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Xiao X, Liu S, Li L, Li R, Zhao X, Yin N, She X, Peijnenburg W, Cui X, Luo Y. Seaweeds as a major source of dietary microplastics exposure in East Asia. Food Chem 2024; 450:139317. [PMID: 38636378 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) occurrence in marine ecosystems is well known, but their accumulation in seaweeds and subsequent human exposure remain understudied. This research quantifies MPs presence in two commonly consumed seaweeds, kelp (Saccharina japonica) and nori (Pyropia yezoensis), in East Asia, revealing widespread contamination dominated by microfibers (<500 μm). Based on dietary patterns, human uptake through seaweed consumption was estimated and quantified. Notably, Chinese people consume an estimated 17,034 MPs/person/year through seaweed consumption, representing 13.1% of their total annual MPs intake. This seaweeds-derived exposure surpasses all other dietary sources, contributing up to 45.5% of overall MPs intake. The highest intake was in South Korea, followed by North Korea, China, and Japan. This research identifies seaweeds as a major, previously overlooked route of dietary MPs exposure. These findings are crucial for comprehensive risk assessments of seaweed consumption and the development of mitigation strategies, particularly for populations in East Asian countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyang Xiao
- College of Resources and Environment, National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Shaochong Liu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Lianzhen Li
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Ruijie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhao
- College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Na Yin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Xilin She
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Willie Peijnenburg
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, RA Leiden 2300, the Netherlands; National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Safety of Substances and Products, P.O. Box 1, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Xiumin Cui
- College of Resources and Environment, National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China.
| | - Yongming Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China.
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2
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Seo Y, Zhou Z, Lai Y, Chen G, Pembleton K, Wang S, He JZ, Song P. Micro- and nanoplastics in agricultural soils: Assessing impacts and navigating mitigation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172951. [PMID: 38703838 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Micro-/nanoplastic contamination in agricultural soils raises concerns on agroecosystems and poses potential health risks. Some of agricultural soils have received significant amounts of micro-/nanoplastics (MNPs) through plastic mulch film and biosolid applications. However, a comprehensive understanding of the MNP impacts on soils and plants remains elusive. The interaction between soil particles and MNPs is an extremely complex issue due to the different properties and heterogeneity of soils and the diverse characteristics of MNPs. Moreover, MNPs are a class of relatively new anthropogenic pollutants that may negatively affect plants and food. Herein, we presented a comprehensive review of the impacts of MNPs on the properties of soil and the growth of plants. We also discussed different strategies for mitigating or eliminating MNP contamination. Moreover, perspectives for future research on MNP contamination in the agricultural soils are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonjung Seo
- School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia
| | - Zhezhe Zhou
- School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia; Centre for Future Materials, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia
| | - Yunru Lai
- Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia.
| | - Guangnan Chen
- School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia.
| | - Keith Pembleton
- School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia
| | - Shaobin Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Ji-Zheng He
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pingan Song
- School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia; Centre for Future Materials, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia.
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3
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Zhang Y, Tian L, Chen J, Liu X, Li K, Liu H, Lai W, Shi Y, Lin B, Xi Z. Selective bioaccumulation of polystyrene nanoplastics in fetal rat brain and damage to myelin development. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 278:116393. [PMID: 38714083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Micro(nano)plastic, as a new type of environmental pollutant, have become a potential threat to the life and health of various stages of biology. However, it is not yet clear whether they will affect brain development in the fetal stage. Therefore, this study aims to explore the potential effects of nanoplastics on the development of fetal rat brains. To assess the allocation of NPs (25 nm and 50 nm) in various regions of the fetal brain, pregnant rats were exposed to concentrations (50, 10, 2.5, and 0.5 mg/kg) of PS-NPs. Our results provided evidence of the transplacental transfer of PS-NPs to the fetal brain, with a prominent presence observed in several cerebral regions, notably the cerebellum, hippocampus, striatum, and prefrontal cortex. This distribution bias might be linked to the developmental sequence of each brain region. Additionally, we explored the influence of prenatal exposure on the myelin development of the cerebellum, given its the highest PS-NP accumulation in offspring. Compared with control rats, PS-NPs exposure caused a significant reduction in myelin basic protein (MBP) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) expression, a decrease in myelin thickness, an increase in cell apoptosis, and a decline in the oligodendrocyte population. These effects gave rise to motor deficits. In conclusion, our results identified the specific distribution of NPs in the fetal brain following prenatal exposure and revealed that prenatal exposure to PS-NPs can suppress myelin formation in the cerebellum of the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; School of Public Health and Management, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Jiang Chen
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063200, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Kang Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Huanliang Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Wenqing Lai
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Yue Shi
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Bencheng Lin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China.
| | - Zhuge Xi
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China.
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4
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Liu Y, Li S, Wang L, Zhang P, Liu T, Li X. Temperature fluctuation in soil alters the nanoplastic sensitivity in wheat. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172626. [PMID: 38657823 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Despite the wide acknowledgment that plastic pollution and global warming have become serious agricultural concerns, their combined impact on crop growth remains poorly understood. Given the unabated megatrend, a simulated soil warming (SWT, +4 °C) microcosm experiment was carried out to provide a better understanding of the effects of temperature fluctuations on wheat seedlings exposed to nanoplastics (NPs, 1 g L-1 61.71 ± 0.31 nm polystyrene). It was documented that SWT induced oxidative stress in wheat seedlings grown in NPs-contaminated soil, with an 85.56 % increase in root activity, while decreasing plant height, fresh weight, and leaf area by 8.72 %, 47.68 %, and 15.04 % respectively. The SWT also resulted in reduced photosynthetic electron-transfer reaction and Calvin-Benson cycle in NPs-treated plants. Under NPs, SWT stimulated the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) metabolism and bio-oxidation process. The decrease in photosynthesis and the increase in respiration resulted in an 11.94 % decrease in net photosynthetic rate (Pn). These results indicated the complicated interplay between climate change and nanoplastic pollution in crop growth and underscored the potential risk of nanoplastic pollution on crop production in the future climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soil Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China
| | - Shuxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soil Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lichun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Eco-Physiology and Farming System in the Northeastern, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130033, China.
| | - Peng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soil Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China
| | - Tianhao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soil Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China; Engineering Laboratory for Eco-agriculture in Water Source of Liaoheyuan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China
| | - Xiangnan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soil Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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5
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Li X, Chu Z, Feng C, Song P, Yang T, Zhou L, Zhao X, Chai X, Xing J, Chen S, Zhang J, Wang J, Liu G, Tang H. Unveiling the molecular mechanisms of size-dependent effect of polystyrene micro/nano-plastics on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii through proteomic profiling. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 358:142220. [PMID: 38710410 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics have become a prevalent environmental pollutant due to widespread release and production. Algae, as primary producers, play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of freshwater environments. Despite reports on the inhibition of microalgae by microplastics, the size-dependent effects on microalgae and associated molecular mechanism remain poorly understood. This study investigates the impacts of three polystyrene micro/nano-plastics (PS-MNPs) with different sizes (100 nm, 350 nm, and 6 μm) and concentrations (25-200 mg/L) on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (C. reinhardtii) throughout its growth period. Results reveal size- and concentration-dependent growth inhibition and induction of oxidative stress by PS-MNPs, with microalgae exhibiting increased vulnerability to smaller-sized and higher-concentration PS-MNPs. Proteomics analysis elucidates the size-dependent suppression of proteins involved in the photosynthesis process by PS-MNPs. Photosynthetic activity assays demonstrate that smaller PS-MNPs more significantly reduce chlorophyll content and the maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II. Finally, electron microscope and Western blot assays collectively confirm the size effect of PS-MNPs on microalgae growth is attributable to suppressed protein expression rather than shading effects. This study contributes to advancing our understanding of the intricate interactions between micro/nano-plastics and algae at the molecular level, emphasizing the efficacy of proteomics in dissecting the mechanistic aspects of microplastics-induced biological effects on environmental indicator organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China; State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China; Institute of Agricultural Products Preservation and Processing Technology, National Engineering Technology Research Center for Preservation of Agriculture Product, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Zheng Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Chenran Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Ping Song
- Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Tong Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Lirun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Xin Chai
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Jiale Xing
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Sa Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Junzhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China; State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China; Department of Cardiology, Shenzhen Cardiovascular Minimally Invasive Medical Engineering Technology Research and Development Center, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China; Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China; State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China.
