATP analysis results, this hypothesis was confirmed, and the mechanism of RP4 on bacterial colonization was related mainly to conjugative pili protein synthesis and intracellular ATP. In this study, the effects of plasmid RP4, nanoalumina, and FNA on the formation of microplastic biofilms were reported, which has a certain reference value for other researchers exploring microplastic biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guosheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, China
| | - Jiping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, China
| | - Weiying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, China.
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37
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Wang C, Wang L, Ok YS, Tsang DCW, Hou D. Soil plastisphere: Exploration methods, influencing factors, and ecological insights. J Hazard Mater 2022; 430:128503. [PMID: 35739682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [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: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP), an emerging contaminant, is globally prevalent and poses potential environmental threats and ecological risks to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. When MPs enter into natural environments, they may serve as artificial substrates for microbial colonization and plastisphere formation, providing new ecological niches for microorganisms. Recent studies of the plastisphere have focused on aquatic ecosystems. However, our understanding of the soil plastisphere e.g. its formation process, microbial ecology, co-transport of organic pollutants and heavy metals, and effects on biogeochemical processes is still very limited. This review summarizes latest methods used to explore the soil plastisphere, assesses the factors influencing the microbial ecology of the soil plastisphere, and sheds light on potential ecological risks caused by the soil plastisphere. The formation and succession of soil plastisphere communities can be driven by MP characteristics and soil environmental factors. The soil plastisphere may affect a series of ecological processes, especially the co-transport of environmental contaminants, biodegradation of MPs, and soil carbon cycling. We aim to narrow the knowledge gap between the soil and aquatic plastisphere, and provide valuable guidance for future research on the soil plastisphere in MP-contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengqian Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Liuwei Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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38
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Sharma MD, Krupadam RJ. Adsorption-desorption dynamics of synthetic and naturally weathered microfibers with toxic heavy metals and their ecological risk in an estuarine ecosystem. Environ Res 2022; 207:112198. [PMID: 34656635 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112198] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Microfibers (MFs) in aquatic and marine ecosystems adsorb toxic heavy metals and then transfer the heavy metals enriched MFs to living organisms. In this research paper, the adsorption-desorption dynamics of heavy metals onto MFs was studied by using theoretical models and experimental investigations. The adsorption of metals onto MFs was well correlated for the Freundlich model and the adsorption kinetics follows pseudo-second order rate equation. The adsorption capacity of naturally weathered MFs was 30.8 mg g-1 which is about 35% higher than the synthetic fiber of similar range of size of MFs. The leaching of heavy metals from MFs was found that 90-95% of adsorbed metals were leached within 24 h. The leaching of Ti(II) and Al(III) were slower than the other metal ions. The salinity has shown decrease in adsorption capacity of MFs for heavy metals. Based on the Nemerov pollution index (PN), the naturally weathered MFs enriched with heavy metals in sediments became heavily polluted with PN values between 2.98 and 3.49. The risk index value of 396 represents that the bottom dwellers and other marine organisms in the Narmada estuary high risk from MFs and MFs enriched with metals. This study indicates that MFs play dominant role in fate and distribution of heavy metals in the estuarine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhu D Sharma
- Environmental Materials Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Gaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Reddithota J Krupadam
- Environmental Materials Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Gaziabad, 201002, India.