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Huan Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
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6
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Yang Z, Li Y, Zhang G. Degradation of microplastic in water by advanced oxidation processes. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 357:141939. [PMID: 38621489 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Plastic products have gained global popularity due to their lightweight, excellent ductility, high durability, and portability. However, out of the 8.3 billion tons of plastic waste generated by human activities, 80% of plastic waste is discarded due to improper disposal, and then transformed into microplastic pollution under the combined influence of environmental factors and microorganisms. In this comprehensive study, we present a thorough review of recent advancements in research on the source, distribution, and effect of microplastics. More importantly, we conducted deep research on the catalytic degradation technologies of microplastics in water, including advanced oxidation and photocatalytic technologies, and elaborated on the mechanisms of microplastics degradation in water. Besides, various strategies for mitigating microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems are discussed, ranging from policy interventions, the initiative for plastic recycling, the development of efficient catalytic materials, and the integration of multiple technological approaches. This review serves as a valuable resource for addressing the challenge of removing microplastic contaminants from water bodies, offering insights into effective and sustainable solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiong Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Gaoke Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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7
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Maria VL, Santos J, Prodana M, Cardoso DN, Morgado RG, Amorim MJB, Barreto A. Toxicity mechanisms of plastic nanoparticles in three terrestrial species: antioxidant system imbalance and neurotoxicity. Nanotoxicology 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38807536 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2024.2358781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The detrimental impacts of plastic nanoparticles (PNPs) are a worldwide concern, although knowledge is still limited, in particular for soil mesofauna. This study investigates the biochemical impact of 44 nm polystyrene PNPs on three soil models-Enchytraeus crypticus (Oligochaeta), Folsomia candida (Collembola) and Porcellionides pruinosus (Isopoda). Exposure durations of 3, 7 and 14 days (d) were implemented at two concentrations (1.5 and 300 mg kg-1 PNPs). Results revealed PNPs impact on the activities of the glutathione-dependent antioxidative enzyme, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and on the neurotransmitter acetylcholinesterase (AChE) for all three species. Catalase (CAT) played a minor role, primarily evident in F. candida at 300 mg kg-1 PNPs (CAT and GST response after 14 d), with no lipid peroxidation (LPO) increase. Even with the antioxidant defence, P. pruinosus was the most sensitive species for lipid oxidative damage (LPO levels increased after 7 d exposure to 300 mg kg-1 PNPs). Significant AChE inhibitions were measured already after 3 d to both PNP concentrations in F. candida and E. crypticus, respectively. Significant AChE inhibitions were also found in P. pruinosus but later (7 d). Overall, the toxicity mechanisms of PNPs involved antioxidant imbalance, being (mostly) the glutathione-associated metabolism part of that defence system. Neurotoxicity, linked to AChE activities, was evident across all species. Sensitivity to PNPs varied: P. pruinosus > F. candida ≅ E. crypticus. This pioneering study on PNPs toxicity in soil invertebrates underscores its environmental relevance, shedding light on altered biochemical responses, that may compromise ecological roles and soil ecosystem fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera L Maria
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Santos
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marija Prodana
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Diogo N Cardoso
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rui G Morgado
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mónica J B Amorim
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Angela Barreto
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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8
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Chen Y, Meng Y, Liu G, Huang X, Chai G. Probabilistic Estimation of Airborne Micro- and Nanoplastic Intake in Humans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:9071-9081. [PMID: 38748887 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Little research exists on the magnitude, variability, and uncertainty of human exposure to airborne micro- and nanoplastics (AMNPs), despite their critical role in human exposure to MNPs. We probabilistically estimate the global intake of AMNPs through three main pathways: indoor inhalation, outdoor inhalation, and ingestion during indoor meals, for both children and adults. The median inhalation of AMPs is 1,207.7 (90% CI, 42.5-8.48 × 104) and 1,354.7 (90% CI, 47.4-9.55 × 104) N/capita/day for children and adults, respectively. The annual intake of AMPs is 13.18 mg/capita/a for children and 19.10 mg/capita/a for adults, which is approximately one-fifth and one-third of the mass of a standard stamp, assuming a consistent daily intake of medians. The majority of AMP number intake occurs through inhalation, while the ingestion of deposited AMPs during meals contributes the most in terms of mass. Furthermore, the median ANP intake through outdoor inhalation is 9,638.1 N/day (8.23 × 10-6 μg/d) and 5,410.6 N/day (4.62 × 10-6 μg/d) for children and adults, respectively, compared to 5.30 × 105 N/day (5.79 × 10-4 μg/d) and 6.00 × 105 N/day (6.55 × 10-4 μg/d) via indoor inhalation. Considering the increased toxicity of smaller MNPs, the significant number of ANPs inhaled warrants great attention. Collaborative efforts are imperative to further elucidate and combat the current MPN risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yuchuan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Guodong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Xiaohua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Guangming Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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9
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Wang Z, Pal D, Pilechi A, Ariya PA. Nanoplastics in Water: Artificial Intelligence-Assisted 4D Physicochemical Characterization and Rapid In Situ Detection. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:8919-8931. [PMID: 38709668 PMCID: PMC11112734 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
For the first time, we present a much-needed technology for the in situ and real-time detection of nanoplastics in aquatic systems. We show an artificial intelligence-assisted nanodigital in-line holographic microscopy (AI-assisted nano-DIHM) that automatically classifies nano- and microplastics simultaneously from nonplastic particles within milliseconds in stationary and dynamic natural waters, without sample preparation. AI-assisted nano-DIHM identifies 2 and 1% of waterborne particles as nano/microplastics in Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River, respectively. Nano-DIHM provides physicochemical properties of single particles or clusters of nano/microplastics, including size, shape, optical phase, perimeter, surface area, roughness, and edge gradient. It distinguishes nano/microplastics from mixtures of organics, inorganics, biological particles, and coated heterogeneous clusters. This technology allows 4D tracking and 3D structural and spatial study of waterborne nano/microplastics. Independent transmission electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, and nanoparticle tracking analysis validates nano-DIHM data. Complementary modeling demonstrates nano- and microplastics have significantly distinct distribution patterns in water, which affect their transport and fate, rendering nano-DIHM a powerful tool for accurate nano/microplastic life-cycle analysis and hotspot remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Wang
- Department
of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Devendra Pal
- Department
of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, McGill
University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B9,Canada
| | | | - Parisa A. Ariya
- Department
of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
- Department
of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, McGill
University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B9,Canada
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10
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Ussia M, Urso M, Oral CM, Peng X, Pumera M. Magnetic Microrobot Swarms with Polymeric Hands Catching Bacteria and Microplastics in Water. ACS NANO 2024; 18:13171-13183. [PMID: 38717036 PMCID: PMC11112980 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The forefront of micro- and nanorobot research involves the development of smart swimming micromachines emulating the complexity of natural systems, such as the swarming and collective behaviors typically observed in animals and microorganisms, for efficient task execution. This study introduces magnetically controlled microrobots that possess polymeric sequestrant "hands" decorating a magnetic core. Under the influence of external magnetic fields, the functionalized magnetic beads dynamically self-assemble from individual microparticles into well-defined rotating planes of diverse dimensions, allowing modulation of their propulsion speed, and exhibiting a collective motion. These mobile microrobotic swarms can actively capture free-swimming bacteria and dispersed microplastics "on-the-fly", thereby cleaning aquatic environments. Unlike conventional methods, these microrobots can be collected from the complex media and can release the captured contaminants in a second vessel in a controllable manner, that is, using ultrasound, offering a sustainable solution for repeated use in decontamination processes. Additionally, the residual water is subjected to UV irradiation to eliminate any remaining bacteria, providing a comprehensive cleaning solution. In summary, this study shows a swarming microrobot design for water decontamination processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ussia
- Future
Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 123, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Mario Urso
- Future
Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 123, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Cagatay M. Oral
- Future
Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 123, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Xia Peng
- Future
Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 123, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Pumera
- Future
Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 123, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
- Advanced
Nanorobots & Multiscale Robotics Laboratory, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB - Technical
University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava 70800, Czech Republic
- Department
of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Hsueh-Shih Road 91, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Yonsei-ro
50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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11
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Li F, Huang D, Wang G, Cheng M, Chen H, Zhou W, Xiao R, Li R, Du L, Xu W. Microplastics/nanoplastics in porous media: Key factors controlling their transport and retention behaviors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171658. [PMID: 38490411 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Till now, microplastics/nano-plastics(M/NPs) have received a lot of attention as emerging contaminant. As a typical but complex porous medium, soil is not only a large reservoir of M/NPs but also a gateway for M/NPs to enter groundwater. Therefore, the review of the factors controlling the transport behavior of M/NPs in porous media can provide important guidance for the risk assessment of M/NPs in soil and groundwater. In this study, the key factors controlling the transport behavior of M/NPs in porous media are systematically divided into three groups: (1) nature of M/NPs affecting M/NPs transport in porous media, (2) nature of flow affecting M/NPs transport in porous media, (3) nature of porous media affecting M/NPs transport. In each group, the specific control factors for M/NPs transport in porous media are discussed in detail. In addition to the above factors, some substances (colloids or pollutants) present in natural porous media (such as soil or sediments) will co-transport with M/NPs and affect its mobility. According to the different properties of co-transported substances, the mechanism of promoting or inhibiting the migration behavior of M/NPs in porous media was discussed. Finally, the limitations and future research directions of M/NPs transport in porous media are pointed out. This review can provide a useful reference for predicting the transport of M/NPs in natural porous media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Danlian Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China.
| | - Guangfu Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Min Cheng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Haojie Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Ruihao Xiao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Ruijin Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Li Du
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Wenbo Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
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12
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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. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 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] [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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13
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Zhang M, Hou J, Xia J, Wu J, You G, Miao L. The long-term release and particle fracture behaviors of nanoplastics retained in porous media: Effects of surfactants, natural organic matters, antibiotics, and bacteria. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 925:171563. [PMID: 38460706 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
The transport of nanoplastics (NPs) in porous media has received a lot of attention, but the studies on the long-term release of NPs retained in porous media and the particle fracture during this process are seriously lacking. For filling this deficiency, we examined the individual or synergistic effects of surfactants, natural organic matters (NOMs), antibiotics, and bacteria on the desorption, long-term release, and particle fracture behaviors of polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs) retained in porous media. It was found that the change in hydrophilicity of PS-NPs dominated the long-term release of PS-NPs retained in porous media when surfactants were present. In the single system of surfactants and the dual system of surfactants and NOMs, the release of PS-NPs were improved owing to the increasing hydrophilicity of PS-NPs, although cationic surfactants also reduced the electrostatic repulsion between PS-NPs and porous media. Increasing antibiotic concentration reduced the electrostatic repulsion between PS-NPs and porous media to inhibit the release of PS-NPs. When bacteria were present whether containing antibiotics or not, the effects on roughness of PS-NPs dominated the release of PS-NPs. The effects of surfactants and NOMs on the PS-NP desorption were similar with the long-term release, with changes in hydrophilicity dominating the process. Whereas the effects of antibiotics and bacteria on the PS-NP desorption were different with the long-term release. Surfactants and NOMs in the presence of surfactants inhibited the fracture of PS-NPs by increasing the hydrophilicity of PS-NPs brought about the coating of water molecules on PS-NPs for protection. Antibiotics had no significant effects on the fracture of PS-NPs due to unaltered vertical forces on PS-NPs and no protective effect. Bacteria in the presence or absence of antibiotics inhibited the fracture of PS-NPs by coating PS-NPs retained in porous media to protect PS-NPs from fracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Hou
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jun Xia
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoxiang You
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingzhan Miao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
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14
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Wohlleben W, Bossa N, Mitrano DM, Scott K. Everything falls apart: How solids degrade and release nanomaterials, composite fragments, and microplastics. NANOIMPACT 2024; 34:100510. [PMID: 38759729 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
To ensure the safe use of materials, one must assess the identity and quantity of exposure. Solid materials, such as plastics, metals, coatings and cements, degrade to some extent during their life cycle, and releases can occur during manufacturing, use and end-of-life. Releases (e.g., what is released, how does release happen, and how much material is released) depend on the composition and internal (nano)structures of the material as well as the applied stresses during the lifecycle. We consider, in some depth, releases from mechanical, weathering and thermal stresses and specifically address the use cases of fused-filament 3D printing, dermal contact, food contact and textile washing. Solid materials can release embedded nanomaterials, composite fragments, or micro- and nanoplastics, as well as volatile organics, ions and dissolved organics. The identity of the release is often a heterogenous mixture and requires adapted strategies for sampling and analysis, with suitable quality control measures. Control materials enhance robustness by enabling comparative testing, but reference materials are not always available as yet. The quantity of releases is typically described by time-dependent rates that are modulated by the nature and intensity of the applied stress, the chemical identity of the polymer or other solid matrix, and the chemical identity and compatibility of embedded engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) or other additives. Standardization of methods and the documentation of metadata, including all the above descriptors of the tested material, applied stresses, sampling and analytics, are identified as important needs to advance the field and to generate robust, comparable assessments. In this regard, there are strong methodological synergies between the study of all solid materials, including the study of micro- and nanoplastics. From an outlook perspective, we review the hazard of the released entities, and show how this informs risk assessment. We also address the transfer of methods to related issues such as tyre wear, advanced materials and advanced manufacturing, biodegradable polymers, and non-solid matrices. As the consideration of released entities will become more routine in industry via lifecycle assessment in Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design practices, release assessments will require careful design of the study with quality controls, the use of agreed-on test materials and standardized methods where these exist and the adoption of clearly defined data reporting practices that enable data reuse, meta-analyses, and comparative studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendel Wohlleben
- BASF SE, Dept. of Analytical and Materials Science, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany.