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39
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Ding T, Wei L, Hou Z, Li J, Zhang C, Lin D. Microplastics altered contaminant behavior and toxicity in natural waters. J Hazard Mater 2022; 425:127908. [PMID: 34883377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [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: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have received an increasing attention because of their ubiquitous presence and aquatic toxicity associated with MPs and MP-bound contaminants in the natural water. This review is to critically examine the chemical additives leached from MPs, the altered contaminant behaviors and the resulting changes in their aquatic ecotoxicity. Available data suggest that heavy metals Zn, Cr, Pb, and Cd regulated and present in plastics at the sub-mg g-1 to mg g-1 level can leach a significant amount depending on MPs size, aging, pH, and salinity conditions. MP-bound organic contaminants are primarily additive-derived (e.g., brominated diphenyl ethers, nonylphenol, and bisphenol A) at the µg g-1 to mg g-1 level, and secondarily pyrogenic and legacy origins (e.g., PAHs and PCBs) in the range of ng g-1 and mg g-1. MPs tend to have higher but more variable sorption capacities for organic compounds than metals (1.77 ± 2.34 vs. 0.82 ± 0.94 mg g-1). MPs alter the behavior of heavy metals through the electrostatic interactions and surface complexation, while the transport of additive derived organic compounds are altered primarily through hydrophobic effect as supported by a positive correlation (R2 = 0.71) between the logarithmic MPs-adsorbed concentrations and octanol/water partition coefficients (KOW) of organic compounds. MPs constitute less than 0.01% of the total mass of aquatic particulates in typical waters, but play a discernible role in the local partitioning and long-distance movement of contaminants. MPs alone exert higher toxicity to invertebrates than algae; however, when MPs co-occur with pollutants, both synergistic and antagonistic toxicities are observed depending mainly on the ingestibility of MPs, the extent of sorption, MPs as a transport vector or a sink to scavenge pollutants. We finally suggest several key areas of future research directions and needed data concerning the role of MPs in mitigating pollutant leaching, transport and risk under conditions mimicking natural and polluted waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengda Ding
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecological Remediation, College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| | - Liyan Wei
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecological Remediation, College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zhangming Hou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecological Remediation, College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Juying Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecological Remediation, College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Chunlong Zhang
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston 77058, TX, United States
| | - Daohui Lin
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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40
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Dong M, She Z, Xiong X, Ouyang G, Luo Z. Automated analysis of microplastics based on vibrational spectroscopy: are we measuring the same metrics? Anal Bioanal Chem 2022. [PMID: 35166866 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-03951-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The traditional manual analysis of microplastics has been criticized for its labor-intensive, inaccurate identification of small microplastics, and the lack of uniformity. There are already three automated analysis strategies for microplastics based on vibrational spectroscopy: laser direct infrared (LDIR)-based particle analysis, Raman-based particle analysis, and focal plane array-Fourier transform infrared (FPA-FTIR) imaging. We compared their performances in terms of quantification, detection limit, size measurement, and material identification accuracy and speed by analyzing the same standard and environmental samples. LDIR-based particle analysis provides the fastest analysis speed, but potentially questionable material identification and quantification results. The number of particles smaller than 60 μm recognized by LDIR-based particle analysis is much less than that recognized by Raman-based particle analysis. Misidentification could occur due to the narrow tuning range from 1800 to 975 cm-1 and dispersive artifact distortion of infrared spectra collected in reflection mode. Raman-based particle analysis has a submicrometer detection limit but should be cautiously used in the automated analysis of microplastics in environmental samples because of the strong fluorescence interference. FPA-FTIR imaging provides relatively reliable quantification and material identification for microplastics in environmental samples greater than 20 μm but might provide an imprecise description of the particle shapes. Optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy can detect submicron-sized environmental microplastics (0.5-5 μm) intermingled with a substantial amount of biological matrix; the resulting spectra are searchable in infrared databases without the influence of fluorescence interference, but the process would need to be fully automated.
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41