| | - Nathan Bossa
- TEMAS Solutions GmbH, Lätterweg 5, 5212 Hausen, Switzerland; Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Denise M Mitrano
- Environmental Systems Science Department, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 16, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Keana Scott
- Materials Measurement Science Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, MS-8372, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, United States
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15
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Cao Y, Bi L, Chen Q, Liu Y, Zhao H, Jin L, Peng R. Understanding the links between micro/nanoplastics-induced gut microbes dysbiosis and potential diseases in fish: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 352:124103. [PMID: 38734053 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
At present, the quantity of micro/nano plastics in the environment is steadily rising, and their pollution has emerged as a global environmental issue. The tendency of their bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms (especially fish) has intensified people's attention to their persistent ecotoxicology. This review critically studies the accumulation of fish in the intestines of fish through active or passive intake of micro/nano plastics, resulting in their accumulation in intestinal organs and subsequent disturbance of intestinal microflora. The key lies in the complex toxic effect on the host after the disturbance of fish intestinal microflora. In addition, this review pointed out the characteristics of micro/nano plastics and the effects of their combined toxicity with adsorbed pollutants on fish intestinal microorganisms, in order to fully understand the characteristics of micro/nano plastics and emphasize the complex interaction between MNPs and other pollutants. We have an in-depth understanding of MNPs-induced intestinal flora disorders and intestinal dysfunction, affecting the host's systemic system, including immune system, nervous system, and reproductive system. The review also underscores the imperative for future research to investigate the toxic effects of prolonged exposure to MNPs, which are crucial for evaluating the ecological risks posed by MNPs and devising strategies to safeguard aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cao
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Liuliu Bi
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Qianqian Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Yinai Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Haiyang Zhao
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Libo Jin
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Renyi Peng
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
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16
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Oger MJL, Vermeulen O, Lambert J, Madanu TL, Kestemont P, Cornet V. Down to Size: Exploring the Influence of Plastic Particle Dimensions on Physiological and Nervous Responses in Early-Stage Zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124094. [PMID: 38703983 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The chorion is the first protective barrier set to prevent numerous pollutants from damaging the developing embryo. However, depending on their size, some nanoplastics (NPs) can pass through this barrier and reach the embryo, while all microplastics (MPs) remain on the outside. This study brings a straight approach to compare MPs and NPs, and assess their direct and indirect effects on zebrafish embryos and larvae. Zebrafish eggs were exposed before 2 h post fertilization (hpf) to polystyrene MPs (5 μm) and NPs (250 nm) at a concentration of 1000 μg L-1 until 96 hpf. Physiotoxicity and neurotoxicity were assessed prior and post-hatching through several biomarkers. Response to hypoxia (upregulation of hif-1aa and hif-1ab) were found in embryos exposed to MPs, and partly found in those exposed to NPs. Embryos exposed to NPs showed significant tachycardia, reduced O2 consumption and increased apoptosis in the eyes, whereas MPs affected the expressions of all genes related to the neurodevelopment of embryos (elavl3, pax2a, pax6a, act1b). Post-hatching, physiological responses were muted. MPs and NPs exposures ended by evaluating larval behaviours during dark-and-light cycles. Both sizes of plastic particles negatively affected the visual motor response (VMR) and vibrational startle response (VSR). Thigmotaxis levels were significantly increased by NPs whereas MPs showed anxiolytic properties. This study shows that both MPs and NPs affect the physiology and neurodevelopment of zebrafish at different levels, before and after hatching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde J L Oger
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61-B-5000 Namur, Belgium.
| | - Océane Vermeulen
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61-B-5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Lambert
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61-B-5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Thomas L Madanu
- Laboratory of Inorganic Materials Chemistry (CMI), University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61-B-5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Patrick Kestemont
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61-B-5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Valérie Cornet
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61-B-5000 Namur, Belgium
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17
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Varshney S, Hegstad-Pettersen MM, Siriyappagouder P, Olsvik PA. Enhanced neurotoxic effect of PCB-153 when co-exposed with polystyrene nanoplastics in zebrafish larvae. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141783. [PMID: 38554869 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) and persistent organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous aquatic pollutants. The coexistence of these pollutants in the environment emphasises the need to study their combined toxicity. NPs can cross biological membranes and act as vectors for other pollutants, whereas PCBs are known for their ability to bioaccumulate and biomagnify. The present work aimed to study the combined toxicity of polystyrene NPs and PCB-153 using physiological (development, heart rate, respiration), behavioural (swimming behaviour) and molecular (transcriptome) endpoints in zebrafish larvae. The results show that exposure to NPs, PCB and their mixture significantly affected the development and respiration in zebrafish larvae. Larvae co-exposed to NPs and PCB exhibited significant hyperlocomotion, whereas no such effect was observed after exposure to NPs or PCB alone. The transcriptomic results revealed that NPs exposure significantly affected several pathways associated with DNA compaction and nucleosome assembly, whereas PCB exposure significantly affected critical neurogenic pathways. In contrast, co-exposure to NPs and PCB generated multi-faceted toxicity and suppressed neurobehavioural, immune-related and detoxification pathways. The study highlights the complex interplay between NPs and PCBs, and documents how the two toxicants in combination give a stronger effect than the single toxicants alone. Understanding the mixture toxicity of these two pollutants is important to assess the environmental risks and developing effective management strategies, ultimately safeguarding ecosystems and human health.
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18
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Ye J, Ren Y, Dong Y, Fan D. Understanding the impact of nanoplastics on reproductive health: Exposure pathways, mechanisms, and implications. Toxicology 2024; 504:153792. [PMID: 38554767 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a pressing global environmental concern with particular urgency surrounding the issue of nanoplastic particles. Plastic products exhibit a remarkable persistence in natural ecosystems, resisting easy degradation. Nanoplastics, characterized by their diminutive size, possess distinct properties when compared to their larger counterparts, which could potentially render them more ecologically detrimental. Microplastics themselves serve as carriers for toxic and hazardous substances, such as plastic additives, that enter and persist in the environmental cycle. Importantly, nanoplastics exhibit enhanced bioavailability upon entering the food chain. Notably, studies have demonstrated the adverse effects of nanoplastics on the reproductive function of aquatic organisms, and evidence of micro- and nanoplastics have emerged within human reproductive organs, including the placenta. However, a knowledge gap persists regarding the impacts of nanoplastics on the reproductive systems of mammals and, indeed, humans. This paper aims to elucidate the less frequently discussed sources and distribution of nanoplastics in the environment, along with the pathways of human exposure. We also emphasize the extent to which nanoplastics accumulate within the reproductive systems of organisms. Subsequently, we present an in-depth analysis of the effects of nanoplastics and their associated contaminants on mammalian and human reproductive health. The mechanisms through which nanoplastics contribute to reproductive disorders are comprehensively explored, highlighting their potential to disrupt endocrine levels in mammals and humans. Additionally, we scrutinize and discuss studies on biotoxicity of nanoplastics, offering insights into potential areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingfan Ye
- Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geological Engineering, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Innovation Academy for Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geological Engineering, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Innovation Academy for Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Dongwei Fan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, China; Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
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19
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He C, Lin X, Li P, Hou J, Yang M, Sun Z, Zhang S, Yang K, Lin D. Nematode Uptake Preference toward Different Nanoplastics through Avoidance Behavior Regulation. ACS NANO 2024; 18:11323-11334. [PMID: 38635335 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Expounding bioaccumulation pathways of nanoplastics in organisms is a prerequisite for assessing their ecological risks in the context of global plastic pollution. Invertebrate uptake preference toward nanoplastics is a key initial step of nanoplastic food chain transport that controls their global biosafety, while the biological regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Here, we reveal a preferential uptake mechanism involving active avoidance of nanoplastics by Caenorhabditis elegans and demonstrate the relationship between the uptake preference and nanoplastic characteristics. Nanoplastics with 100 nm in size or positive surface charges induce stronger avoidance due to higher toxicity, causing lower accumulation in nematodes, compared to the 500 nm-sized or negatively charged nanoplastics, respectively. Further evidence showed that nematodes did not actively ingest any types of nanoplastics, while different nanoplastics induced defense responses in a toxicity-dependent manner and distinctly stimulated the avoidance behavior of nematodes (ranged from 15.8 to 68.7%). Transcriptomics and validations using mutants confirmed that the insulin/IGF signaling (IIS) pathway is essential for the selective avoidance of nanoplastics. Specifically, the activation of DAF-16 promoted the IIS pathway-mediated defense against nanoplastics and stimulated the avoidance behavior, increasing the survival chances of nematodes. Considering the genetical universality of this defense response among invertebrates, such an uptake preference toward certain nanoplastics could lead to cascaded risks in the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caijiao He
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xintong Lin
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong China
| | - Pei Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jie Hou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Meirui Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ziyi Sun
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Daohui Lin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang Ecological Civilization Academy, Anji 313300, China
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20
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Elkaliny NE, Alzamel NM, Moussa SH, Elodamy NI, Madkor EA, Ibrahim EM, Elshobary ME, Ismail GA. Macroalgae Bioplastics: A Sustainable Shift to Mitigate the Ecological Impact of Petroleum-Based Plastics. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1246. [PMID: 38732716 PMCID: PMC11085313 DOI: 10.3390/polym16091246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The surge in global utilization of petroleum-based plastics, which notably heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic, has substantially increased its harm to ecosystems. Considering the escalating environmental impact, a pivotal shift towards bioplastics usage is imperative. Exploring and implementing bioplastics as a viable alternative could mitigate the ecological burden posed by traditional plastics. Macroalgae is a potential feedstock for the production of bioplastics due to its abundance, fast growth, and high cellulose and sugar content. Researchers have recently explored various methods for extracting and converting macroalgae into bioplastic. Some of the key challenges in the production of macroalgae bioplastics are the high costs of large-scale production and the need to optimize the extraction and conversion processes to obtain high-quality bioplastics. However, the potential benefits of using macroalgae for bioplastic production include reducing plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions, using healthier materials in various life practices, and developing a promising area for future research and development. Also, bioplastic provides job opportunities in free enterprise and contributes to various applications such as packaging, medical devices, electronics, textiles, and cosmetics. The presented review aims to discuss the problem of petroleum-based plastic, bioplastic extraction from macroalgae, bioplastic properties, biodegradability, its various applications, and its production challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehal E. Elkaliny
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Nurah M. Alzamel
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaaban H. Moussa
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nour I. Elodamy
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Engy A. Madkor
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Esraa M. Ibrahim
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Mostafa E. Elshobary
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Gehan A. Ismail
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
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21
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Carreón R, Cortázar-Martínez O, Rodríguez-Hernández AG, Serrano de la Rosa LE, Gervacio-Arciniega JJ, Krishnan SK. Ionic Liquid-Assisted Thermal Evaporation of Bimetallic Ag-Au Nanoparticle Films as a Highly Reproducible SERS Substrate for Sensitive Nanoplastic Detection in Complex Environments. Anal Chem 2024; 96:5790-5797. [PMID: 38452224 PMCID: PMC11024884 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastic particles are emerging as an important class of environmental pollutants in the atmosphere that have adverse effects on our ecosystems and human health. While many methods have been developed to quantitatively detect nanoplastics; however, sensitive detection at low concentrations in a complex environment remains elusive. Herein, we demonstrate a greener method to fabricate a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate consisting of self-assembled plasmonic Ag-Au bimetallic nanoparticle (NP) films for quantitative SERS detection of nanoplastics in complex media. The self-assembly of Ag-Au bimetallic NPs was achieved through thermal evaporation onto a vapor-phase compatible ionic liquid based on deep eutectic solvent over the growth substrate. The finite-difference time-domain simulation revealed that the localized field enhancement is strong in the gaps, which generate uniform SERS "hotspots" in the obtained substrate. Benefiting from highly accessible SERS "hotspots" at the gaps, the SERS substrate exhibits excellent sensitivity for detecting crystal violet with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 10-14 M and excellent reproducibility (RSD of 5.8%). The SERS substrate is capable of detecting PET nanoplastics with LOD as low as 1 μg/mL and about 100 μg/mL in real samples such as tap water, lake water, diluted milk, and wine. Moreover, we also validated the feasibility of the designed SERS substrate for the practical detection of PET nanoplastics collected from commercial drinking water bottles, and it showed great potential applications for sensitive detection in actual environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael
V. Carreón
- Facultad
de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Av. San Claudio y Av. 18 sur., Puebla, Pue. C.
P. 72570, México
| | - Orlando Cortázar-Martínez
- CINVESTAV-Unidad
Querétaro, Libramiento
Norponiente No. 2000, Real de Juriquilla, Querétaro, Qro 76230, México
| | - Ana G. Rodríguez-Hernández
- CONAHCyT-Centro
de Nanociencias and Nanotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km 107 Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada
Apdo Postal 14, C. P. 22800 Ensenada, B.C., México
| | - Laura E. Serrano de la Rosa
- Instituto
de Física, Benemérita Universidad
Autónoma de Puebla, Apdo. Postal J-48, Puebla, Pue. 72570, México
| | - José Juan Gervacio-Arciniega
- CONAHCyT-
Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Apdo. Postal J-48, Puebla 72570, México
| | - Siva Kumar Krishnan
- CONAHCyT-Instituto
de Física, Benemérita Universidad
Autónoma de Puebla, Apdo. Postal J-48, Puebla, Pue. 72570, México
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22
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Xuan L, Wang Y, Qu C, Yi W, Yang J, Pan H, Zhang J, Chen C, Bai C, Zhou PK, Huang R. Exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics induces abnormal activation of innate immunity via the cGAS-STING pathway. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 275:116255. [PMID: 38552388 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Endogenous immune defenses provide an intrinsic barrier against external entity invasion. Microplastics in the environment, especially those at the nanoscale (nanoplastics or NPs), may pose latent health risks through direct exposure. While links between nanoplastics and inflammatory processes have been established, detailed insights into how they may perturb the innate immune mechanisms remain uncharted. Employing murine and macrophage (RAW264.7) cellular models subjected to polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs), our investigative approach encompassed an array of techniques: Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, flow cytometric analysis, acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) fluorescence staining, cell transfection, cell cycle scrutiny, genetic manipulation, messenger RNA expression profiling via quantitative real-time PCR, and protein expression evaluation through western blotting. The results showed that PS-NPs caused RAW264.7 cell apoptosis, leading to cell cycle arrest, and activated the cGAS-STING pathway. This resulted in NF-κB signaling activation and increased pro-inflammatory mediator expression. Importantly, PS-NPs-induced activation of NF-κB and its downstream inflammatory cascade were markedly diminished after the silencing of the STING gene. Our findings highlight the critical role of the cGAS-STING pathway in the immunotoxic effects induced by PS-NPs. We outline a new mechanism whereby nanoplastics may trigger dysregulated innate immune and inflammatory responses via the cGAS/STING pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Xuan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410078, China.
| | - Yin Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410078, China.
| | - Can Qu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410078, China
| | - Wensen Yi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410078, China
| | - Jingjing Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410078, China
| | - Huiji Pan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410078, China.
| | - Jing Zhang
- Clinical Medical Oncology, Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, China.
| | - Cuimei Chen
- School of Public Health, Xiang Nan University, Chenzhou, Hunan 423000, China.
| | - Chenjun Bai
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Ping-Kun Zhou
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Ruixue Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410078, China.
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23
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Angelescu DG. Molecular modeling of the carbohydrate corona formation on a polyvinyl chloride nanoparticle and its impact on the adhesion to lipid bilayers. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:144901. [PMID: 38591687 DOI: 10.1063/5.0198254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The pervasive presence of nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment has gained increasing attention due to their accumulation in living organisms. These emerging contaminants inevitably interact with extracellular polymeric substances along respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts, and diverse organic coating on the surface of NPs, known as bio- or eco-corona, is formed. Although its impact on altering the NP properties and potential cell internalization has been extensively examined, studies on its role in NP partitioning in the cell membrane are elusive yet. In this work, molecular dynamics is used to investigate the formation of chitosan (CT) corona centered on a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanoparticle and the uptake of the resulting complex onto lipid membranes. Coarse-grained models compatible with the newly developed Martini 3.0 force field are implemented for the two polymers employing the atomistic properties as targets in the parameterization. The reliability of the coarse-grained polymer models is demonstrated by reproducing the structural properties of the PVC melt and of solvated CT strands, as well as by determining the conformation adopted by the latter at the NP surface. Results show that the spontaneous binding of CT chains of high and intermediate protonation degrees led to the formation of soft and hard corona that modulates the interaction of PVC core with model membranes. The structural changes of the corona adsorbed at the lipid-water interface enable a subsequent transfer of the NP to the center of the saturated lipid membranes and a complete or partial transition to a snorkel conformation depending on the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance in the CT-PVC complex. Overall, the computational investigation of the coarse-grained model system provides implications for understanding how the eco-corona development influences the uptake and implicit toxicology of NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Angelescu
- Romanian Academy, "Ilie Murgulescu" Institute of Physical Chemistry, Splaiul Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
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24
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Gao J, Wang L, Wu WM, Luo J, Hou D. Microplastic generation from field-collected plastic gauze: Unveiling the aging processes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133615. [PMID: 38325096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Accumulation of plastic debris in the environment is a matter of global concern. As plastic ages, it generates microplastic (MP) particles with high mobility. Understanding how MPs are generated is crucial to controlling this emerging contaminant. In this study, we utilized high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic gauze, collected from urban settings, as a representative example of plastic waste. The plastic gauze was subjected to various aging conditions, including freeze-thaw cycling, mechanical abrasion, and UV irradiation. Following aging, the plastic gauze was rinsed with water, and the number of generated MPs were quantified. It was found that aged plastic gauze generated up to 334 million MP particles per m2 (> 10 µm) during rinsing, a number two orders of magnitude higher than unaged plastic. Fragmentation occurred in two dimensions for bulk MPs of all morphotypes. However, specific aging approaches (i.e., mechanical abrasion and UV irradiation) generated spheres and fibers via pseudo-3D fragmentation. Additionally, changes in molecular weight, size distribution, and surface oxidation characteristics unveiled a complex pattern (i.e., irregular changes with exposure time). This complexity underscores the intricate nature of plastic debris aging processes in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Gao
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Liuwei Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei-Min Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, William & Cloy Codiga Resource Recovery Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-4020, USA
| | - Jian Luo
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0355, USA
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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25
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Ye Q, Wu Y, Liu W, Ma X, He D, Wang Y, Li J, Wu W. Identification and quantification of nanoplastics in different crops using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 354:141689. [PMID: 38492677 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Quantitative studies of nanoplastics (NPs) abundance on agricultural crops are crucial for understanding the environmental impact and potential health risks of NPs. However, the actual extent of NP contamination in different crops remains unclear, and therefore insufficient quantitative data are available for adequate exposure assessments. Herein, a method with nitric acid digestion, multiple organic extraction combined with pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) quantification was used to determine the chemical composition and mass concentration of NPs in different crops (cowpea, flowering cabbage, rutabagas, and chieh-qua). Recoveries of 74.2-109.3% were obtained for different NPs in standard products (N = 6, RSD <9.6%). The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) were 0.02-0.5 μg and 0.06-1.5 μg, respectively. The detection method for NPs exhibited good external calibration curves and linearity with 0.99. The results showed that poly (vinylchloride) (PVC), poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyethylene (PE), and polyadiohexylenediamine (PA66) NPs could be detected in crop samples, although the accumulation levels associated with the various crops varied significantly. PVC (N.D.-954.3 mg kg-1, dry weight (DW)) and PE (101.3-462.9 mg kg-1, DW) NPs were the dominant components in the samples of all four crop species, while high levels of PET (414.3-1430.1 mg kg-1, DW) NPs were detected in cowpea samples. Furthermore, there were notable differences in the accumulation levels of various edible crop parts, such as stems (60.2%) > leaves (39.8%) in flowering cabbage samples and peas (58.8%) > pods (41.2%) in cowpea samples. This study revealed the actual extent of NP contamination in different types of crops and provided crucial reference data for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanyun Ye
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for System Control of Livestock and Poultry Breeding Pollution, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Yingxin Wu
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for System Control of Livestock and Poultry Breeding Pollution, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
| | - Wangrong Liu
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for System Control of Livestock and Poultry Breeding Pollution, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Xiaorui Ma
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for System Control of Livestock and Poultry Breeding Pollution, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Dechun He
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for System Control of Livestock and Poultry Breeding Pollution, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Yuntao Wang
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for System Control of Livestock and Poultry Breeding Pollution, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Junfei Li
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for System Control of Livestock and Poultry Breeding Pollution, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Wencheng Wu
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for System Control of Livestock and Poultry Breeding Pollution, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
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26
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Hua X, Wang D. Polyethylene nanoparticles at environmentally relevant concentrations enhances neurotoxicity and accumulation of 6-PPD quinone in Caenorhabditis elegans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170760. [PMID: 38331287 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The exposure risk of 6-PPD quinone (6-PPDQ) has aroused increasing concern. In the natural environment, 6-PPDQ could interact with other pollutants, posing more severe environmental problems and toxicity to organisms. We here examined the effect of polyethylene nanoplastic (PE-NP) on 6-PPDQ neurotoxicity and the underling mechanisms in Caenorhabditis elegans. In nematodes, PE-NP (1 and 10 μg/L) decreased locomotion behavior, but did not affect development of D-type neurons. Exposure to PE-NP (1 and 10 μg/L) strengthened neurotoxicity of 6-PPDQ (10 μg/L) on the aspect of locomotion and neurodegeneration induction of D-type motor neurons. Exposure to PE-NPs (10 μg/L) caused increase in expressions of mec-4, asp-3, and asp-4 governing neurodegeneration in 10 μg/L 6-PPDQ exposed nematodes. Moreover, exposure to PE-NP (10 μg/L) increased expression of some neuronal genes (daf-7, dbl-1, jnk-1, and mpk-1) in 6-PPDQ exposed nematodes, and RNAi of these genes resulted in susceptibility to neurotoxicity of PE-NP and 6-PPDQ. 6-PPDQ could be adsorbed by PE-NPs, and resuspension of PE-NP and 6-PPDQ after adsorption equilibrium exhibited similar neurotoxicity to co-exposure of PE-NP and 6-PPDQ. In addition, exposure to PE-NP (1 and 10 μg/L) increased 6-PPDQ accumulation in body of nematodes and increased defecation cycle length in 6-PPDQ exposed nematodes. Therefore, 6-PPDQ could be adsorbed on nanoplastics (such as PE-NPs) and enhance both neurotoxicity and accumulation of 6-PPDQ in organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Shenzhen Ruipuxun Academy for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shenzhen, China.