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Luo H, Liu C, He D, Xu J, Sun J, Li J, Pan X. Environmental behaviors of microplastics in aquatic systems: A systematic review on degradation, adsorption, toxicity and biofilm under aging conditions. J Hazard Mater 2022; 423:126915. [PMID: 34461541 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.0] [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: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs, < 5 mm) in the environment have attracted worldwide attention due to their wide distribution and difficulty in handling. Aging processes such as UV irradiation, biodegradation, physical abrasion and chemical oxidation can affect the environmental behavior of MPs. This review article summarizes different aging processes of MPs and subsequent effects on the adsorption of pollutants, the leaching of additives, and the toxicity of MPs. In addition, the formation process of biofilm on the surface of MPs and the interactions between biofilm and aged MPs are revealed. MPs can accumulate different environmental pollutants (organic pollutants, heavy metals, microorganisms, etc.) through surface adsorption, pore filling and distribution. Moreover, the aging of MPs affects their adsorption performance toward these pollutants due to a series of changes in their specific surface area and oxygen-containing functional groups. The release of some toxic additives such as phthalates after aging can enhance the toxic effects of MPs. Aging also changes the shape and size of MPs, which can affect the eating habits of the organisms and further increase the potential toxicity of MPs. This article conducts a systematical analysis and summary of the environmental behavior and physicochemical properties of MPs as well as the changes due to MPs aging, which helps to better understand the impact of aging on MPs in the environment. Future research on MPs aging should reduce the knowledge gap between laboratory simulation and actual conditions and increase the environmental relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Chenyang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Dongqin He
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Juan Xu
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jianqiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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Alimi OS, Claveau-Mallet D, Kurusu RS, Lapointe M, Bayen S, Tufenkji N. Weathering pathways and protocols for environmentally relevant microplastics and nanoplastics: What are we missing? J Hazard Mater 2022; 423:126955. [PMID: 34488100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [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: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
To date, most studies of microplastics have been carried out with pristine particles. However, most plastics in the environment will be aged to some extent; hence, understanding the effects of weathering and accurately mimicking weathering processes are crucial. By using microplastics that lack environmental relevance, we are unable to fully assess the risks associated with microplastic pollution in the environment. Emerging studies advocate for harmonization of experimental methods, however, the subject of reliable weathering protocols for realistic assessment has not been addressed. In this work, we critically analysed the current knowledge regarding protocols used for generating environmentally relevant microplastics and leachates for effects studies. We present the expected and overlooked weathering pathways that plastics will undergo throughout their lifecycle. International standard weathering protocols developed for polymers were critically analysed for their appropriateness for use in microplastics research. We show that most studies using weathered microplastics involve sorption experiments followed by toxicity assays. The most frequently reported weathered plastic types in the literature are polystyrene>polyethylene>polypropylene>polyvinyl chloride, which does not reflect the global plastic production and plastic types detected globally. Only ~10% of published effect studies have used aged microplastics and of these, only 12 use aged nanoplastics. This highlights the need to embrace the use of environmentally relevant microplastics and to pay critical attention to the appropriateness of the weathering methods adopted moving forward. We advocate for quality reporting of weathering protocols and characterisation for harmonization and reproducibility across different research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olubukola S Alimi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Dominique Claveau-Mallet
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada; Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Rafael S Kurusu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Mathieu Lapointe
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bayen
- Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Lakeshore, Ste Anne de Bellevue, 21111, Canada
| | - Nathalie Tufenkji
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada.
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Wu J, Zhang Y, Tang Y. Fragmentation of microplastics in the drinking water treatment process - A case study in Yangtze River region, China. Sci Total Environ 2022; 806:150545. [PMID: 34582875 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are the emerging pollutants in the fresh water and have been found in the drinking water. Drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) is an important barrier to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water, so their effectiveness in removing MPs needs to be evaluated and optimized. In this paper, the abundance, characteristics and removal performance of 5 μm-5 mm granular MPs and 100 μm-5 mm fibrous MPs in the effluent of each water treatment unit in a DWTP in China were analyzed. The results show that only 80.96% of MPs ≤ 20 μm, accounting for more than 98% in the raw water, could be removed in the DWTP, while over 99% of the removal efficiency could be achieved for MPs > 20 μm. Coagulation-sedimentation and micro-flocculation combined with sand filtration couldn't effectively remove the granular MPs ≤ 20 μm (42.8% and 25.8%, respectively), but biological activated carbon (BAC) filtration was prone to remove this part (63.8%). Significant increases of granular MPs ≤ 20 μm were observed in the effluents of biological treatment (+149.6%) and ozonation (+13.8%). According to the variation in separate MPs' size distribution, the increases in MPs were attributed to the fragmentation of MPs, on which ozonation showed a remarkable effect. The ozonation might accelerate the aging and embrittlement of MPs, and then external stresses could further break them into smaller pieces, which eventually lead to an increase in MPs. To deal with the stubborn part and fragmentation of MPs in water, the removal ability of DWTP for MPs ≤ 20 μm needs to be improved. This study provides a detailed proof for the fate of MPs in the DWTP, and the results indicate that the fragmentation of MPs and the removal rate of MPs ≤ 20 μm should draw more attention in the DWTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Wu
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310012, PR China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310012, PR China.
| | - Yu Tang
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310012, PR China.