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27
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Sorasan C, Taladriz-Blanco P, Rodriguez-Lorenzo L, Espiña B, Rosal R. New versus naturally aged greenhouse cover films: Degradation and micro-nanoplastics characterization under sunlight exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170662. [PMID: 38316311 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The understanding of microplastic degradation and its effects remains limited due to the absence of accurate analytical techniques for detecting and quantifying micro- and nanoplastics. In this study, we investigated the release of nanoplastics and small microplastics in water from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) greenhouse cover films under simulated sunlight exposure for six months. Our analysis included both new and naturally aged (used) cover films, enabling us to evaluate the impact of natural aging. Additionally, photooxidation effects were assessed by comparing irradiated and non-irradiated conditions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) confirmed the presence of particles below 1 μm in both irradiated and non-irradiated cover films. NTA revealed a clear effect of natural aging, with used films releasing more particles than new films but no impact of photooxidation, as irradiated and non-irradiated cover films released similar amounts of particles at each time point. Raman spectroscopy demonstrated the lower crystallinity of the released PE nanoplastics compared to the new films. Flow cytometry and total organic carbon data provided evidence of the release of additional material besides PE, and a clear effect of both simulated and natural aging, with photodegradation effects observed only for the new cover films. Finally, our results underscore the importance of studying the aging processes in both new and used plastic products using complementary techniques to assess the environmental fate and safety risks posed by plastics used in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Sorasan
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, E-28871 Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Taladriz-Blanco
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Water Quality Group, Av. Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal; Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers, 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Laura Rodriguez-Lorenzo
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Water Quality Group, Av. Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
| | - Begoña Espiña
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Water Quality Group, Av. Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, E-28871 Madrid, Spain
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28
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Choi J, Kim H, Ahn YR, Kim M, Yu S, Kim N, Lim SY, Park JA, Ha SJ, Lim KS, Kim HO. Recent advances in microbial and enzymatic engineering for the biodegradation of micro- and nanoplastics. RSC Adv 2024; 14:9943-9966. [PMID: 38528920 PMCID: PMC10961967 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra00844h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This review examines the escalating issue of plastic pollution, specifically highlighting the detrimental effects on the environment and human health caused by microplastics and nanoplastics. The extensive use of synthetic polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS) has raised significant environmental concerns because of their long-lasting and non-degradable characteristics. This review delves into the role of enzymatic and microbial strategies in breaking down these polymers, showcasing recent advancements in the field. The intricacies of enzymatic degradation are thoroughly examined, including the effectiveness of enzymes such as PETase and MHETase, as well as the contribution of microbial pathways in breaking down resilient polymers into more benign substances. The paper also discusses the impact of chemical composition on plastic degradation kinetics and emphasizes the need for an approach to managing the environmental impact of synthetic polymers. The review highlights the significance of comprehending the physical characteristics and long-term impacts of micro- and nanoplastics in different ecosystems. Furthermore, it points out the environmental and health consequences of these contaminants, such as their ability to cause cancer and interfere with the endocrine system. The paper emphasizes the need for advanced analytical methods and effective strategies for enzymatic degradation, as well as continued research and development in this area. This review highlights the crucial role of enzymatic and microbial strategies in addressing plastic pollution and proposes methods to create effective and environmentally friendly solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewon Choi
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Hongbin Kim
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Yu-Rim Ahn
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Minse Kim
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Seona Yu
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Nanhyeon Kim
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Su Yeon Lim
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Jeong-Ann Park
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon 24341 Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Jin Ha
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Kwang Suk Lim
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Hyun-Ouk Kim
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
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Ge Y, Yang S, Zhang T, Gong S, Wan X, Zhu Y, Fang Y, Hu C, Yang F, Yin L, Pu Y, Chen Z, Liang G. Ferroptosis participated in inhaled polystyrene nanoplastics-induced liver injury and fibrosis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170342. [PMID: 38278228 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
The emerging contaminant nanoplastics (NPs) have received considerable attention. Due to their tiny size and unique colloidal properties, NPs could more easily enter the body and cross biological barriers with inhalation exposure. While NPs-induced hepatotoxicity has been reported, the hepatic impact of inhaled NPs was still unknown. To close this gap, a 40 nm polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs) inhalation exposure mice model was developed to explore the hepatotoxicity during acute (1 week), subacute (4 weeks), and subchronic period (12 weeks), with four exposure doses (0, 16, 40, and 100 μg/day). Results showed that inhaled PS-NPs caused a remarkable increase of ALT, AST, and ALP with a decrease of CHE, indicating liver dysfunction. Various histological abnormalities and significantly higher levels of inflammation in a dose- and time-dependent manner were observed. Moreover, after 4 weeks and 12 weeks of exposure, Masson staining and upregulated expression of TGF-β, α-SMA, and Col1a1 identified that inhaled PS-NPs exposure triggered the progression of liver fibrosis with the exposure time prolonged. From the mechanistic perspective, transcriptome analysis revealed that ferroptosis was involved in PS-NPs-induced liver hepatotoxicity, and key features of ferroptosis were detected, including persistent oxidative stress, iron overload, increased LPO, mitochondria damage, and the expression changes of GPX4, TFRC, and Ferritin. And in vitro and in vivo recovery tests showed that ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 treatment alleviated liver injury and fibrosis. The above results confirmed the critical role of ferroptosis in PS-NPs-induced hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, to better conclude our findings and understand the mechanistic causality within it, an adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework was established. In total, this present study conducted the first experimental assessment of inhalation exposure to PS-NPs on the liver, identified that continuous inhaled PS-NPs could cause liver injury and fibrosis, and PS-NPs- ferroptosis provided a novel mechanistic explanation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Ge
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Sheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Saisai Gong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Xin Wan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Yuxin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Yifei Fang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Chengyu Hu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, The Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards of Hunan Province, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, PR China
| | - Lihong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Zaozao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China.
| | - Geyu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China.
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Zhang M, Hou J, Xia J, Wu J, You G, Miao L. Statuses, shortcomings, and outlooks in studying the fate of nanoplastics and engineered nanoparticles in porous media respectively and borrowable sections from engineered nanoparticles for nanoplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 915:169638. [PMID: 38181944 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
This review discussed the research statuses, shortcomings, and outlooks for the fate of nanoplastics (NPs) and engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in porous media and borrowable sections from ENPs for NPs. Firstly, the most important section was that we reviewed the research statuses on the fate of NPs in porous media and the main influencing factors, and explained the influencing mechanisms. Secondly, in order to give NPs a reference of research ideas and influence mechanisms, we also reviewed the research statuses on the fate of ENPs in porous media and the factors and mechanisms influencing the fate. The main mechanisms affecting the transport of ENPs were summarized (Retention or transport modes: advection, diffusion, dispersion, deposition, adsorption, blocking, ripening, and straining; Main forces and actions: Brownian motion, gravity, electrostatic forces, van der Waals forces, hydration, filtration, bridging; Affecting elements of the forces and actions: the ENP and media grain surface functional groups, size, shape, zeta potential, density, hydrophobicity, and roughness). Instead of using the findings of ENPs, thorough study on NPs was required because NPs and ENPs differed greatly. Based on the limited existing studies on the NP transport in porous media, we found that although the conclusions of ENPs could not be applied to NPs, most of the influencing mechanisms summarized from ENPs were applicable to NPs. Combining the research thoughts of ENPs, the research statuses of NPs, and some of our experiences and reflections, we reviewed the shortcomings of the current studies on the NP fate in porous media as well as the outlooks of future research. This review is very meaningful for clarifying the research statuses and influence mechanisms for the NP fate in porous media, as well as providing a great deal of inspiration for future research directions about the NP fate in porous media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Hou
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jun Xia
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoxiang You
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingzhan Miao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
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Xiao S, Filippini A, Casadei M, Caracciolo G, Digiacomo L, Rossetta A. Fast and portable fluorescence lifetime analysis for early warning detection of micro- and nanoplastics in water. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 244:117936. [PMID: 38109963 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
The presence of plastic fragments in aquatic environments, particularly at the micro- and nano-scale, has become a significant global concern. However, current detection methods are limited in their ability to reveal the presence of such particles in liquid samples. In this study, we propose the use of a fluorescence lifetime analysis system for the detection of micro- and nanoplastics in water. This approach relies on the inherent endogenous fluorescence of plastic materials and involves the collection of single photons emitted by plastic fragments upon exposure to a pulsed laser beam. Briefly, a pulsed laser beam (repetition frequency = 40 MHz) shines onto a sample solution, and the emitted light is filtered, collected, and used to trace the time distributions of the photons with high temporal resolution. Finally, the fluorescence lifetime was measured using fitting procedures and a phasor analysis. Phasor analysis is a fit-free method that allows the measurement of the fluorescence lifetime of a sample without any assumptions or prior knowledge of the sample decay pattern. The developed instrument was tested using fluorescence references and validated using unlabelled micro- and nano-scale particles. Our system successfully detected polystyrene particles in water, achieving a remarkable sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.01 mg/mL, without the need for sample pre-treatment or visual inspection. Although further studies are necessary to enhance the detection limit of the technique and distinguish between different plastic materials, this proof-of-concept study suggests the potential of the fluorescence lifetime-based approach as a rapid, robust, and cost-effective method for early warning detection and identification of plastic contaminants in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyao Xiao
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Filippini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Casadei
- FLIM LABS S.r.l., Via della Farnesina 3, 00135, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Caracciolo
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Digiacomo
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Liu L, Sun Y, Du S, Li Y, Wang J. Nanoplastics promote the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes and diversify their bacterial hosts in soil. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (ONLINE) 2024; 3:1-10. [PMID: 38187015 PMCID: PMC10767152 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The wide application of plastics has led to the ubiquitous presence of nanoplastics and microplastics in terrestrial environments. However, few studies have focused on the mechanism underlying the effects of plastic particles on soil microbiomes and resistomes, especially the differences between nanoplastics and microplastics. This study investigated the microbiome and resistome in soil exposed to polystyrene microplastics (mPS) or nanoplastics (nPS) through 16S rRNA and shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Distinct microbial communities were observed between mPS and nPS exposure groups, and nPS exposure significantly changed the bacterial composition even at the lowest amended rate (0.01%, w/w). The abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in nPS exposure (1%) was 0.26 copies per cell, significantly higher than that in control (0.21 copies per cell) and mPS exposure groups (0.21 copies per cell). It was observed that nanoplastics, bacterial community, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) directly affected the ARG abundance in nPS exposure groups, while in mPS exposure groups, only MGEs directly induced the change of ARGs. Streptomyces was the predominant host for multidrug in the control and mPS exposure, whereas the primary host was changed to Bacillus in nPS exposure. Additionally, exposure to nPS induced several bacterial hosts to exhibit possible multi-antibiotic resistance characteristics. Our results indicated that the effects of plastic particles on the soil microbial community were size-dependent, and nano-sized plastic particles exhibited more substantial impacts. Both microplastics and nanoplastics promoted ARG transfer and diversified their bacterial hosts. These findings bear implications for the regulation of plastic waste and ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy (IRA), Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Yuanze Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shaoting Du
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy (IRA), Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Yanming Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Zhang L, Vaccari F, Ardenti F, Fiorini A, Tabaglio V, Puglisi E, Trevisan M, Lucini L. The dosage- and size-dependent effects of micro- and nanoplastics in lettuce roots and leaves at the growth, photosynthetic, and metabolomics levels. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 208:108531. [PMID: 38513516 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in soils potentially induce morphological, physiological, and biochemical alterations in plants. The present study investigated the effects of MPs/NPs on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata) plants by focusing on (i) four different particle sizes of polyethylene micro- and nanoplastics, at (ii) four concentrations. Photosynthetic activity, morphological changes in plants, and metabolomic shifts in roots and leaves were investigated. Our findings revealed that particle size plays a pivotal role in influencing various growth traits of lettuce (biomass, color segmentation, greening index, leaf area, and photosynthetic activity), physiological parameters (including maximum quantum yield - Fv/Fmmax, or quantum yield in the steady-state Fv/FmLss, NPQLss, RfdLss, FtLss, FqLss), and metabolomic signatures. Smaller plastic sizes demonstrated a dose-dependent impact on aboveground plant structures, resulting in an overall elicitation of biosynthetic processes. Conversely, larger plastic size had a major impact on root metabolomics, leading to a negative modulation of biosynthetic processes. Specifically, the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, phytohormone crosstalk, and the metabolism of lipids and fatty acids were among the most affected processes. In addition, nitrogen-containing compounds accumulated following plastic treatments. Our results highlighted a tight correlation between the qPCR analysis of genes associated with the soil nitrogen cycle (such as NifH, NirK, and NosZ), available nitrogen pools in soil (including NO3- and NH4), N-containing metabolites and morpho-physiological parameters of lettuce plants subjected to MPs/NPs. These findings underscore the intricate relationship between specific plastic contaminations, nitrogen dynamics, and plant performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Zhang
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Filippo Vaccari
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Federico Ardenti
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Andrea Fiorini
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Tabaglio
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Edoardo Puglisi
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Marco Trevisan
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Luigi Lucini
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy.
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Maftei C, Vaseashta A, Poinareanu I. Toxicity Risk Assessment Due to Particulate Matter Pollution from Regional Health Data: Case Study from Central Romania. TOXICS 2024; 12:137. [PMID: 38393232 PMCID: PMC10891726 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12020137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Air pollution poses one of the greatest dangers to public well-being. This article outlines a study conducted in the Central Romania Region regarding the health risks associated with particulate matter (PM) of two sizes, viz., PM10 and PM2.5. The methodology used consists of the following: (i) an analysis of the effects of PM pollutants, (ii) an analysis of total mortality and cardiovascular-related mortality, and (iii) a general health risk assessment. The Central Region of Romania is situated in the Carpathian Mountains' inner arch (consisting of six counties). The total population of the region under investigation is about 2.6 million inhabitants. Health risk assessment is calculated based on the relative risk (RR) formula. During the study period, our simulations show that reducing these pollutants' concentrations below the new WHO guidelines (2021) will prevent over 172 total fatalities in Brasov alone, as an example. Furthermore, the potential benefit of reducing annual PM2.5 levels on total cardiovascular mortality is around 188 persons in Brasov. Although health benefits may also depend upon other physiological parameters, all general health indicators point towards a significant improvement in overall health by a general reduction in particulate matter, as is shown by the toxicity assessment of the particulate matter in the region of interest. The modality can be applied to other locations for similar studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Maftei
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transilvania University of Brasov, 900152 Brasov, Romania
| | - Ashok Vaseashta
- Office of Research, International Clean Water Institute, Manassas, VA 20108, USA
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanotechnologies, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Transport and Aeronautics, Ķīpsalas, LV1048 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Ionut Poinareanu
- Faculty of Medicine, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania
- Clinical Service of Pathology, "St. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brasov, Romania
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Li P, Liu J. Micro(nano)plastics in the Human Body: Sources, Occurrences, Fates, and Health Risks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38315819 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The increasing global attention on micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) is a result of their ubiquity in the water, air, soil, and biosphere, exposing humans to MNPs on a daily basis and threatening human health. However, crucial data on MNPs in the human body, including the sources, occurrences, behaviors, and health risks, are limited, which greatly impedes any systematic assessment of their impact on the human body. To further understand the effects of MNPs on the human body, we must identify existing knowledge gaps that need to be immediately addressed and provide potential solutions to these issues. Herein, we examined the current literature on the sources, occurrences, and behaviors of MNPs in the human body as well as their potential health risks. Furthermore, we identified key knowledge gaps that must be resolved to comprehensively assess the effects of MNPs on human health. Additionally, we addressed that the complexity of MNPs and the lack of efficient analytical methods are the main barriers impeding current investigations on MNPs in the human body, necessitating the development of a standard and unified analytical method. Finally, we highlighted the need for interdisciplinary studies from environmental, biological, medical, chemical, computer, and material scientists to fill these knowledge gaps and drive further research. Considering the inevitability and daily occurrence of human exposure to MNPs, more studies are urgently required to enhance our understanding of their potential negative effects on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jingfu Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
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Wang T, Liu W. Metabolic equilibrium and reproductive resilience: Freshwater gastropods under nanoplastics exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 350:141017. [PMID: 38159739 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.141017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) have gained increasing attention due to their widespread presence in aquatic environments and potential adverse effects on organisms. The interaction between NPs and freshwater gastropods can lead to a range of physiological and reproductive disturbances. In this study, we investigated the adverse effects of NPs (two size: 20 nm and 100 nm; three concentrations: 0.5, 50 and 100 ppm) on energy metabolism and reproductive fitness in freshwater gastropods Lymnean stagnalis after 21 days exposure. Briefly, the condition index negatively correlated with increasing NPs concentrations for both sizes. Bioaccumulation revealed a concentration-dependent trend in the 100 nm group, and the highest accumulation appeared in the 100 ppm group, compared to all the rest groups. This phenomenon could be attributed to the larger surface area which facilitates stronger attachment to tissues, while smaller particles could be cleared more readily from body. Carbohydrate and protein reserves remained largely unaffected at all concentrations. However, 100 nm NPs triggered stress responses, increasing lipid production, and 20 nm NPs potentially interfered with mitochondrial function, affecting electron transport system activity. Despite the variations observed in lipid levels and energy cost, the ratio of available energy to energy cost remained stable across for both NPs sizes, and this resilience suggests that cellular energy allocation endured undisturbed, hinting at mechanisms that enable gastropods to maintain their metabolic equilibrium. Reproductively, NPL-exposed groups had fewer clutches, with clutches per collection time decreasing over time for both sizes. In terms of egg development, shell growth and hatching rates remained unaffected, suggesting resilience in aquatic ecosystems.In conclusion, this study underscores the substantial impact of NPs on freshwater gastropods, raising ecological and reproductive concerns. The intricate interplay between nanoparticle size, concentration, and physiological responses highlights the complexity of NPs interactions in aquatic ecosystems, necessitating further research and regulatory measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- University of Geneva, Faculty of Sciences, Earth and Environment Sciences, Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Environmental Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Wei Liu
- University of Geneva, Faculty of Sciences, Earth and Environment Sciences, Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Environmental Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Wieland S, Ramsperger AFRM, Gross W, Lehmann M, Witzmann T, Caspari A, Obst M, Gekle S, Auernhammer GK, Fery A, Laforsch C, Kress H. Nominally identical microplastic models differ greatly in their particle-cell interactions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:922. [PMID: 38297000 PMCID: PMC10830523 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45281-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to the abundance of microplastics in the environment, research about its possible adverse effects is increasing exponentially. Most studies investigating the effect of microplastics on cells still rely on commercially available polystyrene microspheres. However, the choice of these model microplastic particles can affect the outcome of the studies, as even nominally identical model microplastics may interact differently with cells due to different surface properties such as the surface charge. Here, we show that nominally identical polystyrene microspheres from eight different manufacturers significantly differ in their ζ-potential, which is the electrical potential of a particle in a medium at its slipping plane. The ζ-potential of the polystyrene particles is additionally altered after environmental exposure. We developed a microfluidic microscopy platform to demonstrate that the ζ-potential determines particle-cell adhesion strength. Furthermore, we find that due to this effect, the ζ-potential also strongly determines the internalization of the microplastic particles into cells. Therefore, the ζ-potential can act as a proxy of microplastic-cell interactions and may govern adverse effects reported in various organisms exposed to microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Wieland
- Biological Physics, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- Animal Ecology I and BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Anja F R M Ramsperger
- Biological Physics, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- Animal Ecology I and BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Gross
- Biological Physics, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Moritz Lehmann
- Biofluid Simulation and Modeling - Theoretical Physics VI, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Thomas Witzmann
- Leibniz Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anja Caspari
- Leibniz Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Obst
- Experimental Biogeochemistry, BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Stephan Gekle
- Biofluid Simulation and Modeling - Theoretical Physics VI, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Günter K Auernhammer
- Leibniz Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Fery
- Leibniz Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, Dresden, Germany
- Physical Chemistry of Polymeric Materials, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Laforsch
- Animal Ecology I and BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Holger Kress
- Biological Physics, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
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38
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Moon S, Martin LMA, Kim S, Zhang Q, Zhang R, Xu W, Luo T. Direct observation and identification of nanoplastics in ocean water. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadh1675. [PMID: 38277449 PMCID: PMC10816700 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh1675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Millions of tons of plastics enter the oceans yearly, and they can be fragmented by ultraviolet and mechanical means into nanoplastics. Here, we report the direct observation of nanoplastics in global ocean water leveraging a unique shrinking surface bubble deposition (SSBD) technique. SSBD involves optically heating plasmonic nanoparticles to form a surface bubble and leveraging the Marangoni flow to concentrate suspended nanoplastics onto the surface, allowing direct visualization using electron microscopy. With the plasmonic nanoparticles co-deposited in SSBD, the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy effect is enabled for direct chemical identification of trace amounts of nanoplastics. In the water samples from two oceans, we observed nanoplastics made of nylon, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate-all common in daily consumables. The plastic particles have diverse morphologies, such as nanofibers, nanoflakes, and ball-stick nanostructures. These nanoplastics may profoundly affect marine organisms, and our results can provide critical information for appropriately designing their toxicity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seunghyun Moon
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Leisha M. A. Martin
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
- MNT SmartSolutions, 204 Bryn Mawr, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA
| | - Seongmin Kim
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Qiushi Zhang
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Renzheng Zhang
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| | - Tengfei Luo
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Center for Sustainable Energy of Notre Dame (ND Energy), University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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Qian N, Gao X, Lang X, Deng H, Bratu TM, Chen Q, Stapleton P, Yan B, Min W. Rapid single-particle chemical imaging of nanoplastics by SRS microscopy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2300582121. [PMID: 38190543 PMCID: PMC10801917 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300582121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastics are now omnipresent in our daily lives. The existence of microplastics (1 µm to 5 mm in length) and possibly even nanoplastics (<1 μm) has recently raised health concerns. In particular, nanoplastics are believed to be more toxic since their smaller size renders them much more amenable, compared to microplastics, to enter the human body. However, detecting nanoplastics imposes tremendous analytical challenges on both the nano-level sensitivity and the plastic-identifying specificity, leading to a knowledge gap in this mysterious nanoworld surrounding us. To address these challenges, we developed a hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) imaging platform with an automated plastic identification algorithm that allows micro-nano plastic analysis at the single-particle level with high chemical specificity and throughput. We first validated the sensitivity enhancement of the narrow band of SRS to enable high-speed single nanoplastic detection below 100 nm. We then devised a data-driven spectral matching algorithm to address spectral identification challenges imposed by sensitive narrow-band hyperspectral imaging and achieve robust determination of common plastic polymers. With the established technique, we studied the micro-nano plastics from bottled water as a model system. We successfully detected and identified nanoplastics from major plastic types. Micro-nano plastics concentrations were estimated to be about 2.4 ± 1.3 × 105 particles per liter of bottled water, about 90% of which are nanoplastics. This is orders of magnitude more than the microplastic abundance reported previously in bottled water. High-throughput single-particle counting revealed extraordinary particle heterogeneity and nonorthogonality between plastic composition and morphologies; the resulting multidimensional profiling sheds light on the science of nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naixin Qian
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY10027
| | - Xin Gao
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY10027
| | - Xiaoqi Lang
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY10027
| | - Huiping Deng
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, NY10964
| | | | - Qixuan Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY10032
| | - Phoebe Stapleton
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ08854
| | - Beizhan Yan
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, NY10964
| | - Wei Min
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY10027
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY10027