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Menéndez-Pedriza A, Jaumot J, Bedia C. Lipidomic analysis of single and combined effects of polyethylene microplastics and polychlorinated biphenyls on human hepatoma cells. J Hazard Mater 2022; 421:126777. [PMID: 34364209 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are an emerging environmental issue as a result of their ubiquity, persistence, and intrinsic toxic potential. In addition, their ability to sorb and transport a wide variety of environmental pollutants (i.e. "Trojan Horse" effect) exerts significant adverse impacts upon ecosystems. The toxicological evaluation of the single and combined effects produced by polyethylene microplastics and two polychlorinated biphenyl congeners was performed on the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 by cell viability assessment and an untargeted lipidomic study. The cell lethality evaluation evinced that MPs did not induce relevant cell lethality at any of the concentration range tested, while both PCBs presented a hormetic behavior. The lipidomic analysis suggested that both single PCB exposures induced significant lipidomic changes, especially for glycerophospholipids and glycerolipids. In contrast, for MPs single exposure, the most remarkable change was the substantial enhancement of triglyceride content. Regarding combined exposures, results showed that MPs could induce even more harmful effects than those produced intrinsically as a result of desorbing previously sorbed toxic pollutants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study assessing the toxicity of microplastics and their possible "Trojan Horse" effect by applying an untargeted lipidomic methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Menéndez-Pedriza
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Jaumot
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Bedia
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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45
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Huang H, Liu P, Shi Y, Wu X, Gao S. Remarkable characteristics and distinct community of biofilms on the photoaged polyethylene films in riverine microcosms. Environ Pollut 2022; 292:118485. [PMID: 34774675 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Recalcitrant plastics in the environment are gradually fragmented into weathered debris distinguished from their original state by the integrative action of influencing factors, such as UV light, heating and physical abrasion. As new artificial carbon-source substrates in aquatic ecosystems, plastic products can be colonized by biofilms and even utilized by microorganisms. To investigate the influences of weathering of plastics on the colonized biofilms, freshwater samples from the Yangtze River (Nanjing, China) were collected for biofilm incubation. Based on the characterization of plastics and biofilms, the effects of plastic surface properties on biofilm characteristics were revealed by the analysis of partial least squares regression (PLSR). Roughness was the principal influencing factor, while rigidity had the opposite effect to it. 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing results indicated the high relative abundance of Cyanobacteria and rising proportion of harmful components (e.g., Flavobacterium) on photoaged polyethylene plastics. The microbial functional profiles (KEGG) predicted by Tax4Fun showed that the functions (e.g., membrane transport, energy metabolism, etc.) of biofilm on photoaged plastics were dissimilar with those on original ones. These findings suggested that the distinct microbial community and the adverse functional changes in biofilms on photoaged plastics potentially enhanced their environmental risks. On the other hand, 28-day cultured biofilms on original low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films were dominated by Exiguobacterium. The previously ignored potentials of this microorganism in rapidly accommodating to a hydrophobic substrate and its plastic degrading ability were both worthy of attention. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the weathering process of plastics in exploring the "plastisphere", and to give further insights into the double-edged nature of the "plastisphere".
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Affiliation(s)
- Hexinyue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
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46
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Li X, Li M, Mei Q, Niu S, Wang X, Xu H, Dong B, Dai X, Zhou JL. Aging microplastics in wastewater pipeline networks and treatment processes: Physicochemical characteristics and Cd adsorption. Sci Total Environ 2021; 797:148940. [PMID: 34293611 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite a wealth of information on removal of the microplastics (MPs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), little attention has been paid to how wastewater treatment process affect the MP physicochemical and adsorption characteristics. In this study, changes in physicochemical property of three MPs, i.e. polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) through the wastewater pipeline, grit and biological aeration tanks were investigated. The results show that compared with virgin MPs, the treated MPs have higher specific surface area and O content, and lower C and H contents, and glass transition temperature, implying that the three treatments cause the chain scission and oxidation of the MPs. Cd adsorption capacities of the MPs are higher than the corresponding virgin MPs after sulfidation in the pipeline (SWPN) and biological treatment in aeration tank (BTAT). Pearson correlation analysis shows that the increase is mainly resulted from the enhancement of the O-containing groups on the MPs. However, Cd adsorption capacities of the MPs decrease after mechanical abrasion in grit tank (MAGT), corresponding to the decrease in carbonyl index. Two dimensional FTIR correlation spectroscopy demonstrates that the NH bond in the PA plays a more important role than CH bond in the adsorption of Cd, but only change of the CH bond is found in the PE and PS. The findings provide new insights into the effect of WWTPs on the MP aging and physicochemical characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Li
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Man Li
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Qingqing Mei
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Shiyu Niu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Xuan Wang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Huafang Xu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Bin Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, National Engineering Research Center for Urban Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Xiaohu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, National Engineering Research Center for Urban Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - John L Zhou
- Centre for Green Technology, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
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Abstract