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40
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Xu Y, Ou Q, van der Hoek JP, Liu G, Lompe KM. Photo-oxidation of Micro- and Nanoplastics: Physical, Chemical, and Biological Effects in Environments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:991-1009. [PMID: 38166393 PMCID: PMC10795193 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are attracting increasing attention due to their persistence and potential ecological risks. This review critically summarizes the effects of photo-oxidation on the physical, chemical, and biological behaviors of MNPs in aquatic and terrestrial environments. The core of this paper explores how photo-oxidation-induced surface property changes in MNPs affect their adsorption toward contaminants, the stability and mobility of MNPs in water and porous media, as well as the transport of pollutants such as organic pollutants (OPs) and heavy metals (HMs). It then reviews the photochemical processes of MNPs with coexisting constituents, highlighting critical factors affecting the photo-oxidation of MNPs, and the contribution of MNPs to the phototransformation of other contaminants. The distinct biological effects and mechanism of aged MNPs are pointed out, in terms of the toxicity to aquatic organisms, biofilm formation, planktonic microbial growth, and soil and sediment microbial community and function. Furthermore, the research gaps and perspectives are put forward, regarding the underlying interaction mechanisms of MNPs with coexisting natural constituents and pollutants under photo-oxidation conditions, the combined effects of photo-oxidation and natural constituents on the fate of MNPs, and the microbiological effect of photoaged MNPs, especially the biotransformation of pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanghui Xu
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Qin Ou
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Peter van der Hoek
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
- Waternet,
Department Research & Innovation,
P.O. Box 94370, 1090 GJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gang Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Kim Maren Lompe
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
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Alaraby M, Villacorta A, Abass D, Hernández A, Marcos R. Titanium-doped PET nanoplastics, from opaque milk bottle degradation, as a model of environmental true-to-life nanoplastics. Hazardous effects on Drosophila. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122968. [PMID: 37979650 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Micro and nanoplastics (MNPLs) are emergent environmental pollutants, resulting from the degradation of plastic waste, requiring urgent information on their potential risks to human health. To determine such risks, reliable true-to-life materials are essential. In this work, we have used titanium-doped PET NPLs [PET(Ti)NPLs], obtained by grinding opaque milk polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, as a true-to-life MNPLs model. These opaque PET bottles, with an average size of 112 nm, contain about 3% Ti in the form of titanium dioxide rod nanoparticles. TEM investigation confirmed the mixed Ti/PET nature of the obtained true-to-life NPLs, and the rod shape of the embedded TiO2NPs. In the in vivo Drosophila model neither PET(Ti)NPLs nor TiO2NPs reduced the survival rates, although their internalization was confirmed in different compartments of the larval body by using confocal and transmission electron microscopies. The presence of Ti in the PET(Ti)NPLs permitted to quantify its presence both in larvae (2.1 ± 2.2 μg/g of Ti) and in the resulting adults (3.4 ± 3.2 μg/g of Ti) after treatment with 500 μg/g food of PET(Ti)NPL, suggesting its potential use to track their fate in more complex organisms such as mammals. PET(Ti)NPLs, as well as TiO2NPs, altered the expression of genes driving different response pathways, inducing significant oxidative stress levels (up to 10 folds), and genotoxicity. This last result on the genotoxic effects is remarkable in the frame of the hot topic discussion on the risk that titanium compounds, used as food additives, may pose to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Alaraby
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Zoology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Sohag University (82524), Sohag, Egypt
| | - Aliro Villacorta
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Facultad de Recursos Naturales Renovables, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile
| | - Doaa Abass
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Zoology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Sohag University (82524), Sohag, Egypt
| | - Alba Hernández
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Ricard Marcos
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
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Guo Y, Zhu B, Tang CY, Zhou Q, Zhu Y. Photogenerated outer electric field induced electrophoresis of organic nanocrystals for effective solid-solid photocatalysis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:428. [PMID: 38200002 PMCID: PMC10781792 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44700-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Rapid mass transfer in solid-solid reactions is crucial for catalysis. Although phoretic nanoparticles offer potential for increased collision efficiency between solids, their implementation is hindered by limited interaction ranges. Here, we present a self-driven long-range electrophoresis of organic nanocrystals facilitated by a rationally designed photogenerated outer electric field (OEF) on their surface. Employing perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) molecular nanocrystals as a model, we demonstrate that a directional OEF with an intensity of 13.6-0.4 kV m-1 across a range of 25-200 μm. This OEF-driven targeted electrophoresis of PTCDA nanocrystals onto the microplastic surface enhances the activity for subsequent decomposition of microplastics (196.8 mg h-1) into CO2 by solid-solid catalysis. As supported by operando characterizations and theoretical calculations, the OEF surrounds PTCDA nanocrystals initially, directing from the electron-rich (0 1 1) to the hole-rich [Formula: see text] surface. Upon surface charge modulation, the direction of OEF changes toward the solid substrate. The OEF-driven electrophoretic effect in organic nanocrystals with anisotropic charge enrichment characteristics indicates potential advancements in realizing effective solid-solid photocatalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Guo
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Bowen Zhu
- School of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, 100032, Beijing, China
| | - Chuyang Y Tang
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China.
| | - Qixin Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Yongfa Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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43
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Sharma R, Putera KH, Banaszak Holl MM, Garnier G, Haritos VS. Modulating the hydrophobicity of cellulose by lipase-catalyzed transesterification. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127972. [PMID: 37944725 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The production of hydrophobic and oil resistant cellulosic fibers usually requires severe chemical treatments and generates toxic by-products. Alternative approaches such as biocatalysis use milder conditions; lipase-catalyzed methods for grafting nanocellulose with hydrophobic ester moieties have been reported. Here, we investigate the lipase-catalyzed esterification of cellulose fibers, in native form or pretreated with 1,4-β-glucanases, and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) in solvent-free conditions. The fibers were compared for degree of ester formation after incubation with methyl myristate and lipase at 50 °C. After washing, the grafting of fatty esters on cellulose was confirmed by ATR-FTIR and the degree of substitution determined by 13C CP/MAS NMR (from 0.04 up to DS 0.1) confirming successful esterification. Optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy showed strongly localized presence of ester moieties on cellulose. Functional properties mirrored the degree of substitution of the cellulose materials whereby cellulose esters made with glucanase-pretreatment produced the highest water contact angle of 117° ± 9 and esterified cellulose blended at 10 % w/w content in paper composites showed significant differences in hydrophobicity and lipophilicity compared to plain paper. The esterification of cellulose was completely reversed by lipase treatment in aqueous media. These ester-functionalized fibers show potential in a wide range of packaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Sharma
- Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Kevin H Putera
- Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Mark M Banaszak Holl
- Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
| | - Gil Garnier
- Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Victoria S Haritos
- Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.
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44
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Tanaka K, Takahashi Y, Kuramochi H, Osako M, Suzuki G. [Preparation of Nanoplastic Particles as Potential Standards for the Study of Nanoplastics]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2024; 144:165-170. [PMID: 38296493 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.23-00152-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) are plastic fragments that are small enough to be absorbed by organisms through ingestion or inhalation. Recent studies indicate that nanoplastics can be ubiquitous in the environment, and there are growing concerns regarding the impacts of nanoplastics on the health of humans and other organisms. However, quantitative information on nanoplastics in the environment is still very limited, and most previous toxicity studies have used only polystyrene (PS) particles because of a lack of appropriate model particles of other plastics. We developed a nanoprecipitation-based method for the preparation of nanoplastic particles of five major polymers: low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene. A major advantage of our method is that the nanoplastic particles are prepared without using reagents that can remain in the particles as impurities. Analysis of the prepared particles' molecular weight (Mw) distributions, crystallinities, and thermal properties revealed that their compositions and constitutions were within the general ranges for commercial products. The mechanisms underlying the formation of low-density polyethylene particles via our method were investigated by means of a simple population balance model, and particle diameter was found to be linearly correlated with the suspension density of the nanoplastic dispersion up to 0.4 mg·mL-1. Future studies should focus on improving our method to allow for precise, scale-independent production of nanoplastic particles. Methods for the preparation of labeled particles are also needed so that such particles can be used in nanoplastic risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Tanaka
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies
| | - Yusuke Takahashi
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies
| | | | - Masahiro Osako
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies
| | - Go Suzuki
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies
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Keller AA, Zheng Y, Praetorius A, Quik JTK, Nowack B. Predicting environmental concentrations of nanomaterials for exposure assessment - a review. NANOIMPACT 2024; 33:100496. [PMID: 38266914 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
There have been major advances in the science to predict the likely environmental concentrations of nanomaterials, which is a key component of exposure and subsequent risk assessment. Considerable progress has been since the first Material Flow Analyses (MFAs) in 2008, which were based on very limited information, to more refined current tools that take into account engineered nanoparticle (ENP) size distribution, form, dynamic release, and better-informed release factors. These MFAs provide input for all environmental fate models (EFMs), that generate estimates of particle flows and concentrations in various environmental compartments. While MFA models provide valuable information on the magnitude of ENP release, they do not account for fate processes, such as homo- and heteroaggregation, transformations, dissolution, or corona formation. EFMs account for these processes in differing degrees. EFMs can be divided into multimedia compartment models (e.g., atmosphere, waterbodies and their sediments, soils in various landuses), of which there are currently a handful with varying degrees of complexity and process representation, and spatially-resolved watershed models which focus on the water and sediment compartments. Multimedia models have particular applications for considering predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) in particular regions, or for developing generic "fate factors" (i.e., overall persistence in a given compartment) for life-cycle assessment. Watershed models can track transport and eventual fate of emissions into a flowing river, from multiple sources along the waterway course, providing spatially and temporally resolved PECs. Both types of EFMs can be run with either continuous sources of emissions and environmental conditions, or with dynamic emissions (e.g., temporally varying for example as a new nanomaterial is introduced to the market, or with seasonal applications), to better understand the situations that may lead to peak PECs that are more likely to result in exceedance of a toxicological threshold. In addition, bioaccumulation models have been developed to predict the internal concentrations that may accumulate in exposed organisms, based on the PECs from EFMs. The main challenge for MFA and EFMs is a full validation against observed data. To date there have been no field studies that can provide the kind of dataset(s) needed for a true validation of the PECs. While EFMs have been evaluated against a few observations in a small number of locations, with results that indicate they are in the right order of magnitude, there is a great need for field data. Another major challenge is the input data for the MFAs, which depend on market data to estimate the production of ENPs. The current information has major gaps and large uncertainties. There is also a lack of robust analytical techniques for quantifying ENP properties in complex matrices; machine learning may be able to fill this gap. Nevertheless, there has been major progress in the tools for generating PECs. With the emergence of nano- and microplastics as a leading environmental concern, some EFMs have been adapted to these materials. However, caution is needed, since most nano- and microplastics are not engineered, therefore their characteristics are difficult to generalize, and there are new fate and transport processes to consider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo A Keller
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California Santa Barbara, United States of America.
| | - Yuanfang Zheng
- Empa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Antonia Praetorius
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joris T K Quik
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Sustainability Health and Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Bernd Nowack
- Empa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Liu Z, Hua X, Zhao Y, Bian Q, Wang D. Polyethylene nanoplastics cause reproductive toxicity associated with activation of both estrogenic hormone receptor NHR-14 and DNA damage checkpoints in C. elegans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167471. [PMID: 37778542 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
As the most commercial polymer, the polyethylene nanoparticle (PE-NP) has been discharged into the environment and poses potential risks to organisms. However, the possible reproductive toxicity of PE-NP and underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, Caenorhabditis elegans was employed as the animal model to effects of PE-NP (100 nm) and their leachates on reproduction and underlying mechanisms. Nematodes were exposed to PE-NP at 0.1-100 μg/L from L1-larvae to adult day 1 (approximately 4.5 days). Both brood size and number of fertilized eggs in uterus were decreased by 10 and 100 μg/L PE-NP, but could not be affected by their leachates. In addition, number of mitotic cells, length, and area of gonad were reduced by 10 and 100 μg/L PE-NP, but were not altered by their leachates. Accompanied with alteration in expressions of genes (egl-1, ced-9, ced-4, and ced-3) governing cell apoptosis, germline apoptosis was enhanced by PE-NP. Meanwhile, DNA damage was involved in the enhancement germline apoptosis after PE-NP exposure. PE-NP further increased expression of nhr-14 encoding estrogenic hormone receptor, and RNAi of nhr-14 suppressed PE-NP reproductive toxicity. Moreover, RNAi of nhr-14 decreased expression of egl-1, ced-4, ced-3, and mrt-2 in PE-NP exposed nematodes. Therefore, exposure to PE-NPs rather than in their leachates potentially caused reproductive toxicity by activating both estrogenic hormone receptor NHR-14 and DNA damage checkpoints (CLK-2, HUS-1, and MRT-2) in nematodes. These findings provide important insights into the exposure risk of PE-NPs on reproduction of environmental organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Bian
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Shenzhen Ruipuxun Academy for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shenzhen, China.
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Li Z, Han K, Zhang A, Wang T, Yan Z, Ding Z, Shen Y, Zhang M, Zhang W. Honeycomb-like AgNPs@TiO 2 array SERS sensor for the quantification of micro/nanoplastics in the environmental water samples. Talanta 2024; 266:125070. [PMID: 37591153 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
There has been a growing concern over the micro/nanoplastics pollution and treatment. The fast qualitative and quantitative analysis of these small plastic particles is the crucial issues. Herein, a novel honeycomb-like AgNPs@TiO2 array-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor was developed for efficient identification and analysis of the micro/nanoplastics in the environmental water samples. The plasmonic AgNPs were uniformly anchored within the periodic TiO2 nanocage arrays to form a AgNPs@TiO2 array. The dual enhancement mechanisms in the AgNPs@TiO2 hybrid structure endow the SERS sensor high sensitivity to detect trace amount of micro/nanoplastics down to 50 μg/mL with a hand-held Raman spectrometer. Further, this SERS sensor successfully discerns two-component mixtures of the micro/nanoplastics due to the fingerprint feature. In addition, the superior reproducibility (RSD of 9.69%) of the SERS sensor assures the quantitative detection reliability, realizing quantitative analysis of Polystyrene (PS) microplastics in tap water, lake water, soil water and seawater with detection limits of 100 μg/mL, 100 μg/mL, 100 μg/mL, 100 μg/mL and 250 μg/mL, respectively. The recovery rates of PS microspheres in four water environments ranged from 97.6% to 109.7%, with the RSD ranging from 0.49% to 10.23%. This honeycomb AgNPs@TiO2 array sensor provides a promising application prospect in the detection of micro/nanoplastics contaminants from the environmental water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, 193 Tunxi Road, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Konghao Han
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, 193 Tunxi Road, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Anxin Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, 193 Tunxi Road, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, 193 Tunxi Road, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Zilong Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, 193 Tunxi Road, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Zhuang Ding
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, 193 Tunxi Road, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Yonghui Shen
- Anhui Aochuang Environment Testing Co. Ltd., Fuyang Economic and Technological Development Zone, Weisan Road, Fuyang, 236000, China
| | - Maofeng Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, 193 Tunxi Road, Hefei, 230009, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China.
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Yu Y, Li J. Biochar-derived dissolved and particulate matter effects on the phytotoxicity of polyvinyl chloride nanoplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167258. [PMID: 37741394 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics in environments are potentially detrimental to plant growth. Appropriate doses of biochar can alleviate the phytotoxicity of nanoplastics under hydroponic conditions. However, the specific mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, the effects of biochar-derived dissolved matter (BCDM) and biochar-derived particulate matter (BCPM) on the phytotoxicity of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanoplastics were investigated and the underlying influencing mechanisms were elucidated. The results showed that PVC nanoplastics can be adsorbed and taken up by lettuce roots, inducing oxidative damage to lettuce shoots and roots and reducing their fresh weight. BCDM can promote the aggregation and sedimentation of PVC nanoplastics, and BCPM can adsorb PVC nanoplastics and cause barrier effect, which will reduce the exposure dose of PVC nanoplastics. Furthermore, nutrients in BCDM can promote lettuce growth. As a result, the presence of both BCDM and BCPM significantly mitigated the oxidative stress of lettuce shoots and roots as demonstrated by the decrease in hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, lettuce biomass was significantly increased after addition of BCDM and BCPM compared to the single PVC treatment group (p < 0.05). This study provides a theoretical basis for finding solutions to alleviate the phytotoxicity of nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Yu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
| | - Jia Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China.
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He Y, Yin R. The reproductive and transgenerational toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics: A threat to mammalian fertility in both sexes. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:66-85. [PMID: 37382358 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are extensively distributed in the environment. However, a comprehensive review and in-depth discussion on the effects of MPs and NPs to reproductive capacity and transgenerational toxicity on mammals, especially on humans, is lacked. It is suggested that microplastics and nanoplastics could accumulate in mammalian reproductive organs and exert toxic effects on the reproductive system for both sexes. For males, the damage of microplastics consists of abnormal testicular and sperm structure, decreased sperm vitality, and endocrine disruption, which were caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis of testicular cells, autophagy, abnormal cytoskeleton, and abnormal hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. For females, the damage of microplastics includes abnormal ovary and uterus structure and endocrine disruption, which were caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, granulosa cell apoptosis, hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis abnormalities, and tissue fibrosis. For transgenerational toxicity, premature mortality existed in the rodent offspring after maternal exposure to microplastics. Among the surviving offspring, metabolic disorders, reproductive dysfunction, immune, neurodevelopmental, and cognitive disorders were detected, and these events directly correlated with transgenerational translocation of MPs and NPs. Studies on human-derived cells or organoids demonstrated that transgenerational toxicity studies for both sexes are yet in the phase of exploring suitable experimental models, and more detailed research on the threat of MPs and NPs to human fertility is still urgently needed. Further studies will help assess the MPs and NPs threat to public fertility and reproductive health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchong He
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Provincial, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ruocheng Yin
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
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Li J, Zheng X, Liu X, Zhang L, Zhang S, Li Y, Zhang W, Li Q, Zhao Y, Chen X, Wang X, Huang H, Fan Z. Effect and mechanism of microplastics exposure against microalgae: Photosynthesis and oxidative stress. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167017. [PMID: 37717764 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) within aquatic ecosystems attracts a major environmental concern. It was demonstrated MPs could cause various ecotoxicological effects on microalgae. However, existing data on the effects of MPs on microalgae showed great variability among studies. Here, we performed a meta-analysis of the latest studies on the effects of MPs on photosynthesis and oxidative stress in microalgae. A total of 835 biological endpoints were investigated from 55 studies extracted, and 37 % of them were significantly affected by MPs. In this study, the impact of MPs against microalgae was concentration-dependent and size-dependent, and microalgae were more susceptible to MPs stress in freshwater than marine. Additionally, we summarized the biological functions of microalgae that are primarily affected by MPs. Under MPs exposure, the content of chlorophyll a (Chl-a) was reduced and electron transfer in the photosynthetic system was hindered, causing electron accumulation and oxidative stress damage, which may also affect biological processes such as energy production, carbon fixation, lipid metabolism, and nucleic acid metabolism. Finally, our findings provide important insights into the effects of MPs stress on photosynthesis and oxidative stress in microalga and enhance the current understanding of the potential risk of MPs pollution on aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Li
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowei Zheng
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China.
| | - Xianglin Liu
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China
| | - Liangliang Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China.
| | - Yanyao Li
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Graaf Karel de Goedelaan 5, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Weizhen Zhang
- School of Ecological Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China.
| | - Qihui Li
- School of Ecological Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China.
| | - Yuqiang Zhao
- Jinan Environmental Research Academy, Jinan 250102, China
| | - Xunfeng Chen
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240 Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangrong Wang
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China.
| | - Honghui Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510300, China.
| | - Zhengqiu Fan
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China.
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