Microplastics are a big and growing part of global pollution, which has aroused increasing concern in recent years because of their large amount, wide distribution, and adverse effects. Microplastics can sorb various pollutants from aquatic environments and act as vectors of pollutants. Most studies mainly focused on the virgin microplastics. However, microplastics in environments can be easily colonized by microorganisms, and form biofilm, which will influence the behaviors and potential risks of microplastics. The formation of biofilm on microplastics and its effects on their properties have been studied before, but their sorption and transport behaviors, and potential risks for pollutants' transfer have not been reviewed. In this paper, the role of biofilm-developed microplastics as vectors of pollutants was thoroughly analyzed and summarized. First, the formation of biofilm on microplastics, the compositions of microorganisms in biofilm, the influencing factors, and the property changes of microplastics after biofilm attachment are thoroughly reviewed. Second, the sorption of pollutants onto biofilm-developed microplastics is discussed. Third, the role of biofilm-developed microplastics as vector of pollutants are analyzed. We concluded that microplastics could provide unique substrates for microorganisms. Biofilm-developed microplastics can sorb more pollutants than the virgin ones, then act as vectors to introduce pollutants and attached microorganisms to aquatic environments and to organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlong Wang
- Laboratory of Environmental Technology, INET, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Radioactive Waste Treatment, INET, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xuan Guo
- Laboratory of Environmental Technology, INET, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jianming Xue
- New Zealand Forest Research Institute (Scion), Private Bag 29237 Christchurch, New Zealand
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
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Liu F, Wang S, Zhu Z, Liu G. Current Progress on Marine Microplastics Pollution Research: A Review on Pollution Occurrence, Detection, and Environmental Effects. Water 2021; 13:1713. [DOI: 10.3390/w13121713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Recently, microplastics pollution has attracted much attention in the environmental field, as researchers have found traces of microplastics in both marine and terrestrial ecological environments. Here, we reviewed and discussed the current progress on microplastics pollution in the marine environment from three main aspects including their identification and qualification methods, source and distribution, and fate and toxicity in a marine ecosystem. Microplastics in the marine environment originate from a variety of sources and distribute broadly all around the world, but their quantitative information is still lacking. Up to now, there have been no adequate and standard methods to identify and quantify the various types of microplastics, which need to be developed and unified. The fate of microplastics in the environment is particularly important as they may be transferred or accumulated in the biological chain. Meanwhile, microplastics may have a high adsorption capacity to pollutants, which is the basic research to further study their fate and joint toxicity in the environment. Therefore, all the findings are expected to fill the knowledge gaps in microplastics pollution and promote the development of relative regulations.
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Sheng X, Wang J, Zhang W, Zuo Q. The Potential for PE Microplastics to Affect the Removal of Carbamazepine Medical Pollutants from Aqueous Environments by Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes. Toxics 2021; 9:139. [PMID: 34204690 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9060139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in aquatic environments and interact with other kinds of pollutants, which affects the migration, transformation, and fate of those other pollutants. In this study, we employ carbamazepine (CBZ) as the contaminant to study the influence of polyethylene (PE) microplastics on the adsorption of CBZ pollutants by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MCNTs) in aqueous solution. The adsorption capacity of CBZ by MCNTs in the presence of PE microplastics was obviously lower than that by MCNTs alone. The influencing factors, including the dose of microplastics, pH, and CBZ solution concentration, on the adsorption of CBZ by MCNTs and MCNTs-PE were thoroughly investigated. The adsorption rate of CBZ by MCNTs decreased from 97.4% to 90.6% as the PE microplastics dose increased from 2 g/L to 20 g/L. This decrease occurred because the MCNTs were coated on the surface of the PE microplastics, which further decreased the effective adsorption area of the MCNTs. This research provides a framework for revealing the effect of microplastics on the adsorption of pollutants by carbon materials in aqueous environments.
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50
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Qi K, Lu N, Zhang S, Wang W, Wang Z, Guan J. Uptake of Pb(II) onto microplastic-associated biofilms in freshwater: Adsorption and combined toxicity in comparison to natural solid substrates. J Hazard Mater 2021; 411:125115. [PMID: 33486230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [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: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, microplastic-associated biofilms were cultivated in an urban lake and a reservoir using virgin expanded polystyrene (PS). The uptake of Pb(II) onto both natural (suspended particles and surficial sediment) and anthropogenic (virgin microplastics and microplastic-associated biofilms) solid substrates was investigated and compared as a function of contact time, pH, and ionic strength in batch adsorption experiments. The adsorption isotherms revealed that biofilms enhanced the adsorption capacity of Pb(II) onto microplastics; however, natural substrates still exhibited a higher capacity. Ionic strength and pH significantly influenced the adsorption of Pb(II) onto all of the solid substrates. Under neutral conditions, competitive adsorption of Pb(II) was observed between anthropogenic solid substrates and natural substrates, which may further alter the distribution of Pb(II) among these solid substrates. The combined toxicity tests of Pb(II) and each solid substrate were carried out using Daphnia magna, the results indicated biofilm enhanced the combined toxicity of Pb(II) and microplastics. Therefore, biofilms not only intensified the vector role of microplastics in the migration of heavy metals in freshwater, but also enhanced their combined toxicity, which may have further potential ecological risks to freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Qi
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Nan Lu
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Shunqing Zhang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Zirui Wang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Jiunian Guan
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, PR China.
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